Joyous Occasions

The "wedding of the century" was held at our church last Saturday. Two precious young people who have grown up here were joined in holy matrimony. There were at least 400 people there to witness it and celebrate the day afterward. It is such a blessing to see two families who love the Lord and have raised their children to do the same. There is no doubt what a blessing these two will be to the world around them. They have done mission work, they are involved in helping others, and they will continue doing so as a couple now. What a serendipity to see my own children influenced by these newlyweds, to watch other young people seeking to find a love as true and as beautiful as this.
Her bridesmaids wore hot pink satin outfits accented with lime green ribbon. The ringbearer couldn't make it to the front, preferring to sit with his momma on the second row. The two bellringers and the flower girl all played quietly at the front while the ceremony went on. They were precious! And Miss Kathryn gave a wonderful solo of the song Marie had written to Jeremy. It was one of those "perfect weddings". Fresh lemonade and fruit tea dipped from giant glass jars, ham rolls, artichoke dip, handmade pastel mints, and huge white and chocolate cakes -- mmm, mmm, good refreshments! A shady grove of trees hung with pink paper lanterns, a blue grass band strumming in the corner, perfect weather, and LOTS of pleasant conversation made the reception even more fun.
Two other blessings happened on Sunday and today -- two darling little girls have been born into loving Christian families. Chloe will be the first child for Chad and Angela, and Rachel will be the third (the first girl!) for Stephanie and Martin. Each will be loved and taught and will grow into a blessing for everyone around her.
To balance our joy, there are two pending surgeries. My brother-in-law will probably have a replacement pace-maker installed tomorrow, and a beloved boy named Donovan, age 15, will have a difficult lung procedure done in the morning. May the Father's will be done in each situation. I'm glad Laura and I could visit with Donovan and his mother this afternoon.
Our youngest son is off to church camp. He just can't bring himself to find a job just yet, but he'll get a good "workout" keeping up with 10 or 12 little 10 to 12 year olds this week, day in and day out! He'll WISH he had an 8 to 5 job after that!
Our "big'un" returns to his job and living alone. And the chronic leg and back pain he is dealing with. Hopefully, soon the doctor can identify the source.
I'm enjoying my time alone and hope to get started on some room painting projects soon. Glad that our young couples' class is started, looking forward to our campaign next week, and ready to get to Texas for a good visit with the folks. In just nine short weeks, I'll be back in the classroom, so I'd better make good use of these few days!