T-Minus 10 Days

 

 T-Minus 10 Days Until “I Do”… Again

T-minus ten days until Dallas and I celebrate our wedding day! Though we are already legally married, there’s something truly beautiful about gathering with loved ones to celebrate the covenant God has written for us.

Our small wedding back in February was simple, sacred, and perfect — just us and our children. There was something so pure about standing before God in that moment, committing our lives to one another. It was holy and real — the kind of quiet beauty that only He can orchestrate.

But now, as we prepare for our larger celebration, my heart can’t help but swell with excitement. I have a gown that makes me feel like a bride all over again and nine incredible women — plus two sweet junior bridesmaids — standing beside me. Each one represents a piece of my story, my heart, and God’s grace in my life.

The Heart Behind My Bridesmaids

Christina — You’ve been my best friend since third grade and my sister ever since. You’ve been my calm in every storm, my voice of reason, and my safe place. Doing life without you would honestly be terrible. I love you beyond words.

Velma & Alexis — You entered my life when things felt upside down. When my parents moved us from sunny SoCal to little Marana (population 4,213 — yes, I Googled it 😄), I was angry and heartbroken to leave Christina. But God knew I needed you two. You loved me through my teenage attitude and helped me find joy in a place I didn’t want to be. 

Annie — We met in 2003 when you were my pharmacy tech instructor, but God had a bigger plan than a classroom friendship. You quickly became like a sister, and all these years later, you are family. I’m so thankful for your love, loyalty, and laughter through every season.

Leighanne & Kylie — My sisters-in-love (I’m dropping the “in-law” part because you’re simply my sisters). From the day we met, you welcomed me with open arms and so much love. No judgment — just acceptance. I treasure the bond we’ve built and can’t wait to keep making memories together.

Andrea — My “newest” friend of eight years — but it feels like I’ve known you forever. Thank you for loving me, listening to me, and standing by me through life’s ups and downs. We may not share decades of history, but we share something just as special: the kind of friendship that feels like home.

Giuliana & Paisley — My beautiful junior bridesmaids — my favorite 12- and 13-year-olds! You both bring laughter and joy everywhere you go. I can’t wait to see your sweet faces all dressed up — you’ll steal the show, I’m sure!


Emberleigh — My sweet niece and our beautiful flower girl. You are absolutely adorable, and it’s been such a joy to watch you grow from a tiny toddler into an active, lovely young lady. You’re the baby of our huge family, and you hold such a special place in all our hearts. Thank you, Emmy, for being part of Uncle D and Auntie’s big day — you’re going to look so beautiful all dressed up

Savannah & Breanna — My maid of honors. My daughters. My heart. You two are my world. Thank you for loving me through everything, for standing by me, and for simply being who you are — strong, beautiful, compassionate young women. I’m so proud of you both.


 God’s Perfect Design

Planning this wedding has been full of emotions — joy, stress, laughter, tears — but as the day gets closer, I feel such peace. The little details don’t matter nearly as much as the presence of God does.

This day belongs to Him. It’s not just our wedding; it’s His celebration.

Marriage is a holy covenant — something God designed to reflect His love and faithfulness. Though I didn’t fully understand this until a couple of years ago, I now see the beauty in His design.

We weren’t created to walk alone. We were made for companionship, for love, for partnership that mirrors God’s heart.

“Then the Lord God said,
 ‘It is not good for the man to be alone.
 I will make a helper corresponding to him.’”
 — Genesis 2:18

As a wife, I’m learning what it means to be a true ezer (helper) — not out of weakness, but out of divine purpose. God made marriage to unite two hearts under His authority, so that His love might shine through us.

Dallas and I may not have a perfect story, but we serve a perfect God who writes beautiful ones. I take such comfort in knowing that our marriage belongs to Him — He’s the center, the foundation, and the author.

So, here’s to the countdown — to love, laughter, family, and faith.
 Here’s to God’s perfect plan unfolding, one day at a time.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Beautifully Broken

I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior about a year and a half ago—truly the best decision I’ve ever made. But I quickly learned that following Jesus doesn’t make life magically easier. After 42 years of living in a world full of shiny distractions—money, success, clothes, cars, and the “it’s your life, do what you want” mindset—I began to see how empty it all really was. Everything the world offered me was a lie. I also have a past, and it loves to show up at the worst times. People say “the past is the past,” but when others keep reminding you of who you used to be, it doesn’t always feel that way. Sometimes I ask myself, Am I a fraud? I write about Jesus, yet the enemy whispers, “Look at your life, Jane. Look at your marriage.” As I write this, I’m sitting in a dimly lit room with Lauren Daigle playing softly, trying to calm my heart. Dallas and I have been married only 10 months, and the spiritual attacks have been intense. The fighting has gotten worse, not better, and at first I...
Read more

Offense

       Before we can discuss offense, we must first understand what it really is. Offense is the act of creating resentment and hurt feelings. And here's the hard truth: the closer someone is to you, the greater the impact of their actions when they hurt you. Take a moment to really absorb this: the more someone means to us, the deeper their offense can go. We often get wrapped up in how we're treated and justify our offense based on what was done to us. If you think back to your childhood, chances are, you experienced some trauma. And yes, trauma sucks. I know it well. I’ve spent 43 years of my life trapped in the bait of satan, focusing on being hurt, offended, and angry. And I’ll tell you, that feeling sucks. I didn’t like it—at all.     I attended therapy for about five years, and while it’s helped me, it hasn’t “healed” the deep wounds of the past. Those feelings were always there, lingering. But the real question is: How do you get over the offen...
Read more

Obedience

  It’s been a while since I last posted a blog. To be honest, I don’t always want to write these. Sharing my thoughts here feels vulnerable, and I don’t like opening myself up to criticism or discomfort. But I’ve realized I can’t keep thinking that way. My fear of being uncomfortable has actually been standing in the way of my obedience to God. So, I’m going to do my best to stop dragging my feet and simply do as He asks. For those who know me well, you know I can be a little stubborn. If someone told me to do something, one of two things would usually happen: either I’d listen (which wasn’t often), or I’d go out of my way not to do it—just because they told me to. Yep, that’s me! I haven’t shared my full testimony yet, and one day I will—either by writing it out or recording it. I’m still deciding. My story isn’t one of addiction or prison—it’s one of rebellion. But that’s a post for another day. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been quiet. Watching. Listening. Reflecting—not onl...
Read more