Unending Love - The Beginning

I thought it might be nice to share the video we played before Jackie and Will's wedding. Crazy how similar they were as they grew up - kind of like God had a plan all along.  Simply click on the phrase "Unending Love - The Beginning" below.

Unending Love - The Beginning

They are doing really well, by the way. Will's dealership is now officially open. Gracie is being the perfect pest that Jackie thought she would be. And the three of them actually have some time to enjoy each others company for a change.

Butterfly Kisses

Once again, time has quickly slipped away in the blink of an eye.  So much has happened over the past couple weeks that have kept us on the run - some were fantastic and some very sad.  Over the coming days I will try to catch you up on the happenings in our world, but please, be patient and don't hold my feet to the fire, Steve.  I promise that as I have time and exhaustion hasn't set in, the updates will come.

There's two things I know for sure:
She was sent here from heaven and she's
daddy's little girl.
As I drop to my knees by her bed at night
She talks to Jesus and I close my eyes and
I thank god for all the joy in my life
Oh, but most of all
For butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer;
sticking little white flowers all up in her
hair; "Walk beside the pony, Daddy, it's my first ride."
"I know the cake looks funny, Daddy, but I sure tried."
In all that I've done wrong I know I must
have done something right to deserve a hug
every morning and butterfly kisses at night.

Not so long ago, seven year old Jackie and I were dancing to a new release by Bob Carlisle called Butterfly Kisses.  Jackie's butterfly kisses and dancing was part of everyday life in our house.  Good night stories and big dreams of what the future would bring.  Sometimes castles and princes occupied her mind while other times she dreamed of living on the prairie on a homestead.  She would say, "Don't worry Dad, I'll always love you!"  [Okay, I'm starting to get choked up again... better move along]

Sweet 16 today

She's looking like her mama a little more everyday
One part woman, the other part girl.
To perfume and make-up from ribbons and curls
Trying her wings out in a great big world.
But I remember
Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer; sticking
little white flowers all up in her hair.
"You know how much I love you, Daddy, But if you
don't mind I'm only gonna kiss you on the cheek this time."


I knew that one day she would find a great guy who would step into the picture and sweep her off her feet and, sure enough, along came Will.  That time simply comes faster than any of us could ever imagine - and that was 18 months ago!  It has been fun to watch them grow in their love for each other and we have been so proud of their desire to be true to one another and to the Lord through the decisions they have made.  They have dreamed together of what can be, what should be, and how they can make it all happen.  That is the way it should be - you know, lots of dreams.  And yet, just like the wind...

All the precious time
Like the wind, the years go by.
Precious butterfly.
Spread your wings and fly.

June, 26, 2010.  That day arrived in just about as much time as it takes to get a butterfly kiss!

She'll change her name today.
She'll make a promise and I'll give her away.
Standing in the bride-room just staring at her.
She asked me what I'm thinking and I said "I'm not
sure-I just feel like I'm losing my baby girl."
She leaned over...gave me butterfly kisses with her mama there,
Sticking little white flowers all up in her hair
"Walk my down the aisle, Daddy-it's just about time."
"Does my wedding gown look pretty, Daddy? Daddy, don't cry!"

What a beautiful young lady!  She was glowing when she came down the hallway with the bridesmaids, just outside the sanctuary, and we were all fighting back the tears with a range of emotions flowing through us.  "Look at my brown flowers," she said with a smile and a little giggle.  The bridesmaids came up with the idea to help redirect her thoughts and avoid the tears.  It helped a little, but her cow lily bouquet was a beautiful white not brown at all, and Jackie was a gorgeous young bride who was ready to meet her bridegroom.

It was time.  The walk down the aisle to her prince charming was at hand.  We can do this Dad.

Oh, with all that I've done wrong I must have

done something right.

To deserve your love every morning and butterfly

kisses-I couldn't ask God for more, man this is what love is.

I know I gotta let her go, but I'll always remember
every hug in the morning and butterfly kisses.

I am told that you can tell a great deal about the groom by the way he watches his bride come down the aisle.  Will was completely taken by her beauty.

The scriptures say, "and the two shall become one."  Jackie and her Prince Charming, Will, in front of a room full of guests, shared their vows and celebrated the beginning of their new life together.  It was a day of very rich blessings!

We pray that the Lord will watch over you both as you seek to serve each other in complete devotion.  May His love grow in you as you grow in Him!  We love you guys!