goings-on

It's been a full few weeks since I've been in the South. I've had time with friends and time with family and that's been awesome! I expected to be much busier than I am. This week there's obviously quite a bit going on and little projects needing to be finished but other than that it's been calm. Here's a bit of what I've been up to:

One of the things Becca wanted to do when I got here was "watch a movie and eat pickles". So we did. Got Bride Wars and spent an evening in front of the

When I was, oh, 12 or so, I was quite strong. We have pictures and I'm actually really muscular (though incredibly skinny). Anyway, I used to pick Dad up on my back just because I could and carry him around the house (weird, I know). So I tried to see if I still could - and I can. I wanted proof in case people didn't believe me. And yep, he's trying to be odd in the picture.

Making poofy things for the reception. I think they're called Mexican wedding flowers. But "poofy things" is much more refined. You should see the dining room and the stair rails; they're COVERED in big and small versions of these things. It looks like a party. Mom keeps cutting them out and working on them... and we join in too when we're not doing anything else.

And lastly, I went strawberry picking with Grandmama and Granddaddy a couple of Saturdays ago! It was so fun (and HOT. and crowded!). I spent the night and Granddaddy just suggested that we get ready and leave for the strawberry patch. A rather quick trip, since Grandmama and I had to go to my bridal shower a little later, but so much fun! I made one pie with the results and tonight I'm making another one with the frozen leftover berries.

And last, but definitely not least... I'm going to the airport today - to pick up Carson! And making the aforementioned pie... since he got wind of the last one I made and begged that I save some berries for him :)

wedding site

A few people have requested that I put it up... so here's our wedding website link:
Carson and Lindsay

mothers and grandmothers

a happy mother's day to all the mothers and grandmothers in my life!
{especially my mother}
(because she had to put up with me and because, well, she's the best one I've got)

My mom

My dad's mom (Grandmamma)

My mom's mom (Nana)

My mom-in-law (to be)

My grandmothers-in-law (to be)

Testimony to a Very Faithful God

I'm back home.
For the last time as a Norman.
That part feels odd.

I've realized being here this time that "this is it!" This is the last time I'll be here sharing my family's last name and keeping a majority of my things here, coming back on every break for weeks or months. I've wondered for a long time whether or not I'd end up back here and I guess for now, the answer is no. That's difficult and strange, but it's not bad at all... Not only because I'm really excited about the next phase of life, but also because I know that God is leading and I really am content in that.

Content!? Is it really me saying that, with all honesty? Yes, it must be. It's not the first time I've said it, but somewhere along the road, I must have learned how to be satisfied in God.
More likely, His work in my life every year and every day convinces me that I can trust Him and be content in Him. It's not me at all... that's why I can be content. The next breath or day or month or year or season rests on Him and not on me at all. Such a relief to trust someone with your life fully and not wonder and worry or think of better ways for it to be handled.

As I went through papers and letters I've kept through the years, I found a printed email that I've kept and reflected on through the years, from my wonderful encouraging friend, Erin. Here's a snippet: "Keep entrusting yourself into His hands Lindsay and rejoice with the anticipation and expectation of that great and glorious "unknown thing" He has purposed for you to do!" She closed the email with "Rest in Him!"

I don't feel boastful at all to say that I think my life has been a testimony to God's faithfulness, at least personally. What I mean by that is that when I look at the things going on right now, I can always look back and see God at work. It is clear that He works through His word, and obviously by the godly friends, like Erin, whose words have been used in huge ways. I am thankful, SO terribly thankful, that He challenges, grows and nudges me and is alive and that I can look back and thank Him for all He's done and how He's used people, and look forward with expectancy.

As I prepare to become a Bay, I can't help but be thankful for all God has done in my life as a Norman. He has very clearly made all of this happen. All praise to Him alone.

And oh! Rest in Him.