Imagine it.

You get in the car making your way to the consistary meeting that happens often. You're a bit confused as to why your sisters insisted that you wear your new white dress and put your hair up. After all, it is just a casual meeting. Isn't it? Oh well. You dress up, add a bit of pearls to finish off the outfit, and put on those opal earrings that were so graciously given to you by your Great Grandmother.

You pull up to the church, get out of the warm car and into the frigid night air. The snow crunches beneath your black ballet flats as you hurry into the church beside your father, brothers, and sister. You make your way down the stairs and through the hall that leads to the strangely dark fellowship hall.

Are they trying to scare us? You wonder, as you realize how quiet it is.

Slowly you step into the room. Immediately the lights flash on and there, before you, are dozens of smiling, loving faces, each mouth announcing "Surprise." Their voices full of laughter and mirth.

You stand still. Perhaps you go numb for a moment, the shock of it all. The blessed, delightful surprise! Then the tears come. Why am I so blessed? You are so, confused, sohappy, and so tearful all at the same moment in time, you utter a timid, "Hello." Tears come and a smile lights up your face, "Hello!"

Hugs follow. Mother is first. You hug her tighly, "Thank you." You choke out, so thankful. So very, very thankful.

Laughter, comes next. You embrace everyone you possibly can, greeting them merrily as you do. Is this really happening? Or am I just dreaming all of this? No, it is very real. The cake is beautiful. The cupcakes are adorable. Everything is decorated to perfection and to top it off, a smile graces every face. Perfection?

What follows is like a dream. Your parents both go up and speak loving wise words to you. Tears? Encouragement from your sister. From your friend. Two letters are read by your mother from two dear friends that live out of state. A slideshow filled with photos of your life. Feasting. Dancing. Laughter.

Joy. Oh, I know there was an abundance of that in my heart.

Love. It filled my heart as I surveyed those around me. Those who had come. So many of my friends.

My family.

Yes, you are correct in your assement. The entire recitation above truly happened to me, last night. I am so humbled and so full of joy!
I wish to thank everyone that blessed me last night, from the depths of my heart! Those who put their hard work into making the evening special, to those who attended, to those who blessed me with gifts, and to those who blessed me with letters of encouragement. Thank you, y'all...for everything.

Did I not say that God is good?

My dear sister, Tiffany, has posted photos on her blog and My beloved Mother has posted the slideshow presentation on her blog, if y'all care to see them.

I pray that each of y'all have a blessed week and that you enjoy the grace and joy of of the Lord more each and every day!

In Christ Alone,

Jessica

P.S. I should be uploading the photos to my web album soon! *EDIT* Here is the web album!!

My Surprise 18th Birthday Party!

I'm Feeling: Surprised

I'm Feeling: Thankful

I'm Feeling: Loved