Taking a small break from all the papers I'm working on, for my last finals I will ever take, to write about something I actually care about. (Not to say analyzing and documenting the monetary status of the character's of Jane Austen's novel Sense and Sensibility isn't important... but after finishing the 7 page it does get a little repetitive).

Being engaged for the last 8 months I've been surprised by the amount of people who ask me how I'm doing with the thought of getting married so soon. The question its self isn't surprising, getting married is one of the biggest decisions anyone will make, only second to dedicating my life to Jesus Christ. But what surprises me is what they mean when they ask it, apparently for most couples this stressful time of wedding planning and creating the perfect wedding day also creates a lot of issues. These issues are commonly known as "cold feet" and I'm told are very common for all couples to encounter. The term its self was first used in the novel Maggie, a Girl of The Streets by Stephen Crane. But if I recall right, the term was used to describe something more like buyer's remorse... interesting right? What I've come to realize in all this time being asked the same question is where engaged couples place their priorities. Their whole engagement they spend creating a wedding, not a marriage. While, I've come to realize my wedding will most likely be the biggest and most expensive party I ever throw, Chris and I have never lost sight of what we'll be celebrating that day. We are getting married and our marriage is something we hope will last longer than the wedding day and I truly believe that concept has gotten lost somewhere in the wedding shows and at meetings with wedding planners. I truly hope my wedding day is perfect and beautiful and more importantly I hope my marriage is even more perfect and beautiful. So when people ask me if I'm nervous or ready for August 13th I honestly and truthfully answer, "Yes, completely and utterly yes. August can't get here soon enough." Because while some people have been stressing about what location they can reserve or how much champagne they can afford to serve to their guests Chris and I have been communicating, growing, bible studies, discussing, having fun, and making plans. Since answering "yes" that day Chris got down on his knee to propose I've never questioned if I was making the right choice. Chris is wonderful and keeps my mind at ease and my soul calm, because all that matters to me on August 13th is that when I put on my fancy wedding dress and start that walk down the aisle is that Chris is at the end of it waiting for me. If God has taught me anything in the last 8 months it's that if I trust in Him he will give me the desires of my heart, and boy has He delivered :)

Sorry it took me so long to post anything.

<3 Cassie

"Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart" Psalm 37:4