Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Wedding Week!


 Whew! What a fun, busy time getting ready for a beach trip with my sweet kiddos AND a wedding! We are finally here on the (not so anymore) "forgotten coast" in Florida enjoying God's amazing creation with my immediate family and as the days go by more of my family and friends are arriving for our big day at the end of this week. I can feel God showering us with blessings and it increases each day as the Day approaches. I didn't know if I would be a mixture of emotions: cheerful, sad, bittersweet, excited, etc, but I am truly just plain old happy.
Seeing the kids play in the sand after dark just as we arrived and hearing Caroline yelling "This is the best night EVER!" over and over, to Thomas yelling "GOOK, GOOK!" ("look") at planes and seagulls flying over our heads today, and seeing Jett and Thomas bonding (and fighting, especially over their "choo-choos") as close cousins do...oh, and the water is so beautiful. A lady walking on the beach stopped just to tell me that she was here a few months ago and it was so dark from seaweed and she was amazed at the water. She ended by saying "it's such a blessing." It was like God saying, "Here you go, another blessing."
 When I think back to how God had told Becky this was going to happen for Tyler and I, even before I even barely knew who Tyler was, amazes me. I am asking for prayers from everyone this week as many of my family and friends are traveling and also that we would have a wedding that is glorifying to God.
 Our ladies bible study has been studying prayer this summer and I've known first hand prayer works, but I'm starting to understand a little about how it works, and how powerful and necessary it is. I pray with a new intensity and fervor that deepens my relationship with God and it also let's me be at peace in a way that eluded me for some time.
 I have learned that nothing turns out the way we think it will, or how we think it should, be it life or a vacation with toddlers. I am learning to not only accept what is happening and live in the moment, but to find joy in it. Even if it isn't how I planned on it happening.
Family, friends and blog readers I've never even met, thank you for traveling this road with me and please take a moment to realize your prayers have worked in ways that exceeded my expectations. As I write about all the good things happening right now, I am aware several of my friends are going through difficult times in their lives and I am praying for them as they have prayed for me. I have such hope now for people going through hard times, since I'm living proof that God can create beauty from ashes.
I am not naiive and I know there is no quota to sadness or grief one can experience in life, but I have learned to relish the good times and accept the blessings whole heartedly. I am happy today and I know that God is the same God of yesterday, today and tomorrow, no matter what it holds.

15 comments:

  1. This is so exciting!! I can't wait to see your amazing wedding pictures! Be happy my friend. Thank you Lord for joy!

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  2. I am one of those "unknown" blog friends. You truly have a beautiful story of love and God's grace. I pray that you and Tyler have a most precious wedding and more importantly a life filled with God's love and grace! God bless you, Tyler, Caroline and Thomas! I will anxiously wait for the wedding pictures!

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  3. Thank you Bonnie for sharing your journey; you are an inspiration to me. May you and Tyler have a fun and memorable wedding. How wonderful for you, your family and friends to be in such a beautiful place to start this new chapter. I look forward to your posts on how God continues to use you in bringing glory to His kingdom. Love and Blessings to you and yours, Nancy

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  4. Hi Bonnie. I'm another "unknown" blogger friend who is so happy for you, Tyler, Caroline and Thomas. I've read your blog these past few years and I can't tell you how often the Lord has brought you to mind so that I could pray for you and your sweet children. May your wedding be all that you and Tyler have prayed for. I know that God will be glorified. Have fun, eat yummy cake, and take lots of pictures. We all can't wait to see them.

    Elizabeth

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  5. I can't wait to see pictures!!! I have truly loved following your blog--you are such an encouragement!! I praise God for this new chapter in your life!!!

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  6. You don't know me, but I have been following your story... Good luck and congratulations! I hope your wedding is amazing! :)

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  7. Congratulations! I'm excited for you and all the things going on this week. I pray that all your prayers are answered, and that you and Tyler will have a wonderful life together.

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  8. It's so awesome that you mentioned "beauty from ashes" because that's what has been going through my mind all week leading up to the wedding. I am so thankful for the love you and Tyler have found in each other! Now, let's celebrate!!!

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  9. Beautifully written, as always! Love you Bonnie and am so so happy for you and Tyler!

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  10. I am also one of your "unknown" blog friends. Congratulations on your up coming Wedding! Praise the Lord!

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  11. Precious words Bonnie. : )
    Rejoicing with you in your "beauty from ashes". Love you-Ash

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  12. So exciting! I can't wait to see the wedding pictures.

    Congratulations!!! Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us. May your wedding day be everything you imagine it to be, filled with so much love and happiness. Enjoy your day!!

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  13. I too am an unknown blogger who has been reading your story for a couple of years. Wishing you a beautiful wedding day and many, many years of happiness. Your family deserves it so much. God Bless.

    Colleen

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  14. Cannot wait to see pix! I know the wedding will be amazing. :)

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  15. I love what you said about GOD being the same yesterday, today, and forever.

    I think we do know such great joy especially coming the from the depth of pain we have experienced. GOD is so faithful!

    So happy for you, Bonnie.

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