Thomas and Sarah JOHNSON

Today I had the privilege of serving alongside a team of godly musicians in blessing the union of Sarah Paquette to Thomas Johnson.  Words really cannot express the beauty of Christ's love as displayed in this young couple.  It isn't Thomas and Sarah.  Although they are fabulously wonderful.  It is JESUS pure and simple.  What I experienced last night at the rehearsal dinner is merely a glimpse of what heaven will be like. Yes I do think there will be 12 Bones and banana pudding in heaven (hee hee).

Thomas has lovingly, gently yet passionately pursued his bride Sarah while protecting her, loving her, serving her EXACTLY as Christ has pursued us his church.  The miracle at Cana was REAL and the miracle that He performed last night amongst His people was every bit as real and tangible.  Just as Thomas presented Sarah to the congregation pure and spotless, Christ presents us to God that way.  Very rarely do you hear of couples who have remained pure and celebate during a six year courtship.  I am so proud of them, happy for them and EXCITED as they experience the mystery of God's union for them and through them.  What a glorious celebration today was for us ALL.

I have had the pleasure of serving in AMAZING weddings.  Too many to name.  Couples whose love caused Nathan and I to pause for a moment and reflect on God's faithfulness to us as a family.  Then there are the weddings where the music is just fun and I'm caught up in that also.  There are the weddings unfortunately where I do my best to bring Christ into the ceremony through my gifts, but pray for the couple not sure as to their spiritual condition or the certainty of their commitment to each other.  Today was so peaceful.  There was no fear, no doubt, no wondering.....only joy, peace and the presence of Christ.  His Holy Spirit guided them to each other and will continue to guide them into their happily ever after. 

The ceremony was wonderful.  The reception was FUN!!!  I danced with my son Joseph until our feet hurt.  Jesse and JoyAnn even got in on the action.  The company was wonderful.  The food delicious and the joy was contagious.  I am grateful to have shared in today.

Here is a song by Brooke Fraser Ligertwood that to me represents Thomas and Sarah's love.  I hope you enjoy. 

Pieces of My Heart

I was spurred on to blog after reading a post on a forum that I participate in for alumni of my high school. It dealt with an apology someone gave for an event that happened a year ago. It greatly affected (or is it effected I'm not good at grammar) both of them. The odd part to me was not the apology, nor even the way it was done. What struck me was the comment " you deserve the piece of my heart you still have". That got me to thinking...Who has pieces of my heart?

I guess what I'm trying to say is...if I've given pieces of my heart away to people then how much do I have left for God? For my husband? For my kids? For my friends? Is having a "divided heart" a good thing? Don't get me wrong. I think it's important to share openly, honestly, authentically with those you are in relationship with in this life. I'm not saying that you shouldn't invest yourself in a relationship. I guess what I'm saying is..be careful whom you give your heart to and how much you invest in a relationship. (I'm preaching to myself. Mainly just thinking out loud).

I just want to be real, authentic and open with myself. I want to live in the moment. I want to give all that I am and all that I have to my Lord and to my love! I am blessed to have Nathan and my children. I am blessed to have the friends in my life that I have. I don't want to think about the coulda, shoulda, wouldas anymore. I want to leave those pieces of my heart (those gifts) where they belong. With those people. If I've given it away then it's not mine any longer, huh?

I don't regret sharing my heart with anyone. I just regret feeling like once I've shared a part of me, if that part is lost, it's really lost. Love is never really lost. If I have given myself in a genuine, real, authentic way then that love will never die. So, for those of you to whom I've shared myself. Thank you for receiving my gift. Thank you for letting me love you. Thank you for loving me in return.

To those that I'm still giving my heart to...continue to be patient with me as I learn to love without abandon. I am learning to love without judgement and concern. I am learning how to love myself so I can love you better. Thanks for not dividing my heart but making it fuller, larger, better.