May 2012 Taste This!

What I Am In To Lately

Bishop Henry Hearns is now one of my heroes! He is Mayor Emeritus of Lancaster, California and I met him when I spoke at The Mayor's Prayer Breakfast on the National Day of Prayer. He told me so many compelling stories of being a young black man in America and experiencing such hardship and reward leading up to and during the Civil Rights Movement. I could have spent hours listening to him! I am grateful I am literally color blind, and I am even more grateful that my heart can't see color either. I can't wait to spend eternity with him and hear more about his life. He was such a gracious, gentle and wise man.

From California, I flew to Pennsylvania. The Mothers and Others Event was spectacular! I love how those women reach out to their community with the love of Christ.

As soon as I returned from that trip, wedding bells were ringing! (photos) Family arrived and a million unexpected details showed up, too. You know how that goes!  But, truly, it was an enchanting, inspiring wedding. Caroline was a beautiful bride and Clayton was a handsome, giddy groom!  

Michael O'Brien, our precious friend, sang at the wedding and every woman there was wishing they wore waterproof mascara! My dad performed the ceremony and there was not a dry eye in the chapel.  

Last thing...I mentioned Phil and I took dance lessons so we could boogie-woogie at the reception. Well, boogie-woogie we did not, but we did enjoy a few slow dances. The highlight for me, though, was dancing with Clayton to "What a Wonderful World."  (Video) 

I also told you last month I would show you pics of the rehearsal dinner.  The centerpieces turned out so well. I was grateful to friends who set it all up for me while I was at the rehearsal. So, check out these pictures. Oh, I didn't use place cards. Instead, I told folks to sit where they recognized a picture.  We had such a sweet time.  

Okay, so that wasn't the last thing!  The after-wedding brunch at my home was so special because all of our family attended - both Phil's and mine. We had Summer Vegetable Strata, Sausage Apple Strata,
French Toast Casserole and bacon-wrapped dates. Yum! The big hit was the Cappuccino Punch. Oh, sister, worth every calorie!

The more I write, the more I realize I am gushing! But, indulge one last thing please. Connor, our youngest son, who is 13, was the best man.  Phil and I had no idea what he would say at the reception when called to do his toast. We knew he hadn't rehearsed or written notes. So, when he began, our jaws dropped...wanna see why? Adorable!

Well friend, thanks for hearing all my wedding chat.  

Give these things a taste test:

1.  Sit down with someone of a different generation or race and listen to their stories. You will be enriched and they will be blessed by your interest.  
2.  Cappucino Punch
3.  Dance with someone you love.

Comments

[Amy]

I am a mom to 4 sons (all little still) but that video of you dancing with your son is just so beautiful! I was in tears and my middle son (age 5) walked up to me and said, "That's going to be us at my wedding." (Wonder where he heard that?)

And Connor's toast. I lOVE it! So sweet and so funny! Thanks for giving me a smile today. God bless!

[Denise Pickrel]

Thank you Jennifer for sharing this beautiful wedding with us. I see such grace and the love of Christ in your precious young men. And Caroline, what a beauty and blessing to your family.