One week to go...

In just a week (and a matter of hours) David and I will be getting married! It's crazy how fast time has gone. We have been engaged for almost 11 months...and a lot has happened in that time. The past 3 months have been full of ups and downs for both of us; good times and hard, but God has been working through it all. Sometimes I wish that God would give a clear reason for the way things happen and then again, it's probably better that we don't know. I am so thankful though, for just being able to know that He is in it, in everything! I am anxiously awaiting our [wedding] day, the day that we will finally be one. I'm excited to see what God has for us...I know it's something great :)

I love you David Joel Gunderson, I can not wait to be yours!

Ready, set....GO!

It's hard to believe where life has taken me this far :) I can remember being five and just wishing with all of my heart I was sixteen...I knew I would never get there! Then all of a sudden, I made it.
This is another time in life, engaged, almost married, in college, moving away from home for the first time, that seemed like it would never come; it's here. David and I have been engaged for almost 10 months and the days are flying. In 29 days we'll be Mr. and Mrs. David Gunderson, although if anyone calls me that I probably won't answer...for a while anyway ;)
We found an apartment this week! David will tell you that I instantly fell in love with it. The location is great and it has everything we need. Two bedrooms, on bath, laundry room, good size garage...I'll have to post pictures when we have it all set up!
The wedding is coming along pretty well...I'm anxiously waiting for my dress to come in. I ordered it about 4 months ago!! It should be here today or tomorrow :) All the bridesmaids have their dresses fitted tonight, I'm so excited, and a bit jealous ;) the dresses are gorgeous and such a fun color!
This weekend has turned out to be a crazy one...the story of our life it seems! Rachel graduates from high school tomorrow as valedictorian!! I am SO proud of her, she worked so hard to get to this place. Unfortunately the army scheduled David's award dinner and family weekend for this SAME weekend. I am really looking forward to it, but a little sad that two huge events had to conflict. David and I leave this afternoon for the Dells. The army is providing soldiers and parents with free rooms at the Chula Vista resort and I'm going to stay with my "long lost friend" Amber...YEAH!!! So anyway, these are fun times...we've had some frustrating moments, but I hope to never forget the joy and excitement of everything :) God is good. We are so blessed to be His. I love you David!!

I'm Getting MARRIED...

In 50 days!! Crazy I tell ya ;)

He's home :)

What more can I say?! I love you David Gunderson!

This is where it started...this is where it will end. Or maybe, it's the other way around!

The LOVE of my life...

Twenty-seven hours...

Well, it's the day before what is going to be one of the best days EVER :) This has been such a long, long year and I'm so excited for a new "chapter" of my life to begin! David should be landing at Volk field tomorrow and from there on, life will never be the same...in a good way! As hard as this time has been for both of us, I have NO doubt that is was for a reason. God has blessed us beyond what we deserve and I'm so thankful. He is SO good, He is God!

1Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Steadfast Love

Yesterday, I was searching verses with the word love in them. I was looking for something specific, but ended up noticing something really cool. As I was skimming through all the verses, I realized that there are like a million, that talk about God's love for us. The neat thing though, is that it didn't just say love, but STEADFAST Love. It must be important, I could have spent half my day counting all the verses talking about God's steadfast love. God wants us to love as He loves, unchanging, steadfast...not on our terms, not becuase someone did something nice, not because we owe them, but with a steadfast love. That's such a challenge and so unnatural for us to just love, regardless of the circumnstances. BUT, God desires that...He told me so;)

The clock IS ticking...

So, my Man is finally on his way home!!! David called me from Kuwait at 6:30 this morning and that was the last I've heard from him. His flight back to the states is a long one, but totally worth it. God's hand of protection has been on him since the day he left (or maybe since the day he was born:) and I'm so thankful...He really listens to the prayers of His people! God is so good.
Hopefully the next time David calls he'll be in the US and on his CELL PHONE :) It's been awhile since he's used that...So anywho, I'm just really excited and feel like we have SO much to look forward to. God has blessed us. We're getting married in 74 days and have the rest of our lives to enjoy together! I love you David, still praying, and can NOT wait until the day you're by my side again!

21st time...

How. How does one approach a Holy God after making the same mistake 20 (or 21) times? And not only that but asking for forgiveness just as many...! I'm reminded right now of the song called "21st Time" by Monk and Neagle and the line that says, "And I'm thankful there's more than the 21st time..." Can you imagine if we only had 21 chances to get things right?! I know where I'd be headed if that were the case!
I think sometimes, because I don't see immediate consequences or I can "ask forgiveness whenever I want" (which isn't biblical) I allow myself to continue making the same mistake...
Leviticus 19:2 says, "Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: You shall by holy, for I the Lord your God am holy." Maybe I need to change my thinking, God commands holiness because He is holy. Is that not enough reason to do what is right?

Longing for spring...

It's April 7th today...I woke up to snow. I have to admit that I was SO disappointed! I don't want snow, I want green leaves and grass, sunshine or warm rain. But as I'm watching the HUGE snowflakes fall, more like float, I'm reminded of our great God. He makes everything Beautiful in His time...and this snow IS beautiful :) The birds were still singing this morning too! Always a good sign.

1 Thessalonians 5:16 "give thanks in all circumnstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

It's Been a Long Time...

Now that we are well into 2008, I figured it was time for another post :) Not that anyone will read this! I'll just least be able to look back on it someday! This semester, which is actually half over, is going so fast...in a way. I feel like classes just started and yet I feel like I've been in them all my life. Oh, and I guess I should mention that these aren't just any classes I'm talking about. I am officially in my first semester of nursing classes!! Well on my way to becoming an accomplished RN ;) (Lord willing!) Just for the record, I'm currently taking Advanced Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Pharmocology, Nursing skills, and Nursing Fundamentals. Sure keeps me busy! I am also self employed as a part-time wedding planner, yeppers. My mom is my "right-hand woman" and surprisingly, we're making progress. My David is still in Iraq, and the end is nearing!! It's amazing how long it's actually been. Some days I think I'll never make it, but God has brought us this far :) He has greatly protected in many situations; more than I'm even aware of I am sure. He's so wonderful, marvelous, so worthy of our praise. I just can't wait until He brings David home for good. That will be a day to remember! But for now, I am definitely keeping busy. Later...