We Have a Wedding Plan

I know many of you out there are wondering what's up with Carrie and Joel's wedding.

Here it is 3 months after we got engaged, and still no announcement of a date.
To put it simply: planning a wedding is complicated--even when you're trying to make it simple!

Joel and I decided we wanted to have a laid-back wedding somewhere memorable, unusual and exotic. Rather than expect a host of guests to follow us, we opted to have only our immediate family attend the ceremony. Joel and I each have two parents and an older brother who will join us.

After much deliberation and shuffling over schedules, we have confirmed June 17, 2008 as our wedding day. The location for the ceremony will be this lovely little church in Hanalei, Kauai. The officiant is the church's pastor, Kahua Alpha.

I've purchased my dress from the Galina collection at David's Bridal. Thankfully it was not a difficult decision, and I found exactly what I wanted right away. Shopping can be torturous for me. (I still remember how I spent weeks searching for the perfect 8th-grade graduation dress.)
I'm still in the process of choosing flowers and church decor, but I really like this bouquet with lots of bright colors.

The mothers have coordinated their dress with aqua colors, and we're thinking the guys will wear khaki pants with white shirts. We will probably do the traditional Hawaiian leis. One of the most important details for us is good photography. I'm really excited about working with Rachel Robertson (check out her website).

There are so many details involved. Honestly, we've been a little overwhelmed--but excited! We really are not into all the hoopla that can go into such an event. The multi-billion dollar wedding industry and all the peripheral junk that goes along with it kind of makes me sick. Yes, the start of a marriage should be celebrated and commemorized, I think, but do you really need a $50 cake-cutting knife? Ok, I'll get off that rant.

Though we're not doing things "the traditional way,"we still want to involve others close to us in the festivities. Our community of friends and family is important to us and we want them to be a part of not only our wedding, but also our marriage.

So, we're planning a reception here in Colorado Springs (or vicinity) on Sept. 13. We like this day because it will be my parent's 39th anniversary, and we can have a big ol' celebration of marriage. We know that's quite some time after the wedding. If you could look at our summer calendar, you would understand (I hope). We also want to give those who will be attending time to plan, book flights, etc..

By then we should be fairly well settled, so people can come visit our abode. Several have asked where we will make our home. Here's a picture of Joel's house, where I will move in once we're married.

Despite the hecticness of it all, we're enjoying the process, and Joel and I are very much looking forward to the future.

Freaky Be

This morning as I scanned an e-newsletter, I came to the following quote: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world."--Mahatma Gandhi (Indian political leader)

Immediately, I thought, “What a coincidence! Yesterday I heard a song to that affect.”

And right as I thought it, that very song [Eric Bibb's "Spirit I Am"] came on my iTunes and the lyric, “Am I the change I long to see?” played.

I’ll take it as a sign and a challenge. How can I be the change I long to see?

Believing the Best

Do you ever doubt that God of the universe could love you?

Though I could look you in the eye and truthfully say, “Jesus loves me,” my actions communicate I don’t really believe God truly loves me, or that others genuinely do either.

Recent interactions have reminded me how far I have yet to go in believing the best about God (that He has my best interests at heart) and believing the best about others close to me (that they really like me and value my company and wouldn’t want to intentionally hurt me).

I wonder, why is believing the best so difficult and/or risky?

Dancing With God

My mom sent recently this to me. I don’t know who wrote it, but I like it:

When I meditated on the word Guidance, I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word.
I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing.
When two people try to lead, nothing feels right.
The movement doesn't flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky. When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead, both bodies begin to flow with the music. One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing lightly in one direction or another. It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully.
The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other.
My eyes drew back to the word Guidance.

When I saw “G” I thought of God, followed by “u” and “i.”
“God, "u" and "i" dance."

God, you, and I dance.
Dance together with God, trusting God to lead and to guide you through each season of your life.

Even cake decorators need editors

Wal-Mart Employee: "Hello 'dis Walmarts, how can I help you?"

Customer: "Yes, I would like to order a cake for a going away party this week."
Wal-Mart Employee: "Whatcha want on the cake?"

Customer: "Best Wishes Suzanne."
And underneath that, "We will miss you."

Health

Today I’m thankful I have a healthy body, and that my most of my family and close friends do too. When I hear about friends of friends who are experiencing extreme health struggles (cancer, strokes, paralysis, etc…) I realize how often I take for granted my lack of maladies.
Though I’m tempted to complain about how a new prescription is affecting my body in odd ways, I realize how much worse it could be, and how much worse it is for many. Then I remember to pray for them and to do anything else I can to help. I also remember how much better it will be in heaven where there is no disease, no pain or suffering.
In the meantime, between here and heaven, I ask God to comfort the hurting, heal the sick, and bind up the brokenhearted.

excuses, excuses

I know, I know! It's been like forever since I updated this blog (and I've completely let my other one go).
Well, since I got a couple complaints from people who may actually want to read the thing, I'll take a stab at some excuses, or explanations, if you will.
I'd like to be better about blogging. But understand, I have some perfectionist tendencies and if I don't feel like I can do something well, I may not do it at all.

So, it's true, being engaged (and consequently planning a wedding) is exciting and wonderful and takes up much of my time and attention.
Also, some other life changes to note: I'm now working 24 hours a week, though doing the exact same duties, at my job.
I'm taking two classes at UCCS to prepare for graduate school and still doing a fair amount of freelance editing.
Then, there's the balancing two different small-group Bible studies, premarital counseling homework, spending time with my man, catching up with friends and family, starting to train for a 100-mile bike ride, and writing etc...
These are all wonderful things! I'm just trying to figure out how to do it all, and realizing sometimes I can't. That's when blogging goes.
But don't worry, I'll be back (hopefully soon).

Announcing Hearts for the Homeless luncheon

I received this press release today, and thought it's worth passing on to a few who may come across my blog and be interested in helping homeless children. I haven't heard of this organization before, but it looks interesting:

Interfaith Hospitality Network of Colorado Springs is pleased to announce their annual Hearts for the Homeless luncheon and auction on Sunday, February 10th at noon at the Marriott Hotel, 5580 Tech Center Drive. IHN provides shelter, meals, hospitality and case management support for families with children who find themselves in a homeless situation.

Jan Martin, Colorado Springs City Councilwoman, and Regina Lewis, CEO and Founder of ReginaSpeaking, will be featured speakers. In addition to featured speakers, congregations that have been in the Network helping IHN provide shelter to families for the last ten years will be honored.

The price for the luncheon is $35 per person or $300 for a table of ten. For further information or to purchase tickets for the event, please call IHN at 329-1244.

Friday quote

"Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man."
--Benjamin Franklin,politician, inventor and author

We're engaged!

On New Year's Eve, Joel Bradley, a most wonderful man God has placed in my life, asked me to marry him.

Joel and I met Aug. 15, 2007. Mike Braun (a former CBA coworker) was living in Joel's house at the time. Mike thought since Joel and I have a lot in common (love for Jesus, hiking, skiing, biking, music, travel, etc...) and our personalities are very similar, that we should meet. Turns out he was right!

Though we have not known each other long, Joel and I know we want to spend the rest of our lives together. We've been talking about this for awhile, so the proposal didn't come as a shocking surprise—yet nevertheless delightful.

Joel had planned a New Year's Eve (NYE) ski getaway in Winter Park (WP), where he owns a townhome. Though we invited some friends and family, he told me we'd have a romantic dinner alone on NYE.

The two of us drove up Sun. Dec. 30 with the others to follow later in the day. However, soon after we arrived in WP in near whiteout conditions, all the mountain passes and I-70 closed. Close friends, the Thompsons (who have a place nearby), had made it to WP, so we did a late-Christmas gift exchange there. Impressively, they all knew what was to come (including 3 young-ish boys) but didn't say anything.

Monday, Dec. 31, we woke up to sub-zero temps and high winds, so decided not to brave the ski hill. We opted for a short cross-country stint in the afternoon—after Joel did some errands. He had a good excuse to get out of the house and not take me, since the fire alarm downstairs had been chirping incessantly the day before. Unbeknownst to me, he picked up flowers and delivered them to Devil's Thumb Ranch, where we'd be having dinner. He also called my parents (which wasn't difficult for him since we'd spent Thanksgiving together) to officially ask permission.

Devil's Thumb is a rustically beautiful, picturesque lodge. We sat down to a 5-course meal. I could tell he was nervous, but we conversed with relative ease. After our dessert plates had cleared, Joel confessed his love for me and said he'd vowed never to tell a woman that unless he wanted to marry her. After many other kind and sweet words, which I'm not currently able to quote verbatim, he asked me to be his wife. Of course, I said yes (with glee and glimmers of tears)!

The ring he gave me originated with his great-grandmother. It was passed through generations, and his dad gave it to his mom upon their engagement. It's a spectacular solitaire diamond set on white gold. Its history and longevity as a symbol of lifelong commitment bring great privilege and responsibility, and I'm honored to wear it.

The wait staff subsequently brought out the flowers and two glasses of Champaign. We raised glasses again at the Thompsons, where a neighborhood crowd had gathered to congratulate us (and ring in the New Year).

We are excited about the year to come, and talking about a late-summer wedding. To see more photos, go to Joel's web site: http://www.houseofjoel.com/houseofjoel/photos/personal/2007Engagement/.

Thanksgiving pics

My parents, Joel, and I

spent Thanksgiving

weekend

at his place in Winter Park.

Thanksgiving Day we skied on Berthoud Pass,

warmed up in the hot tub,

and cooked ourselves a delicious and nutritious meal.

Friday quote collection

“Nothing is so contagious as enthusiasm."
--Samuel Taylor Coleridge, English poet, critic and philosopher

“You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself one."
--James A. Froude, English historian

“Well, you've got to take the bitter with the better."
--Jane Ace, radio personality

“Doubt is the beginning, not the end, of wisdom."
--George Iles, author

God's plan

Someone asked Henry Blackaby, “How do I know God’s will for my life?”

He turned the question around. “What’s God’s plan and what role does He want you to play?”

God’s not developing 2.6 billion plans and sitting around waiting for us to ask for our individual plan. God is doing something massive and He has a part for us to play.

He wants for us to surrender. Jesus never did anything apart from His Father’s will.

Time-tested truth

Last week when I was at the Air Force Academy, I decided to stop by the Cadet Chapel since I'd never been inside. It's worth the trip!
Though many churches and cathedrals are much older than this structure, I got a sense that so much history has passed by those angular walls.
In related news, 5/30 reports, "For the first time, the Pentagon approved a motion picture to be filmed at the Air Force Academy."
Wanting to soak in the reality that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, I walked in the chapel (don't worry, it's allowed!), sat down on a pew, and picked up a hymnal.
This passage is the one that jumped out at me:
"I hide Your Word within my heart to keep me safe from sin. For where your truth is in control, no lie can inter in." --Claire Cloninger
I'm reminded once again, "For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does." (Psalm 33:4)

Power of positive thinking in the pool

Yesterday as I slipped on my swimsuit to prepare for an aquatic workout, I bemoaned an apparent extra bit of pudge. All the more reason to get back in the pool, I thought.
As I entered the pool deck, my former swimming coach spotted me.
After “hello,” his first words were “Have you lost weight?”
I said, “No, actually I was just thinking I had gained some.”
He replied, “Well, it must just be muscle.”
Then he’d asked if I’d competed in the most recent triathlon.
He encouraged me to do the next one, saying, “You’re going to win!”
Though I thought most of his words were flattery, (I suppose it doesn’t matter much in the grand scheme; gaining a little winter weight is inevitable—though I won’t know for sure since I don’t weigh myself. And, it’s not likely I would win a tri since my swimming is so weak I need lessons!).
However, I certainly did swim longer and faster as a result of the power of positive thinking imparted by a kindly coach.
I remembered the hope that I can use my words to genuinely encourage others. And, I got to practice the principle right away. The gentleman swimming in the lane next to me started gasping for air and came back to the edge of the pool.
He said, “I psyched myself out.”
I affirmed that even swimming is a matter of the mind and told him he could do it (since it was apparent he could swim).
Simple enough—not profound words, but they proved helpful.
Positive thinking may not keep you afloat, but it can provide some power in the paddles!

Friday quote collection

“Happiness is a conscious choice, not an automatic response."
--Mildred Barthel, author

“Nothing is impossible. Some things are just less likely than others."
--Jonathan Winters, comedian, author and artist

“Paradise is here or nowhere: You must take your joy with you, or you will never find it."
--O.S. Marden, founder of Success Magazine

“Doing nothing is very hard to do ... you never know when you're finished."
--Leslie Nielsen, Canadian-American actor

“No wise man ever wished to be younger."
--Jonathan Swift, Irish satirist, journalist and author

“What we need is to love without getting tired."
--Mother Teresa, Nobel Peace Prize-winning humanitarian

“The best is yet to be."
--Robert Browning, British poet and playwright

“Striving for excellence motivates you; striving for perfection is demoralizing."
--Harriet Braiker, psychologist and writer

“Silence can be as different as sounds."
--Elizabeth Bowen, Anglo-Irish writer

“Setting an example is not the main means of influencing another, it is the only means."
--Albert Einstein, German-born Swiss-American physicist

Agree? Disagree?

2007 in review

My mom is amazing about sending Christmas letters every year. She asked me to recap my year in third person for her family letter. It's difficult to put a full year into a few words (and there are still two months left)!

If you're a blogger reading this, I tag (challenge) you to do the same--sum up your year in fewer than 300 words.

Thankful for life and limbs intact after a car accident in December 2006, Carrie started out the year fresh with a newer Subaru purchased in Montana. Joe (dad) graciously drove the car to Colorado and took the bus home so Carrie could use her return flight. [click for pic: car and dog pictured]

Carrie celebrated her January birthday in Breckenridge, CO by snow-sculpture gazing and cross-country skiing with dear friends. These friends and church community continue to enrich her life greatly.
Easter was spent in Glenwood Springs, a new favorite place, with fabulous friend Katie [click for pics] .
Early summer took Carrie to Spokane, WA for cousin Nellie’s Gonzaga graduation [click for pics] and to Pasadena, CA for dear friend Nadia’s Fuller Seminary graduation. Afterward, the two celebrated by skydiving for the first time [click for pics] !
Later in the summer, Carrie (with the help of hard-working parents) moved out of her apartment and into the spacious basement of a lovely home in Monument (north of Colorado Springs).

Athletic adventures for Carrie included swimming lessons in the spring, a sprint triathlon in the summer, several great hikes, and running the VA Beach Rock N’ Roll half-marathon to raise money and awareness for Children’s HopeChest.
Carrie’s work as an editor took her to Indianapolis, Nashville, Atlanta, and Chicago this year. She felt grateful to still have her job after the company laid off half her department—a bigger loss than she's expected.

Carrie also mourned the death of a mentor [click for pic: Sheryl] a dear coworker, grandpa, plus her 14-year old dog Chewy and 20-year old horse BZ.
In the midst of loss, Carrie found hope in the One who gives and takes away. She celebrated love at cousin Bell's wedding [click for pics], with long-enduring friends, and rejoiced in a new relationship. God is good--all the time.

Remembering Grandpa

It’s been almost a month since my grandpa’s memorial service. Though I wasn’t intentionally avoiding this post, it’s been easier not to think on it. Life is busy and has many distractions, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t stop and remember.

I share some thoughts from my journal, dated Oct. 7:
There are so many positive impressions and good memories of yesterday’s memorial service for Grandpa Herb, it will be difficult to remember and record them all.
The day started out as mom and I worked out at the Park Plaza Hotel gym, then walked down Last Chance Gulch. The historic buildings and old brick kilns took us back in history. Mom and I kept walking until we reached a Mount Helena City Park trail head and decided to explore that. We ended up hiking where the snow met the mountain, and we climbed above the city to overlook a beautiful valley glowing with fall trees and snowcapped mountains behind brick buildings enduring another season. I wished I’d had my camera, but some moments I suppose you can’t capture completely.
I think we rejoiced that the day had arrived to remember and celebrate Grandpa’s loving and full life.
After we retrieved Olin, we ate breakfast at the Park Avenue bakery. The warmth of the ovens and coffee easing the chill from outside, we reminisced about Grandpa’s favorite days hauling wood with his old pickup in Rimini.

Later in the day we made our way out to the little church in Clancy, which is where grandpa attended since he’d been living in the nearby nursing home.
When Pastor Uda started reading my Grandpa’s stories (dictated years ago), I started crying, which took my by surprise because I’d held it together up until then.
I felt joyful to be celebrating his life and freedom from pain, and yet the magnitude of the fullness of his life struck me. There was so much there that we didn’t know or remember when we saw his failing old body.
He had been a striking young man, a hulk of a guy who set throwing records and played college football, and had his choice of women.
Yet he chose my Grandma LaVaughn (who was already married when they first met). Their story of falling in love, her leaving her alcoholic first husband, and marrying right before Herb shipped off to war is a remarkable one. She nursed him back to health after he came back with one eye missing and much more wounded than that.
For Herb’s 89th birthday my mom had a video made of his legacy, which they showed at the memorial. It was a beautiful testimony to a full life.
My cousin Nellie represented the grandkids by speaking about how he was always our biggest fan. He attended every sporting event he could, and got as involved as he could—even if it meant driving his van right up on the cross-country course.
How many 80-something grandparents e-mail their grandkids? Nellie said she got a priceless e-mail from him that read: “Nellie, I seem to have lost your e-mail address. (Yet somehow he managed to get this e-mail to her) Can you send it to me?”
His grandkids were his pride and joy and he told everyone everything we were up to—giving us superstar status.
At the reception the other grandkids shared impromptu how his life had affected us. Bell stood up and said it was an honor to have him as a part of their special event.
I agreed and said it was part of his amazing story that only God could have written.
No other event would have gotten us all together at once. Every good story has conflict and tension, and the overcoming of it. Grandpa displayed being an overcomer his whole life. He learned from his hardships and taught us to be life-long learners as well. I think one of the crowning accomplishments of his life was that he saw all five grandkids graduate from college. Not even death could keep grandpa down. Now he’s in heaven reunited with loved ones and his legacy lives on in each of us (as I wrote before, but think it’s worth remembering).

Montana recreation

Woohoo! Blogger added a video feature.
When I was in Montana earlier in October, my dad took me for a ride in the motorcycle sidecar.
Mom meant to take a picture, but made it a video. I think it's funny to watch, but beware--you might get motion sickness.

The night I arrived in Montana my mom and I went for a walk in the horse pasture. I then decided to go run on a smoother surface--the road. Mom warned (as all good mothers should even if their children are nearly 30, "Watch for cars." I saw only one in all 20+ minutes on the road.

Also on the road in Montana, one can ride a motorcycle 125 mph (this is a hypothetical experience of course)!

Mountain biking with my brother on the road and off (into a knee-deep river for him), also brought much enjoyment.

Finally, the family (including aunt and cousins on my dad's side) experienced a beautiful mountain hike. Though windy, it was about a picturesque as this part of the country gets.

More wedding photos

Isabell's photographer, Leo Chen, did an amazing job .

This picture makes me laugh every time I look at it.
To see more photos on his web site, click here.