Cooper...helping out at VBS!

Why am I doing this?...because God wants me to be available

Why is it so hot?...because it is the middle of Summer, in Florida, Southwest Florida, and I am wearing a dog suit complete with tail and yes a nylon vented dog head mask.

Had they asked me to do this before I showed up with my kids at VBS, would I have volunteered?....most likely, no!

I must say it takes me back a few years, like all the way back to sixth grade. Mr. Copeland and his annual Everglades trip!...the event that elementary students looked forward to every year. The right of passage from childhood to adulthood rested on this sleepover in the woods.

My parents were finally divorcing. I say finally because we had been through moving state to state, and trial separation, then patching up again, now this. The final ax. It was a bitter sweet time, and a very vivid memory.

Quiet by nature, I virtually shut down. I felt on the verge of tears at all times. Our camp leader seemed to make it his mission to get me to come out of my shell. He picked me as the raccoon for his campfire play. I didn't mind, being that I was designated catcher for my softball team, I was quite used to heavy sweaty gear.

What I wasn't used to was being center of attention and entertaining others. But once I started going I was in bliss, I felt like I had come home. The bands of love and gauze were being wrapped around my deeply wounded heart enabling me to function and let others in, all while healing!

I had grown a little taller, a little wiser, all thanks to a little coon outfit and a discerning camp leader.

Spring Vows

Butterflies on the tulle curtain tie backs, and butterflies in the belly. Once again, I do my best to focus on something other than the fact that I am about to sing lead accompanied by the worship team, in front of a hundred or so folks. Stage fright hits me extra hard this morning, almost making me want to empty the contents of my already almost empty stomach.

Miraculously, the Lord helps me to overcome the jitters and In unity we sang, "Taste and See", "Oh our Lord", and then the more worshipful, "10,000 Reasons" and "There is No One Else Like You"

Relieved, amazed and thankful for an extra measure of His calming nearness, I placed the microphone back on its stand, as I stepped off stage to join Mike and several other eager couples in front of the meticulously decorated chuppa, where we watched and waited as, two by two,  couples ascended and descended the steps of the billowy shelter.

As the brides, we were then instructed to encircle our husband three times.This is a tradition dating back thousands of years. Symbolic of raising a wall or a hedge of protection around our men from the enemy, I walked around Mike while repeating three phrases, prompted by our Pastor.

"Husbands, you may now give your wives a hug!", I heard our Pastor say, as I felt Mike's long and strong arms surround me and lift me high, while leaning me into his chest. I giggled at his spontaneity, marveled by his public display of love and high regard for me...Oh, how I love this man!

We each then took turns repeating vows of renewed love to each other, while repeating the symbolism of our wedding bands held partially on.

We then observed the symbolism surrounding us, hand in hand, as we waited our turn at the chuppa.

Prayer shawls, tallits, draped over pairs of shoulders, as each couple were prayed with and encouraged.

Two individual bird cages, doors shut, on either side of the open tent, apparently symbolizing our individuality, before opening ourselves up to each other and marriage.

Sparkly butterfly curtain tie backs, a symbol of spring and renewal.

A glittery glass chandelier, placed over the heads of the couples inside, no doubt representing the Day Star himself, bright leader and guide of our homes.

The transparent, sheer, yet white tulle of the hoopah, a Jewish tent like structure symbolizing our covering we have in Jehovah. His love so pure, transparent, hiding nothing from us.

We are next to the last couple to enter. We are immediately covered in the tallit, big enough to cover us both and beautiful enough to serve as a wedding veil. I realize that together we are the bride of Christ and our union is a shadow of our marriage to Him.

The prayer spoken over us is refreshing, thereby renewing life and brushing off the old and dry drought season. We then receive our vows on rolled parchment paper held together by a single delicate strand off burgundy ribbon.

We exit the shelter to a flurry of flash cameras held by loved ones, smiles and words of congrats on their lips,

The event will sustain us, grounding us in His word and our promises to each other. Thank you Father God, for your goodness and this landmark moment in this adventure called marriage.