The Peace that Comes from Christ

“When you feel yourself to be in critical condition, you must treat yourself as gently as you would a sick friend.”  ~Julia Cameron

I appreciate that advice - the reminder to be kind to yourself.  I am still getting over a persistent cough/cold and feeling physically and mentally drained.  I'm missing the happy endorphins I was getting from my regular exercise, but I cannot do anything strenuous at the moment with my wheezy lungs.  I have taken it verrry easy today, which was nice physically but not great emotionally.  (I also watched Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, which always makes me cry.  I think it was cathartic, though.)  I'm hoping to start fresh and catch up on the workouts I've missed through this coming week.

Yesterday was full and wonderful in many ways, but it was also a lot of hard work.  My parents hosted the wedding of Rick and Connie at their house!  The day was filled with wedding prep and decorating, the wedding itself starting at 6:00pm, followed by the reception and then lots of cleanup.

My favorite niece, Kyndal Faith, sat by me during the wedding... she lost her first tooth yesterday, which was big news!!  (The top pic is her showing me her glitter eyeshadow.) ❤

Kyndal and her Mom, aka the tooth fairy! =)

Halfway through the ceremony, I looked over at the Miss K, and I was struck by her beauty: so pure and innocent and precious and full of radiant life and energy!  I decided to sneak a picture of her... then she quickly looked over at me and smiled. ❤ Both of these pictures (taken from the same Live Photo) will be eternal favorites for me.  I just love her!

A few shots from the wedding... Rach made the chalkboard sign. ❤

And Bill Wallace randomly took credit for the wedding cake. :)

"Oh, this cake is amazing."

Bill:  "I actually made that - I don't like to talk about it." lolol

These guys are the best!  ...I had dinner with Mom and Dad and Bill and Jill at Ted's on Friday night, where we talked about wedding stuff (Jill was their photographer)... and about the 2020 Alaska cruise, which I have now officially booked, so my Aunt Charlene and I will be joining the Lemieux's for that trip! Super excited for that!! =)

Here's a slideshow that covers everything from wedding prep to cleanup!  Pastor Sam from MWC LifeChurch led the ceremony, and Rick and Connie both made heartfelt speeches during the reception.

Some days are rich and full of family and friends and celebrating big moments!  Others are quiet and full of rest and recovery, tears and soul searching.  I've felt both extremes this weekend, and God is there in both.

I can easily find joy in so many small things in life, but I am seeking the unshakable, secure sense of God-given peace and joy.  I know that nothing can separate us from God's love, and I am praying to understand the value of that promise... to feel it more deeply and personally... to trust His heart and hold on to eternal hope during Ecclesiastes-style seasons of meaningless pain and (promised) earthly trouble.  My need to understand and make sense of everything does not lead to peace, so I need to have faith and "let the peace that comes from Christ rule in my heart" (Col. 3:15).  I'm working on it, taking life one day at a time... I am a work in progress, and that is okay! ❤