Last summer when I heard there was a group in our church that needed a bible study leader, my heart immediately said yes. I remember college and my 20s. I needed Jesus and I needed people who'd already been walking with Him to walk with me. We started meeting at a coffee shop in June of 2013.At that time I honestly had no idea how much I'd love these "kids" God has allowed me to get to know and I've been amazed at how much I've learned from them and at how much they make me laugh. I call them "mine" and I only share them with one of my sweetest friends, Deborah. We love these crazy kids almost as much as our own.
Last weekend was whirlwind of a story, but I'll tell you that it really started long ago. I loved getting to be a part of it but God had been orchestrating it all along. Curtis and Victoria have been dating for 7 years, engaged for 1. Curtis had mentioned several times that he was ready to get married and Victoria was so close! After a one-day marriage conference at our church last Saturday, he mentioned it again. Brad and I decided to have them and a few of the other college/20s kids
over for dinner one night, just to hear their hearts. We ate pizza. They looked at our old dating and wedding pictures, watched American Idol, and just hung out.
I don't think I was at the table when the conversation began but Brad, who is doing a marriage sermon series this month, probably offered to marry them right then and there. All I know is there was much excitement and we were all drawn to it! I thought of my wedding dress that Victoria had just complimented as "classic and timeless", so I asked if she wanted to see it. It had been moved all over the country in a very classy garbage sack and it smelled like 17 year old dust, but I remembered that at one time I did think of selling it. God had very clearly directed me at that time to give it away, but I never understood to whom and had forgotten about that, until just then. She tried it on. IT FIT. She stood in front of my mirror and cried. It was a moment I hope to never forget.
- Wouldn't it be great if we, as the Bride of Christ could stand in front of a mirror, crying at the beauty of how He made us and loves us and is coming for us soon?? Just a thought…
Back to the story. As that Thursday night rolled on, questions came and then answers. Would Victoria's dad, who works often away on business, be in town? YES. Would Victoria's mom be okay with this short notice? YES. Would it be okay to get a marriage license on Monday after the wedding? Why not? Then….Could we get the dress cleaned by Sunday? Well when Victoria gave the go, (10:30pm Thursday) I sent a text to staff wives and friends I knew would help and give advice.
I got the name of a cleaner that specialized in wedding dresses from one amazing friend and called them on my way there at 8am Friday morning. I had Grace and even her friend Mandy in the car and we prayed out loud for a miracle on Colleyville Boulevard! I pulled that wadded-up dress out of the trunk and was out of that place with a receipt that said I could pick it up at 4pm THAT DAY!! What great love our God has for us, even caring for us in the littlest details! Tux, check. Flowers, check. Bridesmaids, hair, dresses, check. Groomsmen, rings, music, check. All of us got to see our God bless and surprise that weekend!!
It was a beautiful day.
