Five Minute Friday...Joy

Today is Five Minute Friday. One word...five minutes...no editing. Today's word is JOY.

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When I saw the word for today was joy, I just knew I would write something profound, something that would inspire. I have to be honest though, today this word made me think of one thing...well actually one person,  a sweet, lovable little baby named Ellie. So, I cheated today. I made a video for Ellie, that brought me joy. It took me more than five minutes to make, but it takes less than that to watch. So please enjoy watching the face that brings me joy!

Five Minute Friday...Crowd

Today is Friday! One of the first Fridays in awhile that the temperature here in Northern Minnesota is not only above zero, but in the double digits as well. That's two things to be excited about this Friday, the other one is Five Minute Friday. Rules are simple, one word, five minutes, no editing. Today's word is CROWD.

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You've heard it said that three is a crowd. Well, I actually believe that three is a perfect number! If my marriage were just the two of us, we would be in trouble. From the very beginning of our relationship we invited God in.

And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him

—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. 

Ecclesiastes 4:12

When Brian and I started dating he encouraged me in my walk with the Lord. He drew me a triangle and informed that the closer we got to God, the closer we would get to each other. 

So, three is not a crowd. And because God is the center and there is three in our marriage, it makes us feel connected even when we are out and about and in an actual crowd of people.

If your relationship is only the two of you, then I would encourage you to invite God in. He truly will make your relationship so much stronger.

Five Minute Friday....Willing

Today I am joining  a fun loving group of women as we blog for five minutes on one word. Five Minute Friday is simple, one word, five minutes, no editing. Today's word is WILLING.

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Am I willing?

God gives us all gifts, talents and abilities. He also gives us ways to use them. So the question most times isn't am I able...it's am I willing?

Am I willing to take the risk?
Am I willing to take the time?
Am I willing to serve?

So many times there are excuses given, I would like to but I don't think I can. But it's not always that I can't, it's sometimes that I am not always willing.

Our church is working through a study called Putting Plan B into Action. This week a question that was presented in this study has been rolling around in my head. "What would you do if you were absolutely confident that God was with you?" To this question I add when He shows me what that is, will I be willing to do it?

I am still in a new phase of life, the empty nest, I am still seeking God's plans for me. He has begun to shape those plans, so the question I must ask myself is simply will I be willing to do what God lays on my heart? Will I take that leap of faith, no matter the risk, no matter the time, no matter the sacrifice?

For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Isaiah 41:13

A day unlike any other...revisited

*This post was originally published in March of 2012. I repost it today to celebrate the Klingsheim's 2nd anniversary.

This day started out different than any day prior to it. This day started with the realization that our oldest daughter would be married by the end of it. Everything seemed surreal and perfect all at the same time. This is a day Ashley had been dreaming about for sometime, and a day her father and I had been praying for since her birth. So to say this day was 22 years in the making is not an exaggeration.

I want to share with you some of the highlights from this most special of days. You have followed along as Ashley and Larry got engaged, as I've had shoe melt downs and therefore I feel like you need to hear and see some of the special happenings that day.

Bride and Bridesmaids all made up and in flannel!

Love the back of her dress!

Bride and Bridesmaids all dressed up!

Proud parents and beaming bride.

Proud and excited siblings!

So in love!

This was outside the reception site: Headwaters Science Center.

First Dance

 

Time for cake!

Centerpieces

Guest Book Table

Another use of old light bulbs!

My favorite moment of the ceremony came at the very beginning. I kept my eye on Larry as Ashley and Brian appeared to walk the aisle. It was his first glimpse at his bride that day. I will never forget the look of love and affection he gave my daughter. Makes me cry now just to think of it. Then to turn and see my daughter with her eyes focused only on Larry, it was priceless!!

My husband had the privilege of marrying these two. I don't know how he did it, I cried through the whole thing! He was amazing. The wedding was amazing. Brian gave them 5 keys to marriage and he literally had keys for them. Here are the keys he shared with them:

King ...live for the King!

Kingdom...serve His kingdom.

Kids...one day (no pressure though Ashley and Larry!)

Kneel...pray together.

Kiss...and make up.

At the end of the wedding before he pronounced them husband and wife, Brian took the keys out of his pocket and showed them one more key. This was a car key...to a 2012 Lamborghini! Ok, it was a key to an imaginary 2012 Lamborghini! When Ashley was younger she heard a speaker say that girls are like a Lamborghini, of great price and value and they should be treated as such by a man. Ashley even had a shirt that said "I'm a Lamborghini". So Brian explained this and then handed Larry the keys. Hopefully they aren't too disappointed that we didn't buy them a $400,000 car!

Just look at my husband's expression...priceless!

The day went by far to quickly, the reception was so much fun. People had time to play in the Science Center, enjoy some good food and even dance a little. At the reception our daughter Abby gave her Maid of Honor toast and she chose to present it as a song. She wrote it herself; it is an amazing song!! (This was recorded on my husband's phone...so excuse the quality...but you can get the idea of how awesome of a song it truly is)

It was truly a special day! The newlyweds are all settled in their apartment and happy as can be!