Precious Memories, How They Linger

The events of the past few weeks have been wonderful...crazy...fun...exhausting...and so much more.

As I sit here reflecting on all the delightful memories that I now have to cherish from the events of recent days gone by, my heart sings with gratefulness to my God! His goodness truly overflows into and throughout every nook and corner of my life.

Memories to Treasure:

The Tickled Pink Shower
~ Shopping for pink fashion show items that I could picture bringing a smile to Tara's face
~ Making huge batches of granola for the guests' goody bags
~ Staying up until 2:30 a.m. with my mom the night before as we put dozens of finishing touches on each detail
~ Watching the heavens open and the rain pour down with intensity right after we had unloaded our multitude of items into the rented facility the morning of :-)
~ Scurrying around with friends ahead of time, setting up tables and decorating as we raced against the clock
~ Delighting in the beauty of a room transformed by pink!
~ Watching Tara enjoy herself throughout the party
~ Reveling in the laughter and sweet fellowship of dear friends
~ Hearing precious, heart-felt tributes shared by guests for the honored bride-to-be


The Maiden's Quest Reunion
~ Receiving dozens of emails from alumni stating their plans to attend and their excitement over the event
~ Sitting on the floor of Hobby Lobby with numerous scrap-booking papers spread along the aisle as I mixed and matched patterns for the Prayer Journal craft
~ Finding the perfect ribbons to match each paper
~ Shopping with a friend at Sam's Club for bulk supplies
~ Writing the name tags of each person planning to attend
~ Working alongside my mom and dad as they helped me assemble 200 craft kits (what troopers!)
~ Welcoming our dear friends, the Bridges, into our home for the weekend
~ Setting up and decorating the church in anticipation for a wonderful reunion
~ Praying with Tara, Stephen, and Kelly right before the event
~ Reconnecting with so many precious maidens and mothers as they began to arrive
~ Walking onto the platform and looking out at a sea of familiar, beloved faces
~ Weeping on the back row as a video clip was played reminding me of God's faithfulness
~ The delight of hearing Tara and Stephen's story, song, and exhortations
~ Seeing the fruit of our labors as prayer journals were lovingly created by eager hands
~ Nibbling on delicious homemade cookies :-)
~ Hugging old friends and new
~ Hearing the feedback from so many young women grateful for the encouragement they received

Tara and Stephen's Tropical Spa Shower
~ Seeing the beauty of creativity
~ Enjoying yummy food prepared by others :-)
~ Writing a song about the happy couple
~ Watching them enjoy their food at the special table-for-two
~ Listening to wise exhortations from God's Word
~ Watching the smiles and delight that new gifts for the home can bring
~ Seizing a quick moment for a hug with my beaming friend in the midst of buzzing hub-bub

Hopefully, pictures will soon be available to share with you of these happenings in life, but for now, perhaps these word-snapshots will give you an idea of life in my corner of the world lately.