Blemished Sacrifices

Have you ever read the book of Malachi? It is a message from God to His people to change their ways. He wanted them to serve Him wholly. He wanted them to stop offering blemished sacrifices. He wanted them to worship Him faithfully and do what He asked. It is interesting because so often we read Malachi and think, Wow, how could the Israelites do that? Why did they offer imperfect animals as sacrifice? Why didn't they give God everything? Why didn't they serve Him faithfully?

Yet these words don't have meaning unless we take them into our own lives. We don't have a record of the book of Malachi so we can point the finger at long-dead generations. We have it because it applies to us, today.       

So how does it apply? God no longer requires us to make animal sacrifices so how could we possibly give blemished sacrifices? I think the answer is fairly simple-- anytime we give God only part of ourselves, we are in essence giving a blemished sacrifice. 

I find myself giving God up parts of myself. I want Him to have control over some areas of my life, but I try to still control certain areas myself. That doesn't seem so bad, does it? But maybe that is very similar to offering God an imperfect lamb. 

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1

God tells us that he wants us to be living sacrifices. What exactly does that mean? Well I think it means that we offer up ALL of ourselves. So when I read Malachi's words, I can no longer think what foolish people they were to give God blemished sacrifices. Instead, I think of how Malachi might be speaking to ME and the book of Malachi becomes much more relevant than I realized.

Questions Never Answered

The book of Ecclesiastes is one that is often pushed by the wayside. I've even heard Christians state that it is a depressing book or that they don't spend time studying it. That it a bit of downer is certainly true if you look at it from a worldly perspective. However, when we look closer there are some very precious and uplifting messages to be gleaned for the believer. 

In the book, Solomon seeks the answers to questions that are still being asked today. Three thousand years later, we are still asking the same questions that Solomon asked: What is the meaning of life? What brings joy? What happens when we are gone? What is wisdom?

These are questions that scholars and philosophers still ask today. Mankind still seeks these answers that we could know if only we turned to God's word. 

Solomon, one of the wisest and richest men to have ever lived, indulged every desire of his heart. He built the fanciest buildings, married the most women, had the best of everything. Yet, at the end of his life, even he tells us that it didn't bring joy. It didn't bring meaning.  At the end of his life, after pursuing every possible means of pleasure, Solomon concludes that it meant nothing. So what brings meaning to life? 

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. Ecclesiastes 12:13

If only we could hear the words of Solomon and listen. Too often we have to find out things by doing them ourselves. Instead, let us listen to one of the wisest men who ever lived, who experienced more than we ever could, and hear his warning: remember your Creator in the days of your youth (Ecclesiastes 12:1)! 

Let us not wait until we are old like Solomon to realize that is the only thing that can bring meaning to our lives.  

Winter break

Ho, ho, ho! 

It's winter break time and I have never been so thankful for one! My first semester of grad school really knocked me down. But I passed all my classes and I've heard that the first semester is always the worst (boy, do I hope that is true!) 

Since then, I have been busy doing a few last minute gifts and getting ready for the marriage celebration Daniel and I are having on January 3rd. Planning weddings sure is tiring! I'm so thankful for all the help I have from my mom, best friend, and people in our church. I was a bit worried because I ordered my wedding dress on Etsy, from a seller who lives in China. But I'm glad to report after some alterations, I love the dress! 

Our cute first ornament from by aunt & uncle!

It's my first Christmas being married to Daniel and I'm hoping that we can start some of our own Christmas traditions for our little family. Any suggestions? 

I've done several hand-made gifts this year. I think they turned out really nicely and I'm excited to share them on here once they have been gifted. Hope you all are enjoying the holiday season!

Through the Years

This time last year...

I was in Canada, visiting Daniel and meeting his family for the first time. I had such a wonderful time with him, going to the Butchart Gardens and celebrating Thanksgiving with his family. I was at the end of the last semester of my undergraduate degree, taking microbiology. I didn't think any class could be harder or more stressful... turns out I was wrong! Oh, and I also caught my first fish!

This time 5 years ago...

I was finishing up my first semester of college. I was loving all my classes and enjoying making new friendships. I enjoyed taking a literature class because I love to write (hence, the blog). I was also getting into working out and running at this point in my life. I was still working at my first nanny job, for three girls.  

For Christmas that year, we had pictures taken for my parents

This time 10 years ago...

I don't remember specifically what I was doing, but I had just recently turned 13. Thirteen was a big year for me, because in my church it is the year when we can start participating in the teen activities and retreats. I was in 9th grade and homeschooled by my mom. I was also in the top performing company at the dance studio. Dance was a huge part of my life. It was a big commitment because we had to be at the dance studio several hours every day, except Sundays.  

That's me in the red stripes! Hopefully my posture has improved since then 

I look back with fondness at all these memories. I have enjoyed almost every season of my life, just as I am enjoying it right now. I am so thankful for where I am at, and where I have been. There have been hard times and sad times, but through it all I have had support from family and friends, and most of all, from God.  

Him

So THANKFUL for him.

I feel very BLESSED to have a husband who always loves me, cares for me, helps me, and makes me feel special. That I'm HAPPY to be married to him doesn't even begin to describe it. Every day is a GOOD day because I can come home to see him. I TREASURE every moment we get to spend together.

What We're Thankful For

The big and the little, the holy and the mundane, here are just a few things our family is thankful for...

"I'm thankful for each other."

"Our Heavenly Father."

"Washing machines, cars, microwaves."

"An invitation to forever."

"I'm thankful for the Gospel and the Lord Jesus Christ!"

"God's nature."

"For clean water and sinks and soap."

"I'm thankful for thanksgiving!!!"

"Music and colors."

"I'm thankful for my family's health!"

"God's promise of eternal life... a life MUCH better
 than this! (and this is a good life)"

"Being able to travel easily and talk to people far away
quickly; being able to see our grandparents."

"Laughter."

"If I need help, everyone is usually willing."

"For a healthy body."

"Warm clothes."

"Warm sunshine, cool breezes."

"There are people willing and able to 

spread hope and the gospel."

"I'm thankful for strong legs and arms so 

that I can exercise and have good health."

"YOU."

"Kind smiles and encouraging words."

"The opportunity to spend most of my life

training the children I've been blessed with."

"Thankful for my brother's and sister's in Christ!"

"Thankful for my parent's health!"

"The Bible and our friends in our faith."

"Food and a family."

"That my family members will rub my 

neck when I get a headache!"

"A healthy family to share our lives with."

"The blessing and comfort to pray to the Creator of all."

"The nice fall weather."

"God's example of grace, mercy and patience;

Jesus' example of compassion."

"We never truly have to worry."

"A cozy bed, medicine."

What are you thankful for?
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and

don't forget Who we should be thankful to!

My brother, the chef.

My brother, Colton, is 15 years old and he loves to cook. I think his desire to cook is mainly based on his desire to eat delicious food. When he spots something yummy in a magazine, he often tries it out. Here is one of the fanciest ones he has made to date, a Yule Log. Good job Colton!

A heart! How cool

Cake:
6 eggs, divided
1 16-oz box chocolate cake mix
1/4 cup each: water, amaretto and canola oil
Unsweetened cocoa powder

Filling:
12 oz mascarpone cheese, room temp
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp each: whipping cream and amaretto
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond extract

Frosting:
1 10-oz bag dark chocolate chips
1 cup whipping cream
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp amaretto

Preheat oven to 375 and grease a jelly roll pan.  Beat eggs in large mixer for 5 minutes or until thickened and pale yellow.  Beat together cake mix, water, amaretto, oil and 2 of the eggs for two minutes, then lightly stir in remaining eggs. Spread batter onto prepared baking sheet and bake 11-12 minutes.

Let cake cool 5 minutes. Sprinkle a clean dishtowel with cocoa powder, then carefully invert cake onto towel.  Roll up the cake and the towel starting with the short side. Let cool completely.

For filling, beat mascarpone, powdered sugar and cream in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Stir in amaretto and the extracts.

For frosting, place chocolate in a food processor and pulse on and off to chop. Bring cream, butter and amaretto to simmer in a small saucepan. With the motor running, slowly add cream mixture to chocolate and process until very smooth. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes or until it has the consistency of frosting. 

To assemble, carefully unroll cake. Spread filling over entire surface and roll again.  Place two pieces of waxed paper in the center of a rectangular serving platter, side by side.  Place cake, seam side down, in the center.  Spread frosting over the top and sides, then lightly drag a fork along the surface until the frosting resembles tree bark; carefully pull away paper. Refrigerated until ready to serve. Let stand at room temp for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Colton didn't want to participate in his "interview" or in any picture taking.

My personal favorite

At least we caught him cooking!

Colton spent many hours making this fancy cake. He told me that he didn't want to make it look like a log because that was stupid... so no bark designs on his Yule Log (-:

Colton is always in the kitchen making himself fancy lunches.  He shared one of his favorite creations with me: Cut a hot dog in half lengthwise and marinate it in liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, BBQ sauce and oregano for half an hour.  Grill it up and enjoy the best hot dog you've ever had!

As you can see from the cake, one of his favorite things to make is sweet treats. He says the best combo for a milkshake he has come up with is to use chocolate ice cream, banana, Ovaltine powder, milk, shredded coconut, and graham cracker crumbs. Sometimes he shares his milkshakes with me and they sure are delicious.

So someday, when Colton is a world-famous chef: you heard it here first!

Irreplaceable

In a way, we all try to be different. But I think we try to be different while still fitting in with a certain group of people so that we won't be so different that we are actually alone. Take for example people who dance. If everyone was a ballerina, it wouldn't be very special. But because everyone isn't, people who dance have a different talent. But dancers automatically fit in with their own group of people who dance.  Or people who get lots of tattoos fit in with other people who love tattoo sleeves.  People who do crossfit fit in with other people who do crossfit.  I've learned well that Physical Therapy students also have their own "differentness." Often, these groups have their own lingo and style that others don't get.  

So can we really ever be "different"?  I'm not sure. In a sense, I don't think we can.  But in another sense, there is no one exactly like us. We are made uniquely by God. We have our own unique thoughts and feelings. These thoughts can lead us to act in a way that makes us irreplaceable to people.  We can be parents, leaders, siblings, lovers, friends that are absolutely irreplaceable. To do so we have to be, I think, unselfish. If we bury our head in the sand, doing and thinking only of ourselves, would we really be missed if we were gone?  

Most importantly, can our lives be irreplaceable to God? I don't mean to say that ever needs us, but I consider Abraham, who was called the friend of God. Or righteous King David or Paul or the myriads of people who were faithful. God didn't need them, but they were still irreplaceable servants. Let's try to make our service irreplaceable to God!

April Fool's

It's not even close to April, but I recently was thinking of this funny prank and thought I'd share it. Maybe you can even use it on April Fool's day next year (-;

It was many years ago, when my dad has just bought his shiny new pickup truck that he had been wanting for years. He was going away on a business trip for the week and had left his car parked at the airport.  If you know my dad at all, you will know how protective he is of his car.  So my mom orchestrated a silly little prank to play on him.  

My mom called directly to his voice mail so that he wouldn't know it was us.  In her best creepy man voice, she told him that her name was Chuck from the airport security.  There was some major construction going on in the airport parking garage. Unfortunately, his car had been damaged in the construction and that if he had any concerns he should call his insurance. They would cover the damages after he paid his deductible.  

In the background, we all made noise so that it would sound like a busy airport. We made a recording that we played that announced that for security purposes bags must be attended at all times and any suspicious bags should be reported. 

We could hardly breathe because we were all laughing so much! 

As you can imagine, my dad was furious. He couldn't believe that Chuck told him that he would have to pay the deductible! He told my mom, "His name was Chuck, but it sounded like a woman! I can just see what she looks like." 

Turns out, Chuck was a woman!! Hehe, have you pulled any funny April Fool's pranks?

Fall crafts

It's fall time, which means Thanksgiving.  And with Thanksgiving, the most wonderful holiday, comes Thanksgiving decorations!  Here are a few that I have done this year.

Our table decoration, complete with a crooked lampshade and chapstick (-:

I got this cute, free printable from Daisy Cottage Designs. Then I just glued some twine around it and framed it!

I made this little banner for over our door by cutting out squares of burlap and circles of white fabric. Then I painted letters onto them in maroon and gold, strung them together with twine, and boom!

My mom had bought this cute door hanger for me. I simply added a fabric "F" to make it a little more festive.

Happy Fall!  

Jesus for King

A Facebook friend wrote yesterday, "My candidate is not on the ballot today. Jesus for King, 2014."  I don't post this to be disrespectful to those to my readers who do vote, but simply to share why I didn't cast my vote yesterday.  While I am quite thankful for the country I live in and I respect the government, as we are commanded to in Romans 13, I believe my true citizenship lies in the future Kingdom of God.  

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. Romans 13:1-2

We are told that we are strangers and sojourners in this land. We are seeking a kingdom that is not yet here. Just like Abraham and his descendants, we are looking to be part of something even greater than what this world can offer.  Governments ruled by humans will never be perfect, but a government where Jesus is King will be truly righteous and just!

For we are strangers before you and sojourners, as all our fathers were. Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding. 1 Chronicles 29:15

These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. Hebrews 11:13-16

I think of it a bit like my husband, Daniel, who is applying to become a permanent resident of the United States. Permanent residents live in a country, but they are not citizens. They don't have the right to participate in the government and are living away from their true country.  I hope that someday soon, Jesus will come to earth and I can claim my citizenship in his kingdom!  

We are told that God places the rulers in their places. He has that power, and I certainly don't want to be voting for someone against God's will.  While I might try my best to vote for who God wants, I can't claim that I would truly be doing God's will. Whoever is in power is there because God has placed them there. I certainly wouldn't have voted for many of the wicked leaders throughout history, but God saw fit to put them in power to accomplish His plan.  I will leave that decision up to God.  

He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. Daniel 2:21

Jesus for King!

Give Thanks

Since I wrote a little bit about having a thankful attitude, I wanted to reevaluate and share some things that I am feeling very thankful for this week.  

God's forgiveness. My brother gave a talk at church about how generous God's forgiveness is, and I'm so glad that He is so merciful.  How wide, how long, how high, how deep is His love for us!

Our brand new nephew, Max.  

My husband. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed when I think about all the things I appreciate about Daniel.  I don't know how to tell him enough how much those things mean to me. Like how he wakes up at 6 am with me and makes me breakfast and lunch for school. Or how he surprised me with a giant bag of Cheetos this week.  Or how he rubs my neck when I have a headache and makes me a refresher to drink.  Or how he just redid our bathroom... new tile, new paint (with the help of my brother), and a new toilet! Doesn't it look pretty?  

Four day weekends!  Ahhh... so enjoyed having a four day weekend. We went to Apple Hill and enjoyed beautiful weather and FALL! 

Our blue and white comforter. Ok, a long time ago I posted this about how much I love blue and white. Lo and behold, here is the gorgeous, gorgeous quilt my parents gave me.

What are you feeling thankful for this week?

Do Everything Without Complaining

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life--in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. Philippians 2:14-16

In my Bible study last week, I stumbled upon this verse. I have found this especially hard to do lately.  Like I've mentioned, school is extremely overwhelming for me and it's easy for me to grumble about it. A lot of my classmates spend a lot of time talking about how hard school is, and I often jump right in. Sometimes, I even start the complaining! But really, this verse is telling me to cut that out. That doesn't mean I shouldn't care about their troubles, but instead of joining in the complaining, I should be shining like a light.  Not complaining doesn't mean that you don't have difficulties or trials, it just means that you refuse to indulge in them.  I find that often, in my own struggles, a little positive thinking and a thankful attitude are all I need to feel better.  Not to say that all troubles can be overcome by positive thinking, but I think it can do a lot of good in any situation.  

To the world around us, a bunch of positive thinkers will stick out.  It's innate to complain, so if we stop complaining and have a thankful attitude, people will take note.  Maybe it will even give us an opportunity to share God's Word with them! I'm going to try hard this week (and every week!) to be a more positive thinker.  

Take My Life

Take my life, and let it be

Consecrated, Lord, to thee;

Take my moments and my days,

Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my hands, and let them move

At the impulse of thy love;

Take my feet, and let them be

Swift and beautiful for thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing

Always, only, for my King;

Take my lips, and let them be

Filled with messages from thee.

Take my silver and my gold;

Not a mite would I withhold;

Take my intellect, and use

Every power as thou shalt choose.

Take my will and make it thine;

It shall be no longer mine.

Take my heart, it is think own;

It shall be thy royal throne.

Take my love; my Lord, I pour

At thy feet its treasure store;

Take myself, and I will be

Ever, only, all for thee.

We sing this hymn often in church, and every time we sing it, it hits me very powerfully.  Do I really do this? Do I really let God take control of my life?  It's not so hard to give God control of some things, but everything... that's a lot harder. I don't mind giving my feet to God sometimes, but couldn't I do with them what I want sometimes?  Is there a 50/50 here? Or even a 70/30?  

We know there isn't.  God wants our all.  He wants everything we do, everything we say, everything we think, everything we have, to be given to Him.

And really, wouldn't we rather everything we have be in His control, our all-powerful Father, then in our own weak and mortal hands?  

Teach me to give it all to you, Father.

A Big, Happy Family

I talk a lot about my family and how wonderful they are.  But this weekend was my *new* father-in-law's birthday, and I thought it might be a good time to mention my now-expanded family. Even though Daniel's parents live in Canada, I was blessed to be able to spend a significant amount of time with them before we married. Besides several short visits, they graciously allowed me to live with them for two months in the spring. Because I couldn't work, I was there all day long, every day, but even that didn't phase them. Vikki fed me every day and every so often Gregg would bring home a few of my favorite treats... Cheetos, Lucky Charms, or chocolates.  #Imsohealthy

They were ever so loving and generous with me, and I'm so thankful that Daniel has such wonderful parents to add to my family.  With all the stories you hear of awful in-laws, I feel very blessed.  Daniel's brother and sister are both married with kids and they have also been very generous with me whether it be letting me stay with them or making my wedding invites (thanks Naomi!).  Like any family, we can have our differences, but I'm glad for my big family.

Happy birthday, Gregg! Now that you have a blog post about it, you can't ignore it (;

A Loving Sacrifice

Ever had something you are dreading hanging over your head?  Maybe a painful surgery, an unpleasant meeting, or even a really hard test.  Whatever it is, whether it be months or weeks away, it seems to be a dark cloud over you.  You might not think about it often months out but you might feel the weight in the back of your mind.  Then, as it gets closer, it is on your mind more and more.  Sometimes you just can't wait for it to come so that it can be over.

Now, think of Jesus.  Jesus, who knew all his life the horrible death he would die.  I don't know if he knew exactly when, but he knew it was coming. He knew the agony he would face.  Talk about a dark cloud hanging over your head.  His whole life he had the weight of that on his shoulders.  If I can get upset just thinking about a dreaded meeting, I can't even begin to imagine how Jesus must have felt.  

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them,“Sit here while I go over there and pray.”  He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” (Matthew 26:26-28)

I'm not trying to compare any of my trivial difficulties to Jesus' death. I'm simply trying to bring some perspective to my own life.  Jesus wasn't superhuman.  As we know from reading the accounts in the Garden of Gethsemane, it did not come easy to Jesus.  As the hour drew near, Jesus was in intense anguish.  He needed his Father, and he needed his apostles. He had to go through it, but that doesn't mean it was simple. It makes me all the more thankful for the sacrifice he made.  And thankful to our Father, who gave the ultimate sacrifice in giving His own Son.  That is the ultimate display of love.

 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. (1 John 3:16)

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (1 John 4:10)

Keep On

Posts around here have been few and far between.  It's not the first time, and it certainly won't be the last! Daniel and I are settling into married life, which is quite a change (but a change that we love!) I also started graduate school for Physical Therapy at the beginning of September (one week after we got married! Crazy).

Now I must say, graduate school is not a change that I am loving. The first week of school was extremely tiring for me, and though it has gotten better, it's still a major adjustment.  I wouldn't say it's very different than doing my undergrad, but at a lot faster pace.  I do have Mondays off, which I am very thankful for, but other than that I am at school all day. I miss my husband a lot! We have lots of tests and we have to maintain an 83% in all of our classes to pass.  

All in all, I've been feeling very overwhelmed. I know that it's probably not true, but it feels like everyone else in my class has got it all together. Then there's me, who doesn't have a clue what our teachers are talking about, struggling to keep up. In a way, I think it's a way of making me realize I can't control everything. During my undergrad, I didn't have to work all that hard to get good grades. School just came easily to me.  Now, not so much.

Life experiences like this make me realize how much I need to rely on God. Trying to be the best on my own robs me of joy and brings only frustration. Rather, I have been trying to come up with some ideas to help me.  Such things as having "study periods" where I focus only on studying, instead of distracted studying. This allows me to study intensely and then give myself a break.  Daniel and I always make time to spend several hours together in the evening, including doing Bible study.  I've also decided to take Sundays off from school to give me a day to refresh and focus on God and my family. It may sound counterintuitive, but we all need a break to recharge and refocus.  

I pray that doing these things will help me to keep my priorities straight! Thanks for listening to my struggles. What have you been struggling with lately? 

Becoming Mrs. Ferrie

August 24, 2014 marks one of the best, if not THE best, days of my life... the day I became Mrs. Ferrie.  I won't go into it, but the complications of immigration made it difficult for Daniel and I to plan a wedding around.  We decided that we would be married in a small ceremony and then later on this year have a wedding celebration and reception.  This way we can later invite all our family and friends who weren't able to attend in such a short amount of time.

Our wedding ceremony was absolutely perfect. It was EXACTLY what I would have wanted and I could not be happier with how it turned out!!  We invited the members of our small church to join us for the day at our friend Skeeter's cabin in Lake Tahoe.  

Sunday morning our church service was conducted at the cabin.  After church, my mom and other members of our church had prepared a delicious picnic themed lunch.  We chowed down on pulled pork, coleslaw, Caesar salad, macaroni casserole, sugar cookies and pie... tasty!

Table decorated by Shirley, Carolyn, and my mom

Mom and Pat preparing the food table!

When lunch was finished, people hung out, hiked and played music while the bride and groom got ready. Bekka did my hair and makeup, and I love how it turned out! 

My beautiful bouquet made my Carolyn!

My straight hair was turned into this masterpiece by Bekka!

Carolyn showing me my bouquet for the first time!

At five pm, the ceremony was conducted by my dad.  Although there were a few hitches, it was beautiful. Daniel looked unbelievably handsome and I wasn't nervous in the least. All the members of my family participated in the ceremony in some way. My mom played the hymns on her violin, my sister was in charge of helping with hymns, Dalton said a prayer, and Justin and Colton played a guitar solo. It was very special to me that they were all part of the day.  Afterward, we had cheesecake for our cake reception. 

Ready to get married!

The crowd!

He's mine!

Husband and wife (:

Besides my mom, wonderful members of our church (thank you Shirley and Carolyn!) did the decorations and flowers. I can't believe how beautiful everything looked.  And a very generous and talented member of our church, Lis, took our photos. All in all, I feel very blessed at the tremendous amount of support we received.  It was the BEST day.  I am so very thankful to be married to such a wonderful man.  

Love my siblings

Bekka and Joy

Photobombed! Hehe... one of my favorites!

Best friends

Love him SO much!

P.S. Sorry for an overload of pictures! I wanted to share our special day with those who weren't able to come. All the photos are done by the lovely and talented Melissa Dondero!