Today marks three years that Adam and I have been married---and they have been the best three years of my life! I can't imagine being married to a better man. God, who is faithful and abounding in love, was gracious enough to give me His son, also sent me an amazing man that I have the pleasure and privilege of calling my husband. When I think of 1 Corinthians 13: 4-13 aka the "love passage," Adam fits it like a puzzle piece--"he is patient, kind, he doesn't envy others, he is not boastful, is not proud, does not dishonor others, is not self-seeking, is not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs. He does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. He always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
Love birds :-)
Newlyweds
Even after three years, he continues to amaze me. We were both so very blessed to have never dated anyone else but each other, which I think makes our love story particularly sweet and special. I remember a time when I was in college and I so very much asked and prayed that the Lord would open certain doors and relationships for me with guys I thought I was head over heels for, but by waiting on His timing, I received the best gift of all--Adam. He is my better half and best friend. He makes me want to be a better person, wife, friend, teacher, daughter, soon-to-be-mother and most importantly follower of Christ.
The night Adam proposed
He encourages me, supports me, makes me laugh and listens to me gab away about the most random things. He puts up with the insanely long hours I've been pulling this year at work and he never complains about helping me grade papers when I'm behind.
Throughout this pregnancy he has been extremely supportive and helpful--he's done the dishes more than I can remember and has cleaned the house without me asking him to! He is a diamond in the rough and he's going to be an amazing father to our son and future children. Thank you Adam for being such a wonderful Godly man; for being genuine, honest, and earnest in your love for me. I love you always!
I am one lucky girl to be married to this man! How did I snag such a fella? God certainly did a wonderful work when our paths collided! I just want to take the time on this manic Monday to give my hubby some accolades. He's been extremely supportive and generous in giving his time to help me around the house. He has such a heart to serve and he certainly goes above and beyond any expectations I have. As soon as he gets home from work he always welcomes me with outstretched arms to embrace and kiss me and talks to our baby.
Always cracking me up!
He's a hard worker, I mean a REALLY hard worker. He puts 110% into any task and will get down right disgusting, but he never NEVER complains! He is the best person I know, and he makes me want to be a better wife, soon to be mother, daughter, friend, sister, teacher and Christian. He knows how to encourage me when I need it, and he's genuine when he does so. He makes me laugh and knows how to make any day better. He takes care of me when I'm sick. And best of all, he knows how to lead us and our soon to be family of three. I love and adore him and I couldn't be more thankful that God chose to make this man my husband. You're an amazing husband, friend, brother, son, Christian, and soon to be father. I love you, Adam!
Yes, you read that correctly. I wrote typed brother-in-loves, not laws! Those guys are wonderful and I am so lucky to call them my brothers! If it weren't for Luke, I would have never met my prince charming! Let's go back a couple of years...
From left to right: Joel, my hubby (Adam), and Luke!
Here's the story: Luke and I went to college together. Neither one of us remember meeting the other, what an impression we made, right?! But not too long after he started his freshman year at Bluefield, we became friends and started hanging out. By the next school year we were working together on SUB and were having a blast! I met Luke's family that Fall, in September of 2007 when they came up to visit him for his birthday. That was the first time I met Adam, but said to say there wasn't any of that "love at first sight" cliches. The next time I saw Adam was the spring of 2008 when Luke needed help moving out of the dorm. Prior to the summer of 2008, Luke had invited several of us to come to Mobjack for a visit, but I never had the chance, until that summer, when we both went to help at YEC in Richmond. After YEC, Luke invited myself and two other guys to come hang out for the weekend at his parent's house. I went, and wham bam just like that Adam and I hit it off and the rest is history! Therefore, without Luke, I would have never met my wonderful hubby.
Anywho, enough about me and Adam, isn't this post about Luke & Joel?! Right! Luke is an amazing brother-in-love! Everyone who meets him, likes him! YES, this is true! He is a very amiable, smart, laid-back, handsome, and adventuresome kind of guy! He keeps his priorities in check and makes the best decisions that he feels God wants him to make. His faith is his foundation! He's supportive and kind and can irritate me, just like my little brother does, and he's got a wonderful girlfriend, whom he loves dearly, whom I hope to call my sister-in-love one day!
Adam and I with Hazel, Luke, and Joel!
Joel on the other hand, wow! This kid has grown up fast! He's become such an adventuresome, strong willed, pursuant individual. Before college, you could usually find him reading a Ted Dekker book, piddling with some melodies on the piano, and swimming in the creek. Now, he's always venturing to new places, making his mark on the world! I am impressed that Joel came "out of his shell" and has taken life by the horns--he really knows how to carpe diem! I am proud of who he is, and I'm excited to see where the Lord is leading him! I'm so very thankful to call these wonderful men, my brother-in-loves! Thank you Lord for giving me such a wonderful family!
Adam brought these lovelies home one evening after work. He sure did sweep me off my feet! I love it when he surprises me like this, it shows that he's still actively pursuing my heart. I love you, Adam! You're the best husband and I'm so glad the Lord brought us together, I couldn't imagine my life without you! Thank you for everything you do and for being exactly who you are, I'm so in love with you!
I saw the previews for the movie "Something Borrowed" a few months ago and knew I had to see it. It was one of those, "Yes, I'll pay an outrageous $10 to see this in theaters!" [Where I'm from, movies don't cost near this much to go see] So when I realized it came out May 6, I figured I'd take my mom out on Mother's Day weekend, but my dad wanted to make it a whole family outing and didn't want to see it, so needless to say I was a little more than bummed that I wouldn't see it on opening weekend.
However, God always has other plans, doesn't He? I mean the things that I think are great, never truly are in comparison to His. I know you're thinking, um how did she bring God into this? Well this is how: if I had gone to see that movie last weekend with my mother, then I would've missed out on the opportunity to hang out with a colleague of mine who never ever gets out and about. We were able to make plans to meet up in Williamsburg and watch it and then catch some dinner later. It was the BEST girls' night I've had in a while.
So I will not spoil how amazing this movie is, but I highly suggest you watch any of the trailers for this film here.I suggest #1, it's my favorite. Aaaand if you haven't read the book, check it out, too! It's by Emily Giffin. As always, it doesn't exactly follow the book, but it's pretty close with the exception of how a few characters were adapted. Anywho, I usually don't rave about movies or books like this, but they're GREAT! I must warn you that there are expletives and some material that is crude, but overall I give it two thumbs up! Check it out ladies!
Today I want the world to know how grateful and thankful I am for this woman ---->
Growing up she was the type of mother who gave up everything of herself to be there for her family. In recent years, I have noticed that there seems to be this notion among Christians that it is "unholy" or "ungodly" or even anti-Biblical that a woman who works outside the home is committing some kind of sin and not keeping her priorities in order (as it appears that she is putting work first over family). iMy mother was in fact a woman that did not stay home, she couldn't afford to, and for that I am thankful.Though she may have worked outside the home, she never compromised her responsibility and priority of putting her family first while at the same time maintaining a career, to help provide for her family.
Proverbs 31is often quoted on this day, and with good reason. In that passage the woman is using the time of day and her resources to provide for her family. Grant it the life of that woman was well over 2,000 years ago, and technology, medicine, and the like have changed, however it clearly resonates that a woman should provided for her family, which is EXACTLY what my mother has done. Adam and I have discussed the idea of me being a stay at home wife once we do choose to start a family, however, I do not think that I am anyless of a woman and I should not be any less praised on Mother's Day if I choose to work outside the home.
So as it is Mother's Day, I'd like to give a few accolades to my mother who has been a constant best friend of mine for the past decade. Mom, I'm sorry I didn't truly appreciate our friendship until I was about halfway into my teenager years. Once I did take advantage of that friendship I realized what a truly remarkable person you are. You're always there when I need to talk, you listen with open ears and an open heart, your humility is admirable, and you always put others first before yourself. You have a sweet, tender, compassionate, and humble spirit that pours out a love for Christ. Thank you for being a shining example of what it means to be a person who knows how to put others first. I love you more and more everyday and I have some big shoes to fill when it comes time for me to be a mother, too! Happy Mother's Day you deserve everything this day!
I am home today after feeling and being sick all week! At first I just thought I had a sinus infection, however, I decided that if I wasn't better by last night then I'd call in sick today and go to the doctor, which is exactly what I did. It turns out that NO we are not pregnant, NO I do not have strep and YES I have a GI (gastrointestinal infection), so yay, go me! My doctor was gracious enough to write a note for me today, and said if I needed to take tomorrow as well, then to do it. With SOLs right around the corner I need to be at school as much as possible, so I'm trying to make the most of my day at home, by propping my feet up and resting.
I am planning on taking a nap, but decided that before I do, I should update the blog. I am a much better blogger than I previously was, however, I still lack the dedication like some of the more avid bloggers I follow. I think that with summer fast approaching I'll do better! Anywho, one of my favorite recipes to fix for my husband is my mom's lasagna--she received this recipe from a church cookbook when we lived in Broadway, VA and has altered it throughout the years, and believe me, it's the best around (even beats out some of those real Italian restaurants)!
Ingredients:
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp oregano
1/2lb ground beef (Adam and I have switched to ground turkey -- you can use up to 1 lb. if you prefer more meat)
1 can tomato soup
1 can tomato sauce (12oz or 14oz if you prefer for sauce)
2 tsp vinegar
1/2 box lasagna noodles
1 large container of cottage cheese (Adam and I actually add about 1 1/2 large containers -- we LOVE cheese!)
3 packs of mozzarella cheese slices
1/2 cup water
Instructions:
In a frying pan, brown ground beef/turkey and drain.
In saucepan, add brown ground beef/turkey, tomato soup, 1/2 can water, tomato sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and oregano--simmer on low heat for 30 minutes (be sure to stir every now and again)
While your sauce is simmering, in a large pot, bring about 8-9 cups of water to a boil, add 9 lasagna strips (you can add more if you prefer) and sprinkle around about a teaspoon of salt. Be sure to pre-heat your oven during this time to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
In a 13 x 9 pan, lightly grease bottom with oil or crisco to prevent sticking (I accidentally forgot to do this once and it turned out fine!) and add a layer of noodles (should be about 3), on top of that add a layer of cottage cheese, a layer of the meat sauce, and then mozzarella cheese slices--continue two more times!
Bake lasagna for 30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, when finished, let it stand and cool for at least 15-20 minutes.
I absolutely adore the men in my family! Every morning my husband calls to encourage me and keep me focused on the Lord as I'm on my way to work. Every evening as I leave school, I call my father to see how his day has gone as well as dump my complaints on him, for which he never loses heart, faith, or patience with me and is ever mindful that to tell better days are yet to come! And every now and again, if I'm lucky, I get to have a long much awaited conversation with my brother, Nathan.
The reason I'm blogging about these men is because each one of them walks with God, and their walks have encouraged me. Their faith is real and rough. My husband is a constant reminder of how good God is to us. My father is an encourager that anything is possible and keeps reminding me that God has plan; he was the man that turned my heart to God and was there when I asked Him to be my Savior. My brother, whose own walk with the Lord started about a year and a half ago, has the glow of a young head-over-heels in love Christian attitude about him--he reminds me what I was like when I first gave my life to God. Each of these men are absolutely wonderful and I am blessed beyond all measure to know them.
It felt crisp outside today, a little cooler than usual. It reminded me of the feeling of fall and how much I missed it! Because I am such an awesome horrible blogger, and didn't blog much up until this point, I never shared the photos I took during the holidays. Ergo I am correcting my ways! Oh and by the way, sometime in the next few days I'll share with you the uhhhhmazing homemade apple pie I made, but for tonight I'll simply recap my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving! Now don't get me wrong, I love Love LOVE Christmas, but there's just something in the simplicity in the gathering of families and food together whilst remembering what we're thankful for that is special to me.
Mom & Adam making Chex Mix
In my family, we always sleep in then start the day with turning on the tube and listening to as well as watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. Next, dad will usually get the appetizers ready and we munch on those all day long. Mom and Adam have come to love making their own version of the beloved Chex Mix. Then throughout the day, Mom and I will prepare and make all the traditional Thanksgiving fixings with the addition of a new recipe or two.
Anywho, all of this is to say how wonderful it is to remember what we're thankful for throughout the year, not just at Thanksgiving. Normally these "I'm thankful for" lists go on and on and there's only three things that I wanted to mention today: (1) how great it is to know the I Am (it is extraordinary to serve the God in whose image we are made of, and in who's power we were created. There is no better realization that without Him my life would be meaningless). (2) I also want to thank my brother for standing up and not looking back after taking the plunge of faith. You're an inspiration to me and I'm proud of you. I am thankful for all the memories we share growing up, even the times we fought and couldn't stand to be around one another. We may be miles apart but you're no more than a thought (or phone call) away! And lastly (3) I'm thankful the Lord has placed me where he has at Charles City. I seem to have forgotten the opportunity I have to share who the Lord is and to be a positive light to my students. So I'm thankful for being pushed out of my comfort zone and strengthening me through the experiences I have had there! I'm not quite where I should be, but I'm much farther and better off than where I once was!
So in return what are you thankful for? What have you forgotten to remember and praise the Lord about since Thanksgiving? (Please feel free to share!)
Lately I have been discussing love. Now grant it is five days after Valentine's Day, but LOVE really does matter all year long. I realized that I had never written how Adam and I met. We met in the Fall of 2007 when Adam and his family came to visit Luke for his birthday at Bluefield College. Adam and his family were hanging out in one of the cottages and Luke asked me, Jennifer, and Hazel to come meet his family. Neither one of us remember much about that first meeting, other than the fact that we were playing games and had a good time.
It wasn't until graduation in May of 2008 that we saw each other again. There was a graduation party at the Clarke house and we first caught up there, but didn't really hang. It wasn't until after graduation that we went to Bellacino's together with some other people for lunch. After lunch Adam went back to Mathews and went back to the college because I was the summer RA for the girl's dorm that year.
Because Luke and I were such good friends we kept in touch via Facebook and AOL instant messenger. Throughout that summer (and the previous one) Luke kept asking me to come down to visit him and his family in Mathews. Well as the Lord would have it I was asked to go to YEC that summer in Richmond to help represent the school and speak last minute. After YEC ended Luke invited me, Jacob, and Marcus back to his house to hang out for the weekend.So of course we went! Our short weekend in Mathews was amazing! We rode the jet ski, met the grandparents, strolled around the farm, swam, sang hymns/played hymns on the piano, played lots of games and hung out on the dock.
After we left I went back to Bluefield with Jacob and Marcus. However, a week later, Marcus was called back for an interview with Harmony Grove Baptist Church so I ended up tagging along for the ride and got to hang out with the Davis family for a few days. At the end of that trip Adam decided to come back with Marcus & I to Bluefield. He ended up posing as a college student for a little over a week and when he left to go back to Mathews he kept in touch with me and the rest is history!
I have left a lot of details out, but that is the long and short of it. Adam is an incredible man and I could not imagine my life without him! He truly is my better half and I love that he's the first person I see when I wake up in the mornings and the last I look at at night. He treats me the way every woman should be treated. I often look back and can't believe that God truly gave me the desires of my heart. He is so good and I do not deserve any of this, heck none of us do! So whether you're married, in a relationship, or single just remember to remain patient and know that His plan is better than any of us could plan or imagine and remember, all you need is love!
I apologize that this is a day late, and that tomorrow's post will be two day's late. It seems that Sunday got away from me, what with the Lord saying to rest on the seventh day and all. This week has been fairly busy as well, what with yesterday being Valentine's Day and today involving the end of a professional development class, a vet appointment, and running errands with Adam this evening.
However, despite my busyness, today, or rather this evening, I'd like to reflect on the blessing and love of a family. I cannot say that all have been blessed to have the amazing families that Adam and I have, but I can say that God has a purpose for each. For whatever reason, He allowed us to share the closest connection possible with these people that according to Webster's dictionary are (a) a group of individuals living under one roof and usually under one head and/or (b) a group of persons of common ancestry. I feel my own definition would read family--a group of people whose lives have been so woven as to share love, heartache, pain, joy, and fellowship. Yeah, that sounds about right.
None know us better than our families do. Families seem to make or break us. After all, they know the good and the bad. Families work through the good and bad. They remember to pick one another up and dust the dirt off our feet and clothes. Our families are usually the only group of people lucky enough to stand back and say yes, I'll walk through this life with you and am willing to share in the memories we'll make along the way. What better time than Valentine's Day (or the day after) to tell your loved ones what they mean to you?! So to my immediate, extended, and church family, I love you all dearly and I am grateful that God has orchestrated my life that I am blessed to know each of you.
When February rolls around we all think about Valentine's Day and love. Over the next few days I'd like to look at love from different angles. The first being that of friendship. I have been truly blessed to have some of the best friends anyone could ask for. I hope to blog about each and every one of them as the year goes on. I simply decided to choose my friend Kelly whom I just got off the phone with about an hour ago.
I first met Kelly in the fall of 2005 when I started my freshman year at Bluefield College. She was the RHD of my dorm. I remember my father (being too friendly) and sharing the story of how he hurt his back (as well as proceeding to show her his scar--sorry Kel) and would she help us with whatever it was we were doing or putting together. And being Kelly, she jumped right in and offered to help. Kelly is the kind of friend that when you really need someone to be there for you, there she'll be. She's quick to offer advice and especially a listening ear. She'll watch endless hours of a TV show on DVD just to catch you up, she'll let you wear her apron and run around shooting water guns at each other, she'll help you pull pranks on guys,she'll pray for you at a moment's notice, she'll forgive you for being late, she'll endure a bike ride session with a Jewish boy pushing you to your last ounce of patience, but she'll keep you encouraged and will live room for you if you're in the neighborhood. Kelly has truly been a light in my life and I am so thankful that God allowed her to be in mine.
So this Valentine's Day, remember to be thankful for the love of friendship and remember: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." -John 15:13
A year ago, as of yesterday, I married the most wonderful man I know :-) Last year this time, we were honeymooning in Hot Springs, NC in a quaint log cabin. Here we are a year later and this past weekend was interesting to say the least. We were on our way to Garth & Kristen Runion's wedding when a deer crossed onto the highway and ran into us. So the front right light on our car is gone and the hood is bent underneath itself. Needless to say this wasn't exactly what we had planned in our anniversary weekend. Despite my sour attitude, with the encouragement of our brother Luke, we continued to go on to the wedding.
At the wedding, I was able to catch up with some friends of mine from college and it changed my sour mood immediately! (Oh how I miss those wonderful friends of mine!) The wedding and reception were absolutely beautiful! Kristen was stunning and Garth was beaming! After the wedding, we drove north to Charlottesville and stayed the night there. The next day we slept in late and meandered around the city until we saw all we could on a last minute dime and then finally went home. We did not exchange gifts; although we did swap some sweet anniversary cards and Adam did find the disposable cameras from our wedding and we have taken some to get developed :-) It may not sound like the grandest anniversary weekend and it certainly wasn't if you consider the deer incident, however, despite that one minor detail, it was PERFECT and I loved nothing more than spending time with the man I love and cherish! God is always so good!
I guess I’ve been avoiding typing up everything as of late. In fact, it’s been months since I last actually posted, again. I regret that I have not been more consistent in keeping you informed of my life. I suppose the best place to start is to pick up right where I left off, except skim over some of the hogde pogde of the everyday. I had had a horrible week and a horrible time deciding if I should accept an interview back in Henry County for a teaching position. I had already been there once for one interview, and just felt deep down inside I wasn’t gonna be given the position (which I did not receive—no surprise there), so when it came to going down a second time I wasn’t completely sure it’s what I should do. Given the situation, stress, and worry of this decision, I did all I could, pray. Surprisingly, praying didn’t make me feel better. I prayed and asked that if God wanted me to move back home, even if it meant taking me out of my comfort zone and making me uncomfortable, as long as I felt peace then I would do it; however, I didn’t feel that way at all. I did not feel any sort of peace. So the future that I thought I had planned out became one of uncertainty. I was scared and unsure; this all having developed over the period of two weeks. I needed a break.
My break came when after working at the yacht club, on Saturday, June 6, 2009 I got off, read, and simply caught up on more prayer. Around five that evening I received a text message from my sweetheart, Adam, stating that he was cleaning up and would text me to figure out what we were doing later that evening. Well assuming I had free time on my hands, I read some more, not keeping track of the hour, and then decided to talk a walk down the lane.
As I got near the end of the driveway, I heard the familiar sound of a beat up muffler coming down the lane. It turned out to be Adam. As he pulled to a stop, at the corner of the lane and the driveway, he stopped the car and waited for a few seconds before stepping out of the vehicle. When he did, he caught my breath. He looked pretty doggone handsome in dark jeans, brown K-swiss shoes, a gray t-shirt, and ¾ sleeve button-up striped blue/yellow shirt I had bought him a few weeks previous to this night. Unbeknown to me, Adam, a week and a half before, during Memorial Day weekend, went across the river into Yorktown and shopped for an engagement ring! So back to the driveway, it took him a minute to nearly get out of the car because he was trying to hide the ring! He had brought it with him and wasn’t expecting to find me in the driveway/lane out for a walk, so he did the best he could and quickly stuffed it down his pants. :-P As he stood and walked over to me, the ring (which was in the box) fell to his ankle. Now remember, I had no idea any of this was going on, so when he got out of the car, my initial reaction was, “Wow! You look awfully snazzy! What are you doing all dressed up?” I know you’ve had a hard week and we haven’t been out on a date in a while so I’m taking you out,” he said matter-of-factly. He melted my heart and I’m sure you could read it all over my face as it broke into a smile. J I was still undeterred by this announcement and wanted to finish my walk so we ended up walking the lane together. Yet again, unbeknown to me, poor Adam was struggling and trying to make sure the ring wouldn’t fall out of his pants. He later said that he kept turning his head and looking around as well as adjusting his pants leg to check and make sure the ring was still there and hadn’t fallen out!
After the walk we hopped in his car and he drove us down the driveway to his parents’ house where I decided that since he looked so good for our date that I had to, too! I went upstairs and changed clothes while he ended up taking the box the ring was in and stuffed it down into his sock so it was sure to stay put. As we made our way across the river nothing seemed out of the ordinary except when he got a text message or two and fussed at me for trying to answer it for him. When we finally got in to Yorktown he took me to Red Lobster and told me I could order anything I wanted! Well of course its Red Lobster so what did I do? Order snow crab legs and a lobster tail; after all, it’s not every day you have seafood! We each had a delicious meal. The only setback: the freezing cold air that came out of a vent above our heads kept my feet cold all night long. (Be sure to keep in mind where the ring is at this point!) So he graciously wrapped his feet around mine, which by the way, did keep mine nice and warm. However, at his end of the table he was freaking out thinking I would hit the ring (which I did) but thankfully I never had the slightest idea.
After dinner, we meandered through the mall as it closed and then back to Borders where we each briefly glazed over magazines and books that did the least to catch our attention. After leaving the mall Adam suggested going to see the movie “Up.” However, since I had to work the next day, I chose to opt out of the movie and enjoy the rest of the evening by playing a game with his family. As we crossed over from the Gloucester into Mathews County line, Adam called his roommate, Marcus asking him if he wanted to hang out. I thought this was silly because, first of all Adam & Marcus rarely discuss their plans to meet up and hang out, it’s just something they do. I thought it odd, but again nothing too strange to make me think otherwise.
Finally, we pulled in the lane and Adam asked me to close my eyes. At this point I definitely knew something was going on. He parked the car to the left of the house, and made his way to my door where he helped me out and lead me over to the red bus which was a few feet away. *As a side note, to those of you who do not know, the bus is actually an old yellow school bus that Adam and his brothers, Luke and Joel, and best friend Kyle bought in high school, painted red, and refurnished as an RV—and p.s. Adam loves this red bus!* So as he pulled me along behind him, we climbed the stairs and stood on the bus and he then asked me to open my eyes.
The bus had been filled with tea candles all over the place as well as rose petals, a dozen roses (which sat upon the counter) and a Michael Buble CD playing in the background. It was all so beautiful and romantic! (Adam, with the help of his roommate, brothers, and family had the bus set up which is why things seemed a little odd with the cell phone and then again with the phone call to Marcus.) I guess for any typical proposal, he said some of the sweetest things (i.e., most beautiful girl in the world, perfect for him, couldn’t imagine spending his life with anyone else, etc.) and then knelt on one knee and asked me to be his wife, to which I replied, “Of course, yes!” So there you have it, the story our engagement J In all of this, God has been so very good, and I cannot help but give him praise and thanks for bringing me Adam. If you don’t mind, please pray for us as we are making plans and taking the steps to start our life together. Oh and p.s., the wedding date is November 14, 2009!
"Love is not proud
Love does not boast
Love, after all, matters the most
Love does not run
Love does not hide
Love does not keep locked inside
Love is a river that flows through
And love never fails you
Love will sustain
Love will provide
Love will not cease at the end of time
And love will protect
Love always hopes
And love still believes when you don't
Love is the arms that are holding you
Love never fails you"
This is "Love Never Fails" by Brandon Heath. I've had this song stuck in my head a few days now, and felt I should share it with you. With it's mellow tunes played from a cello, acoustic guitar, violin and subtle drums, this song is an encouraging melody to remind you of how aMaZiNgLy good is our Father in Heaven.
Many people have different ways to describe God, but few seem to capture how they "feel" God. Yesterday, I felt God. It was a warm Friday, much hotter than usual and the sun was shining extremely bright, radiating through all the trees, leaves, and water--yes water! Marcus and I took yesterday evening to pack a small dinner and head over for a swim at the Brush Fork Falls near Athens, WV.
Upon arriving, we walked the half mile to get to the falls in our beat up flip flops, trampling over rocks, dirt, and mud. As we promenaded to our destination, the sound of water lapping in the creek to our left said we were headed in the right direction. As we neared our destination, the loud gurgle of the waterfalls came into the distance as did the view. We walked the rocky distance down the mountain to go set our stuff down before taking the plunge and jumping off the falls.
Standing above the water below was SCARY! I love the thrill of flying through the air but not exactly falling--ergo me and my heart were petfrified! I did what every smart girl does and made the boy jump off first to make sure it was safe. Once I saw that Marcus was alive then I jumped. To my surprise I went down a bit further than I thought I would and ended up bumping into some very rough rocks--needless to say I now have bumped and bruised knees!
Once my body reeled from the shock of hitting the rocks, Marcus and I swam around and even went under the falls themselves. Once we were tired of swimming around in the "pool" area we took on the challenge of climbing up the waterfall(s) themselves! I was surprised at how easy it was to climb up. I was afraid that I would hit a slick area and bust my butt and/or crack my head open. But thankfully, none of that happened although I did bump my knees and stub my toes a few times. Ouch! After climbing up we sat under the waterfalls and let the push and rush of the water flow over our bodies--well my aching body at this point, LoL.
But that's when it happened. As I sat vulnerable to nature with the water falling over my body, that's when I felt God. He was cool, sleek and refreshing. Just wanted I needed to feel replenished, whole, and new. I needed nothing more and nothing less than to sit in that moment and feel Him. It was so glorious that all I could do in response was smile! I hope that somebody in your life, you'll get to feel God, too, and it is nothing more or less than what you need!
First off I apologize for taking so long in posting about Jessica & Philip's wedding! It's been such a crazy summer and I haven't kept up with this as much as I would have liked. Ok so getting to the good stuff! Jessica and I have known one another since we met at Camp Bethel in Woolwine, VA since the summer of 2000. Who would've ever guessed that a week at a Christian camp would make us friends for life??? I can even remember when she called me up and told me about Philip--in October of 2002--when Philip moved to Patrick County and they rode the bus together---how sweet and cute!
So YES they were high school sweet hearts! :-) Since then they have grown in friendshipe, faith, and love together. Every time I came home from school Philip would graciously let me take his girl away and have a girls' night. He is a good 'ol country boy and she's a sugar & spice and everything nice country girl. Seriously only God could have brought two amazing people like them together! So after dating for five years, Philip proposed and asked Jessica to be his wife and several months later the two were married on June 21, 2008.
The bridal shower was held in the bottom of Jess & Philip's home church--it was decorated in lime green and pink--it was so pretty! A light dinner was provided by ladies of the church and some of Jess' family. And of course there were presents everywhere! Let me put it this way, Jess & Philip received almost twice of everything they had on their registry list!! Now that's what you call blessed! Unfortunately I was unable to make it to the lingerie aka bachelorette party--but from what I heard it was a heck of a time! The maid of honor, Amanda, and the other bridesmaids: Charity and Amy are amazing girls that are a blast to be around!! Seriously it was so amazing how well we all got along!!
Finally the day before the wedding came!! The dress rehearsal was held on Friday, June 20th at 5pm at Pocahontas Baptist Church in Bassett (where the wedding was held). While it was sweltering outside it was cool inside! Of course the groom and groomsmen and the father of the bride all goofed off while all of us ladies were ready to get down to business and match up the timing of people coming down the aisle and who walked in/out with who. Finally after the boys started paying attention and we finally did a few run thrus we all drove up to Jess & Philip's home church where the rehearsal dinner was held with family and friends. For the dinner we had down home country meal the included fried chicken, mashed potatoes, rolls, and the like. What could be better for dinner held in Jess & Philip's honor??? :-P
As night turned into day the wedding day had finally arrived!! I must admit that I was late in getting up that morning, but no worries, I did show up on time (I know you must be suprised!) but yep I actually got to something on time! All of the bridal party was asked to be at the church at 2pm. We each got ready, did our hair (if it wasn't already done), put make-up on, and did last minute checks before taking a few pre-wedding pictures. Finally the time came (4pm) for the wedding to begin) walking down the aisle of the church was so beautiful! The sun filtered in thru the glass stained windows and several dozen candles had been lit at the altar. It was such a sight to see, but that's not even the best part! As Pachebel's Canon in D Minor played, the guests stood as the bride maid her grand entrance. Well because there were so many people in front of me I was unalbe to see Jessica, but the look on Philip's face was priceless! His eyes filled with tears as he shrugged and jerked with emotion. It was so amazing to see someone as tough as he was to show emotion over someone that means so much to him--Jess is one blessed girl! The wedding lasted about thirty minutes then afterwards we took an ooberly amount of pictures and finally left heading to the Bassett Country Club for the Reception around 6pm. The reception was also incredible. Guests were everywhere, as a slide show of pictures played while dinner was served and as people danced. There was of course the typical cutting of the cake, toasting of the best man, tossing of the bouquet, and tossing of the garter---which was hilarious (Jessica lifted her dress up to where the garter was so she exposed all of her leg and Philip of course rising to the challenge took off his vest like it was some hard task and bent over beside her leg and bit the garter sliding if off her leg!). Oh what a fun reception! By the end of the night I was so tired! All things considered everything went off without a hitch and it was a wedding to remember! Congratulations Jess & Philip!
What a joy and honor and especially a good time it was to be in there wedding and share in their special day!! For those of you who have been waiting, here are the pictures from the bridal shower (that was held on May 31 and the wedding!!
