Dear Brooklyn:

As your older sister, I have spent your entire life trying to guide and protect you and possibly boss you around a bit along the way. So, today, on your wedding day, I will not stray from this self-appointed role. After twelve years of marriage, I want to share my best advice for you and your new husband. Scott and I are finally beginning to understand these truths in our lives. I can’t fit this on a Jenga block with the other advice and well wishes given, so here you go, sis.

As I anticipate the celebration today, my mind envisions a wedding of long ago. Jesus and his disciples were invited to a wedding in Cana of Galilee. When the hosts ran out of wine, someone who understood Jesus’ power, his mother, asked him to come to the rescue.

“His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water’; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, ‘Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.’ They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, ‘Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.'” – John 2:5-10

Beyond the miracle of turning water into wine, Jesus makes the “choice” wine. His wine is aged to perfection and it is abundant. As your sister, I cannot put into words how grateful I am that you and Derrick have “invited Jesus” to your wedding today also. Your faith in Him is a defining characteristic of your relationship. We know that the wine will be good!

My prayer for you and your new husband is that you invite Jesus into your marriage also, so that His miracles continue in your lives and in your new life together. He is a courteous guest and must be invited. I pray you invite Him into all aspects of your new union and He alone will make it into something exceptional.

Invite Him into your day early in the morning. Remember our grandfather in the 5:00 hour, with his Bible open and heart listening to God speaking. It’s no coincidence that whatever God sent him that day, he was faced to prepare it. Prepare yourselves also with the power of His Word.

Invite Him into your finances and you will always have enough money for the life He calls you to. He will provide in miraculous ways and help you to bless others abundantly.

Invite Him into your thoughts and your temptations to stray will be more easily averted. You will miraculously avoid the deceiver who wants to destroy what God is creating in your relationship. He can give you the best wine in intimacy with your husband.

Invite Him into your home and your attitude and actions will be more Christ-like. You will see the best in your husband, rather than the faults that naturally magnify over time. You will miraculously overlook the clothes on the floor and see the precious soul of your husband.

Invite Him into your heart and you will not live for yourself, but for Christ, who gave himself up for his bride, the Church. You will not make an idol of your husband and will not expect him to save you in any way. You will not become disillusioned when you realize your husband is not perfect, does not understand you or hurts you deeply. You will invite Him in and He will miraculously breathe life back into your marriage when the world around you would give up.

You see, He alone has power over the darkness that will try to invade your lives and your commitment today. Remember to invite Him in each day, for this darkness does not come swiftly and announce its presence, but ever so slowly, hoping to go unnoticed, working dellicately to gain a permanent residence in your home and your heart. Invite Him in so that there is no room for the deceiver to stay.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” – John 10:10

Today is a wonderful day, full of absolute celebration. We rejoice in the amazing man God has given you. We thank God and pray you enjoy a fantastic life together. The world will tell you to expect this bliss to remain; however, on this earth, expect trouble to find you. When these days come and sorrow seeks to consume you, you will have Him with you to hold you up. The Comforter will give you inexplainable peace amidst any trial and suffering. His power will be your strength and shield.

I love you so much and I am so thankful to have you to remind me of just how good God is.

Beth