The difference a sister makes

I never used to refer to my girlfriends as 'sisters' until I met Clare Weaver. She would always sign emails, 'love you Sister!' And I always felt so touched that she referred to me as a sister. Having a younger sister, the title denotes a world of responsibilities and commitments. I often have the feeling about my sister that we'll make it through thick and thin. Through the good times and through the bad, no matter what - we will be sisters.

When Clare called me 'Sister,' it actually changed my entire perspective on friendship. One of Clare's spiritual gifts is serving. So, as I was redefining friendship to 'sisterhood' I also observed that service and self sacrifice accompanied. In thought, I could name many dear sisters in my life, near and far. I thank God for you.

Clare got married two weeks ago, Saturday, April 26th, and it was a rich time celebrating my dear sister with fellow members of God's family.

Talk about sisters, I love these women.

I never used to refer to my girlfriends as 'sisters' until I met Clare Weaver. She would always sign emails, 'love you Sister!' And I always felt so touched that she referred to me as a sister. Having a younger sister, the title denotes a world of responsibilities and commitments. I often have the feeling about my sister that we'll make it through thick and thin. Through the good times and through the bad, no matter what - we will be sisters.

When Clare called me 'Sister,' it actually changed my entire perspective on friendship. One of Clare's spiritual gifts is serving. So, as I was redefining friendship to 'sisterhood' I also observed that service and self sacrifice accompanied. In thought, I could name many dear sisters in my life, near and far. I thank God for you.

Clare got married two weeks ago, Saturday, April 26th, and it was a rich time celebrating my dear sister with fellow members of God's family.

Young Love

Young Love, a set on Flickr.

After clicking through my photo library yesterday, I nostalgically lingered on old photos of Tripp and I when we were dating. Praise the Lord we have wonderful memories of our time together before becoming 'The Grants.' Following the last photo of us graduating from Belmont University would be wedding photos.

If you have a minute, here's how it began...

Tripp and I met in July of 2002 at freshman orientation, we were in the same orientation group. Our first date was in late August, just after getting settled into the dorms and college life. Tripp asked me to go to his sister's soccer game and on that date I met his mom, dad, two sisters, and granny. Granny's response to meeting was saying in a sweet old lady way, ' Tripp told me he met a nice girl.' Oh boy, Tripp was wearing his heart on his sleeve and I thought I was hot stuff.

You see, I had the idea that I was supposed to be with an impressive christian guy, specifically 'Raymond' (names changed to protect my dignity cuz the guy didn't care for me one bit). I made the mistake of telling Tripp on another date that I didn't think we should keep going out because I had my hopes set on Raymond. Tripp stayed near as a friend and even watched me go on 'dates' with a few other guys. (There was nothing romantic about these dates except that I was asked to go somewhere by a male).

Tripp didn't give up, he bought me a big bouquet of daisies and asked me to go on a date. I was a stinker and suggested a group date. He and a whole bunch of Belmont folks went.

Come April, I noticed a few signs that Tripp may be moving on from his devoted crush to myself. At the same time, he had vulnerably shared with me that his mom was in hospice. After much discussion with the gal pals and mom, I turned from my hot stuff ways and realized I may be passing up one of the best men I'd ever known. And hey, it wasn't like we were getting engaged!

Tripp was distributing 'Jump In The Bush Club' DVDs in my dorm and had stopped by my room to say hi. Not having the guts to reveal my feelings to him then, I chased him down on the front porch of my dorm. In the pouring rain, I brought him a friend's umbrella (supplied by a supportive gal pal) and told him that I liked him. He looked goofy and relieved and sweetly hugged me. I can't remember if I voiced this, but we call this our 'rain moment' (see Sweet Home Alabama).

And the rest is history.

A common girl marries a prince...

Tomorrow morning at 5am CST and I'm watching! I would have let the event pass by if not for an enthusiastic coworker who nostalgically remembers watching princess Diana's wedding in her pj's and sleeping bag. She's rallying the women of the office to wake up early and experience the royal wedding live with the morning coffee (LOTS of coffee!). She had me at, 'come on, not every day does a common girl marry a prince!'

Another office friend and I were just discussing, 'what is it about girls and princesses?' Well, as I consider my childhood dress up and tiara days, I can say I wanted to be royalty at an early age. Thankfully, I met my prince when I was 4 on the carpet steps of my house. He's grown with me, and I've actually found out He's a King. But for some reason, he's still interested in me as His princess, and I get to go to his castle some day. Won't be televised, but there's going to be a lot of people there!

If you're up with me tomorrow morning, I'd love to hear from you! Comment on the dress, the ring, the prince or the princess!

Wedding viewing grocery list: 
Coffee + fancy coffeemate creamer
Donuts
Yogurt (for protein to get through the morning)