My Favorite Wedding Present....

This photo was made on my wedding day. For those of you who may not know Britni, she is my best friend. She has been a part of my life for twenty years and means the world to me. I had the honor of being her maid of honor at her wedding and she was sweet enough to me my matron of honor in mine. I wanted to share the story behind this picture with you all because it means so much to me. Britni and her husband Justin have struggled with infertility for a little over two years. I watched as they continued to try month after month, doctor appointment after doctor appointment and felt such hope for my friend. She kept such a positive attitude through it all and remained steadfast in her faith that everything happens in God's timing. She told me a couple of months ago during one of our phone conversations that she had turned the situation completely over to God and had a strong sense of peace about it. On my wedding day, a the beauty salon amid the hustle and bustle of the biggest day of my life thus far, she called me into the kitchen and closed the door behind her. She stood there silently and I knew immediately....she was pregnant. My wonderful day full of such joy and happiness now meant something even more than it had when I woke up that morning. I hugged her repeatedly and we both cried and then pulled it together to go face everyone in the beauty shop, as she wasn't spreading the news to everyone just yet. I had such a wonderful day, marrying the man of my dreams and beginning my "happily ever after" but even in my own joy, I felt an overwhelming happiness for my best friend and this sweet miracle just beginning to grow in her belly. I asked my photographer, Mrs. Jessica Messer to sneak a photo of she and I together to celebrate the moment and this is the result. I cried the first time I saw it, just as I did when Britni first told me her news. What a testament to God's perfect timing and love. I couldn't be happier for Britni and her husband, Justin and I ask that you keep them in your prayers.

Father,

Thank you for Britni and her lifelong friendship. Thank you for her faith in You and for the Christian example she is to those around her. I pray that You watch over Britni, Justin and their growing baby with the care that only You can. Keep Britni and the baby healthy and happy. Remind Britni and Justin to keep You first, not only in their lives, but also as they start their new life with this precious blessing. I pray that Britni would feel Your love and protection as the days go by and feels Your guidance as she prepares to become a Mommy. Thank You for Your love for them and for allowing me to be a part of this miracle. Amen.