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.