I had a texting conversation with my sister Julie shortly after her wedding last week. A lot is shared between sisters in a text. I think it's because we grew up together so we understand each other so well so and can share much in a few words. I told her that I thought the wedding so special and perfect. I felt that there was love in every detail.
She said, "I have to tell that I felt God's love so big when I was walking down the aisle. I felt the grace of God. It was bringing tears to my eyes. I know I also was happy to be getting married to George but I had the sense that it's true that all is love and God is always holding us in his arms."
I agree. God shows his love to us by the amazing people he puts in our lives. When we were all gathered together on that August day, I had only to look around and see each family member and know that most traveled great distances to be at this occasion. To see my Mama in the front row beaming and know that she was the one who raised all of us and showered us with the love of her teaching, protection and provision for so many years. To know that there is nothing she loved more than to be with her children and have us all together ( and eating!) To see my sister's best friend since first grade; Roxanne, stand at the front and officiate and speak about their longstanding friendship and connection since childhood. To hear her welcome the presence of our lost, beloved Daddy and George's beloved parents to be present in spirit during this day. To see my new great niece, Elle sitting with her Mama Laura, in front of me and marvel at the beauty and perfection of a baby! To laugh and sing at the reception tables, out doing each other singing songs with the word "LOVE" in them. To dance, wearing crazy hats, singing and bouncing around on the dance floor with the sheer love of celebrating together! I could go on and on but truly, all these things are love and proof to me of the presence of God in my life. The Bible says: "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right , whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think on these things." Philippians 4:8 I do choose to think on these things. And it was easy on a special day like this.
Julie also said, "When we were taking pictures, a hawk flew above us and kept circling and I just stared at it and felt so happy and sad at the same time because I had prayed to God and to Dad that he would visit me on my wedding day. I felt Dad there and it was just so sweet."
Mama and Janet- pre wedding!
me and my guy!
Sweet, sweet Elle. I was lucky I got to sit behind her and see that cutie!
Shani
One of my many favorite parts of the wedding ceremony, besides seeing my beautiful sister walk down the aisle was Shani and Matt singing, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow!"
Jake, Shani
Faith and Rachael
Mama and Billy
Mary and Rick
Susan and Elle
Ryan, you crack me up!
Stephanie, you are rocking Ryan's suit jacket!
Ahhhh, the energy of youth!
Rachael, Faith, Dwight and Devon
I forgot to mention that after Julie and I had texted for a bit, we had talked about me writing in this blog. I had felt a nudge from the Lord to start writing again and Julie reinforced and inspired me a bit more. So I did write and the next day Julie texted me and said this, "Janet, I have to tell you that a weird thing happened right after we stopped texting. I went to go text another person and I was just writing in how are you doing? And the actual words that came out were "in Jesus name". I think that's pretty strange that my text wrote those words and I did not say them. You may call it a coincidence but I just think it is an affirmation! Pretty wild and mysterious and awesome!" I must agree!!
