The Most Elegant Wedding

Last weekend Grant and I were privileged to be a part of the most elegant wedding either of us have ever attended, and perhaps will ever attend in our lives.  Yes, it was that special.

We felt like we were back in time as all the ladies were in beautiful, long formal gowns and the men were dashing in their tuxedos, walking around a plantation in Thomasville, GA.  The grand oaks and dripping moss set the mood as the sun set, vows were spoken and toasts were raised.

The evening began in the trophy room with champagne.  The plantation owner  was known for her horses and winning races back in her day.  Silver cups and trophies adorned this spectacular room at the end of the house.  Floor to ceiling windows on every wall revealed the majestic setting we were in.

Escorted into the room for the ceremony, we only had to wait a few minutes before the processional and the beautiful bride walked in the room.  I have known my friend Jackie for over 15 years now.  We met on the tennis court when we were just 13.  Opponents at first, we quickly became close friends traveling to tournaments together and playing doubles every chance we got.  So when Jackie asked if I would read the scripture at her small, intimate wedding I was honored down to my core that she would want me to do something so special.

As elegant as the bride was, the ceremony reflected her completely.  Her touch was evident with every detail.  Following the ceremony we all gathered on the front porch for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and music.  The best part was still yet to come.  A 7-course meal prepared by a chef and his army of waiters and waitresses all the way from Athens, GA.  This chef has even competed on the Bravo TV show Top Chef.  Every morsel was delicious.  I don't think I can do it all justice, just imagine mouth watering delicacies and that's what we ate.

After dinner and many more toasts, we all retired to the porch for more music and dancing.  It was the perfect ceremony, wedding, dinner and reception.  As it should be for every bride and groom on their special day.  But this one I will remember always.

Congratulations Jackie and Matt.  May your marriage be just as special as your wedding weekend was.

Today I Choose Self-Control

This is the last of the Fruits of the Spirit that Max Lucado brings to life in his introduction to Grace for the Moment.  It is the longest and to me the best.  He wraps it all up well and in a way that I hope to remember to implement in my daily life.  So for today...

I CHOOSE SELF-CONTROL

I am a spiritual being. . . .

After this body is dead, my spirit will soar.

I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal.

I choose self-control.  I will be drunk only by joy.

I will be impassioned only by my faith.

I will be influenced only by God.

I will be taught only by Christ.

I choose self-control.

Love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness,

faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

To these I commit my day.

If I succeed, I will give thanks.

If I fail, I will seek his grace.

And then, when this day is done,

I will place my head on my pillow

and rest.

Today I Choose Gentleness

With Blogger being down for a couple of days I couldn't finish what I started.  But alas, we can finally pick back up where we left off with Max Lucado's beautiful introduction to Grace for the Moment.  And the last two Fruits of the Spirit.  Today...

I CHOOSE GENTLENESS

Nothing is won by force.  I choose to be gentle.  If I raise my voice, may it be only in praise.  If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer.  If I make a demand, my it be only of myself.


Whew, what a good one for a Monday morning.

Today I Choose Faithfulness

This might be one of my favorites so far.  Simple.  Honest.  True.  Integrity in the most important things in life.

I CHOOSE FAITHFULNESS

Today I will keep my promises.  My debtors will not regret their trust.  My associates will not question my word.  My wife will not question my love.  And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.


These words are from Grace for the Moment by Max Lucado and I continue to give him all the credit.  Check out the other posts on Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness and Goodness.

There are just two more to go - Gentleness and Self-Control.  I'm sure they will be just as good as all the rest.

Today I Choose Goodness

Here is what Max Lucado had to say about Goodness in his intro to Grace for the Moment.

I CHOOSE GOODNESS

I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one.  I will be overlooked before I will boast.  I will confess before I will accuse.  I choose goodness.


Good stuff.

Today I Choose Kindness

I CHOOSE KINDNESS

I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone.  Kind to the rich, for they are afraid.  And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.


This is the fifth segment from Max Lucado's intro to Grace for the Moment where he goes through the fruits of the Spirit.  His words are simple and yet so rich.

Happy Monday Everybody!

Today I Choose Patience

Not always, but perhaps 90 percent of the time I need more patience than what I'm generally equipped with.  And I'm learning that even more importantly I need an ample supply of Godly patience.  And I truly believe there is a distinct difference.

So, continuing the journey of Max Lucado's powerful words on the fruits of the Spirit, today...

I CHOOSE PATIENCE

I will overlook the inconveniences of the world.  Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll invite him to do so.  Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray.  Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.


Check out what Max Lucado had to say about Love, Joy and Peace.

Thank you Max Lucado for these inspirational words.