|PIC1|Christian soft rock artist Bethany Dillon has surprised fans worldwide with the announcement of her engagement to Shane Barnard of Christian music duo Shane & Shane on her online journal last week.

The journal entry followed rumours started by Jon and Sherri Rivers, hosts of the popular Christian music station K-LOVE, who "spilled the beans" about the engagement on their weekend countdown. Dillon wanted to tell her fans herself about the news, however, and what the future has in store for her.

"I'm ENGAGED!" wrote the 19-year-old songstress in a note titled "All Smiles". "I can't wait to share with y'all about it ... the shows I've been doing the past month have been pretty funny ... people noticing SOMETHING on my finger ... a ring, maybe?"

Fans of the two singers may have been caught a little off guard by the announcement since the couple were pretty quiet about their whole relationship. The two began dating about ten months ago after being friends with one another for about four years.

"[L]ast fall, after lots of seeking His (God's) heart, we started dating ... which looked very different, since he was touring and I was writing and recording," explained the female vocalist. "But, by the mighty grace of God, it GREW...and a living analogy of His pursuit of the Church, His bride, began! (Are y'all thinking about those mysterious love songs on the new record? Now you know!)"

As an important aspect of the relationship, the two have made it clear that their primary focus is on God. They both agreed that this new adventure was God ordained, and that it was something that would help them both grow in faith.

"[T]here are so many things I've learned about the Lord's heart for me through Shane," shared Dillon on her website. "I'm getting hitched to the Godliest, humblest, sweetest man on the planet! What a blessing to get to share my life with the best friend I've ever had!"

"We have leaned in as close as we possibly could to hear what He would say ... where He would lead," added the singer. "And this is it! Shane and I are so excited to be walking in obedience ... walking in the direction of what He has prepared for us. What an adventure the Christward life really is!"

A specific date for the wedding is still undetermined, but the two have asked for prayers in helping to decide when to tie the knot amid their busy touring and recording schedules.

Dillon first began her music career at the age of 12, releasing an independent album. It was the year 2004, however, that marked her self-titled debut album under a major music label, which garnered her Dove Award nominations for Best Female Vocalist and Best New Artist of the Year.

Shane & Shane got their start when the two friends - Shane Barnard and Shane Everett - met at a local Baptist church near their college, Texas A&M. The two joined forces, leading weekly student-led praise and worship at the school.

The two officially became Shane & Shane with their 2003 album, Carry Away.