Johanna's Bridal Shower

I guess it’s only natural that a wedding in the family would make quite a stir.

My husband, Nathan’s, baby sister is getting married this month,

and the event is adding quite a bit of excitement to our lives.

Johanna is the very last of either of our siblings to get married,

and I’m determined to enjoy all the activities this wedding is creating!

Last week we had a bridal shower for Johanna.

Her sisters (both in the bridal party) know her tastes quite well

and conceived the theme – a bohemian style evening on the lawn.

We all brought various decorating items from our homes

and came up with an eclectic collection that blended quite well.

Nothing was planned in detail, it just all fell together and turned out beautifully!

 There were various seating areas scattered around the yard

where the ladies could gather to eat their supper.

We were blessed with a lovely cooler evening 

following thunderstorms that passed on either side after a hot afternoon.

God is so GOOD to bless us in small ways!

A low table was set up for all the guests to take a blank page

and write or draw a personal message for Johanna.

Her sister, Alison, will combine all the pages

between the covers of an old book that she decorated.

Since Johanna isn’t really a game person,

the only “gamish” activity was a table for guests

to guess the number of items in jars.

 The meal was the kind where you really wish you could just keep eating!

There were marinated vegetables, an Asian noodle slaw,

a number of delicious breads with a variety of spreads,

lentils with caramelized onions,

and grilled chicken on skewers.

The future groom, Richard’s, family made scrumptious cakes

and skewers of brightly colored fruit for dessert.

And of course there was Chia tea – one of Johanna’s favorites,

after being in India twice and leaving bits of her heart there.

 Johanna, I admire your beautiful spirit in spite of the trials in your life.

You know God’s goodness and how to worship in the midst of pain.

I know God will guide you as you walk a new path in life,

and I pray His plans for you bloom in a most beautiful way.

“I waited patiently for the LORD;

and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

He brought me up also out of a horrible pit,

out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock,

and established my steps.

And he has put a new song in my mouth,

even praise unto our God:

many shall see it, and fear,

and shall trust in the LORD.”

Psalm 40:1-3