Counting Down

As the countdown continues, every day draws closer and closer to our wedding day. Through this season of 2011, SO much has transformed and gone on both for Ben and myself individually and corporately.

Jobs, ministry, family, health, you name it.  Through all of the change, it is so amazing to truly be able to testify that Jesus has remained the same yesterday, today, and will be tomorrow. The true Rock and Foundation that we stand upon.  Watching Ben and John become business leaders as they transition into ownership roles of American Carpet Care. They have stepped into the light and have been working so hard to both provide to their future families.  I am so proud of them both! As the Scalzo house gets ready for sale, PapaScalz heads south to start a new chapter with his wife Tina, Nicky is close by in Green Brook with Noelle and Alex, it is awesome to see how they stick carry such a strong bond as a family unit. You really just don't see that type of closeness very often anymore. It is truly wonderful to be a part of and I admire them for it as they welcome new people into the family as well.

On another note of changes, Ben faced many fears dealing with doctor appointments, etc. but still to find no answers about this questionable pain on his side.  It has been a huge lesson in vulnerabilty, growth, and trust.

In terms of the wedding coming, Ben continues to blow me away. His hearts continues to grow softer more and more, which is so amazing to see this in Jesus.  He is so supportive, loving, gentle, and kind. Not only to me, but to mostly everyone he comes into contact with.  He has such a genuine passion to get to know other people. It is a blessing to see so much of Jesus in our relationship as we have our ups and downs, but through it all, everything is a lesson, an experience, and an honor to be a part of. Bringing two people together as one, is so powerful and also refining to our flesh. Ben once said, " The closer we grow, the more selfish I realize that I am." Which is so true! As we draw nearer even to Jesus our weaknesses are exposed, and His greatness is truly revealed in that!

Even though there will be a few tears for those we will miss on our wedding day; especially Donna, Beth, and my Daddy Rich, we know that that are celebrating with us is Heaven. Singing over us, as we beging this next step together.  I have been in a strong season of healing and sometimes struggled with my grief because of the void I know I can't help but feel to want my own father to be with me there on my wedding day.  It breaks my heart, but at the same time I trust in God's ways, especially when it comes to my Dad, because only He knows the truth.  And that is where I am filled with peace.  So even though our wedding day may be missing a few things, it is filled with a Love that is only of God. A Love that will with no doubt in my mind, knock the socks off of people. And what a joy to be a part of that!

My family DID NOT expect for me to be the first one down the aisle, but I thought I would give Mel a break from always having to do everything first. Breaking everyone in a little bit! 

As I continue on in this season in this sizzlin summer, I am drawn to His voice and pureness.  I don't think we are ever fully ready for anything that comes our way, and that is why all of the Glory goes to God!!! 

I have to say that I am beyond excited to see what is in store for Ben and I (and Bubba too) in this short time we have here together, to share Jesus!
I asked Ben, "Are you sure there is no other woman in the whole world you are meant to marry?" And He said, "If I married anyone else, than I wouldn't be marrying the one that I was made for."