In the Company of Angels

Hebrews 13:2

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers,
for by so doing some people have shown
hospitality to angels without knowing it.

I have been estranged from my second son
for nearly ten years.  In ten years, I have
prayed countless prayers.  I will not despair
or give up hope.  My prayers are for the
softening of his heart.  He is in my heart
unconditionally and for always. 
There is no judgement
or anger and the hurt has washed away
through years grief.

If I pass before we meet again, I will
carry him and all my children in
my soul.

If there is anyone out there estranged
from their child or parent, I beg you
to make amends, open your heart and forgive.
I have long ago forgiven myself and
I never needed to forgive my son, he was
a child.  

Tonight, I prepare to officiate a
wedding tomorrow.  Reminders
of all beginnings and lifelong
marriages.

Pray, practice and open myself
to the light of Jesus.  Amen
 

Kirstie and Matthew's Country Wedding

Perfect Day

Heartfelt Sentiments

Little Girls

Crafty Friends

A dash of culture

Beautiful friends

Generous

Family

Tasty treats

Daddy/Groom dancing with their baby girl

Big Brother witnessing your marriage

Counting our Many Blessings

Mother daughter love

Clever

Wedding Barn Raising It takes a Village

Home at last. 

From This Day Forward

Venue

Reflection

Cousins: Shayna and Holly

Cousin Reese

Patience

Mic check

Bridesmaids

Daddy and his girl

You may kiss the bride.

An Officiant's Preparation

In 13 days, we celebrate
the joining of two lives into one.
The spiritual, public,
and legal affirmation
of uniting in holy matrimony.
The beginning of a new chapter
in the precious lives of Kirstie and Matt.

When Mr. Lee and I started courting
(don't you love the sentiment),
Kirstie, our niece, was a Barbie playing angel. 
Sunshine flowed from every fiber of
her being.  The precious little girl
grew into an amazing young woman.

As I pray and prepare for
my duties as officiant, I always reflect 
on marriage. What can I share
to plant the seeds of a forever marriage?


These two have had the blessing of
growing up in nuclear families.
Witnessing the longevity, resiliency, and
of spirit of marriage.  Kirstie's Oma,
my mother-in-law, once said, "Marriage
doesn't even get good until after 20 years."

It must be the seasoning of years of shared
experiences of joy and disappointment.
The richness of love only deepens
through the mountains and
valleys of life.  To survive a marriage must be
built on mutual devotion, patience and affection. 

My prayers for this couple
are simple.  Focus on a BIG marriage,
build a strong foundation formed on
faith, love, fidelity and confidence
in each other. Grow independently as
individuals but connected as husband
and wife.  Remain best friends in
all circumstances. Fall deeper in
love each day.  Give praise
in all things. 

May God bless you and keep you.

Reality Check

In December, I will officiate for a wonderful
young couple.  
It is an awesome responsibility to
share one of the most important days
of a couple's life. 

An awesome, humbling, experience of a lifetime.
Today, Mr. Lee shared that one of his Christian
colleagues backed out of attending the wedding entirely
once he discovered I would be officiating.

Do you wonder what kind of prayer proceeded this
decision? Beyond my very personal relationship with Jesus,
my marriage is the most sacred thing to me.


The Lord's Prayer has been on my lips all day.

                                            Matthew 6:9-13

Counting my blessings for all of those who love
and trust me.