Boma

To make a long story short: I broke my camera. The pictures below are the only way in which, I (at this moment) know how to transport pictures from a friends camera home.

Pics

What's so Amazing About Grace

By Philip Yancey

Here are some points to mull over:
-"I would rather convey grace than explain it" the authors purpose in his book

-a gift that costs everything for the giver and nothing for the recipient

-the world comes to the church for grace
"You need not be a Christian to build houses, feed the hungry, or heal the sick. There is only one thing the world cannot do. It cannot offer grace."
How much does your church or Christian walk really offer grace to the world around us.

-Grace is Christianity's best gift to the world, a spiritual nova in our midst exerting a force stronger than vegeance, stronger than racism, and stronger than hate.

Sarah's wedding was absolutely beautiful. It was relaxing, laughter-filled, and Christ-centered.....and yes, emotional :).

Here's the highlights:

• The wedding was a three day party. The Bokma family came to live with us since Wednesday. We've had so many good memories with them (volleyball, euchre, home videos, chats & laughing). I feel like I've been blessed with three more younger sisters. I'm going to miss them when they leave this morning.
• getting ready in the morning with all the girls. We had lots of time and just sat around chatting and relaxing
• ceremony was beautiful

- we walked in too quickly but that was o.k. with me

-we did a family prayer

-Ben and I had two false starts to go sign the wedding bans (where I gave Sarah some comic relief by accidentally trying to write with the pen upside down...the stupid thing looks the same from both ends and I was confused for a good couple of seconds)

-the pastor annoucing them as Sarah Slotegraaf and Sarah Bokma (apparently my sister is the dominate person in the relationship)

• getting to see my family especially those from far away that I do not often see. Although it was tough to see the family that is struggling with their health
• reception went smooth. My cousin suggested drinking a glass of wine before my speech so I took her up on it and it went a lot better than I had anticipated
• The speeches were really touching. The love and support in the room was really intense. It was a beautiful wedding because there was not a single soul who had a doubt.
• Dance party was awesome. There was a live band and a dancing crowd. My closest-dancer father came out for the first time ever and I got to teach my little brother how to slowdance.

Although I'm exhausted, it is a peaceful exhaustion.

I sit here, the day of my sister's wedding, typing up my speech with my head full of curlers. I have been working on this speech for awhile, but I'm struggling. How do you, in a few words, express how much someone means to you? Sarah and I have been through many ups and downs together; we've stood by each other, we've stood up to each other, we've had crazy memories together, we've grown together, and we've loved (and still do) each other.