Raise a glass...

Jay was the best man at his brother's wedding, March 15, 2008. Here was his toast/blessing to Chris and Carrie. I thought it was such a great toast!

It's customary for the best man to toast the bride and groom. It's also customary for an older brother to pass along words of wisdom. Since I am both, I would also like to give them a blessing in place of Dad. When mom found out that I was giving a toast, she knew how Chris and I are and she made me promise to "toast" not "roast"--I am going to do my best to honor that.

Chris and Carrie--I pray that you remember your actions that brought you here today, because your actions make your words reality.

Your mothers have prayed for your mate since you were children, I pray that you remember that when God is the center of your marriage there is nothing you two can't do and your love will grow more than you ever thought possible.

I pray that your good times are plenty, and when the hard times come; and they will, that you embrace them for what they are and allow God to do His work inside of you to make you perfect, complete, and lacking in nothing.

I pray that when the time is right, God blesses you with children. Because nothing fills your heart with more joy and melts the worries of the world away like the laughter of a child.

All through life, I can remember my mom saying "The man maybe the head of the house, but the woman is the neck that turns the head." I see lots of ladies nodding. One day, a few years ago I asked mom if that is were the saying "pain in the neck" came from. I can remember Dad falling on the floor with laughter and mom slapped me on the back of the head. Chris, I pray you learn a phrase that will help make your marriage happier--"yes dear."

Finally God has placed all of these people in your life to help support and guide you; when necessary, stand in the gap for you. So if anyone here would like to join me in affirming this blessing to Chris and Carrie, please stand and raise your glass to them and the journey of marriage they are starting.

To Chris and Carrie--God bless you and Salud!

Praise You In This Storm

They say tragedy comes in 3's. That has happened in our family of God.

This song helps me through. My heart aches tremendously for all those suffering their losses.

*Please pray for the Team of Missionaries in the Dominican Republic.

*Please pray for the family who lost their son.

*Pray for the college students who lost their friend.
http://web.mac.com/coryandlaurabeth/Site/Blog/Blog.html

*Please pray for the family who has lost their husband and father.

*Pray for our country who lost one of it's protectors.

*Pray for the sister who lost her brother.

*Pray

Casting Crowns--Praise you in this Storm

I was sure by now

God, You would have reached down

And wiped our tears away

Stepped in and saved the day

But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls

I barely hear Your whisper through the rain"I'm with you"

And as Your mercy falls

I raise my hands and praise the God who gives

And takes away

And I'll praise You in this storm

And I will lift my hands

For You are who You are

No matter where I am

And every tear I've cried

You hold in Your hand

You never left my side

And though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind

You heard my cry to you

And you raised me up again

My strength is almost gone

How can I carry on

If I can't find You

But as the thunder rolls

I barely hear You whisper through the rain"I'm with you"

And as Your mercy falls

I raise my hands and praise the God who gives

And takes awayI lift my eyes unto the hills

Where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord

The Maker of Heaven and Earth

We're leavin' on a jet plane

Tomorrow we are headed to sunny Florida! My BIL (brother in law) is getting married this weekend to one of the most sweetest girls I have met! I can't wait for there to be another Mrs. Sergio!

On a sadder note, there is a family at church who could use your prayers. God knows why. This family needs peace that only God can give.

Our hearts are with you. We cry your tears and we lift you up to our Lord God who is the ultimate comforter and bearer of our sorrows.

Have a great week everyone! Pics of the wedding will come when we get back!