Table Decoration Idea

I think I'm for sure leaning towards this table decoration idea. What do you think?

We are also going to be using hay bails for decoration, and I was thinking about buying yellow or some other kind of colored burlap to lay on top of those too.

My Dress!!

I bought my dress at JCrew.com TODAY... it should be here within 4-7 days. I'm soooo excited about it!

Flowers

I have decided the flowers I want.. and I am also looking into a mustard yellow type of bridesmaid dress like this girl has on.

Abide with Me

I just realized that after listening to the Indelible Grace version of Abide with Me, I decided it was perfect for when I walk down the isle. It is amazing... I just makde a wedding plan, and I am excited about it!

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

Not a brief glance I beg, a passing word;
But as Thou dwell’st with Thy disciples, Lord,
Familiar, condescending, patient, free.
Come not to sojourn, but abide with me.

Come not in terrors, as the King of kings,
But kind and good, with healing in Thy wings,
Tears for all woes, a heart for every plea—
Come, Friend of sinners, and thus bide with me.

Thou on my head in early youth didst smile;
And, though rebellious and perverse meanwhile,
Thou hast not left me, oft as I left Thee,
On to the close, O Lord, abide with me.

I need Thy presence every passing hour.
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

My Wedding...

So.. I was just inspired to have this type of arbor made for my wedding which will be out on Josh's family's farm.

I just LOVE it. What do you think?

A Good Read

It took me a while, but I finally finished a book for the first time in a few years. It is not that I do not enjoy reading... I just always have something else that seems more important (aka... I'm lazy). 

BUT... this book was amazing. I'm still pondering it a month after I finished it. Wendell Berry has written several novels about characters who live in Port William, KY. This particular book is about Hannah Coulter's entire life from her perspective.

I really connected with her story because my grandparents and great grandparents lived a similar lifestyle--life out in the country on a family owned farm. It was all they knew, and it was all Hannah Coulter knew. There were so many ups and downs in her life. I was crying during her sad times, furious during her hard times, and rejoicing during her better times. It was so real to me, and it taught me so much about life, change, love, and family. 

Her story really taught me about true love though. Her first husband of three years died during the war, and after a few years of moving on, she spent the rest of her life with Tom Coulter. She went through everything true love entails--pain, suffering, loss, trust, happiness, comfort, companionship, etc. It was so enlightening to me. Who knew Hannah's story would be such a wonderful learning experience for me? 

During my next break, I will be reading another one of Wendell Berry's books, and I would encourage any one who reads this to pick up Hannah Coulter someday. You will not be let down. 

Family Time

Aren't they just the cutest things ever?