Blogging should be the last thing on my mind with our daughter’s wedding coming in 4 days. I will trust that being awake since 4:00 a.m. this morning is so that I can reflect and prepare my heart for the day.

Technically, we are the wedding planner for this big event. Ridley and I have been planning and preparing for many months. For those of you who don’t know Morgan’s story, she has dated Alex for over 5 years and they were to marry last August. Forty days before, Morgan canceled the wedding. We had always given her permission to be honest if she felt the person or timing wasn’t right. (I want all of my kids to know that). So, sensing that Alex wasn’t comfortable with the timing, she got nervous and canceled. After being affected by my two divorces, she was being super cautious to be a “cycle breaker”.  She and Alex stopped dating for a while and our entire family grieved. Alex was family. In that time apart, both Alex and Morgan had to grow as individuals. God did some amazing things in that time…for all of us. I am proud of both of them.

So here we are over a year later preparing for a celebration. We have worked on this wedding with a deep sense of God’s presence and provision. I have learned so much!

As a wife, I have loved my husband even more through all of this. The daddy who held a daughter in his lap with tears is now helping her with her vows.

As a parent, I have re-learned that you can’t always protect your child. God loves our children way more than we do. I have also celebrated the closeness of our blended family.

As a daughter myself, I have once again seen my parents step up and serve their family in some of the most loving and unselfish ways.

As a friend, I have been blessed beyond belief by so many who are loving and serving us during this time. The hard work and prayers of genuine friends will get you through anything.

As a mom, I am grateful for Morgan’s step-mom who stepped in and loved all that comes with a blended family.

As a future mother-in-law, I have never stopped loving this boy who loves my girl. A year ago, I honestly worried about how I could ever love another son-in-law. I am thankful I don’t have to worry about that any more.

I won’t lie. I have learned that weddings are expensive (twice), no matter how small and simple you try to make them. I wish we could invite thousands of friends and family. When you have been married before, the whole guest list is almost all family. (Just keeping it real)

Lastly, I stand in awe of the God I love and hope I serve well. I can’t even begin to list how full my journal is of the blessings He has reminded me of during this season. I am soaking in everything He is showing me in His Word, in my family and in my own growth. Some of it hasn’t been comfortable or easy, but I know to count them as treasures.

One of my favorite celebrations is thinking about all the conversations a little girl has about her wedding day. When your parents are divorced, a girl doesn’t dream the same way as other girls. She constantly talks about who will walk her down the aisle if she has 2 dads. Morgan and I had that conversation numerous times growing up. I am so thankful to Jesus that I waited for His best in a husband for numerous reasons. So I celebrate that one dad will be walking Morgan down the aisle and the other dad will be waiting for her at the altar to perform the ceremony that will celebrate and honor the God who loves, cares, and really does work for the good of those who love Him. (Romans 8:28)