Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Weddings, the laughs and the tears...

Natalie and Jeremy Tamer, June 15, 2008
The Dellingers, July 19, 2008

Beth and Lam Armstrong, June 27, 2009

Marth and Tom Shafer, July 11, 2009
Weddings are a beautiful reminder of God's love for his children. As I've watched some of my closest and dearest friends take the hand of their soulmates over the last few weeks, I am reminded of how our Savior pursues us, loves us unconditionally, and gives us His strength to do all things that have been called according to His purpose. We are such weak beings in need of redemption, and God's love pours over us. I find it so interesting how God commands husbands to love their wives as Christ loves the church, completely and utterly unconditionally, willing to give his life for her. He also commands wives to love their husbands and to be submissive to his authority as we are submissive to God; to trust him to do what is in our best interest. In the year, almost, I've been married, I have realized that marriage is the hardest thing that we will have to work at as humans. It is a daily reminder of our need for grace and His strength. It is also a beautiful example of how God blesses us and wants us to know Him and enjoy Him in all his gifts. I am so thankful to have been a part of these special weddings days as my friends committed their lives to one another and to our Lord.

Aside from a marriage relationship, I think that is it CRUCIAL to have fellowship in every day life. While growing up, God strategically placed people in my life to teach me lessons, hold me accountable, and push me to be a better person. These people certainly included my Momma, my sister, and my grandmother, but it also included people outside of my family. These people may have lasted a short season or for years. I do believe God absolutely uses divine appointments to reveal himself to us. After high school graduation, God gave me a wonderful group of friends whom I am so thankful for. Many young women prayed for me, laughed and cried with me, and we all helped stir one another on in our walks with Jesus. God also gave me a wonderful mother-in-law who is also a friend.

Now, after moving to Auburn, God continues to show His faithfulness in the friendships He allows me to have. I am surrounded by wonderful godly women in my workplace and church. Thank you to each of you who allow God to use you.

We can look at scripture and see the importance of friends. Jesus himself had his most special friends in his disciples, especially in Peter, James and John. Naomi and Ruth were amazingly close and David and Jonathan were the best of friends. God did not create us to be alone. He wants us to have fellowship with him and with others.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Before and After...

BEFORE, the wilderness man has come home with a thick auburn colored beard, his locks curling, and about 8 pounds lighter. As aforementioned in my previous blog, he resembles Noah from "The Notebook" quite a bit...

AFTER, my handsome, wonderful husband after a good shave and hair cut. Wow, what 10 weeks in the woods will do to you...











Saturday, July 4, 2009

Updates from NC

I can't believe I've been home for over a week. Much has transpired....I had my reunion with Justin after our 8 week seperation which was wonderful! It is so true, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder." When Justin got out of his truck, his auburn colored beard looked like Noah from "The Notebook" and he had lost 10 lbs! For those who know Justin, weight is not something he needs to lose! After he swooped my off my feet we couldn't stop holding hands and being strangely touchy. Usually PDA is something that totally groses us out, but I guess after 8 weeks of absence from one another, we didn't care. Justin and I had a great time with my family, as well as our college friends over the weekend at Lam and Beth's wedding. After a wonderful dinner and dance celebration on Friday night, the girls spent Saturday sprucing up and getting Beth ready for the plunge. She made a breath-taking bride and with over 500 guests watching, said her vows to Lam. It was a simply beautiful ceremony! It was so great to see so many friends from school there to celebrate in this union.

This past week my family and I (Justin had to head back to Manteo for 2 more weeks) have been in Athens, TN visiting my Mamaw and my Mom's family. We spent a lot of time playing board and card games and visiting with one another. There really is no place like home.

This summer has flown by and there are still so many events yet to come! Pictures will be coming very soon!