The Commitment

A few weeks ago, Stephen and I decided to do something we’ve been praying and thinking about for a while.  Our pastor says the top 3 most important decisions a person can make in their life are:

1. To accept Christ into your heart.

2. Who you will marry.

3. Where you will make your church home.

And since both Stephen and I have checked marked numbers 1 and 2, we decided it was time to find a church home.

We have been attending a church for several years.  For me, the church was very similar to the church I grew up in; it felt like home.  Once Stephen’s and my schedule allowed us to attend this church each Sunday, we decided that we would be regular attendees.  But, for years, when people asked where I attended church, I felt like a fraud.  I would answer hesitantly, not sure if I could proclaim that I “went” to a church if I wasn’t an official member.  Obviously, I could, but it didn’t feel official.

With Stephen and I getting married within a year, we realized that we needed a church home.  Somewhere we could pour into others and give our tithes and time.  We wanted to be intentional about it.  Plus, we wanted to be a part of the church where we take our pre-marital counseling.

So, for the past two weeks, we’ve attended membership classes and we signed the official membership agreement!  We’re so excited to have our official church home.  Prayerfully, we will get really involved with the various ministries and truly begin to establish meaningful relationships with the church body.

Wedding Chronicles: The Wedding Dress Part 2

Wedding plans are slowing getting checked off one by one.

Date? CHECK!

Venue? CHECK!

Wedding colors? CHECK!

Bridal party? CHECK!

And wedding dress? CHECK!

My sister and two of my bridesmaid went to a dress show called Brides Against Breast Cancer.  Gently used wedding dresses are donated and sold at a fraction of the original price.  I figured it would be a good chance to hang out with the girls and hopefully find THE dress.  We did have a good time, but I didn’t find THE ONE.  However, I did win a free wedding veil and some other fun wedding prizes, like complimentary wedding bands.

A week later, two of my friends and I went to a cute little consignment shop to continue the search.  At consignment shops, gently used and new dresses from other dress shops are sold at pretty reasonable prices.  I had a good feeling about this shop.  It was so pretty!  The walls were white and sparkly and white dresses lined the walls.  The shop only allows one bride at a time, so I felt so pampered and attended to.  After trying on several dresses, I was stumped.  I hadn’t cried or even sniffled while in any of the dresses, but my mind did keep going back to one of the dresse.  So, I tried it back on and wore it for 20 minutes.  I imagined myself walking down the aisle to my future husband and imagined us dancing away in the night as husband and wife.  I left the shop with that dress.

Instead of dreaming about whether or not I would find the right dress, I now dream of standing in front of my friends and family as Stephen and I commit our lives together and I’m wearing that dress.