i said 'I DO' and he did, too

Byron and I could not be happier about our wedding day.  The ceremony was everything we’d hoped it would be.

I tried my best to get a good night’s rest and sleep until my alarm on Saturday morning, but instead I found myself wide-awake at 6:30.  After rolling around for half an hour, I grabbed my Bible and some shoes and headed outside for some time with the Lord as the sun lifted into the sky.

We took some photos at Stone Mountain before heading to the church.

By 8 am the day was already in full swing with breakfast, showers, make-up, and hair.  As soon as we’d finished our coffee, we began celebrating with mimosas. Before we knew it we were putting on our dresses and taking photos with the photographer. After photos we were off to the church for a quick lunch, more photos, and then . . . the ceremony!

My bridesmaids are awesome.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails.

1 Corinthians 13:7-8

Waiting on the ceremony!

Byron and I were married in the sanctuary of the church I grew up attending: Mountain Park United Methodist Church.  The notes of the organ spread through the church halls.  Instead of waiting patiently in the Bridal room, I snuck to the side doors of the sanctuary to peek through the cracks as the final guests were seated and the bridal party walked down the aisle.

When the doors opened and I saw Byron, I used all the strength in me not to cry.  Overcome with joy at the sight of him, I walked the aisle faster than I’d practiced.  My eyes were secured on Byron’s and I could not stop smiling.

I found the one my heart loves

Song of Solomon 3:4

Byron’s grandfather led a flawless ceremony, reading scriptures from 1 Corinthians 13 and Ephesians 5.  Byron and I also had Communion for the first time as a married couple and lit a unity candle.  The ceremony ended with the exchange of rings and a big kiss.  It was perfect.   

Answered Prayers at the Rehearsal Dinner

The week before the wedding was somewhat stressful.  It would have been 100 times worse had my mom not been so helpful.  Mid-week Stephen was informed that he would not be released for the weekend.  How could I get married without my brother there? Infuriated and upset, I cried for the rest of the week.  In between sobs I prayed.  I asked God for understanding and faith that He is in control.  I prayed for Him to make a way for Stephen to be at the wedding.  I told God I was mad and upset: that I didn’t understand.  I prayed for Him to speak to the heart of the person in charge.  He is All Powerful and for the first time in my life I asked for Him to do something for me requiring His power.  By Friday, though, I’d accepted Stephen wouldn’t be there and we made arrangements to Skype the ceremony so he could watch it. 

We started off the weekend with the rehearsal dinner on Friday night at Parker’s on Ponce.  The food was delectable and I was thrilled to spend our last un-wed evening with our closest friends and family.  In the midst of dinner, Stephen sent a text message saying he’d been released for the weekend and was on his was home.  Tears immediately burst from my eyes in joy and I thanked God without hesitation.  Stephen wouldn’t have been able to come home without the Lord working in hearts and changing decisions.  I know that for a fact.  There is no other way he made it to the wedding.

Listening to my sweet Grandfather's toast.

Rehearsing. . .

It’s crazy how God works.  He is always in control, presents Himself to hardened hearts, listens to prayers, and does the unfathomable.  We have a great God.  I entered the wedding weekend with a heart of greatest thanks and in awe of our powerful, loving Creator.  What a way to begin our wedding weekend.   

He is the one you praise; 

he is your God who performed for you those great 

and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes.

Deuteronomy 10:21

Surprise Honeymoon!

I can't believe my wedding is in 2 days. I never ever want to plan another one! Good thing I won't have to! Growing up, I didn't think about my 'dream wedding' or what my perfect dress would be. Quite honestly, I'd never even looked at rings until Byron and I went [and I immediately learned his opinions about what I should wear were stronger than my own -- which is why he chose it . . . and I could not be happier with my ring!!]. Needless to say, wedding planning has been quite a bear considering I had no clue what I wanted! Instead of dreaming about my wedding, like most girls, I thought about the honeymoon! Unfortunately, though, in the midst of all the wedding planning it's difficult to get excited about planning a honeymoon, too. My sweet hubby-to-be quickly realized this and took the reigns.

Byron has planned the entire honeymoon for us . . . and he'd kept it a secret! [He's been practicing some serious will power because he doesn't usually keep secrets well!] Unfortunately, my soon-to-be father-in-law wasn't aware it was a secret, and spilled the beans on Sunday!! Although I do know where we'll be going, I know nothing more than that, so it really still is a surprise! I know not the city, where we're staying, what we'll be eating, or how we'll spend our days. I'm impressed with Byron's decision and proud of him for not telling me!

The items on my packing list and knowing that I'll need a passport gave clues to our unknown destination; my guess was that we're going to an island somewhere in the Caribbean, which hardly narrows down the possibility of places. I have complete faith in Byron and I know that it is going to be fantastic. Iam thrilled to see how he's planned for us to spend our first week as 'Mr. and Mrs. Livermore' . . . in ARUBA!!

Wedding Week!

I can't believe I'm getting married on Saturday!!!  AHHHH!!!!  It's crazy to think that it's almost here.  This week has been crazy.  There has been so much going on, even without the wedding!

My wedding week began on Sunday [Mother's Day] by celebrating my mom with a nice big breakfast and dinner with my soon-to-be mother-in-law, doubling as an early birthday dinner for Byron!  [Eating good food is always a nice way to celebrate anything.]  My Mom sweet Bridget even gave me a Mother's Day card!!  I could not ask for a more wonderful mom.  She's beautiful inside and out, more selfless than I will ever be, loves with her whole heart, understanding, supportive, and the perfect example of what God created mothers to be.  I hope one day I can be half the mother she's been to my brothers and me.

I have the best Mom in the world.

Her children arise and call her blessed; 

her husband also, and he praises her: 

"Many women do noble things, 

but you surpass them all."

Proverbs 31: 28-29

On Monday my mom and I went and got massages!  Neither of us had ever gotten a massage before; we loved it.  My mom isn't working this week, so she's running around like with a notebook of to-do's to get everything ready for the wedding.  I'd be a mess without her and words cannot express my gratitude for her help with everything.  She'll need another massage before the week's over.

Tuesday was a somewhat relaxing day.  While at school I was also informed that a few of my students EXCEEDED on the Math portion of the CRCT!  Whoop!  I could not be more excited and proud of their hard work.

After school on Wednesday, the teachers at my school threw a wedding shower for me.  I am so thankful and truly blessed to work with such generous and thoughtful teachers and staff.  This year has been wonderful and I am so glad I've been able to be part of a school as great as Knight.   My mom, Byron's mom, and Leanne [she'll become my sister-in-law on Saturday!] got our nails done after the shower . . . I never pamper myself so much in one week -- it's kind of exhausting!

Today is the day of catch-up.  We're working on everything that hasn't been accomplished yet.  And packing.  Oh, the packing!  I've made my decisions on what I''ll be taking with me [based on Byron's packing list for me] so I'm throwing it in the suitcase tonight!

The rehearsal dinner is tomorrow and I'll be spending the evening with my girls, before waking on Saturday to get married!!  I can't believe the day is finally almost here!

stuff.

I've realized I have wayyyy too much stuff.  Most Americans [in my opinion] live a life of excess, including myself.  I mean, how many t-shirts do I really need?  And am I ever going to use all 20 bottles of Bath and Body Works lotion, shower gel, and body mist sitting under my bathroom sink? [No, I'm not.]  After taking multiple boxes of clothing, shoes, and random items to Goodwill, I've decided that I really need to think about my purchases: their versatility, usefulness, and necessity.  Is what I'm buying even practical?  Things don't bring happiness, healing, or salvation.  After all, I can't leave this world with anything, anyway.

We brought nothing into this world, and we can take nothing out of it.

1 Timothy 6:7

I feel like I'm always looking for the next thing to buy.  I am a frugal person [I only purchase things on sale or with coupons], but all this stuff, even at a good price, is not always justifiable.  I am blessed to have a closet full of clothes, shelves stacked with books and DVDs, and cabinets stocked with foods.  Blessed more than I deserve. A lot of Americans are.  I need to make sure, though, that I don't seek these things more than I seek the One who created them; that I don't praise the blessing more than I praise the blesser.

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise...

Psalm 48:1

As I pack up items for Byron's and my apartment, I'm constantly coming across sweet little notes he'd written me in the past, filled with Bible verses and words of encouragement.  He's the best and I love finding little surprises [for the second time]!

Not much better than finding sweet little love notes.

It's intersting how I feel convicted about my actions and habits at times when I wasn't even really aware of them.  I'm enjoying cleaning out the things I don't need [and I am not a pack rat] -- it's freeing in a way to decide to get rid of something simply by choice.  The Lord's blessed me in more ways than I can count; I have more shoes in my closet right now than some people will have in a lifetime.  I don't think God wants me to feel guilty, but just to remember than I've been blessed so I can be a blessing to others . . . not to live a self-centered life filled with a bunch of junk.

what's on your iPod?

When asked if I like a specific band,  my honest answer most often is, "I don't know... Maybe."  I am musically retarded.  I cannot tell you which bands and singers I enjoy listening to, or who plays what song. [Trying to gather music for the wedding reception has been a challenge to say the least!]  That being said, I do know what I don't like.  I hate not being able to understand what's being said; lyrics that are crass, disturbing, or trashy; or screaming music.  I don't want the tunes on my iPod to put me in a bad mood or depress me.  I don't want them to make me feel like I should bang my head against a wall.  Isn't it funny, though, that music can make you want to do those things?

The sermon at church on Sunday was about the Psalms.  Each chapter of the book was written as a song and they are crafted in musical arrangements.  It's interesting, because each chapter is so different; chapters about praising and worshipping the Lord, ones about asking for help, safety, and guidance.  Others pleading for forgiveness.  All of them directly speaking into your heart in a way that can completely comfort, humble, or make you fall on your knees in praise.  They're powerful.  And we're expected to read, speak, and sing them.  

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.  

Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.

Ephesians 5:19

Music [all music, not just 'church' music] evokes emotions.  It digs into the core.  It can give peace during a struggle, energize before a sports event, or aid in relaxation after a long day at work.  Music is not only words and a beat.  It feeds your soul and encourages your spirit.  It has an impact.  

The sermon made me think: What am I feeding my spirit and what is it going to regurgitate as a result?  I don't have an answer yet, but I'm thinking that I want to make sure that I am honoring and glorifying the Lord, even with the songs blaring through my speakers.  [And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17]  

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.  

Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

Psalm 100:1

Just some food for thought.

mustaches & trampolines

Cinco de mayo: a holiday I don't care too much about celebrating.  I live in 'Merica, therefore I celebrate the 4th of July.  This year, however, I did participate [minimally] in Cinco by climbing out of bed before the sun came up to meet up with Karie and Lindsay for a 5k in Buckhead.  We had an excellent time - I really enjoyed celebrating Cinco de Mayo with a run.  It was ferociously hot, but I'm happy with my time!  Unfortunately, I acquired some sweet tan lines that even an afternoon at the pool couldn't erase.  Great, it's two weeks before the wedding and I have tan lines outlining a sports bra! 'Tis life.

Before - mustaches ready to dash.

It's amazing what spandex, a nasty wig
and a gross mustache will do to you.

After - nice & sweaty.

Did anyone see the moon on Saturday night?!  Crazy.
Not the best photo I've taken, but it's still cool. 

Byron drove into town yesterday morning and we headed straight to church.  Since Byron's birthday is on the Wednesday before our wedding [in 12 days!!!!!!!!] I surprised him by celebrating early.  We went to Skyzone; it's an indoor trampoline park.  This morning my elbows are raw, but it was awesome!  Then we went to TBM for dinner and the beer tasting [of course].

Love him.

Present time!!!

Opening the gift Karie painted him at my bachelorette
party last weekend.... 

His comments about the plate:
This made me blush, and I don't blush.
...A whole new meaning to licking the plate clean....

SKYZONE : so much fun.

He likes to flip a lot.

I don't, haha.

I will only see Byron 2 more times before all of the wedding festivities begin on the 18th . . . I can't believe we get married in 12 days!!

the blessing of friendship

I anticipated to write a few days ago, but it's been a crazy week . . . so here I sit on my Friday night, sipping on a glass of Moscato, to re-cap my weekend.  We'll see how this goes.

Last weekend I celebrated my upcoming wedding and marriage with a bridal luncheon and my bachelorette party!  Woo!  It was a busy weekend, pretty crazy, but SO . MUCH . FUN.

Saturday began by luncheoning [yes, I just made that a verb!] with my gorgeous bridesmaids and flower girl.  The food was delicious and the company was even better!

A friend is always a friend.
Proverbs 17:17 [CEV]

Afterwards, we headed into Atlanta to paint pottery [which was much more entertaining than I'd thought it would be - I had a blast and will do it again!].  We headed to Shout for dinner [mmmm!] and then out for a night of dancing.  Nothing too crazy, no naked bodies [thankfully!], and lots of laughs and white girl dance moves: perfect.

Mer,  me, Ashley, Lindsay, Karie, Danielle, Kaylee, & Jenny
before my Bachelorette!

God has blessed me with incredible girls women in my life.  I could not ask for better friends.  My 'old' friends from middle and high school and my 'new' friends from college are incredible: beautiful inside and out, supportive, encouraging, dependable, caring, genuine, and fun!  Spending my Saturday with most [a few could not make it] of my favorite girls in the world was perfect.

A true friend is closer than your own family.

Proverbs 18:24 [CEV]