Looking into the Future...

Today was my cleaning day.  That means what was once a dizzying array of wedding presents, wedding paraphernalia, and garbage, is now a lovely (though kind of hodge-podge), clean apartment, ready for two.  Today, when I took a picture of the kitchen, I thought about how my long-time single life will change drastically in just five days-- the place where I'd heat up my Lean Cuisines would now be the place I lovingly prepare man meals.

It was a happy thought. :)

Fluffing My Nest...

With less than a week to go, I'm really feeling the pressure to make this place as man-friendly and de-girlified as possible, while still maintaining a Pottery Barn/pinterest/anthropologie chic.  Impossible you say?  HAH, I say.  I'll find a way, just you wait and see.  Here's a teaser: my future spice rack.  Haha.

More to come, when it's all said and done!

One Week to Go...

(HTB photobombing my picture)

Today HTB and I had our last pre-marital counseling with our pastor.  We've really enjoyed his wit and wisdom... but this was our last session, the one we'd been hearing embarrassing things about, and well, we were a little nervous about what he would say (he's famous for his steamy Song of Solomon sermon series)... and let's just say I feared I would blush through the whole thing.

It wasn't half as bad as we were fearing.  It was comfortable and encouraging, and so, hopefully this won't make you uncomfortable, but it's something I want to share.

See, HTB and I both have kept ourselves only for each other, and only for marriage.  So for us, we are so thankful to go into this marriage without shame or regret, excited to experience something that God intended as glorifying to Himself, within the confines of marriage.

All you singles out there-- hold out!  Don't give in!  It will be worth it, because it's as God intended.

See You Later...

Tonight we said "see you later" to youth group.  It's not goodbye, because we're coming back after the summer, but even so, "see you later" was a little tough.  We're taking a break from the youth group to get the hang of marriage.

Youth group has meant so much to us.  HTB has been a part of it since he was a student, almost ten years ago.  He started coming and never left.  I joined staff before I even moved to Florida, going to summer camp, knowing only Bestie.  And then I never left.  It became such a part of my life.  As HTB put it today, "Wednesday has always been youth group day."

Tonight they did a humorous little interview with us, then asked for advice from us.  HTB told them not to take the youth group for granted, and to keep God first in their lives and not let things distract them from Him.  I told them to trust God with their whole hearts and lean not on their own understanding; to acknowledge Him in all their ways, and He will direct their paths.  I may or may not have used God's words, not mine. :)

And then they gathered around us and laid hands on us and prayed.  It was so bittersweet, and we are so blessed to have been a part of such a wonderful, God-blessed ministry for so long.

And then one student prayed that we "be fruitful and multiply."  Exhibit A of why I love that ministry so much.

We'll miss it, but we'll still be praying for it on Wednesday nights.  Because Wednesday night is youth group night. :)

Calm Amidst the Storm...

I tried working hard at wedding stuff tonight... I really tried.  I got a few things done, but nothing near what I was hoping.  A mean old headache came to visit and wouldn't leave, no matter how many times I asked or how many times I tried to KILL it.

So... I threw in the towel.  I turned on the heat, got into my jammies, grabbed a bowl of Krave, my new favorite guilt-free cereal/dessert, turned on the Netflix (any guesses as to what I'm watching?), and got my pinterest on.

This is my calm amidst the storm.  Thanks God, for this headache that forced me to slow down a little, since I didn't get the message with a cold. :)