EAT MORE BUENO

My husband is camping out in front of Taco Bueno again tonight to win $500 worth of Taco Bueno bucks. The first ten people will get the Bueno Bucks. He's number 1 in line. I'm so proud.

This is not the first time he has done this, back in Aug. he and two of his friends spent two nights and three days outside Taco Bueno to get the Bueno Bucks.

Well I am off to bring him a sleeping bag, blanket, pillow, chair, warm clothes, and his Chronicles of Narnia book. Way to go Baby.

McGee Family Pictures

McGee Family Christmas

Tonight is the McGee Family Pajama Christmas Celebration. I really enjoy our “not quite Christmas” Christmas Celebration. Every year we pick a random date to celebrate Christmas with the immediate family before Bryce goes to his dad’s house, and Jen and Heath spend Christmas with Heath’s family.

Our McGee Christmas tradition involves buying and wearing new Christmas pajamas, eating breakfast food for dinner, exchanging gifts, and taking lots and lots of pictures. I love this time I get to spend with my family. I love my new “Ho, Ho, Ho” pajamas and Marcus’ Gingerbread Men pajamas. (Yesterday my sister’s and me all went at different times to buy pajamas and I’ve heard we all ended up buying the same ones. Oh how cute!)

Spiritual Growth

I read this on a friend's blog who is getting married in a few weeks. I don't know what I think about this... now that I am married, is my spiritual growth really dependant upon my Husband walk with the Lord?

"My spiritual growth once married is dependant upon Bryson's encouragement in seeking
the word on a daily basis ... I have never thought that my spiritual growth depended one
any other person besides me...strange thought. I am going to have to pray over it's truth in
my life."
-Keri

Desperate

It is at the point of desperation people will cry out to God.

It was the desperate in the New Testament who cried out to God… the father whose daughter was dead who cried out to Jesus, the lepers, the blind, those caught in sin, the thief on the cross, the outsiders, lonely, forgotten. They all cried out from their desperate state to the ONE and ONLY.

It’s been during desperate times in my own life that I cried out to God… when I was a teenager, wandering through life, so lonely, ready to end my life, the time of desperation when I left my comfortable life and served the Father overseas, facing brain surgery and the unknown.

Am I desperate now? Do I NEED God? Are we desperate as a nation? As a Church? As His people? Father make us desperate for you? This is a scary prayer to pray… but Father we NEED you. Our Churches, our cities, our families, our friends, our county, the world needs You.

Desperate1 a : having lost hope, a desperate spirit crying for relief. b : giving no ground for hope, the outlook was desperate.2 a : moved by despair, victims made desperate by abuse. b : involving or employing extreme measures in an attempt to escape defeat or frustration, made a desperate leap for the rope.3 : suffering extreme need or anxiety, desperate for money.4 : involving extreme danger or possible disaster, a desperate situation.5 : of extreme intensity

Christmas Tree

Yesterday, Marcus and I went and bought our first Christmas tree together. It was the first time in my life I’ve had a real tree. What a great experience it was. I felt like a little kid, walking around all the trees, looking for the “perfect one.” Picking each one up, smelling the different types of trees, measuring how tall each tree was by having Marcus stand next to each one. I feel like I missed out as a little kid of this experience. I can only imagine how magically and exciting it must be for children. Even though I am an adult, Christmas really does bring out the child in me. We took our tree home, and my amazing light man, hung the lights in the tree, and then we decorated it together. I love our tree. I love sitting in our living room looking at the tree and allowing myself to be a child again. I love thinking about the Child who was born only to die on my behalf.

“Mary, did you know your baby boy would give life to a 17 year old girl who was ready to give up on life herself? Mary did you know, that your baby boy would call this girl to Go to the ends of the earth to make your baby’s name known? Did you know that your baby boy would heal me of all my spiritual, emotional, and physical needs? Did you know how faithful your son would be to me, how he would give more than I could have ever asked or imagined?” Did you know that your baby boy would grant his favor on two individuals and allow them to experience the joys of life together? Mary did you know?”

November 12, 2005

November 12, 2005. The awaited wedding day was perfect. A day I will never forget. Father thank you for your goodness, faithfulness, peace, and excitement. Perfect- that is how I would describe it. Everything looked so beautiful and the day was ironically relaxing. That morning I got up and had breakfast with my best friends, two of them being my sisters. I had time to journal, read the Word, and share scripture and pray with Dani. After my hair and makeup was finished, I went to the church and was able to sit in the aisle alone and take it all in and enjoy the moment.

(Last year I spent a lot of time with exchange students, we had a wedding party back in May for the girls because they were all going home and couldn’t be here for the wedding. They wrote me notes to open on my wedding day. I sat in the church in my dress and read each note and remembered all the girls who meant so much to me. Thank you girls. You are all such a blessing to me. I miss y’all.)

Then, everyone showed up and pictures began. The groomsmen and ushers looked so nice in their tuxes and all the bridesmaids looked beautiful. Mom, you looked amazing.

The church looked beautiful- thanks Stephanie for all your work. Marcus’ Uncle played the piano for the Recessional. He is a Music Professor at Union University. He was so great. All the pieces he played sounded amazing. We showed a picture slide show of Marcus and I growing up, and the Bridal Party entered. My dad and I were next. I finally got a little nervous walking down the aisle. It hit me then. “This is your wedding day, you are the bride and your groom is waiting at the front of the church for you… The day is here.” We walked down the aisle and my dad gave me away to a man who has so many of the same qualities that my dad possesses. We began the ceremony in worship. The ceremony was truly a worship experience for me. As we were worshipping, I was overwhelmed by the Father’s faithfulness and goodness in my life. I’m alive. I’m alive. I am alive and well and I am so thankful that the Father allowed me to live and do life “for better for worse, in sickness and in health” with Marcus. The ceremony ended, and our marriage began with a kiss. “May I now introduce you to Mr. And Mrs. Marcus Pedroza.”

After the ceremony was over, and the pictures were finished, we took a trolley from the church to the Reception. Marcus and I stood on the trolley. People were honking, waving, yelling out their car window “CONGRATULATIONS!!” There were even a few people who took a picture of us from their car using their phone or digital camera. It was great!!!
I was so overwhelmed walking into the Reception Room. There were so many people there supporting us. So many old faces that I haven’t seen since childhood. So many people came who have inspired, challenged, and supported Marcus and me throughout the years. It was such a blessing to have my family, Marcus’ family, and all our friends there celebrating with us. There was food, lots of wedding cake, and DANCING!!! Marcus’ cake was two-tiered chocolate cake that had a globe on the top of the tiers. The globe represented our heart and desire to “Go” to the nations to make the Father’s name known and glorified.

I Wanna Dance...

“ I WANNA DANCE, I WANNA WRAP MY ARMS AROUND YOUR NECK AND DANCE”- Caedmon’s Call.

I love to dance and I love watching other people dance. I loved seeing the smiles on everyone’s face while they were dancing, whether dancing to the Electric Slide, doing the Chicken Dance, showing off their dance skills, being really silly (Nawsaw!!) or slow dancing to Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin. Marcus and I danced to “Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts, a song that really describes us. My dad and my dance lessons paid off. We did the fox trout and mamba to my Grandma Rita and Paw Paw’s favorite song, “Begin the Beguine” by Perry Como, in their memory. I will never that dance with my dad and the way he look at me. His eyes told me he was so proud of me, that he loved me so much. Daddy, I’ll always be your little girl. Marcus and his mom danced to “What A Wonderful World.” They were so silly. There were bets going that Marcus was going to drop his mom when he dipped her, he didn’t but everyone still laughed at the two of them.

The wedding and reception ended magically. Everyone went outside, formed two lines, and lit sparklers. Marcus and I ran through the middle of the people and sparkles and hopped on the trolley that was waiting for us. We stood at the back of the trolley again with our own sparkers and waved goodbye. As we drove away into our “Happily Ever After…” my heart was overcome with thankfulness.

Father you amaze me. “You have given me more than I could ever have wanted.” Thank you. You answered all my prayers… prayers I prayed as a child and as a woman. I give you all the praise and glory. Thank you for celebrating with us. I felt you so near. May our marriage bring you praise. Use us for your glory.

HONEYMOON IN ST. THOMAS

St. Thomas was beautiful. We had a great week relaxing on the beach, snorkeling many times... we saw a lots of fish and coral, a sea turtle, an eagle ray... we went sailing, and we also took a boat to the British Virgin Island- Virgin Gorda. It was a wonderful honeymoon. We made some friends while we were there, had dinner with them, played games, and got to experience life with them. The food was amazing. We can't get seafood like we had there here. The weather was perfect. We could not have asked for a better time. We are blessed.

Snapshots of the Wedding Weekend

Treasuring in my heart so many moments that have taken place in the last week and a half.

As reflect on November 12, 2005, the day I married my best friend, Marcus, and the incredible week on our honeymoon, so many snapshots come to my mind and fill my heart with a smile. I am so blessed and over whelmed by it all. Every thing was so perfect. November 12 was truly the best night of my entire life. Everything and everyone looked so beautiful. There was an overwhelming peace and excitement that filled the entire day, no one was stressed at all leading up to the big event and the day was incredibly relaxing, exciting, and so enjoyable. The Father’s presence and glory surrounded us. I give Him all the praise and glory.

Snapshots… Rehearsal Dinner
The day before the wedding my mom and sisters getting our nails done and having so much fun laughing and relaxing, the Bridesmaids and me checking into a hotel before the Rehearsal, eating hors d’ oeuvres then going to the Rehearsal together. The Rehearsal- so much fun… it was nice to meet Marcus’ friends/groomsmen from high school, Albert and Nick. Albert, thanks for making my sister laugh so hard. Went to FireWater Café for the Rehearsal Dinner- Danielle- thank you for your toast and for your prayers in the hospital chapel two years ago- the Lord heard and answered. He is faithful. Dad, oh dad, your toast was perfect… I will never forget it.

After the dinner was over and everyone left, Marcus and I went outside and by the huge waterfall and I gave him a chest full of items I had collected on every mission trip I’ve been on for “the guy” I would one day marry. I began collecting these items on my first mission trip to India six years and continued to fill the chest up with items from Kenya, Japan, and Germany. Inside the chest was a journal that I began writing in high school full of letters that I wrote to my future husband. It was my joy and honor to present this chest to Marcus. Baby, I have been praying for you for years. I have prayed that the Father would direct our paths to lead us to each other when his timing was perfect and give us the same heart and passion for the nations. I am so excited to know that we our desire is to Go to the nations, regardless of the cost.

Back at the hotel my Bridesmaids, Sam, Nicole, Danielle, Jennifer, Elaine, were waiting for me to return. We stayed up talking about each other’s love stories, and then all the girls all recounted to me how they felt and the way they dealt with the news when finding out that I had a brain tumor. We talked about LOVE. Thanks for all the great pointers. We finally went to bed late that night, I think we laughed our selves to sleep. I remember falling asleep with a smile on my face and a full heart, feeling so blessed to be loved and adored my so many people and so blessed to have five amazing godly girls as my friends who rejoice for me.

To be continued…

Memories... Old and New

What a great weekend…
I had such a wonderful weekend. It was both exciting and relaxing. Friday night was the first time in a while that I had some alone time. I was at my parents house for the last weekend. What a weird feeling, knowing that I will soon have a husband and a house that we will make a home. This time also allowed me the opportunity to start and almost finish packing for the Honeymoon. This week will be busy, so I am so grateful I had that night to be able to pack in peace and reflect on my childhood, youth, and college. God has been so faithful to me. He’s brought me through so much, rescued me, restored me, healed me, blessed me beyond measure… My house, my room, all of it, reminds me of the Father’s faithfulness. There are so many great memories in that house.

Saturday was Sassy. My close girl friends threw me a “girl party.” I really enjoyed laughing, almost crying because we were laughing so hard, with my girl friends that have meant so much to me. The party was so fun and oh so sassy. I loved the cake, food, fellowship, “words of advice,” and all the gifts. (What do you do with this? Grandma finally got it right. I need help!!”). I still laugh out loud when I look at the picture of me and my identical cake.

Sunday, oh Sunday, Marcus and I went and worshipped together for the last time as an engaged couple. The message was on being grateful and thankful for all the many blessings the Father has poured out. As I sat and let the message soak in, my heart overflowed with thanksgiving. I have so much to be thankful for. An amazing man who loves me unconditionally, an amazing family, an amazing God. I am blessed.

Last night we spent some time with some friends we haven’t seen in awhile. It was good to see them and catch up on life. Afterwards we went and saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for the first time. It reminded me of when I was little. Oh the joy of reliving childhood pleasures, enjoying the magic, feeling like a kid again….

Thank you Father for the weekend to relax, to enjoy life, to enjoy silence, laughter, friends, family, to remember to count my blessings which leads me to worship.

Quick, Quick, Slow

My dad and I have been taking dance lessons for the past few weeks. We are having a dance after the wedding at the reception. This will be the first time my dad and I have ever danced together in public. He’s nervous, I can't wait. He didn’t want to just sway back and forth during our dance, so we started taking dance lessons. It’s been so much fun. My dad is an athlete, but dancing has come pretty natural for him. He’s so cute (can you call your dad cute?) Sometimes, he has to count the steps out loud so he “feel the music.” It’s something I will always remember. I have really enjoyed those times with my dad. I can’t wait to dance with my dad in 10 days.

My mom and my dad almost called off their relationship because they went to a Christmas party many years ago and my mom wanted to dance but my dad didn’t want to. They left the party that night mad and upset, when my dad dropped my mom off at the door he said, “I was going to propose to you tonight.” Well needless to say, he did, she said yes, and they’ve been married for 26 years. Over the summer they started dancing together also. I’m excited for them to dance together as well.
This is for you dad, “Quick, Quick, Slow, Quick, Quick, Slow…”

Weekend Update

This weekend was so nice... I did nothing, nothing. It's the first weekend in 2 1/2 months Marcus and I didn't have something to do. In the last two months, we've had three weddings to go to, bridal showers, Exchange Student Orientation, Disciple Now here in Lubbock that Marcus and I were leaders for, we taught a three hour class at The Heights Fellowship Church where we are members at, we spent a weekend in Dallas for the iWitness Banquet. What else.... oh yeah- along with finishing small wedding details, we've been doing repairs on our new house and moving our stuff into the house. People ask if I've been busy and stressed out with all the wedding stuff, actually that's been the easy part. I'm not stressed AT ALL about the wedding. It's "life" that is making me tired.

So this weekend, I slept. After work on Friday I took an hour nap, then my parents, Marcus, and I watched a movie that night... I went to bed around 11:30 Friday night and got up around 1:30pm on Saturday. We gained an extra hour of sleep Sunday morning. Sunday was spent relaxing and doing nothing. We watched "Father of the Bride" last night. What a great movie, and then I went to bed early. I feel like an old woman, but I sure do feel good today.

I love the movie, "Father of the Bride. It's great. I can't even imagine our wedding costing $250 a head. WOW! Two weeks from this past weekend and my dad will be the Father of the Bride. How exciting and scary. It's almost here. Any words of advice?

Silent Waiting Room

As I read the thoughts and experiences of others in their blogs or emails... I long to write an incredible entry about new things looming in the horizon, entries of new insights, new experiences, entries reminiscing childhood experiences and the lessons that were learned from them.... I long to write something deep and profound, meaningful and significant, but I lately I haven't written down any of my thoughts, experiences, fears, hopes, dreams, prayers. Why, I don't know.

There's silence within me. I find myself in a waiting room, a silent waiting room. I feel no need to discuss with those waiting with me about what's beyond the waiting room door... maybe I want to discover it myself, rather than being told what to expect, what they experienced, what they did. Maybe I want to just see what awaits me through the door rather than sit in the waiting room discussing and planning with others about things, moments, events, situations, that may or may not actually await me. Maybe, I'm afraid that others will tell me what's "really" there and I will be disappointed of what awaits me or even decide to remain silently sitting in the waiting room and pretend I didn't hear them when my name is called. Maybe I am afraid of disappointing people when I walk through the doors and don't do things the way they "should" be done. No two appointments are the same, and I am waiting for my appointment. It's lonely waiting in silence sometimes. Right now, maybe I need the silence. Maybe I just need someone to wait in silence with me. To smile at me when my time has come and I get up to walk through the door because my name has been called. Their smiles say, "This is your time, your journey, "Good Luck." Now, go and see what awaits you. If you should walk past us again just smile to remind us our time, our journey is near. "

TWO YEARS AGO

Two years ago this morning I was at the hospital getting prepared to have surgery to have a brain tumor removed. As I reflect back over the last two years I am so blessed to be alive, to be healed. I thank the Father for giving me life. I was reading my journal entries leading up to my surgery two years ago and hope that the prayer of my heart then would continue to be the prayer of my heart now and always.

10-10-03 (10 days before surgery)
WOW, it still hasn't hit me- brain surgery in two weeks, on the 20th. They found a mass in my temporal lobe- we found out today. The temporal lobe affects my memory, hearing, emotions. It explains the memory problems, my emotional state, it explains a lot. All the different stages of emotions- I'm going through them all right now... denial, grief, acceptance. I'm scared, real scared. I don't really know how I feel right now. I don't really know how to act. I'm nervous, afraid, yet I trust God. I'm satisfied with life. I've lived! Lord, I'm yours. I trust you! I love you! Bring yourself glory, that's all I ask. Pleas don't let anyone deny you because of me. May I be a testimony, use me for your glory, for your name.

10-11-03 (9 days until surgery)
Lord, I get it! It's all about you- for your glory and your name. Glorify your name in this experience, moments, days, weeks to come (well maybe they will come?) I feel your peace all around me. Yes, I am scared but I know you are in control. I have yet to question Why?, I have yet to be angry, hate you. You are so near right now. Your love and peace and joy are getting me through. I'm amazed at how I am handling all this. I've been able to laugh and smile- yes there have been times I've cried and been scared, wondered what I will remember afterwards, thought about the pain- but God more than anything I've thought about all the people this will affect: the youth, my friends, my family... You have blessed me beyond measure. You've poured out your favor upon my life. I've overwhelmed- so many people care! Wow! I'm humbled. I'm nervous about the people standing in the crossroads of life. I am nervous that they will turn from you in this moment. God use this for your glory. Let them turn to your for answers. Be near to them!! I love you. I know you care. You created me, You hurt with me. Don't let me defame you, that is all I ask. You have been so good to me these last 6 years that I have walked with you. You haven't disappointed me. You are good. I love you. Thank you for saving me. I am not scared of death. I know where I am going. My life has been good. To be with you in your presence is better. This world has nothing for me, yet there are so many who need to know about you. I'd like to stay here awhile longer and continue to be about your work. That is where I find my my purpose, my joy, my life- in the midst of your work. May my life be a testimony of your character. Find me faithful, even in the midst of all this.

10-14-03 (6 days before surgery)
Lord, I love you! Even in the midst of all my feelings, I feel you near. I know you now. You have given my family and me joy and peace, it's unexplainable. Who would have thought that I would be smiling, laughing now. It's all because of you. I'm overwhelmed by all the people in my life. It humbles me. All the people who have called, emailed, came to see me, who are praying for me- people all around the world. Lord you are so good to me. Thank you that you are real. Without you I would have no hope, no reason to live, to want to live. Let me continue to be about your work. (If not you are better and being with you is better. I feel like Paul, "To live is Christ, to die is gain.")

10-16-05 (4 days before surgery)
Daddy- I'm scared of losing my memory, of forgetting names, faces, memories. I am scared for myself and for all those around me. I don't want to forget my life.
Lord- I want to live. There are still so many things on earth I want to experience although I know you are better! I want to experience Thanksgiving with my family in San Antonio, Christmas at Grandma Byrd's house, ski trip, graduating from Tech, falling in love, getting married, us serving the Lord together, traveling, having a family, going to New York for New Year's, going to Italy, Egypt, where ever else you want to send me. I want to live- smell the flowers, see the stars, stand in the rain, know people, let the wind blow through my hair (will I have hair that the wind can blow?) See the small things, enjoy the little things. I realize that people are so much more important. I love my family. Oh- how I love them. They are amazing, so strong. Thank you Father for them.

10-23-03 (3 days after surgery)
Wow! I'm home. It's Thursday and I had brain surgery Monday morning. I can't believe it. They said that everything went real well. That surgery usually doesn't go that well. There were so many people there to see me, so many cards, flowers, calls. Thank you God for all the people who care. Some of the things that I remember about Monday morning...
The drive to the hospital with my family. Listening to a song by Martina McBride, "Show me what love is" over and over again in the car with my family. It's become our song. The short stay in the waiting room with my family, Sam, Jason, Max, Trent, Michael, Doug, Tidrow. We laughed. There was a peace during that time. A nurse shaving the side of my head. Realizing at that moment, that more hair was going to be missing later. Going to the bathroom just to be alone and to tell God that I was scared, that I needed him, that I loved him. Asking the Father to give me strength, to be with me. Talking with Dr. Fincher about everything that would take place "after I was asleep." Then Dr. Fincher prayed over me- I cried a little then, my family was crying a lot before that time, so I tried all morning long not to cry, to be strong for them. Then they wheeled me into the OR room. Saying goodbye and I love you to everyone, not wanting to look at them in the face because of all the tears falling down from their eyes. Seeing my dad last. He's always been so strong for me, I wanted to be strong for him. Entering into the OR- being placed on the operating table. There was such a peace at that moment. I remember I didn't cry maybe one or two lone tears. I closed my eyes and remembered what an exchange student from Japan told me in an email, "My friend thinks you are brave, I think so too." I felt the Father's presence so near to me- At that moment right before surgery, it was just the Father and me. My friends and family were all gone, the doctors and nurses saw me as a patient. It was just the Lord and me. Song by David Crowder "And it's just you and me here now... only you and me here now." I'm home, I'm alive, I remember things, people! God you are so good to me! Thank you for giving me life. For being near. For answering prayers. I think October 20, 2003 is the best day of my life.

A blog from my fiance

(This blog was written by my fiance while we were serving together in Germany. I just wanted to share his heart with you. I love you Brown Eyes.)

Father has been doing amazing things here in Germany. He is drawing people to himself, he is showing us other believers and he is allowing us to truly wage spiritual warfare. On Monday, we came to the internet cafe. Kat was very down and was being heavily attack by the enemy. Father allowed me to be her helpmate and engage the enemy on her behalf. I was able to pray in the spirit and lift her up to Father. I love being able to fight for her in the spiritual realm and also know that she is willing to do battle for me when I need it. We are truly growing more in love and commitment to one another. I can see Father making us closer and showing us how to minister together.

Man God is Faithful. Today the Father was faithful to be near to me. At the beginning of the day I felt so sick. When I arrived at my site, I felt the Father calling me to pray at a Cafe by the University. As I sat there and began to pray, the Father told me to read an excerpt from an unpublished book. This particular excerpt was about my fiancee's experience having a brain tumor removed. As I relived Her experiences leading up to surgery and how the father restored her in her High School years, Father showed me how to use her story to pray for all these college student and for the lives. I was amazed at how the Father opened my eyes to these students and showed me how to use someone elses story to pray for a multitude of students that I have no idea who they are, where in life they are and where in eternity they are. I was just blown away by how real Father was to me today. I felt like he was actually walking next to me pointing out the small details to pray for today. It was incredible.

A Moment in Germany

(Written in Germany)

It is so amazing to be apart of God’s continuing work. The Lord continues to open up doors to share the glory of Jesus with my friend, E. Marcus, Lara and myself went to the school to say goodbye to E for the summer. This time at the school there weren’t as many students there and they were all in the other room playing. We got to sit with E and talk to her for about an hour or so. While we were talking and sharing life, God allowed us to share once again the love of Jesus with her. We talked about the many similarities and HUGE differences between the Muslim and Christian faith. We discussed forgiveness, Jesus’ sacrifice, the assurance of salvation, the judgement day, the fruit that true believers should bear, and prayer. She asked me how I prayed. I told her pray is simply a conversation I have with God. Sometimes, I pray with others, sometimes out loud, sometimes silently, and sometimes I even right my prayers down. I had my journal with me and read her one of my recently written prayers… which read, “Jesus, I want to know you more, I want to love you more. Let me feel your nearness…” When I looked up she was crying. She said she was so touched that I tell Jesus I want to fall more in love with him. I know the Holy Spirit is working in her life. She said she would like to learn more about Christianity and we gave her a name of one of the local believers here that will be able to disciple in the future. Thank you for all of your prayers. Continue to pray for her. When I think of how I would like others to pray for her only one word comes to mind, JESUS. (this ONE word is so powerful and more than enough for her and for all of us.) JESUS- May we all fall more in love with him. He is so worth it.

Engagement

I wrote this in April, but wanted to share it on my new blog site.
I'm getting married. I still can't believe it. A part of me feels like the girl on "Father of the Bride." I feel like the 6 year old sitting at the dinner in the movie telling her dad, "I met a boy and I'm getting married." It's been a great time, a great moment in my life. I want to enjoy this stage of my life and not rush into the next too soon.

I bought a dress last week. Within 45 minutes I bought the third dress I tried on. It's beautiful. It's the dress I've always dreamed of. My mom and older sister were there when I picked it out. My sister helped me zip up the dress. There eyes kept filling with tears as I stood before them with the dress on. We were reminded of an earlier time in my life, one and a half years ago when they were there helping me into a gown. A hospital gown.

Oct 20, 2003, I had a brain tumor removed. I'm alive!!! Praise and Glory to the ONE who gave me life. I am alive and get to experience this new moment in my life. A moment I was never guaranteed. I want to enjoy my engagement. Every second of it. I want to praise God for living me life and blessing me with a man who loves God above all else and then me. I am blessed.