When we moved to Colorado, Dani was one of the first people I met.
She's been a sweet gift to me all these years. She's loved on my kids and been a part of our small group. She's fun, bold and brave, consistent and steadfast. She's quite hilarious once you get her talking and she loves the Lord with her whole heart.
Being at her wedding this past weekend was a total treat for the Cowboy and I.
I haven't been to a lot of weddings in the the snow. It was stunningly beautiful, whimsical and romantic. We carpooled up in the Cowboy's truck with two of our favorite couples.
And when we walked into the lodge the craziest thing happened. It turns out that Dani's finance's youth pastor was officiating the ceremony alongside our pastor, Sam. And his old youth pastor happens to be my roommate from college, Brooke's, brother-in-law.
I know it kind of sounds like an insignificant connection but this is actually where the story gets super sweet. Eleven years ago on the exact same day, my Joey and I were at Brooke's wedding. And her wedding was only 8 weeks after we had lost our first two boys. On her wedding day the Lord met me in such a tender intimate way. I felt so privileged to celebrate with my friend Brooke and her family, but I remember vividly how empty my arms felt that weekend.
And then Dani's wedding came. Eleven years later to the day. The snow was falling once again on a day of a new covenant being made between another man and woman that I care for very deeply.
When the ceremony was over and I caught up with Brooke's sister in the hallway, it was as if a season in my life had come full circle.
Her and I caught each other up on our lives and then the most glorious God-moment made me giddy like a little school girl.
I pulled up a picture on my phone and showed it to Brooke's sister.
It was a picture of all FIVE of my treasures.
It's mind blowing all that the Lord gives to His children. How He carries our hearts so tenderly and gives us WAY more than we can every think up or imagine. I__LOVE__THAT!!
This week also happens to be the anniversary of when the Cowboy and I started dating. We've been together 17 years. And oh my goodness, talk about being given so much more than I could ever think of or imagine!!!
Weddings often remind me of the privilege I feel being married to my Joey.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. Ephesians 3:20
Happy Wedding Day Dani and Sean! I can hardly wait to sit around the farm table with you, ten years from now, and hear all the stories that only the Lord could have thought up for the two of you.
His love is never cautious, but rather extravagant.
He gave us His everything so that our lives could tell the absolute best stories.
It was a gift of a weekend with so many people that I love.
