1. BRBs. "Big Red" Bridesmaids, haha. Ruth made up the name. (the points on our meal plans at Cornell were called BRBs- Big Red Bucks. Haha.) In the midst of planning, school work, and just being in a funky season where I don't really feel particularly plugged in anywhere, God has used these ladies to remind me that I'm not alone. It's not the little details that they've called about that really matter that much to me, but through their calls, prayers, and concern, God has reminded me that he hasn't forgotten about me. We conference called last week and they prayed over the phone for me, I was so blessed. I'm so thankful for them!
2. Asking for help. I tend to get stubborn and picky even though I like to think that I'm trying to keep things simple. That, and I overestimate what I'm able to do. Jeff kept on telling me that I should ask for help with the invitations, but I kept saying "Oh no, it's ok." In the end, I was like, "AGH! I should've asked for help!" and other people were saying "You should've asked me!" I'm thankful that I had my mom help me with stamping, sealing, and just sitting by me. It makes time go by so much more quickly and there really is a better return for the labor of two! (Eccl. 4:9)
Yes, I am being humbled. My mom said that was one of the biggest blessings during their wedding day. They didn't have a lot, but the brothers and sisters helped them and it was amazing! This one guy made this really beautiful ginormous sign with their names that went against the wall- it looked so pro. Mom's rebuked me saying "You can't do everything by yourself!!" and since then there have been so many people God has providentially brought over to help and bless us. One of the ladies in church is helping me make my veil, Jeff's sister-in-law just told us she'd be willing to be our day-of wedding coordinator, and so many people have offered to help. It's more than just about getting things done or having nice things or saving money, it's so sweet just to be able to experience the grace of God through the people around us.
3. Some words that have touched me. It's been such a blessing to receive words of encouragement and wisdom from other sisters who've just been married. It is refreshing to have them speak to me from their experiences and from the truth. Their perspective is helpful in how they encourage me to rest in God's grace in it all.
"But just as I tried in my last e-mail to encourage you to remain, stay, and abide with Jesus in the period of waiting to be engaged, now Faith, remain, stay and abide with Jesus through the planning of this wedding. When you walk down that isle towards Jeff, the husband, the Christ figure in the picture, you will feel radiant, not only on the outside, but on the inside knowing that His blood has truly made you that pure, spotless bride."
"Let the joy that overflows from your heart be your offering. On your wedding day, let your love be on display for the world to see, and let them wonder at how two sinners could be given enough grace to love each other so - for that, they will give glory to God."
Thank you, sisters.
4. Witnesses. Besides the fact that we're making this promise before God by his grace, one of the most important things to me and Jeff during for our wedding is that we're making these promises in front of witnesses. There are so many people who have been such a huge part of our lives all the season until now, and it's been a blessing to remember and get in contact with everyone again. In the seasons of our lives up until now, different communities of people have been used by God in incredibly formative ways for us. It brings me to tears to think about how each person there has been used in my life or in the life of my future husband by God to make us who we are today. I'm so thankful that they're not just going to be witnesses of our wedding, but have been witnesses of God's hand in our lives and will continue to be some of those who will be our lifelong journey-mates in him. We can't have everyone there who we'd like to have, but even that is a testament of abundant grace.
5. The fact that God cares. One of the things that really touched me during one of our pre-marital counseling sessions as Pastor Jae shared about God's plan for marriage was the fact that God cares. He cares about our lives. That's so incredibly amazing to me, that when there are so many other things that seem important in the world, he gives thoughts to our ways. He cares about this little wedding between these two little people. He cares about our relationship with each other. He cares about our hearts and the things that we need. He's been providing for each little detail, even when I'm in freak-out mode, and not just barely giving us what we need but in abundance. In this process, my own daddy has been an amazing reminder to me of God's desire to give and bless. God provided- the beautiful chapel we get to use at the seminary, the place we'll be staying after we get married, etc. He gives much more than I have enough faith to ask for.
6. Jeff! Oh! Yes, I should include this part too. I'm thankful that God's brought us to where we are now and brought this man into my life. It really doesn't seem that long ago that I was wrestling with "am I going to be single foreverrrrrr?" and it's easy to forget to thank God that the fact that I'm stressing out about wedding planning means..that I'm getting married!
Picture: Jeff has 8 fingers up for August. I'm supposed to be 2-1. I think I was all like "you're doing it wrong!" Yeah...
2 comments:
I enjoyed reading this post, Faith. :)
me too! me too! (following julie's comment)
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