This may be my last blog as Miss Samson (:

Our pastor does a great job in teaching the Bible and in connecting passages from various books to really tell a point.  We're in the book of Genesis now and the sermon was over Genesis 18:9-15.  "Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, "After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?""  God promised Sarah a child after many unfruitful years.  And, she laughed.  Disbelief in God's promises is calling God a liar. It's a bold statement.  It challenges me to remember that the Lord is in charge.  He is our King and our Father.  "Is anything to hard for the LORD?" (v.14).  Why should we ever doubt? He has chosen us and loves us and desires nothing more than our love and willingness to declare him our Father.  I flipped my Bible to Job during the sermon and found this, "By the breath of God ice is given.  And the broad waters are frozen.  Also with moisture He saturates the thick clouds; He scatters His bright clouds.  And they swirl about, being turned by His guidance" (37:10-12).  It's beautiful.  In the margin of my Bible next to these verses I wrote, 'the control of God's hand is mighty.'  And, don't you ever forget it.  

Through my most difficult and trying moments, I struggled the most when I tried to wrap my tiny human brain around the issue and solve it myself.  I struggled the least and found myself most at peace during those times was when I relinquished control to God.  It took some time but when I finally did, it was amazing.  My attitude was changed, I saw things more positively and things turned around for me.  God is here.  He is real.  He wants us to love Him and seek Him.  And, when you do, you'll never forget it. 

Blake and I are getting married in 19 days.  Less than three weeks.  That. is. insane.  It's not just a month or months away, but WEEKS.  WEEKS AWAY.  I've got my bachelorette party coming up this weekend and I am so excited to spend the evening with my girls.  It shall be a fine time  :)  We've got a great friend, Kelli, who volunteered her services to make the picture slideshow for the reception.  What a gal.  And, my dear friend, Ali, has been of great assistance as usual helping me with any and all crafty wedding things I have on my plate.  She's incredible.  My sister (sis sis as I like to call her), Shannon, has been planning the bachelorette party and is being amazing as usual.  I can't wait to see her this weekend and have some much needed sisterly bonding time.  I. love. her. so. much.

After this weekend, there will only be two sweet weeks until the wedding day appears out of nowhere (seemingly) and sweeps us off our feet.  I know it will be a blur and I'm a little saddened about that.  I'm going to try to take some moments to slow down and savor the moments because I know this day is the only day like this I will have.  But, then, I will be a wife.  Wow, a wife.  I'm excited and hope that I keep up my end and serve Blake in the way the church serves Christ.  It's a task, but I know that with the God, it can be done. 

Today, I'm thankful for these numbers: 6 fantastic bridesmaids, 9 days of student school days left (YAHOO!!), 19 days until I say I do, 1 really special dog, 100 damask luminaries that need assembling before 19 days are up, 13 days until my birthday and we get to see WICKED, 2 adorable nephews whose presence will bless me in 4 days. 

"...and then it wasn't cold anymore."

It wasn't until my last bridal shower a week ago that both Blake and I realized how close the wedding really had gotten.  As I sit here writing, we are only four weeks (28 days!) from our wedding day.  The questions have shifted from, "Are you excited?" to "Are you nervous?" And, truth be told, I'm not. I kind of thought maybe I would feel that way the closer we got, but I'm just feeling really good.  And, with the amount of stuff we have left to do, I don't even feel stressed out.  We have a few small projects left, but I have confidence in a couple good Saturdays, and some really wonderful bridesmaids, that they will get done, no problem.

I purchased Blake's wedding ring last weekend.  It was such a fun experience to do that for him.  He tried on quite a few less rings at quite a few less stores than I did, as I expected.  He tried on a few, found one he like and was set.  I kept asking, "are you sure you don't want to try on more at other places?"  I'm such a girl.  He just said, "Nah.  I like that one."  He is looking forward to being able to wear it and I can't wait to see him with it on.

The shower was so good.  A lot of Blake's family made the trip, which I so appreciated.  And, all of my bridesmaids, grandmas, my sister, and many good friends of mine and my mom's made it out to our house.  It was a beautiful day and my aunt who hosted made everything so nice.  She did such a great job planning and putting everything together.  We played games, ate delicious cake and I opened presents.  The house was a little crowded and warm, but what a problem to have--too many friends gathered to celebrate our marriage!!

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, all these pre-wedding fesitivities have me so emotional.  A great friend was texting me after the shower and the things she wrote were making me tear up thinking about how supportive all these people have been for me and Blake since we first met.  This is truly a perfect time.

The next big thing to look forward to is my Bachelorette Party just two weeks before the wedding.  Another fun time to be with friends and family!  :-)

There were many years I thought I knew exactly where my life was headed and how it was going to go in that direction.  BUT, thankfully, "In his heart, a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9. 


Things I'm thankful for: love, warm weather, colleagues who make work so much fun, all the men and women past, present, and future who serve for our country, and the Lord who knows me better than I know myself