Laughter

Do you remember the first time you truly laughed so hard it hurt? When you got so tickled about something with a friend that the two of you couldn’t talk you were laughing so hard.

I think for me that must have been in my family. My dad has this ability to keep a straight face while others are laughing so hard they are crying. He can make the entire family crack up and yet he never breaks. It’s truly one of the things I love most about my dad. People leave dinners with him holding their stomach because he has them laughing so hard.

I think other times have been as a small girl playing with my sister or my neighbor down the street. One minute you are angry they took your favorite Barbie, the next you are rolling on the floor giggling so hard that a parent has to make sure no mischief is taking place.

I think the best thing about getting married is knowing that I will still be laughing that hard with Blake for the rest of my life. Blake and I can and have spent time just laughing and talking together for hours just like he was a part of my family or one of my childhood friends. That even in some of life’s saddest moments, he has kept me smiling.

I remember one time in particular when we were in the car driving to and from the hospital in those early days of the accident. I wasn’t too happy in those moments but Blake kept my spirits up by making me laugh. We had and still have a long standing joke about Third Day’s music that wouldn’t make any sense if I tried to explain it here.

And when he proposed he popped out of a larger than life box and the first thing he said was, “Thank you for making me laugh…”

How can you not say yes to someone who laughs at your jokes!?

I think when God talks about Beauty for Ashes this may be a peak of what he meant. That despite some of the “ashes” in my own life-the sadness, the tears, the pain, the disappointments and failures that God knows and desires the “beauty” for my life. I think the beauty is marrying someone who makes me laugh. Who knows how to not only be my husband but also my friend.



We had some engagement photos taken recently and there are some that are amazing but the ones I think I love the most are when we are laughing. (you can click on the one above to get a better view) We are 3 months away from being man and wife and I absolutely can’t wait. I pinch myself sometimes just to make sure I really am getting to marry my best friend. Ouch! Okay it’s true. I am.





Psalm 126:2-3 (New International Version)
2 Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
"The LORD has done great things for them."
3 The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.

Spring Showers

So far we haven't had too many of the spring showers. The weather has been amazing despite the large amount of pollen on the ground and cars. However, as with every spring, I am sure some spring showers are headed our way. I guess it'll be nice to wash all the pollen away though.

This spring also brings another form of showers-Bridal showers! I am honored that I have such amazing friends that have planned these for me and Blake. We haven't really had to do anything or ask anything of anyone. We have our first shower this Saturday night. It is just a celebration dinner and I am thrilled to stop for a night and surround myself with my friends and family who have supported Blake and me through our relationship.



According to the all knowing Wikipedia-Bridal showers began when a father couldn't give his daughter a dowry and her friends and family would instead bring gifts to compensate. I wonder if my Dad is wishing my friends would pay for the wedding instead of buy us dishes right now?


Needless to say, this tradition has stuck and now every bride gets the chance to be showered. I am looking forward to this upcoming shower not for the gifts but for the friendship. To finally include the best part of my wedding planning-my friends and family. To look around a table and to be showered with joy at the amazing friends, parents and soon to be parent-in-laws that we have as a couple.

Isn't it funny that we don't share that same excitement and joy for all the amazing things God showers down on us? Instead when any anxiety creeps in my knee jerk reaction is to complain and whine and cry. I don't stop and thank God for the other awesome things he has showered down on me. I fret and worry and miss the blessings. Maybe the blessings are just time to talk with him, a roof over my head, food on my table. Simple things that he showers me with everyday. Like manna from heaven, God gives me the sufficient daily bread that I need until I start a new day with new blessings.

I think this spring, I will begin to first thank God for his showers. Last year my Mom was still struggling to use both arms and hands. Feeding, cleaning and other simple tasks were a struggle now she is helping me plan a wedding and traveling back and forth to Birmingham for fun things like meetings with the florist, dress shopping and now showers!

Spring is here in more ways than one. As someone just said to me today-He is making all things New! It almost brings tears to my eyes to realize how New we are from just last year. I don't thank my Heavenly Father enough for the showers he pours over me every day!

Spring showers are coming from heaven's skies-get ready to rejoice

Joel 2:22-24 (New International Version)

22 Be not afraid, O wild animals,
for the open pastures are becoming green.
The trees are bearing their fruit;
the fig tree and the vine yield their riches.

23 Be glad, O people of Zion,
rejoice in the LORD your God,
for he has given you
the autumn rains in righteousness. [a]
He sends you abundant showers,
both autumn and spring rains, as before.

24 The threshing floors will be filled with grain;
the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.