Linda Post III

Linda's wedding planner extraordinaire, Aimee, had to turn in Linda's contract for the reception site last Friday, so I tagged along. Honestly, the banquet manager there is so nice. We had gone to view the room a few weeks back and although it wasn't fit for my taste (think bright colored carpet mixed with circles and squares and lamp shades right out of the 80's), Linda loved it. And because she loved it, we loved it.

Anyhoo, when we were turning in the contract the banquet manager mentioned how this wedding seems different, more special and so I told her about all the blessings Linda has received starting with the dress and the whole David's Bridal thing and she got all emotional and told us that she actually waived the $1000.00 room charge without telling us - and that she usually never does that, but something about Linda really touched her.

You know, it's not really about the money (although it's the expression), it's more about the heart of these people. One person went up to her at church and told Linda she wanted to pay for her wedding dress. Can you imagine that?! Over and over again we have been blown away by the heart of the people. I'm sure that God has been moving people in this way. It is my hope, and I know Linda's too, that those who have blessed her, would also be over and abundantly showered with the realization of the Love of this God. He is the only one able to free us from our hurts, regrets, addictions, and pain - and to instill in us a peace and a freedom in who He has created us to be.

Linda Post II

I said in my first post about Linda to "stay tuned" because I was sure there was much more to come. Well, little did I know what the heck I was saying! On Wednesday, October 7th, I received the best ever facebook birthday message. The title said, "Your Blog Post about Linda" and it was from a stranger. This is what the message said (Mr. S.R. I hope it is okay for me to post this):

Julianna - I was truly touched by your post about Linda. I work at David's Bridal and would like to do something nice for Linda and her wedding. No publicity, no PR, nothing public! Linda's story is truly inspirational and I would like to make some gesture of thanks for letting us have taken some small part in her journey.

I was with A and Melis in Colorado so I immediately re-read the message aloud to them and within one minute went from shocked, to skeptical, to just call me Ms. Julianna "The Investigator"! After an extensive google search I discovered that this was not only legit, but it was seriously legit. After we realized this wasn't a joke, A, Melis and I all cried in the car as I re-read the message and then re-read the blog post to hear it from S.R.'s perspective. We couldn't believe that such kindness still existed in the corporate world. 

To make a long story short, the amazing people of David's Bridal have offered to pay for the flowers for Linda and Richard's wedding!! Such a blessing can only be chalked up to God. He is seriously working miracles for that girl. :) I've promised my new friends pics of the amazing day we had at David's Bridal so here are a few for you to all enjoy:

Perusing the aisle with our favorite consultant Lucy. Here Linda is describing the pant suit she thought might be appropriate. Lucy threw that idea out the window and put that girl in a dress! woot woot!

Dress #1 Lucy and Linda. See that guy in the background? He was part of the party next to us. By the time we had dress #2 on he was cheering her on.

Linda and I later that day. She was so excited we had to play dress up one more time... Thanks to Betty for the makeup, hair, and jewelry. We've never seen her so radiant, and glasses free. :p

I can't post any more pics because I can't give away the dress. But, for what it's worth, I do want to thank everyone at David's Bridal for playing such an important part in Linda's joy - and then for taking another unnecessary and totally generous step in reaching out to bless her even more. You guys rock.

From There to Here

Last night Aimee and I got the chance to go to the Heavenly Treasures Fundraising Boat Trip! It was quite fancy schmancy and we had fun getting all dressed up. It was neat to see how God has been moving and blessing them. Towards the end of the evening, after dinner, dessert, Bryan Clay, and bidding, David Gaulton got up to sing a closing song as the boat began to dock back at the Long Beach Harbor. His song was talking about being the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Just at that moment I looked out the window and I saw the Yard House sign. I can't quite explain what happened to me but tears filled my eyes...four years ago I was working there and headed towards a life of plenty of money but no substance. And now, four years later here I am on a fundraising boat trip for a Christian nonprofit, about to graduate, serving the Lord through the church, and singing about being the salt of the earth and the light of the world. From there...to here. I can't believe it.

I thank God for plucking me from a life headed towards nothing and placing me in a life where everything is for the glory of the Lord. May I be a good steward of such grace.

(Left to right: Bryan Clay (Olympic Gold Medalist Decathalon) Aimee, Christina and Kiki (HT). This is Aimee winning the grand prize on the boat trip. :) Canada here we come!

Birthday Bests

 

1. Beard nets during our tour at Celestial Seasonings.

2. The old white man, who after having a five minute conversation in fluid English, asked us so nicely, "What country are ya'll from?" to which Aimee answered just as politely, "We're from the country of Los Angeles!" I laughed so loud, I just couldn't hold it in. Oh, rural America white people.

3. Sensitivity Antennas

4. The Bloody Good Chef's Salad and the Mahalo Sandwich from the awesome restaurant Dish. Oh, and how can I forget the best snickerdoodle cookie EVER, dense, soft and yet slighty crispy on the far edges YUM YUM - perfection.

5. Eating lunch in Chautauqua Park near Colorado University. It's just amazing to be sitting in a park surrounded by snow capped mountains and gentle squirrels (not to be confused with the l.a. kind of crazy assertive squirrels).

6. The yellow house on Pine and 11th.

7. Aimee's crazy driving (sorry blue car, we didn't mean to park THAT close).

8. Redstone Meadery Tour and Tasting - and the "I'm so Colorado" tour girl whose voice reminded me of the stoners from Venice.

9. Happy Hour at Brasserie Ten Ten! Gruyere and jamon crepes, hummus with grilled pitas, frittes with garlic aioli, brie & peaches with roasted garlic and crostini's all for a whopping $12!!! Eat your heart out Melis!

10. Altitude and everything that does to your digestive system.

11. Dutch apple, peanut butter chocolate, vegan pumpkin spice (yes, don't judge it was actually good), and red velvet with cream cheese frosting cupcakes from Boulder Baked.

12. Aimee & her Crack, and her amazing skill at getting us to and from places.

13. And the ultimate was my two favorite girls in the whole world singing happy birthday and sharing cupcakes with me. I just love them both so much.

Because of them and those of you who sent Bday wishes it truly was a Birthday Best. Thank you!