Monday, May 28, 2012

Happy...for like ever.

Hello little blogging world! I know my posts have not been super frequent, but sometimes I'm too busy keeping up on enjoying life to stop over to share some of it with you. BUT if you were at my house on May 8th here is what you'd have seen...

White pennents hung from our tall ceilings. Balloons in the colors of white, blue, apricot and yellow floated in the air. A pennent banner stating "happy for like ever" livened up the plain white wall. Excitement permeated the room. 



...a pretty jar of pre-measured ribbons would have attracted your eye with their vibrant colors. Guessing the length would prove to be challenging to most of the guests...



...but this lovely lady showed the crowd that she'd spent many a day in the craft room. The correct length was 1,083. Amanda guessed 1,027. 
{three cheers for Amanda...the average guess was aroud 500}




...a wide-spread aray of yummy and delicious fruits and sweets lined the table. Cheesecake squares, brownie/strawberry trifle, fruit trifle, sugar cookies, brownie bites, lemon bars, oranges, pineapples and every kind of berry... 



...He Says...She Says {aka. how well do you think you know Joe and Rachel} turned out to be a pretty fun game. The challenge was to guess who said which 'quote' and circle the appropriate silhouette.

Here's a sample of some of the quotes;
{the bolded he/she reveals the speaker}
"I think he/she would be pretty easy to live with." 
"He/she looks so cute on the court."
"One of the first things that really impressed me was in New Testament class.
We had to do posts online and his/her knowlege of the Bible really impressed me.
I loved reading his posts."
"Her/his competetive nature is very appealing."
"My favorite date was when he/she took me to to Central Park and grilled out in the rain."
"He/she hates chocolate."




...you would have had a choice between three different drinks. Very Berry, Lemon Lime or Grapefruit.  {I think Grapefruit was the favorite}



...A gorgeous blond with the bride-to-be glow, by the name of Rachel Schnell, was the special girl of the night...


 ...Rows and rows of amazing supportive friends lined the floor.



...random drawings would decide who got to share a "helpful tip" or "pick-a-prize". When we finally opened up the floor for marriage advice the ladies were quick to jump in. I think a best-seller could have been written with all the wonderful marriage hints that were given. 

A sample of some of the tips;
"Marriage defined is...two sinners living together trying to teach younger sinners not to sin." -Amanda
"I will forgive you/will you forgive me are the most important words." -Abi
"Always give your husband the best. Don't let your helpfulness/busyness to others take away from giving him 100%." -Marge
"Feed him well." -Leah
"Your husband is vastly {at least most likely is} different than your dad. Keep that in mind."-Dianne
 "Have fun. There are times to be serious, yes, but learn to laugh...it'll get you through a lot."-Amanda
"Years down the road...remember the little things that made you fall in love with him." - ?!? 



...a sizeable table boasted presents large and small. People are so generous.


...did I mention yummy food.


Don't ya wish you could have come?!? 
{And in case you're still wondering Rachel S. is going to be my new sister...in a very short amount of time. Like June 23rd to be exact. And I get to be a bridesmaid...yes, that was beside the point...but way too exciting not to mention.}

{photo credits; Anna Rehm}


Remember




Sacrifice.

To give up everything. To kiss your soldier and send him off...for unknowingly the last time. To be unable to listen to a sweet patriotic song...because in your life it's not just a song, it's reality. To have a handsome brother in uniform that you love to brag about...but never get to see because he's fighting for freedom. To have to face each day knowing that your loved ones back home are living life without you...and words over the phone just don't cut it. To visit the grave of a loved one...wondering what he/she would have been like if you'd have known them.

This is the sacrifice that countless have made. 

If you are one of them...

Thank you.



Friday, May 11, 2012

Psalm 18:1-3, 49

 Esther and Phillip had the privilege of teaching the memory verses for this years NCHEA Kids Conference {hopefully more pictures and details on that to come later}. They did a fantastic job using object lessons and illustrations to help the kids learn...not to mention fun review games. Esther kept me {and the kids} laughing as she donned her "geeky glasses" and apron.

Watching my sister in front of kids is so fun! She has such a passion for the little ones, and her future plans also lay in that direction. She graduates this year and I'm looking forward to seeing how the Lord leads her in His specific plans {more on that topic later as well}.




"I love you, O Jehovah, my strength.
Jehovah is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer.


My God is my rock in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

I will upon the Jehovah who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies.



Therefore, I will praise You, Jehovah among the nations.
I will sing praises to Your name."

{Photo credits: Kori Wissmann and Charity Udd}