Happy Anniversary, Larry and Staci!

Day 7 of the Month of Love -- Happy 19th Anniversary, Larry Wallace & Staci Wallace​
Of course Day 7 of the Love Month would be the celebration of my kids' 19th wedding anniversary. I'm thanking God for them today! 19 years ago we had a wedding celebration of epic proportion. Larry & Staci Wallace were married in a Winter Wonderland (Staci’s dream from a little girl), with carolers singing, amid spruce & fir trees, street lanterns, bridesmaids carrying muffs, cotton batting snow all down the aisle and stage, and a castle in the background that conveyed their hearts that “dreams do come true”. Indeed all the planning and preparations had come together for an amazing production (literally). The only thing remaining, which we had no control over…..but God did, was for there to be REAL snow outside. And, indeed it did snow – just another confirmation of this match made in heaven. Yes, it was a winter wonderland, inside and out.

The pre-service began with carolers in scarves and mittens, singing and leading the congregation in triumphant praise and worship songs. Sharon Daugherty sang "Somewhere It's Snowing", and recorded music of Englebert Humperdinck singing "Winter World of Love" ushered in the candelighters and grandparents.

Larry and Staci had prerecorded a message telling the story of how they met (in a gym) and fell in love. It was hilarious -- to say the least -- especially since Staci had vowed to be the next Mother Teresa. Staci had written and recorded a song called "Jesus is the Reason" that was played while the wedding party entered. The song explained the signficance of how their friendship grew to love and that love was wrapped in purity and unity. Escorted by her proud and loving Daddy, Staci came down the aisle to Natalie Cole singing, "Unforgettable". She was an unforgettable sight to be sure, wearing a glimmering hooded cape over her gorgeous wedding gown, which of itself, was a blessing and dream-come-true. I remember the day we were "dress-looking" and when we saw THE ONE, with a dream-come-true price tag on it, we knew God's faithfulness -- even in the details.

My dear husband, Ron (Staci's Daddy) was so thrilled to speak the Father's blessing over their beautiful union and two pastors, Billy Joe Daugherty and Carlton Pearson, officiated the wedding. Pastor Carlton with his light-hearted sense of humor and Pastor Billy Joe's gift of evangelism that gave the people attending an opportunity to receive Jesus as their personal Savior, made for the perfect "God sent" ceremony. Later Staci and Larry both said the best part of their wedding was knowing that "their day" was about the birth-day of so many who attended who committted their lives to Christ.

Staci seranaded Larry as she sung "I Believe in You and Me". They both shed tears as the words of the song described the way they felt about each other.

Staci and Larry had refrained from kissing until their wedding day because of a covenant Larry made with God five months prior. So needless to say, when the moment came..."Now you may kiss your Bride", the congregation cheered with excitement -- not to mention the two of them, with no holds barred....locked in the biggest and longest KISS ever! LOL! After their wedding, and for many months and years following, they were asked to come to churches and organizations across the country -- where they shared their "purity" love story. Thankfully, their wedding, and the marriage they have to today, has continued to touch young people and old, with the sanctity and beauty of a marriage founded and based on God's love being the #1 priority in their lives.

Larry and Staci, I'm celebrating your lives, your love and all that you have meant to me and the shining light you have been so to so many others. Thank you for the gifts of your love -- my Payton Wallace​ & Alexia Wallace​ who are following in your footsteps in their love for Christ and His church. And, thank you for being such beautiful examples of all God gives when He is our FIRST priority! Love you both so much! Happy Anniversary!

Grateful to Be Changing the World

Day 31 of Photo Inspirations -- Grateful
Grateful is what my heart feels today as I've seen the dream of my precious husband come true -- a dream that we prayed for every day.  The prayer went something like this "that our family be closely knit together in all areas of life".  Before then, our children -- each talented and tremendously successful in their own ways --  were going down different paths in life.  My husband, Ron, would say -- "If those kids of ours would ever merge their gifts together -- they could change this world."

After he went to heaven, the next year Ryan conceived an idea that had the potential of making the difference in millions of people's lives, and Staci and Larry came together with him and Shawntel -- and since then, indeed, they are changing this world -- and so is this Mama -- because I locked arms with them in this amazing story of impacting this world with such good news.  We've been going strong for almost three years because a "God-idea" became a force to be reckoned with.

Last night, I watched my kids standing side-by-side because of an achievement that Staci made in Solavei -- as the first Presidential Director, who brought in and leads a team of tens of thousands of people in Solavei -- from the entire United States mainland to Puerto Rico (that, of itself, is going gangbusters).

As the first Presidential Director, Staci received a beautiful Mercedes.  It was a tremendous time of celebration and a monumental moment that showed her heart, her hard work, her ability to lead a huge team of leaders, as well as being able to celebrate the thousands and thousands who have had tremendous blessings in their lives -- from getting free mobile service to those who earn thousands of dollars a month -- all because we believe we are on a mission to make life better for many.
 
I have this family photo to show that dreams do come true -- that diligence in hard work and belief in "nothing is impossible with God" combined with audacious, faith-filled prayers are answered -- IN A BIG WAY!   Yes, I am so grateful!