Speaking Directly To You

Have you ever sat in Sunday School, Wednesday Night Bible Study, Worship Service or anywhere else while the Word of God is being taught and felt every last word being spoken is directed at you and only you?

Well, that's the kind of thing that's been happening to us lately. For the past few weeks as we've sat in various Bible Studies, we have felt very singled out. I suppose every one feels the same way at different times, but for us it has been every single time and very clearly stated. It's funny though neither one of us had talked about it specifically until last night when hubby asked me if there was any one thing in the past few weeks that I felt God saying to me. We both realized quickly that in the past few weeks God's message has been clear -- risk. I'm not talking about us being risky, I'm talking about putting yourself on the line. I don't believe that God expects us to behave or partake in risky behavior, but I do believe that he wants us to put ourselves on the line for him and take a step of faith.

Right now we're not putting ourselves at risk, but we are taking a step of faith. Our lives, our regular routines and what we've known is about to change. We're taking off on a different path, trusting God and waiting on his will to be revealed. We have no clue what he has in store for us -- individually and as a family, but he promises in his word, "I know the plans I have for you."

I hope and pray today you hear God speaking to you and that you follow him with great abandon.

A Season of Trials

As I write this post I can look out the upstairs window and see the seasons changing. Today is dark, breezy and cool. The leaves have begun to fall and it looks as though the world is shedding, transforming herself.

I too, feel my world is shedding and transforming -- into what remains to be seen. Many times here I've mentioned things that are stressing me, worrying me, things that I have no control over. For the past three years our lives have been filled with upheaval and turmoil in many different ways. Some way too painful to write about while others just needed to get out of my head and heart.

The economy has gotten the best of us and we've decided to shut down our construction business. I think hubby is burnt out on it too. Owning your own business takes a lot of time, attention, and constant stroking. Most people think you've got it made -- be your own boss, set your own schedule, and a pool of money to boot. Those of you who own your own businesses know that sentiment is just so not true. So, the process has begun and hubby is looking for employment elsewhere. He has an offer to drive for a service that would allow him some flexibility.

In the midst of the madness is Jacob. My sweet, sweet Jacob. He's feeling the anxiety of change in more ways than one. He's at that age where he's struggling between peers and parents, even with himself. All I can do is reassure him he will be provided for and more than anything that God is in control. I've realized though that even though God is in control, you still have to let go. I'm struggling with that myself.

Even though we believe in God, we believe in his forgiveness, we believe in Christ's sacrifice for us, we still have to let go.

God help me to let go, help me to turn loose of the reins that I've got wrapped in my hands and let go. Help me to trust you and not look back. Help me to take that leap of faith that says it is all in your hands.

Wedding Memories

What a weekend it has been. To say I am exhausted is putting it mildly, but everything went beautifully. The happy couple are honeymooning at Cape Hatteras and keeping a watchful eye on Hurricane Hanna. Here's some photos we captured ourselves.

Rehearsal and Getting Everyone In Place

The Rehearsal Dinner was held at our home (something Zachary had always wanted to do). We decided to do a luau by the pool and it was so pretty. We managed to eat before it got dark. I wish I had some photos after dark when the torches were lit and all the candles. We played beach and caribbean music and it was a wonderful party.

That's Zachary's cousin, Kenneth, straight from Iraq sitting beside him.

My wonderful husband was up at daylight the day of the wedding making chicken skewers with pineapple for the reception. He is absolutely amazing!

Everyone forgot about getting a marriage liscense! There was a mad scramble the first of the week to get Candace's birth certificate fedex and get to the courthouse Friday.The Shelter at our church all decorated and ready to go.

The Reception Table Centerpieces

The Bride Getting Ready with the Help of Bridesmaid Sara

Zachary and Groomsman Jonathan Discuss the Use of Cufflinks

Jacob Gets a Crash Course in Tying a Tie from Dad

The Bridesmaids Bouquets Were Tucked Inside Seashells

The Beach Themed Cake

Zachary with the Bridesmaids and Flower Girl

Finally, here we are with the happy couple along with Zachary's father. It was an absolutely beautiful day and the ceremony was sweet and thougtful. I cried, Jacob lost it totally during the unity sand ceremony and both of Zachary's dads shed some tears as well. All in all the past eight months have been at times enough to drive anyone batty, but in the end they were both happy and that's what counts.

The Getaway!

Precious Jesus, I pray your hands of protection upon these two lives. I pray you will always be the center of their marriage. I pray you will bless their home and future. Thank you for my Christian friends who helped make this wedding a reality. Thank you for placing such wonderful people in my life.