With only one month to go until our wedding day, I am simultaneously less busy yet running around like a chicken without a head. Less busy with wedding planning and more busy with preparations that are required before a wedding (like packing to move so that we can cohabitate). And reading. Lots of reading. I'm a researcher. I like to try and be prepared and enter a situation with at least a little increased awareness.
And I can't help but comment on just how different men and women are. I mean, really. Us girls, we always want more time, attention, care, connection, romance, and pursuit. We are completely and totally (or maybe it's just me) devoted and want nothing more than to be the good wife, the wife he wants/needs. And I know that I work very hard at that. I work hard with serving him, building him up, expressing my appreciation.
And boys? Well they are quite a different breed. They want space, to maintain some degree of individuality, to provide, to protect, to fix, and to fart. They don't care that much about the touchy feely stuff.
What a disconnect! The things women need and prioritize men don't. Perhaps this could help explain why so many people have so many relationship issues (married or not).
I remind myself over and over: "Expectation is the root of all heartache." ~Shakespere
Placing the expectation and responsibility on one person to fill every need, every want is unfair. My future husband isn't perfect and won't be able to do EVERYTHING. He will love me the best that he is able to, and I have to recognize that, accept that, and appreciate that.
In fact, expecting one person to do everything is kind of expecting him to be like God -- to be able to anticipate all your needs, respond, intervene, and rearrange. It's just lunacy. Only God can do those things.
Jesus and God must be our first priority. Husbands/Wives second.
We, as husband/wife are made to coexist, to love, to find satisfaction. But nothing can replace the relationship with the heavenly Father. Daniel cannot provide the grace and forgiveness that God offers.
I must remember to keep this in perspective (which I'm sure I will struggle with at times -- my own selfishness and whining and "But I want..." attitude). That he and I are created differently, with different wants/needs, and that I can't expect anything from him outside of our vows and our faith.
This whole marriage thing -- this is going to be tough. But I'm ready.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
PhotoShoots and Blessings
What a few weeks it has been!
Last week was choc full of photo shoots. Which is so weird for me to say, as I am not a camera lover. Rather, I love to be behind the camera, not in front of it. So to be in front of a camera twice in one week, in a professional manner, was very abnormal for me.
The first session was a personal portrait session last Tuesday. I was absolutely terrified and self conscious going into it, but I will be honest with you -- it was the best three hours ever. I allowed myself to open up, be vulnerable, and be exposed. The photographer was amazing -- so encouraging and positive, giving me great direction with posing. I am so excited to get these pictures back -- I am obsessively checking my email in hopes that the link to the online album will be in there. I left this session feeling strong, empowered, and beautiful BECAUSE of my curves (not just in spite of them). So amazing!
Then on Sunday I had my bridal portraits done!!!! I was less nervous for this shoot, as I'd gotten quite comfortable in front of the camera on Tuesday. It was another wonderful three hour experience, where I got to get all dolled up (again), put on my wedding dress, and walk around Tryon Palace gardens PRIVATELY! Having access to the gardens after the facility had closed, without a single other group of people present, and being able to enjoy the grounds uninhibited while feeling gorgeous and wearing a gorgeous gown -- oh man. I am also REALLY excited to get these pictures back!!! I got to see a few sneak peaks on the camera during the session, and they are drop dead gorgeous (with much help from the beautiful landscaping). So I am also obsessively checking my email for that link to the pictures as well!
And during all of this, I've been blessed with two bridal showers, showered with so much love, so many blessings and well wishes, and so many thoughtful and sweet and unexpected gifts -- the generosity of those we know and those we don't know has really rendered me shocked, touched, and speechless. And I am so grateful. I'm grateful for the support, the encouragement, the advice, and the generous attitude. Let me tell you -- it's contagious! Because all I want to do is love on people and give to them. And cry over how blessed life is.
I know it's easy to say that life is blessed when things are good. And that it's much harder to maintain that attitude when things are bad. But I firmly believe that God gives us those ups and downs to help us keep things in perspective -- to build our trust and our faith in both the good and the bad times. Our endurance is tested in the bad, our heart is built in the good. And through it all, God is good all the time. <3 nbsp="" p="">
Last week was choc full of photo shoots. Which is so weird for me to say, as I am not a camera lover. Rather, I love to be behind the camera, not in front of it. So to be in front of a camera twice in one week, in a professional manner, was very abnormal for me.
The first session was a personal portrait session last Tuesday. I was absolutely terrified and self conscious going into it, but I will be honest with you -- it was the best three hours ever. I allowed myself to open up, be vulnerable, and be exposed. The photographer was amazing -- so encouraging and positive, giving me great direction with posing. I am so excited to get these pictures back -- I am obsessively checking my email in hopes that the link to the online album will be in there. I left this session feeling strong, empowered, and beautiful BECAUSE of my curves (not just in spite of them). So amazing!
Then on Sunday I had my bridal portraits done!!!! I was less nervous for this shoot, as I'd gotten quite comfortable in front of the camera on Tuesday. It was another wonderful three hour experience, where I got to get all dolled up (again), put on my wedding dress, and walk around Tryon Palace gardens PRIVATELY! Having access to the gardens after the facility had closed, without a single other group of people present, and being able to enjoy the grounds uninhibited while feeling gorgeous and wearing a gorgeous gown -- oh man. I am also REALLY excited to get these pictures back!!! I got to see a few sneak peaks on the camera during the session, and they are drop dead gorgeous (with much help from the beautiful landscaping). So I am also obsessively checking my email for that link to the pictures as well!
And during all of this, I've been blessed with two bridal showers, showered with so much love, so many blessings and well wishes, and so many thoughtful and sweet and unexpected gifts -- the generosity of those we know and those we don't know has really rendered me shocked, touched, and speechless. And I am so grateful. I'm grateful for the support, the encouragement, the advice, and the generous attitude. Let me tell you -- it's contagious! Because all I want to do is love on people and give to them. And cry over how blessed life is.
I know it's easy to say that life is blessed when things are good. And that it's much harder to maintain that attitude when things are bad. But I firmly believe that God gives us those ups and downs to help us keep things in perspective -- to build our trust and our faith in both the good and the bad times. Our endurance is tested in the bad, our heart is built in the good. And through it all, God is good all the time. <3 nbsp="" p="">
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