For the Bucket-Listers

Caitlyn's Bucket List: (noun) [kate-lynn's buhk-it list] A numbered series of items, not in any particular order, of things to accomplish before makin' it to the pearly gates or greetin' Jesus upon his arrival to earth -- whichever one happens first, I guess.  This includes but is not limited to places to go, people to see, books to read, plants to seed, cakes to bake, friends to make, etc.

Admittedly, I'm not particularly well-versed on the history of bucket lists.  I never saw the movie, nor have I done any research about where the first bucket list originated.  It would be my guess though that the concept has existed for quite some time, even if the term "bucket list" was only coined somewhat recently.

It would be my assumption -- and my hope -- that the majority of people have at least one dream or wish or desire that they hope to see come into fruition within their lifetime.  I tend to be a bit of an overzealous list-maker, but this isn't just a list of things to accomplish this week.  This is an entire lifetime we're talking about here.  So I feel like it is perfectly fine if it's a bit lengthy...

I'm thinking I will add a few things every week.  The items on my bucket list will probably be extremely varied, as I just have so many interests.  But for now, I'm going to adventurously.

1. Take a sailing trip through the Virgin Islands.

2. Bike the Pacific Coastline.

3. TURN TWENTY-ONE.  

I realize that's kind of a given -- hopefully, at least.

One can never tell.  

But it is going to happen THIS WEEK!  
Ojalá, Inshallah, God-Willing! So excited.

4. Picnic, hike, bike, etc. in the most historic spots 
and/or parks in the United States.

(Okay so I realize Central Perk would never be deemed an special featured historical exhibit by the American Historical Society, probably primarily because it doesn't actually exist in real-life.  But that doesn't change the fact that I'd love to go -- call me an idealist.)

5. Live in a treehouse for an undetermined period of time.

6. Start a garden, and every week I'll cut a few bouquets and leave them on random doorsteps.

7. Teach some precious, little babies how to speak English.
Or you know, just give them kisses and play fun
games of tag.

List to be continued.  If you have any great ideas, I'd love to be enlightened.
I want to see the world, love people, and discover beauty in everything!
Thank you, Jesus, the opportunity to search, wander, seek, knock, and find.

For the Wedding Enthusiasts

Ridicule me as you will, but I fully admit, I love weddings.  It's just reality -- my reality, at least.  Please note, it is not the beautiful gowns or precious cakes that makes my heart melt so but the incredibly sacred symbol of marriage.  I am no where near tying the knot, which is perfectly fine with me!  So know what I am about to say is not learned wisdom, but simply things I have thought quite a bit about.  To be perfectly honest, I do not even know if marriage is in my future at all, but I trust that the Lord has everything perfectly prepared, "For we are God's masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10).

Whatever the future may hold, I am confident it is completely fine to rejoice for and with others on the days that mark the beginning of beautiful adventures of love.  To me, marriage should be the closest picture we will ever see on this side of earth of the Lord's unconditional, unfailing love for us.  Obviously our future spouses will not be perfect -- neither are we!  Perfection is not expected whatsoever.  But what a beautiful picture to love someone amidst their imperfections -- exactly how Jesus loves us!  We are so lucky.

One of my favorite pictures of Jesus' love for us is found in Ephesians 5, "Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church—a love marked by giving, not getting. Christ's love makes the church whole. His words evoke her beauty. Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her, dressing her in dazzling white silk, radiant with holiness. And that is how husbands ought to love their wives."

How beautiful!  Anyway, I say all of this because my big sis in my sorority just got engaged this past weekend... I have to share a few of the pictures, because I find them to be absolutely adorable.  :)

She's the cutest thing in the entire world and is going to make the most beautiful bride ever!  I'm so happy for her and her wonderful fiance!  It is my prayer that the Lord would already begin to prepare their hearts for the gift of marriage and bless them in more ways than thought possible.

Now let's bet honest, I would be lying to say it is because of my big getting engaged that I just began to think about weddings.  That's definitely not true.  I think about them often.  Martha Stewart Weddings is one of my favorite websites.  In fact I would absolutely love to do an internship with the lovely Martha Stewart company at some point.  How incredible would that be?!  Nonetheless, I want to share a few of my favorite wedding pictures and sites for those of you who share this sweet affinity...

First of all, we have the one and only "Up" themed engagement and wedding photos.  If you loved the movie, you're sure to tear up at these precious shots.  Wildflowers Photography is undoubtedly one of my favorite photography sites, and I highly encourage you to check it out.  She is able to capture the sentiments of everything that love should be.  Such a gift.

Some of my other favorite photos come from a variety of locations... Martha Stewart Weddings, Style Me Pretty, and other seemingly random locations.  Wherever they originated, I know you'll enjoy them!

So much love!  I'm kind of obsessed.  If you too enjoy these things, please check out the following websites.  You'll fall in love... Wedding Gawker, Style Me Pretty, Project Wedding, Green Wedding Shoes, and June Bug Weddings.

Best of luck to those of you planning weddings in your near future.  And for the rest of us, may we simply embrace every moment the Lord has given us on this earth, whether we're single, dating, or married!  I figure life will be much more enjoyable that way... :)

All my love!