My Wedding Day:

This post is and isn’t about my wedding day. I was sitting and talking to Jason yesterday when I got home from church. We were talking about Martha Schmidt. She is this WONDERFUL woman full of wisdom that I adore. I should follow her around with a notebook to write down advice all day long.

Anyway, I got to thinking about my church family and where I would be if they didn’t exist. One word: LOST! They not only exist but they love and accept with their whole heart. They are there when you need them and do beyond what is expected. So many people have offered to help with my wedding and have opened up their lives to me without my having to ask. I wanna take a minute to just thank a few people and try to explain what they mean to me! I don’t think this happens enough!

Pastor Ron: I remember a couple of years ago you said something to me! You might not remember but I do. You said, “Michelle, don’t go low life.” Guess what? I DID. I went low life. I did all the things that you told me not to do and boy did I pay the consequences for that but you know what? When I came to my senses there you were. With open arms and ready to welcome back to the higher ground that I was called to walk on. For that I do not have enough words to express my gratitude.

Beth: I love you. You are such a role model for me. When I think about the two people I would most wanna be like when “I grow up” I think of my mom and you. Thank you for your poise and your honesty!

Rachel, Kristen and Amanda Allen (yes, I put Allen on purpose): You guys are living proof that the preacher’s kids don’t have to rebel against authority! You guys were raised by some good people and it shows!

Wayne and Audrey: When I think about you guys, I see the marriage and relationship that Jason and I strive for. You guys make it seem so easy and I love that you are open to tell us how to get there (even the embarrassing parts). You don’t hide your failures which is something that most don’t share. It shows your heart is real.

The Senz: How did I even get to know you guys? I think probably by accident but it seems like we are family. I LOVE IT. Donna, you girls are amazing and so are you. It is almost like you are transparent with your life.

Dawn Frazier: Wow!! Where did our friendship come from? It started with a wedding huh? Keep that smile on your face girl. I know that life seems so unfair sometimes and it feels like you are NEVER gonna find that prince but he is out there! Make him pursue you the way you deserve.  Your heart is precious…treat it that way!

Jessica Norris Fletcher: You never let me go there! You know that place that I dislike so much; where I wanna complain about people or God. I fall off my pedestal and you put me right back up there. My heart appreciates your heart. Your worship is contagious. The best part is that you don't even know you have this affect on me!

Brittany Willis (Olson): I long to know you. That is funny huh? Have you ever seen anyone you just want to be friends with but don’t know why? You are one of those people. Let’s see where this goes! I can’t wait for the Royal Wedding! Do you need a photographer?

Heather Seyer: Connected! That is what we are! When I am confused to no end and feel like craziness is taking over I just look for you on Facebook and you talk me down  I am so glad that we went through “stuff” together at the same time. I am learning more from you than you can imagine!

Jennifer Harms: When I see you I see a caterpillar. Inching along in life so cute and fuzzy having no idea that one day you will become such an amazing butterfly. Don’t fight the chrysalis. It’s part of growth. I happen to think it’s the ugly part but it is the most important. You have to trust that while you are doing that growing no one around you will harm you! Open up to us. I promise we will only love you! I love you already! You are an impeccable photographer! Live your dream!

Kristen Miller: Weird that you get two sections! Once as an Allen and once as a Miller! It seems like yesterday that we would sit in the office and talk about life. That Jeremiah kid drove me nuts; on again, off again lol. Look at you two now. I know that you might not see it but you guys are an inspiration. Don’t ever think that because you guys are young, you are unable to offer great advice on everything. I LOVE IT…Did I mention that you are the best cake maker in the world?

Jacob Olson: Without you my dreams would be lost!

Becky: No matter what happens you are there. Ups and downs happen but we make it through. We have too. I mean seriously…how would we survive otherwise?

Kim Barnes: There was a time I would rather throw a rock at you than talk to you. Don’t take offense girl…you know what I am talking about. The softness that I have seen your heart take on in the past two years is breath-taking. Keep listening to God. You honestly bless me beyond belief. You being at work with me is a life-saver! God has prepared you for such a time as this!

Linda Olson: I am drawn to you and am not sure why but I will figure it out 

I know that I know I am forgetting someone for something so expect me to add to this all the time. I just want you all to know how much I love and appreciate you. Without you guys, I honestly would be lost. I am glad that I am realizing how much I love people. It is good for the heart!