a tribute to the Carreras

I just spoke with Mrs. Carrera (fka Katherine Oliver) on the phone. They only just arrived back from their honeymoon. And so I definitely want to give a tribute and some reflections on their wedding weekend celebration. Here they are at their fab. rehearsal dinner at Maggiano's (truly appropriate pick for his Italian family). Aren't they a beautiful couple? Truly. His dark and handsome with her blond and glamorous ... they'll have some cute kids one day!!

And what's even more beautiful is their inner character that is even more stunning. Both gave much glory to God for bringing them together at the right time. The character of Christ radiates through them both as well. They are truly a perfect match for one another. Each bringing out new things in the other. I've seen it and witnessed it through their relationship.

It was a wonderful weekend of celebration, from the bridesmaids' shower on Thursday evening to the moment they pulled out of the Vinings Club en route to their honeymoon. There was much joy -- many reminders of the gift that marriage is meant to be. I loved celebrating this with Seth and also with my parents who came down from South Carolina. Funny bit of trivia: Katherine's father and my Dad were actually fraternity brothers at Furman Univ. and were also groomsmen in each other's weddings! It's a small world, after all ...

And so it was only fitting for us both to become instant friends when we met during high school at a summer camp and to keep up over the years since -- though we've never lived in the same city. She has been such an encouragement to me to keep turning to Christ. I feel as if we're always discovering new insights about our life in Christ when we talk. And her passionate love for Christ is always a challenge to me ... me who can be so rational about God sometimes, to the detriment of passion.

So now I "raise my glass" as I did a week ago Saturday to Mr. and Mrs. Carrera as they embark on the adventure of marriage. There are deep waters, heights of joy, and the hope of ever-increasing love in the mystery called marriage. As they keep Christ central, they will find the wisdom to navigate it all.

a pumpkin fall

Have you seen "the pain of the mundane" for long enough? As I was perusing my blog, I realized it might be time for something else. Like a newer post. And one that lists my favorite things about fall. With some pictures.

Let's start with pumpkins. I really am loving pumpkins this fall. They're just so cheerful. And the pumpkin-scented candle from Yankee Candle Co. smells wonderful. And of course the pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks is a favorite staple of the season. Who doesn't love them? And pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin pie ... oh my.

Also apple picking -- which is what these pictures are from. We went to Solebury Orchards with my parents-in-law about a month ago, and it was the perfect day for it. And what better thing to do after apple picking than to (attempt) to bake an apple pie? Which is, yes, another favorite aspect of fall.

What else do I love? The brilliant leaves. The chilled air that's not yet bitterly wintry but rather crisp and fresh. Even now that the time has changed and it gets dark so early, it makes the evenings feel cozier.

Probably what I like the most is the fact that I am enjoying and appreciating fall this year. Instead of years past when I would dread it because it meant winter was on its way. No doubt that winter is well on its way this year, but I am in a good place. With a husband I love, in two jobs I enjoy, a church we feel refreshed by, and learning contentment because of Christ.

In the past month, I've cried as I heard the testimony of a new believer who joined our church. And I've celebrated with the other 50 founding members of Cresheim Valley Church
I have found refreshment in God's Word through a weekend women's conference I attended (Women in the Word) and through studying it, discussing it, and being encouraged by it with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Both through my responsibilities (privileges!) at Chelten Baptist and Cresheim Valley Church and through friends.

It's been a good month. And did I mention how much I'm looking forward to my best friend's wedding this weekend? Nothing like sharing in the joy of another ... in the celebration of a marriage. And getting a front row seat as her matron of honor! There will be reflections and pictures to follow, I'm sure.