“Consider it pure joy, my brothers (and sisters), whenever you face trials of many kinds.” — James 1:2

Today was the first day I was able to get my devotionals back out and make more time for Jesus.*

Out of curiosity, I opened up Jesus Calling to see what she had to say on June 4, our wedding day.

It was SPOT ON!

“Welcome challenging times as opportunities to trust Me. You have Me beside you and My Spirit with you, so no set of circumstances is too much for you to handle. Regardless of the day’s problems, I can keep you in perfect Peace as you stay close to me.”

– Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

I found it ironic (like Alanis Morissette) this was the reading the day of our wedding.

We had rain on our wedding day, the morning of actually. I woke up early like I normally do and sat in my living room, drank coffee and watched it rain. I wasn’t even mad about it. I remember thinking, “rain on your wedding day is supposed to be good luck,” so I embraced the rain and prepared my heart for the day.

I forgot to put earrings in/on. Honestly, I think it’s kind of funny, but I don’t think you would have been able to see them anyway. My hair covered up one of my ears the while time anyway.

We ALMOST forgot to sign the marriage license. Oops! As we were cleaning up the small reception after the ceremony (quite cute and old school – we had a small cake & lemonade/tea reception in the basement of the church), I remembered about the ceremony!

“Honestly, it’s a lot like non-married life, except there is a lot more paperwork,” I say.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic happened, life has been unpredictable.

My daughter, who graduated from high school this year, spent the last couple months of her senior year working on assignments from home. She didn’t get her prom or normal graduation (we’re still waiting for details on that).

Thankfully, her attitude about the whole situation remained positive for the most part and she’s focusing her time and energy on getting ready for her freshman year of college.

We modified our wedding plans, including canceling our big reception and cutting our guest list from 130 to 50, inviting only family.

“When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade,” right?

Christ follower or not, it’s important to not sweat the small stuff. There’s no point to it. Sometimes, that’s hard to do, but my husband is really good about calming me down and reminding me to breath.

Here’s to the challenging times ahead! May God continue to keep us all in perfect peace.

*Before you say, “Now Beth…you should always make time for Jesus,” let me follow this up with I have found other ways to worship Jesus in the mornings including His Word and spending time outside listening to the songbirds of Moniteau County.