God is so good!

Call me unromantic or a scrooge, but I was never one of those little girls that dreamed of her perfect wedding. I did dream about the perfect husband and perfect family, but never the day that we committed to each other. As Clay and I began to talk about marriage, I was almost dreading having a wedding. Of course I wanted to marry him and was so excited about starting our lives together, but I just did not want a wedding! Half in jest, I suggested eloping but Clay wouldn't go for it. :)

The reason behind not wanting a wedding is twofold. First, I hate being the center of attention and when you're the bride, you're front and center. Second, I've always seen weddings as a waste of money. That's just not for me. Since Clay wanted a wedding, I began putting together inexpensive ideas before we got engaged. Little did I know that God has going to show off in big ways to piece our big day together.

I had heard rumors that HMC gives bonuses annually and had an amount I expected. Roughly two weeks before Clay proposed, I got called in to my boss' office to do my review. When I learned the amount, I almost fell out of my seat. It was FIVE TIMES the amount I expected and after taxes, would cover my entire wedding budget. God promise #1 fulfilled. (Philippians 4:19)

In the second week of January, a coworker who is getting married the Saturday before us told me she ordered her dress... and that it wouldn't be here until 4 weeks before the wedding. I panicked and went dress shopping that weekend. The salesperson began throwing dresses at me, but none stood out. We went to one more place and I selected five dresses. While we were waiting for a fitting room, I saw a dress on a mannequin that I had to try it on. When I put the dress on, I knew it was the one. It cost a bit more than I wanted to spend, but decided to go for it. I knew God would provide for His princess. I got to the register to pay for it and it was on sale. $350 less than what I expected! To top it off, the dress was a perfect fit, needed no alterations and I didn't have to order it. It came home with me that day. God promise #2 fulfilled (Matthew 6:28)

I often hear that the Bible is antiquated, that it has nothing to do with the lives of people living in the 21st century. While Jesus spoke to people in parables that were relevant to people of His time, the messages still ring true today. While our lives are drastically different today, we are all human and all have similar hardships and shortcomings, the same heartaches and emotions. God's promises to protect, provide and care for His children didn't extend only to the Israelites who physically saw the cloud of the Lord, but for all of those who love him (Romans 8:28). Don't know about you, but I believe Him!