:)

Dedicated to my Bridesmaid, Tamra!!

Tamra Jo!!

Tam-Tam

My friend Kara, who ironically is planning to get married on the same day as me, inspired me to dedicate a blog to my bridesmaids. I am going to do one attendant each day beginning with Tamra Jo:

Our friendship begin freshman year of college. I met Tamra at a bible study through BCM. We immediately hit it off---the night we met, we started kicking a ball around in the BCM building and knocked over an arrangement on the table!! Woops....Later that night, while we were walking to "The Diner" for some midnight food, we decided to hide behind a bush and scare the rest of our bible study group!! We then discovered we were both cheerleaders in high school, loved to ski, and looved sports and working out! Also, we shared a class together AND lived in the same apartment complex! I can always count on Tam for a good laugh---she never lets me down there!! We've been through it all in the 5 1/2 years we've known eachother. We've also been mistaken for sisters---weird!! I seem to have many friends that look a little like me. I love you Jo!! I thank the Lord every day for bringing me some of my very best friends my freshman year away from home!!

Some of My Favorite Engagement Pics :)

Lyndsay reminded me of Phil. 4:6-7 which says "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This is so true!

Justin and I went for counseling session number three today :)....this session was a lot of fun--I think we laughed the majority of the time--I find Bro Doug to be pretty funny!!

I go for my CT-Scan in the morning--continuing to trust God in that. Also, I am subbing at Yulee Elementary Monday!! Should be interesting! That's all for now...Have a great day!

Happy Birthday JJ

One of these days I'm going to get Justin to write an entry in "our" blog! I keep forgetting to tell him. I'm waiting to hear from the doctor's office to let me know when my CT-Scan will be. In the meantime, I'm taking four antibiotics a day and praying. My throat doesn't hurt as bad to swallow so that's a good thing. I've began to register....Justin told me he wants to go to some of the stores and register so he can scan stuff :) He thinks doing it online isn't as fun.....So far I've only began our Target Registry! Well I'm taking Birthday Boy to Lunch!!! Have a great day!!!

For the Joy of the Lord is my Strenth.

This Weekend, I noticed pain and a lump on the front of my neck. I went to the ENT specialist today. He is sending me for a Cat Scan. His guess was that it was a cyst, but he can't be sure. Please lift me up in your prayers. I broke down and cried with my grandmother today. I've just been worried about so much in life lately. I know the Lord has a plan, but I went to her for comfort and counsel. I had THE BEST time with her tonight. We talked and shared stories of circumstances we have been through. We talked about how in the end, God is always faithful. She encouraged me to focus not on the things the Devil often throws in front of Christians, but to focus on the blessings and find Joy in our savior. We prayed and I left with such a peace that God is in control. When financial troubles seem to be the topic of everybody's conversation, his plans are bigger and better. He knows the plans he has for us; plans to prosper us and not harm us, plans to give us a hope and a future!! As a Christian, there are times when Satan's battles come and he tries to depress me. He loves to see Christians lose their hope, but not keeping an optimistic attitude and not focusing on the MANY Blessings is not of the LORD!! I'm so thankful for such a wise/discerning Grandmother that teaches me life lessons everyday. Since she has been through many more years on this earth than I have, hearing her wise counsel brings peace and joy to me. Justin is on vacation from work this week! I am excited about that. About the wedding, I think we are just going to do the Huge Church wedding with everybody invited after all. There's nobody I want to leave out and I don't want to worry about RSVPs, ETC!! Yay. Just remember, when we are weak, HE makes us strong!!!

Flower Shopping!

I have an appointment with the Florist today!! I am so excited....my papa and Crystal are going with me. Having the ultimate wedding planners (my granny and papa) at my finger tips makes my job a little less stressful. I am so blessed to have such loving friends and family! Great news--I am now certified to Substitute Teach. I'm not going to lie--the thought of subbing makes me a bit nervous, but if that's what the Lord wants me to do right now, he will give me the strength. I'm still waiting to hear back from a couple of different jobs, but at least I am certified to sub. I am going to the gym to run my little heart out. I have to get ready for the River Run (aah--am I crazy??)! Love you all.

6 months to Go!!!

It's hard to believe. Only 6 more months and I will be Mrs. Johnson!! I've been doing a lot of wedding planning over the past couple of weeks. Justin said he didn't care if we even had a ceremony- as long as he was with me!! Awe :) I am thinking we are going to have a medium-size wedding. Not too many people, but not too small. That sounds perfect to me. That way I can invite just our families and close friends. This way, I can keep my nerves under control and just be able to enjoy the happiest day of my life! We have our colors! We have decided on Clover/Green and Pink!! I think that's a pretty combination! I am sooo excited all the upcoming events. Aside from wedding planning, I've been job searching again. My prayer is just that the Lord will show me where he wants to use me with this Psychology degree of mine. I am praying that he will open and slam doors so that I will know his will. I am looking for a rewarding job, where I can feel used. One where I can build relationships with people. I know this type of job is not always easy, but my heart is to help others. I really want to wake up in the morning, go to work, and pour my heart, soul, and energy into helping others. Please keep me in your prayers as I continue to wait for the Lord to show me the plans he has for me! I've given him my hopes and dreams. Well, I am leaving to with Trudy to David's Bridal so she can be fitted for her dress! I'm glad I've began blogging again. :) God Bless.