Spring Nuptials

Over this last Spring Break week I was honored to participate in being able to witness the union of two couples in the Oakland temple. It was so beautiful to watch two sets of my friends getting married. While I played different roles in the two weddings it was fun to watch the couples go through all of the stress, but in the end have it all melt away once they were in the temple in the sealing room with their families and friends smiling and silently cheering as they made that final step into marriedhood. What was interesting was to watch the differences between the two couples. Once couple was bouncing with smiles full of joy and love for the other and the other that were very intense as they stared into each others eyes. What they both had in common was the way they were so focused on the other. It made me remember when I was doing the same thing 10 months ago. And then when they were pronounced married a wave of relaxation, from the pent-up anxiety, and anticipation, that it all starts then, that would sweep over their bodies and faces.

I had to ability to be with both of the couples before they got married while they were drowning in the plans and crisis that would arise and simply tell them that it would all work out and that it will all be worth it once they here the I Do's and they were able to drift through on the cloud that will descend on them.
Oh the sweet memories they can now share and make together! It makes me so happy to see my friends find the one person they want to be with forever.

I honestly think it was worth missing a few family gatherings to be there for my friends when they wanted me to be there more.

Congratulations TJ & Jessica Da Rosa and Troy and Nicki Remington!

Today is a day when you raise your voice and express your gratitude. Not only is today a picturesque spring day, but it is also the true day of our Lord's birth. For it were not for Christ's birth we would not be able to rejoice in this life. For it was he who created this world and all of the beauties that we are able to behold. Jake and I were able to take them in during an evening walk through the canyon. We saw the wondrous mountains being brilliantly painted with the pinks, oranges, reds, blues, and purples of a setting sun. The calls from unseen birds in the trees. The quick flicks of tails of trout swimming in the bubbling river. A silent beaver waking and making its first swim in the gently eddy near a dam, all the while breathing in the crisp pine scented air. It is a wonder how humble, quiet, peaceful, yet powerful and majestic nature is, much like how our own Savior is to us. We need to appreciate and take advantage of his wonder as much as we do that of nature. It is my hope that we will be able to do that in this week as we celebrate the life and sacrifice our our Lord.