Water Into Wine Version Table #3

To my dismay, and totally at my own fault, I haven't had one day to sit and savor Melissa and Spencer's wedding day.

Today, this week-end and a quiet recuperating week of October 8-12 I hope to remedy that situation.

Then, during Indian summer and winter to follow I will work at blessing the people in my life who blessed me so abundantly during this magical and momentous time.



I will start today.  Even though you weren't seated at Table #3, I thank you Mark.  I could not have done Melissa's wedding without you. {insert winks here for however you want to take this statement} Simply put, you have never left my side.  I consider myself blessed beyond measure for the gift you are to me.  On outward appearances it may look like we've had a pretty easy life, but I know, and you know, and now the whole internet knows that looks can be deceiving.  Everyone has their story to tell and I am thankful mine is being written alongside yours. Let the empty nest fun begin.


Next up, (other participants not at Table #3), mom and dad, you deserve the next spot here. Thank you doesn't not seem like enough--this statement will be a recurring theme. I don't know if you saw the horror in my eyes when M & S first talked of getting married at grandma and grandpa's.  If you did, you never let it show. From the first time I went out to the shed, (while you were still in FL) and began to transform your 60 year old working shed, until the day-after hotel convention, you were on board.  I'm praying about the future of the wedding shed.

Somehow, someway, and someday,
I envision the Story of your life and faith being told and retold to present and future generations. Psalms 89:1put into living reality and with 4-part harmony, of course. Though the years, the tears, and the laughter, you have been there for us, and one of the highlights of my life now will be sharing 9.22.12 with you guys by our side.

I'm still not to Table #3 yet because Ben, Annie, Tony & Jen were seated at the Head table, and rightly so.  You guys may have not had physical hands all over this wedding until late in the game,
and I don't mean to minimize the last minute details cause sound equipment, table decorating, bridal party duties, and forever capturing the still & moving memories are "biggies". But you've been there from day 1 emotionally, spiritually, and mentally with words of encouragement, and sibling support with  quiet understanding of the workings of throwing and mainly enjoying wedding day. Since we sorta bailed out of Michigan right when Melissa moved back there, you guys have been her constant companions and "go-to" family.  And for us, you've helped keep forefront and in priority, that the wedding is not near as important as the marriage. Once again, thank-you doesn't seem like enough but thank you anyway for everything from the moral support, words of encouragement, thank you notes, clear down to decorating the car. I know you'll think totally cheesy here, but I'm gonna say it anyway, you're the wind beneath my-our-their wings.

And that brings me to Table #10. A big big thank-you to Max and Lilly for your total cuteness and genius thinking to hang out with your grandparents until right before family pictures.  Don, Martha, and Pam; I so wanted to party with you guys. I wanted to talk about how we have the cutest grand kids on the block and dance to "we are family".  I wanted to find out how you guys are doing and ask how I can pray for you. But I could feel your support all the way from entertaining an 18-month old at the Super 8 to
jumping up and down behind the photographer to squeeze a smile from Max and Lilly.  We ARE family.

And now we're back to Table #1. From moments in a borrowed condo on MI ave to the craziness that was the day before and the day after; Joy and Ruth you have been nothing but unselfish sisters, best friends, and spiritual mentors to me in this last year. The tasks are too numerous to mention {insert here the brilliant multi-tasking of food, festooning, fun, fantastic, flowers, faith, forgiveness, and wedding dress fashionista's, etc. ect, ect} and who the heck is keeping track anyway!  All I know is that Austin's wife better feel pretty gosh-darn lucky cause we will rock that wedding or, at the least, the rehearsal dinner!  ;-)

Heading up the "Church" table was Jeff and Gayle Kraft. Here is where the statement, "Thank-you doesn't seem like enough" comes into play, big time.  When we hosted our 2007 wedding at the farm, Jen's friend Lindsey pretty much rocked at "day-of" coordinator.  Jeff and Gayle, you were our Lindsey.  Looking back, I think Sept 21-23 was a working week-end for you.  Your attitude's and servant's hearts, made my MOB-at-a-home-wedding duties bearable and much less hectic. You covered all the bases plus your enthusiasm and excitement for the day infused  us all. The "words" you spoke to Mark and I at rehearsal dinner meant the world to us and we won't soon forget them.

Scattered down the  "Wilke Table Row" was Uncle Ron, Aunt Ardy and Ariel. You guys never fail to support our family and for that we will always be grateful.  Thanks for The Window, The Star, The Hair, The Pictures, The Make-up, The Aprons and being our first connection to the Blanchards!

Cousins; thanks for sharing your grandparents farm, witnessing the vows and hitting the dance floor to celebrate with people you didn't even know. We can't wait to see what God has in store for all of you. Just as the plaque in the upstairs hallway silently proclaims,  In all your ways acknowledge Him and he will direct your paths.  We admonish you---This is the way, walk ye in it.

Young Americans (you know who you are)plus the one and only Mary, Bill & Brittany, Uncle Paul and Aunt Teresa, you also know who you are! Thank you for making the effort to get here, and in your case Mary buying the bridesmaid dress. You wore it well, as well.

You guys did your part and absolutely made our evening perfect. Weddings are bittersweet sometimes. It's hard to think we didn't really have time to sit and visit with all of you, but we want you to know, your being there buoyed us.







Barb, Spider, Susie, Donnie, Denise, Dana, and Darcy ---  Let's talk about the people that did not even have a Table #. My Magnificent Seven Servers.  Your excitement over serving at our wedding just blew me away.  This is how we do "family" in Indiana. You give whole new meaning to the phrase "The Farm Team."  Seriously, let's start a non-profit ... I know a perfect place for our first fundraiser.  

Also another big thank you to The Homestead, Blossom Boutique, Dick Clark, Deep End Films and Anthony Barlich Photography. 

Mark, Kate, Mike & Meg.  You were at Table #3 from day one.  And because we had to cut Gracie & Adam from the guest list (our first big wedding regret and faux paus) doesn't mean they do not have an open invitation to the farm, anytime! Gracie, we are located just a few short Indiana miles from Lebanon and Adam, we don't have a course, but you could ride around on the golf cart and practice your swing out by the fields.  Bring Mike & Meg with you, we'll finish our half-started conversations from 9.22.12. We can watch the ceremony video, just so you can see what all the fuss was about, and we could even recreate the dance floor along with the blue moon. 

Kate, you called it. You always told me when Melissa fell she'd fall hard and fast. I love your take on their love story and I'll forever be grateful for the friendship I found in you. Thanks Meg and Melissa. 

I'm most thankful for your support during this year, via our physical and skype hh's and e-mails, but I also will forever cherish you photo cd!!! I'd like to insert here your funny and self-deprecating e-mail about your efforts to make port-a-john signs.  But instead, I'll quote my answer to that e-mail. . .

 

I haven't even seen the signs yet but am delegating a new job to you all.  Your job for the remainder of 
the event week-end is to just be there for us, That is what YOU do best, our BFF's since 3rd grade, our friends and our rocks ... or over the rocks, through good and bad...the ones who mingle and have a great time and stay as long as possible (mainly to keep you away from the Super 8 as long as possible) ...discussing decorating and owning your own businesses with the sisters and politics and guns with my brother John and Mark's brother Paul!      Of course, there'll only be a few of you guys, but would love to get a Mona Shores Picture.  Ben, Jen, Melissa, Mary, Mike & Meg!!!!!!!!!!  And that's because Mary and Meg were always there for Melissa.  Now I'm crying!    So no worries about the bathroom signs.  Your responsibilities go way beyond and you go above and beyond as far as friendships are concerned. Can't wait to see ya'll come walking in the barnyard.

Most photos courtesy of: Kate Wiseman Photography whose tagline is:  "I LOVE A Love Story."

Coming soon: Melissa, her love, & Table #2: 

Water Into Wine Version 1.1

Let’s go with the “Getting Ready” dreams as our theme for this post.  The significance is what moves me to preach today.

Emotions rolled around in my heart like a ship at sea from the moment I woke on wedding day.  I didn’t cry when she slipped into the beautiful dress. I didn’t cry as I spoke words of comfort and peace when she became overwhelmed with the magnitude of the day just before walking down the aisle. I didn’t cry when her dad placed her hand in Spencer's. I didn’t cry as she and her groom spoke their vows and read the words they had lovingly labored over.  (I will post vows after permission) Who could cry as the happy couple came prancing back down the aisle to Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered?  

Sitting real close to the spot where, on another September day long ago, I was tragically burned in a farm accident, and the maid of honor stood to toast her sister, then did the tears flowed unashamed.

A terrible, horrible, accident that did NOT scar me for life.  Oh, there are physical scars and a crooked little finger, there’s my love/hate relationship with sleeveless dresses and make-up.  But there are no emotional scars. No bitterness, no anger, no strife,  In a way, that accident molded and shaped me into the woman God intended me to be. (Not saying He caused it)

As I passed the marriage/wife baton on to one daughter today as I did 5 years ago to the other, the tragedy and it’s ramifications were passed along to them, as well.

I know I’m a little off my  “Getting Ready” theme, but bear with me, I can post as long as I want cuz I’m the mother of the bride for the last time.

So yeah … getting ready. When 2012 rolled onto the calendar we were sure Melissa and Spencer would say, “I do”. 
Somewhere.  

If I coulda done the choosing we’d have rented The Michillinda Lodge just north of Muskegon and had a hometown bash with a simple centerpiece on each table and guests could have actually rented their very own guest room.  If I said it once, I said it a 1000 times, "Melissa I’d like to just pull into the venue driveway. I don’t want to worry about where the forks, knives, salt shakers, and bathrooms came from."

But she can be a little bit stubborn (another trait I’ve passed along) and frugal and sentimental and so they chose grandpa and grandma’s family farm for their wedding venue.

And then the “getting ready” started. Getting ready to marry the bridegroom. Preparing a feast for the bride, bridegroom and their guests. Doing the work necessary to host an intimate dinner party to celebrate the covenant God ordained from the beginning of time.

I can NOT minimize the cloud of witnesses, which came alongside us towards the end of this feat, and they will for sure get their own blog post.
And I definitely will not ignore the hard work Melissa and Spencer put in to making their relationship and marriage start out strong and God honoring. Of course, they will get their own post.

But for now, and then I’ll try to not speak of it again, I (we) gathered every fork, knife, salt shaker, and restroom. Some planted and some watered. Some cleaned out the hayloft and some sewed the aprons. Some hung the lights and some hauled the horse wagon through the poison ivy. Some prayed and some prayed some more. Some helped pick out the dress and some helped pick-up the dress. Some hosted showers and batchelorrette bowling parties. Some babysat and some fixed food. Some shared their chandeliers, gators, chicken coop cardholders and videography equipment. 

We worked hard to prepare, and so sitting right in the middle of the deep end, in what used to be her grandma and grandpa's swimming pool, was the only spot for her and her groom to say their solemn vows.  The shed where I was burned, was the only place sacred enough to host the dinner, dancing, and celebrating. A bride preparing to meet her bridegroom. Through it all, I firmly believe  my "getting ready" dreams are more significant than just hosting a wedding.

From the book of Revelation as written by John the Baptist from his dreams and visions.
Then a voice came from the throne, saying: 
 "Praise our God, all you who serve him 
 and all you who honor him, both small and great! Then I heard what sounded like a great many people, like the noise of flooding water, and like the noise of loud thunder. The people were saying: 
    "Hallelujah! 
  Our Lord God, the Almighty, rules. 
 Let us rejoice and be happy 
 and give God glory, 
 because the wedding of the Lamb has come, 
 and the Lamb's bride has made herself ready. 
  Fine linen, bright and clean, was given to her to wear." 
(The fine linen means the good things done by God's holy people.)
 And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who have been invited to the wedding meal of the Lamb!" And the angel said, "These are the true words of God."
Then I bowed down at the angel's feet to worship him.

One day the Bridegroom (Jesus Christ) will come to meet his bride (believers). There will be a grand celebration and a marriage feast the likes of which no one has ever seen or imagined.

So live this earthly life. Be happy. Fall in love. Believe. Make and keep families. Have faith. Trust. Show grace. Forgive. Be kind. But first and foremost, get ready to meet The Bridegroom.



Now including reception slideshow:

Spencer & Melissa from Julee Ann on Vimeo.

Her Mother and I

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one. Ephesians 5:31 The New Testament.

I'll betcha I can count on one hand the number of nights in my life when I couldn't sleep. Tonight was one of them.  The dreams are always about getting ready for a major event, but never quite getting everything done.  And that is literally how completely general they are.  Every night.  No further details appear.  No Moody gym in a Tri-County High School hallway surrounded by friends from Mona Shores.  Nothing.  Just me preparing for something . . . anything, and waking, only to fall back asleep so the preparations can continue.

The other handful of nights were probably waiting for Melissa to arrive home much later than her reasonable "curfew" allowed.  Technically, she didn't have a curfew. Caller id was in place by then, and when she'd call and say, "we're gonna watch a movie or I'm gonna spend the night here . . ."
we knew she was where she said she was.

Only once, on a cold winter night, when I woke around 4am and noticed her car missing from the driveway, did I wake up the Wiseman's and ask them if, possibly the bug was in their driveway.  It was one of the few times she got grounded. 

When I write my book, there will be a whole chapter on grounding your teen-ager.  It will talk about effective discipline, reaping what you sow, making good choices, consequences, letting them fail and very little about punishment.  We can't always be grounding children, we should be teaching them to fly. 

Melissa would say in 2010, she heard God calling her to Himself and old things passed away and all things became new.  She caught the faith we tried to instill. We would say, you can only teach children about faith and pray they get their own.

And so tomorrow we push her from the nest. Actually, she jumped out in 2005 and has learned most of her lessons through trial and error and the hard way. Another chapter in the book will be on children being under their parents covering, letting them make mistakes so lessons can be learned . . . sigh. Tomorrow she and Spencer start building their own nest. A covenant with and ordained by God since time began. 


She was never one for dressin' up and worrying about what she saw in the mirror.  One of our worst moments as mother and daughter was in a department store dressing room. But one of our best will be when we catch eyes as she walks down the aisle, on her dad's arm, to meet the love of her life, in her beautiful dress.

Melissa always said she wanted to get married in a hoodie, jeans, and barefoot. 

Two outta three, ain't bad, Tootse.

Because We're Goin' To The Chapel

I should not even be here today.  Here, as in blogger, not life itself.  But I feel the "before" pictures deserve their space in time, as well, so here are just a few.

And then a couple of engagement ones.  Never have I seen"straight out of camera" shots the likes of which the talented and creative Jennifer Grace captures.

The countdown is on ... I'll be back here when we have a 10-day forecast!  I've ordered the perfect autumn day, so I'm sure we'll be fine.

Hold on little flowers, hold on!

Grandpa Frey, Tony, and Max getting a ride in the John Deere.

Oh, and one more thing... I have the best parents, family, and friends in the whole wide world, and I absolutely can NOT wait to celebrate with you all.

Love ya like a sister,

Juls

Spa Day

I rarely get to the spa.

I'm serious. Oh, I paint my nails for special occasions like giving birth and weddings, so let's count 'em; 6, soon to be 7 ... and for a space in time,  I took advantage of Aetna's "massage" clause.

There's something so soothing about seeing (if you can) your toes painted when the first pangs of childbirth arrive. Standing at the alter with a handsome groom holding your manicured hand is a pretty special feeling, as well.  But even moreso, sitting in the front pew while the same groom holds your hand at the wedding of the children you painted your nails for the night before they appeared, feels good on a whole other level.

With my insurance card in tow, I'd clear a calendar day in the chaos of raising the kids I'd painted my toes to birth, and head to the massage parlor   chiropractor's office.  I begrudged the drive home, wanting to stay put and relax in the calming music and muscle mode these trips afforded.

Yes, the spa will do a tired body good, but one can't really enjoy the effects of spa day, unless one goes to the spa.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

How can the mundane wear me out?  I don't have to wait up for a wayward teenager, but my thought pattern is tired and grouchy. I'm not facing death or divorce and yet my attitude aches. I'm relatively healthy and my outlook is selfish.

Today I will rest in Him.  I will not worry about the petty. I will not trouble my heart over material things.  I will throw my cares at His feet and drink from the living water. I must get to the spa and lean into the only One who can bring true rest.

God is calling each of us to choose His rest and to cultivate it in all that we do.  He wants the stories of our lives to reflect His presence, which means that they will also reflect His rest. ~ Beni Johnson from "Spiritual Java"

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. 
John 14:27

My "to do" list is a mile long but today I rest. I don't know what you're going through, but I do know a day at the spa can do wonders for restless and weary souls.

Meet me there?

Dear Max and Lilly,

I wonder what your first memory will be.

I'm gonna do my best to make it Sept 22, 2012.

Sometimes I kinda get off track and lose sight of the important stuff.  Especially, six weeks out from your Aunt Lissa's wedding.

There's always something on the list to check off and somehow, someway, there remains the constant drone of seemingly endless tasks being added to the list.

You guys help me remember to breathe.  I watched you play today Max, and your cares were absolutely minimal.  You needed a little corner to push Thomas The Train around in a circle.  Exactly as you tired of Thomas and ran to the window to see a kitty or watch the birds, I received a text picutre of you, Lilly, asleep in your stroller. Another wise and precious reminder to stop and slow down. I did.

Your parents aren't going to like this, but I can't help myself.  Life is so short.  Seriously. Soon you'll be sitting around talking about the past.

Even if it's just a photograph which triggers your conversation, I hope you'll reminisce about the family farm wedding.

"Remember when Aunt Liss and Uncle Spence twirled us around on the dance floor?"

"Remember when our parents hit the dance floor?"

"Remember when grandma and grandpa slow danced?"

"Remember when our great-grandparents two-stepped?"

"Remember when grandma made us take all those pictures and we just wanted to chase kitties?"

"Remember when our parents let us stay up soooo much past our bedtime?"

"What were we wearing?"

"Remember when we could still hear the music, tucked in way upstairs?"

"Remember when ..."

You guys help me remember to live.

And Now, August

quin·tes·sen·tial |  Representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class: "Clint Eastwood is the quintessential tough guy".


I wanted to use the term on facebook this morning this way: Fountain Park is the quintessential Chautauqua, but seeing as there are only two functioning Chautauqua's in the US, I feel it would be better stated: A twilight golf cart ride circling the Fountain Park cottages captures the essence of a small town quintessential summer evening.


After a quick Tri-Kappa cheeseburger, the cottage residents spill out into the lawn and meander over to the tabernacle type auditorium.  Tonight's entertainment was the best of both worlds; local and flown-in talent. Country girl and singer-songwriter boy, belted out Baggage Claim, When God-fearin' Women Get The Blues, Break-a-way, spirited and inspirational self-written anthems, and closed with Sugarland's "Stand-Up" 


And speaking of locals, we have our Magnificent 7 support crew for 9.22.12.  Families helping families!  Sounds like a non-profit just waiting to be started. Thank-you Don, Denise, Barb, Spider, Susie, Dana, and Darcy!  We want you to sit for a spell at the ceremony and we're saving a spot on the dance floor, too.




I know, I know! Need to update about our Soul Sister and Wedding Family Work-weekend!  We've got our non-quintessential  bride, we got the groom and company, and now we have the gift and guest book table.  

All the lonely people crying

It could change if we just get started

Lift the darkness, light a fire

For the silent and the broken hearted

Won't you stand up, stand up, stand up?

Won't you stand up, you girls and boys?

Won't you stand up, stand up, stand up?

Won't you stand up and use your voice?

There's a comfort, there's a healing

High above the pain and sorrow

Change is coming, can you feel it

Calling us into a new tomorrow?

When the walls fall all around you

When your hope has turned to dust

Let the sound of love surround you

Beat like a heart in each of us

Won't you stand up, stand up, stand up?

Won't you stand up, you girls and boys?

Won't you stand up, stand up, stand up?

Won't you stand up and use your voice?

Shalom

I am intrigued by Hebrew words and their meanings. For instance, most would associate 'Shalom' with the word 'Peace' ...and yet Hebrew words convey so much more than one word. They convey feelings intent and emotions.  In the case of Shalom, Strong's concordance adds these words to the meaning: wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety, soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of agitation or discord. 
So shalom is more then just simply peace; it is a complete peace. It is a feeling of contentment, completeness, wholeness, well being and harmony.
Proverbs 18:21 tells us there is life or death in the power of the tongue. So I speak and employ the word "shalom" into your (and my) life today, adding all the wonderful things that shalom means!
BibleGateway lists 249 verses (Old & New Testaments) which mention peace. Here are 7 ... read them with a fresh understanding of what it really means to be at peace.


You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you: because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9
My peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33
The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 15:13
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 1 Cor 13:11
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philipians 4:7




Today I pause, 

Pause to speak over you the peace that only God can give

Pause to listen to the singing of the cicadas and the passing of summer 

Pause to pray covering and blessing over young people preparing to follow God in marriage

Pause to ponder the love and happiness two little grandchildren bring into my life

Pause to contemplate what's important and what is not, in life's daily plans and decisions

Pause to share shalom with you

Born To Mom

The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once ~ Albert Einstein

On 7.1.79 my life changed forever, as I became a mom for the first time.  Once again, on 7.1.03, my timeline states, 'began writing'.  


Of course, I'll always remain a mom, but as I sit and contemplate my life this morning, 7.1.12, I realize just how drastically my job descriptions have changed over the years.


The labor pains are long forgotten.  The babies have all been pushed from the nest. The prayers, concerns, hopes, dreams, and joy continue, as the blessings flow.


I wanted to insert here, the letter I wrote to Ben in 2003, but alas, as of June 30 most of my "online" journals have gone to the big mac graveyard in the sky, and I'm not talking about iCloud.


It's just as well, Ben's best work, wasn't even a twinkle in his eyes back then.  Husband and Dad are where you shine, son! Happy birthday and many many more.


Even though 'mobile me' is no longer...they can't touch my scrapbooking.

Go Or Give

I've heard it said, the best way to fight depression, sadness, or the "blues" is to get your mind and thoughts off yourself.

This post and link is meant to do just that.

Before And Africa

It's time.

Linking up today with:

It Is What It Is

Melissa is getting married ... Chelsea is having a baby, and Greta graduates! Having a great time, wish you were here.

We also hosted family camp over memorial day, Melissa and Spencer graduated from their Revolution class, dinner on Reed's lake with the groom's parents, a whole wonderful day with Ben, Annie, & the lovely Lilly, but alas I have no pictures to post. At times, the heart, should be the viewfinder through which I see my life.

~ ~ ~

I'm writing you to

catch you up on places I've been

You held this letter

probably got excited, but there's nothing else inside it

didn't have a camera by my side this time

hopping I would see the world with both my eyes

maybe I will tell you all about it when I'm

in the mood to lose my way with words

Today skies are painted colors of a cowboy's cliche'

And strange how clouds that look like mountains in the sky

are next to mountains anyway

Didn't have a camera by my side this time

Hoping I would see the world with both my eyes

Maybe I will tell you all about it when I'm

in the mood to lose my way

but let me say

You should have seen that sunrise with your own eyes

it brought me back to life

You'll be with me next time I go outside

just no more 3x5's Guess you had to be there

Guess you had to be with me Today I finally overcame

tryin' to fit the world inside a picture frame

Maybe I will tell you all about it when I'm in the mood to

lose my way but let me say

You should have seen that sunrise with your own eyes

it brought me back to life

You'll be with me next time I go outside

no more 3x5's

just no more 3x5's

John Mayer