The Day Before

Sitting on the living room floor, with a small lamp on and 48 LED lights laid out in front of me to finish hot-gluing, I pondered on the amazing things God has pulled off, to make this wedding and marriage happen. First off, getting us to begin a relationship was a miracle in itself. After 4 years of "we know we're supposed to only be friends.... forever" and "she/he's definitely not the one for me".... God stepped into the picture and planted feelings and emotions that would forever change our lives. It was in His timing, His way, for His glory. I believe this with all my heart.

I also believe there is a very special, and specific calling by God on our marriage. What is it? I don't know.... yet. But I do know that we were created to love God whole-heartedly, run after Him every single day relentlessly, and spread His gospel passionately. God knew that Jeramy and I's individual efforts to grow the kingdom, when combined, would multiply! I'm SO excited, in my heart, mind, and spirit, to watch this happen. I'm excited to see God continue to do crazy, out-of-the-box things in our lives.

These were just a few of the rush of thoughts that filled my little head, as I stuck fishing line to those LED's with Stacey's awesome glue gun (ok, actually her MOMS... but yeah. ;-)

 It's amazing having so many family in town, and more on their way. Overwhelming would be the right word, actually. To see their love and support of Jeramy and I's life-changing day is so cool. It's just like God to make something crazy like this happen.... we've never had this many family visit Jacksonville, in 10 years!

I've always asked friends, and others, what it feels like the day before your wedding.... time and time again they'd tell me they just couldn't describe it, and I was always bummed out. I just wanted to know. Well, now it's my turn, and I know. Unfortunately... I just can't describe it in words :-) If I had to muster up a word it would be SURREAL. Literally. Surreal. Everything that has happened up to this day is a result of the powerful hand of God. And I know, TOMORROW, His hand will be on us and His presence will be so thick in that room, as we commit our lives, hearts, and love, to each other forever.

Here's to a day of decorating. Might I add, I just LOVE decorating :-)

Just one more day on this journey to the altar.... oh yeah!

Day 8: Tears, smiles, more tears, more smiles...

Here we are, almost one week from the wedding, and the beginning of the rest of our lives. People's first statement when they see me walking through work or church is, "Are you excited? How are you feeling?". Ha, what a question! AM I excited?! Are you kidding! More excited than I ever imagine. How AM I feeling? Well, that's a question I just don't have an answer for. :-) A rush of emotions would be the best I could say. There are bittersweet moments... moving out, picking songs for the father/daughter dance and Jer and I's first dance, planning the intimate parts of the ceremony, realizing this big step we're taking together.... tears of joy, nerves (but not nervous!)..... it's a beautiful mess to be honest. I cry a lot, and I know it's totally okay to. When I think of the joy I feel right now, it makes me cry too :-) Who knows why. Lol!

I'm so in love. But even more than being "in love", I know Jeramy is my best friend, cares about the deepest parts of me, is here to protect me, and is here to stay with me forever. What better blessing than to find a soulmate like him- who loves and adores Jesus, and me.

Yes, I have a lot more to do, and no time to do it. But, is that a big deal in the giant picture? NO way. Sure it might stress me out for 4 seconds on the day of the wedding, but I can't help but continue to think of this event as much deeper. It is spiritual, it is intimate, it is the joining of two hearts and many dreams. It is a moment, created by Jesus Christ, blessed by Him, and ultimately all planned out by HIM. How awesome!

I'm so excited and overwhelmed by the number of out-of-town family coming in town to support Jeramy and I's marriage. I know I'll get very little time with them, which makes me kind of sad, but just to know they'll be there as witnesses, ready to love and support us, is a blessing to my heart. They'll never know how special it makes me feel, and how much it overwhelms me.

To Jeramy:
Baby, our day is so close! We've waited a long time for this, and I know God has an incredible day planned out for next Friday :-) Thank you for loving me, cherishing me, and being by my side constantly in the past 2 years. I wish I could describe to you in words how honored I feel to become your wife. When I say those vows, I will mean them from the deepest part of my heart. I am filled to the rim with joy, excitement, and expectancy of what God is going to do with our future. I know as we continue to submit to Him, and stay in tune with Him, He will lead us on the mountains, and through the valleys, and will give us direction every single step of the way. I love you, more than I've ever love before, and I value who you are- your gifts, your desires, your dreams. I'm here to lift up your arms, and I'll be here until the day Jesus takes me home. Here's to an awesome last week of being engaged..... but man oh man am I so ready to be MARRIED to you. With all of my love and deepest thanks for being the man of my dreams. -Kath

Day 19: Final Countdown is on!

Can you believe it.... less than 3 weeks 'til our day! I'm excited, overwhelmed, and in awe that time flew so fast. Some of the things that are top priority on our "to do" list for this week and next week are:

• Finish painting the condo (just have the master bedroom to go!)
• Marriage License (top priority!)
• Wedding Bands
• Pack KB's stuff to move to condo
• Confirm booking of the rehearsal dinner catering (our FAVE restaurant for a backyard dinner!!)
• KB- get a couple cute dresses for the honeymoon :o) Going Caribbean!!!
• Mock hair appointment
• Mock make-up appointment
• Confirm and print ceremony programs
• Purchase bridesmaid/groomsmen gifts
• Schedule Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties

Next Sunday is my next shower- I'm super excited! My bridesmaid, Stacey, is hosting it at her home. It'll be a sweet time with my close friends and family. ;o) The last shower was amazing! So many friends came out to be part of the exciting celebration, and Jeramy & I were TOTALLY overwhelmed by awesome gifts. We're even more excited about making the condo "our home"... Moving all the gifts TO his house is another story! Hehe.... Lots to transfer to the condo!

Thanks for sharing in the journey. Our NEW journey begins in 19 days..... the journey of our life together!