We Are Blessed

After many months of prayer, planning and preparation, the time finally came for our daughter's much anticipated wedding.  The week leading up to the wedding had proved to be typical weather-wise for May.  It rained off and on nearly every day with afternoon thunderstorms.  Saturday morning it looked like more of the same.  The day dawned overcast with dark clouds.  I had prayed for no rain because although the wedding would take place under a covered pavilion, it was quite a hike to get there and even being shuttled on golf carts the guests were bound to get wet.  I prayed for God's favor, but we knew that it was in His hands come rain or shine!  By mid-morning the sun was out and it was a beautiful day.  And we experienced the unmerited favor of the Lord.

Caitlin was one of the calmest brides I have ever seen. She woke up that morning beaming, with the biggest smile on her face.   We had a couple of minor emergencies; one of the groomsman's tux pants didn't fit and he had to make the two hour drive back to Men's Wearhouse to exchange them. They wouldn't meet him halfway.  The zipper on one of the bridesmaid's dress malfunctioned. Through all of this Caitlin was cool as a cucumber.  She commented that it didn't really matter what happened because at the end of the day I will be Mrs. Jody Jenkins.  I think a nuclear blast could have occurred and it wouldn't have fazed her.  Here she is getting ready with her bridesmaids.

The weather was still beautiful when it came time for the ceremony.  My heart was so full of emotion.  My little girl, now a grown woman beginning a family of her own.  Walking down the aisle on the arm of her daddy. 

The ceremony was so sweet.  They were married by the Youth Minister at our church.  He and his wife were such an important part of Caitlin's spiritual life and she couldn't imagine anyone else marrying them.  Instead of lighting a unity candle, they chose to enter into a Salt Covenant.  It indicates a binding contract, uniting their grains of salt for eternity.  Then they took communion as their first act of worship together as a married couple.

One of the most touching things in the ceremony were the unashamed tears of one of Jody's brothers and of Caitlin's brother.  I hadn't seen my 19 year old son cry for a very long time.  But his tears flowed freely.  He said, "I'm just so happy".  Here's Jody and his brother Toby.

We are so blessed to have gained another son.  He loves my daughter with all of his heart and we love him.  We also love his family and had such a good time with them as our families were joined together. 

  Here are a few photos from the reception:

  

I didn't have the presence of mind to take any pictures, so thank you to all of you that sent me pictures.  And thank you for indulging me and letting me share our special day with you.



Life Is Good,

Cindy