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McDonnell Adventures

The Pearls: Part II

 Part I- of this post was written well over two years ago.

The young lady in that story has since gotten older and

has never forgotten the lesson she learned from her mother.

A lesson on letting go and trusting God -

Trusting in His timing and knowing that His ways are far

higher than hers.

The fake pearls were given up five years ago.  Really it seems

like a lifetime ago and the young lady has learned so much

and grown stronger because of it.

Sometimes she wondered about her real pearls.

She knew that God never takes something without

giving something far better in return, but there were

times she doubted.  She thought perhaps those

real pearls were over rated and maybe she shouldn't be so picky.

But then one day God brought someone into her life.

Someone who made her a better person.

Someone who made her eyes twinkle.

Someone who made her realize that genuine is so much better than fake.

And then it happened.

He knew her story,

her past struggles, and

had read about her giving up her fake pearls.

So one fine day he presented her with black velvet box

just like the one from her story.

When she opened it she saw a beautiful strand of

genuine pearls. 

He told her that she meant so much to him

and  how he hoped he could be her set of real pearls.

A few months have passed.

Every time that young lady puts on those pearls

she is reminded of the past lesson learned

and she is so grateful that she gave up her fake pearls.

On November 2, 2012 that young lady will put those genuine

pearls on and walk down a church aisle to start a new life with him.

And she couldn't be more blessed.

I have a goodly heritage

I love my family.

I love that a midst our busy schedules we still spend time together.

I want to treasure each one of these moments.

I don't want to become too busy with my future plans

that I forget about my present life.

This past Friday, we took a break from the wedding planning 

and went down to the beach for a picnic.

Picnics at the Dunes are a favorite summer tradition.

We had a wonderful time and I was glad 

I had a camera to capture some of these moments.

Moments that quickly become memories preserved

through pictures.

Memories that I know I will carry with me through all my life.

I am so thankful that God put me in the family He did.

 Thankful for parents who are godly and raised my sisters and I 

to serve the Lord and keep Him first.

Parents who led by example and

practiced what was preached in church.

I am thankful for moments with my two sisters.

Sisters that I will miss, but I know will remain close despite the distance.

Truly I have a goodly heritage.

Pin It Come see some of my photography over at Serendipity-Images.

a perfect day

Certain dates have memories connected with them.

This past Saturday - May 26th will forever

be a special date for me.

Jack surprised me by showing up at my house...

best surprise ever! :)

It was an absolutely perfect day in every way.

Jack and I along with my parents

went down to the beach where we enjoyed a picnic dinner.

Then Jack and I went for a stroll

along the shore.

We stopped and sat in the dune's grass watching the water

and talking.

In that moment I felt as though everything was

right in the world and I couldn't

have been more content.

Jack reached into his camera bag to get a book he said he had

picked up at Barnes and Nobles for me.

Before I opened it though, he said I had to

read the card first.

I opened the envelope and read the outside of the card:

I want to grow old with you

and then inside it read:

There's nothing in the world

that I'd rather do

Than spend my forever

together with you.

I felt my pulse quicken and my heart race

as I looked at Jack who was at this time

on his knee.

My voice caught in my throat
as I said,

Oh, Jack...

Jack asked me to be his wife

and as he did

the clouds parted (I lie not) and the sun seemed to

shine directly on the sparkling ring he

was holding.

I am sure every girl thinks her engagment is the best

and I am no different.

For you see, ever since I can remember

it has been my dream to someday

get engaged at Lake Michigan.

My dream became reality even

without Jack ever knowing that.

I also always wanted my future husband to be able

to pick my ring out without my help

and Jack did just that.

He chose an absolute gorgeous ring

and it will always be so much more

special because of that.

I did get a book from him that day as well -

The Bride's Book of Lists

He knows me all too well.  :)

Jack and I are so thrilled as we start this next

phase of life together and we are even

more excited to see what God has in the future for us!

Come see some of my photography over at Serendipity-Images.