Brandy's Wedding

Today my lovely cousin Brandy married the love of her life, PJ. The ceremony was intimate and beautiful, and everything went off without a hitch. I had the honor of serving as a bridesmaid for the wedding. So much fun!!

The weekend began yesterday at a bridal luncheon at The Potpouri House in Tyler. We had an amazing lunch and the opportunity to talk and relax.

These are the girls: Jill, Brandy (the bride), Sarah, Me, Rachel and Lori (matron of honor)


Today, we met for lunch at 1. Brandy was nervous and excited and stressed all at the same time, but she looked amazing. Her dress was gorgeous, and the flowers and decorations were great.

Me and my beautful cousins, Brandy and Jill, just moments before walking down the aisle:


Mr. and Mrs. PJ and Brandy Bailey:


My super cute cousin Cassidy was the flower girl:


Sorry, I didn't get a better picture of the bride and groom with the cake, but look at that cake!!!


And what would a Christen post be without a picture of Eli? haha He was cracking up in this picture. Isn't he adorable?!? He was 7 months 2 days ago.


I had a fantastic time at the wedding and surrounding events. I wish them all the love and happiness that God intends for them. I love you, Brandy and PJ!!

Christen

Emerson's Inspiration

So, it's been pointed out that my blogs are becoming more and more sparse with words, so I'm going to try and make up for that. :)

I heard a quote today that really made me think:

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

It was used in a Christian setting to refer to God, but I really doubt that's what Emerson was talking about since he was one of the foremost thinkers of transcendentalism, which isn't exactly a Christian philosophy. Anyway, I took it to mean the potential-- the talents and thoughts and ideas-- that lie within each one of us that we have yet to tap in to.

I have dreams, big dreams, that I don't know what to do with. I have talents that most of you know nothing about. I have tentitive plans for my life that may, or may not, happen.

I am 22 years old and a senior in college yet have almost zero direction for my life. Sure, I have the fall back plan (which very well may be God's best for my life): becoming a teacher and eventually getting my master's in school counseling. I know I would enjoy this route. I love people and the education system and the responsibilites of school counseling. However, sometimes I sit and wonder if that's really my life's purpose, what I'm going to find fulfilling for the rest of my life.

What else would I do? I'm not sure. My interests/desires include editing, writing, wedding planning, organization, linguistics, literature, computer design, video editing, layout design, etc, etc. I just don't know how any of these could be something more or how they fit together. Then there's the ultimate dream of being a wife and mother, which will all happen in the right timing.

Thankfully, I'm not actually worried about my post-college life. I've trusted the Lord to lead me in the right direction for 22 years, and he has yet to fail me. A very wise man once told me that I would never be out of the will of God as long as I wasn't diliberately trying to step out of it. Well, I'm sure not doing that, so I know it's going to work out as always.

So back to the quote. It made me think about what's inside me, and I couldn't help but wonder how God is weaving these things together to create my future. Isn't it comforting to know we don't have to do this alone? My father up there loves me so very much that he WANTS to bless me, WANTS to see me succeed.

Which leads me to another thought (I told you I was making up for lost words...haha). Tonight I was very humbled before the Lord as I was thinking about how blessed I am. I have an incredible family, an amazing guy in my life, a good job, wonderful friends, and very few worries. (I'm not bragging; I'm getting to the point.) And suddenly this huge fear went through my mind: As soon as I acknowledge all these amazing things, surely the Lord is going to take something away from me. And it hit me, where on earth did I get the idea that the Lord would TAKE something from me? Am I not the one telling people that God desires to bless us?

He does. He blesses me daily. He provides for me. I live the good life. He is directing my steps and masterfully leading me in the right direction. He knows the true, deep down, possibly having never been spoken of, desires of my heart.

So, thank you, Mr. Emerson, for spurring me to once again surrender my life. It's nice not being in control.

Christen

Summer Highlight

Good week.

Wednesday I got to pick Scott up from the Greyhound station in Dallas. He's in town to work the first part of the Mavs' final series (which is 2-0, by the way). We got to hang out at my Nannie's (paddleboating, 4-wheeler, buttermilk pie) as well as with Nick and Jess. Good times, indeed.

Saturday, my cousin Cody got married to the very beautiful Karen. It was quite the family affair (did you expect anything less?), plus some old familiar faces were there. The ceremony and reception were absolutely gorgeous and fun and personal. I loved it, though I did not catch the bouquet. She might as well have handed it to her sister. haha Anyway...

My brother Mark, sis-in-law Sheila and adorable nephew Eli:


Isn't the cake beautiful?


They are so in love, and the dance was just adorable:


Me and the lovely couple:


Leaving the church:


Me and my awesome little bro Scott:


I've had a great week. How was yours?

Christen

Wow, no one wanted to play my game. It's okay. Part of the summer slump, I suppose. Funny how when we have nothing to procrastinate, people neglect xanga. Poor xanga. : (

The Mavericks did fantastic tonight. I would like to formally thank the Mavs for improving my life this week.

I saw The Break Up tonight. Wow. It's completely true to life. Women really do think that way. I'm not kidding. Just because the way we feel isn't logical doesn't mean it isn't the way we feel. Sorry guys.

Christen

Hmm...

Wow, I have absolutely nothing interesting to say. Summer is quite a routine now: work, eat, spend time with family, go to church, play on the internet, sleep. That's about all I do.

Let's play the same game we played several months ago:
Ask me a question, any question. However, I do reserve the right to veto one or two (I'll use discretion). But come on, ask me something.

Yay for the Mavs. Boo for the Pistons- stupid team.

Christen