Holy Ground: The Ceremony

Their history

Nathaniel first noticed Joy at the Fargo Skate Park. She probably stuck out like a rose among thorns, being the only girl in the place. Frightened by her 'don't mess with me' demeanor, he never approached. But then a few days later, there was that same little girl at Prism, a few pews down. Asking if she had been at the Skate Park, they began to spark a small ember of acquaintence, growing into a small flame after coffee and many many phone conversations. The Rest, as we say, is History ~ His Story. Nathaniel, Gift of God, loves Joy. Who wouldn't?

It takes a village of family and friends

Matt the usher in the 1st picture is a friend of Nathaniel and Joy's from the Skate Park. What I loved about this Dear Lad? He was the First ~ 1st ~ to show up for pictures. Early and Eager, he was! I thought while I stood with Matt like a fly on the wall during the Couple's First Meeting, that he and I had something in common: We both sensed the Sacred. And we didn't want to miss it!

5 Stories

There are 5 storylines surrounding Joy and Nathaniel's Wedding:

The Sacred Came (already posted)
It takes a Village of Family and Friends
Their history
Holy Ground: The Ceremony (coming soon to a blog near you)
Celebrate (coming soon as well)

Danielle offering a blast from her past and ringing in her Future

You'd blast too if you had bling on your finger? Actually, it's not so much the bling - diamonds and gold - that invokes Music; it's Aaron! It's you, Buddy. This trumpet blast is for you!

Oh promise me that someday you and I...

Aaron's symbolic Promise to return for Danielle.

The Lad leaves for a 6 - 9 month stint in Albania (I had to look it up too) engineering a highway across the small country. He'll be back though. The Ring seals the promise.

Morgan's dancing heart

Yesterday Gabriel called with a funny Morgan story. He and Elissa were naming all the people that Love our Morgan; the list was long and included everyone who knows her, for Glory sakes! Well suddenly, Morgan just flew off and Gabe said, "What are you doing, Honey?"

"My heart is dancing!"

I guess that's what Love does!

Quote of the Day ~ QOD ~ Malcolm Muggeridge

“One of the peculiar sins of the twentieth century which we've developed to a very high level is the sin of credulity. It has been said that when human beings stop believing in God they believe in nothing. The truth is much worse: they believe in anything.”
Malcolm Muggeridge, British journalist

nature calls

I saw the sun slipping behind earth’s edge like a puppet sliding down the stage for the last time. And really maybe that blazing orb is the Puppeteer’s puppet, serving His purposes of splendor. Holy encore! The rising tomorrow will be yet another chance for the puppet sun to bring praise to the Puppeteer.

Danielle's 1st 1/2 Marathon ~ San Francisco

Here's our strong girl after months of training, closing the deal with grace. Unfortunately, her race technology was off and mis-recorded her mileage during training. "When I thought I was running 11 miles, it was really closer to 9." Nevertheless Dani0 finished within her goal time of 2 hours and 14 minutes! Sprinting the last 8 miles. GoodGrief!!

Well done, Danielle Beth MacMurchy! So proud of you.
*****
I've been thinking lately how much Robert has missed: All of his children's Loves ~ Nathaniel, Elissa and Morgan, Aaron ~ his baby's wedding, Danielle's move 2 years ago to northern California and now most recently her running exploits. And how could Robert not know my new best friend, Cheri0? That's a lot of family hub-bub to miss; or does he see it all from his tall tall perch? Maybe I'm just missing Robert and he is missing nothing.

Sawdust Art Festival ~ Laguna Beach

Like a soaring cat, I could have landed happily on my feet for days at the Art A Fair and Sawdust Festival in Laguna Beach, California.

Danielle's favorite artist was Bette McIntire who employs her right-brain creativity using yesterday's newsprint as her unusual medium. Ms. McIntire calls her collage art "The Search for the Underground Poem." I like that ~ very subversive. One must look diligently to find the hidden beauty making it all the more revered when discovered. Running to Bette's art display, Danielle obviously saw the hidden story right away. Just like a journalist to see more than just black and white in newsprint.

"I have my first pieces of art, Mom!" What a doll!

Marin beachhead hike

Celebrating the sudden Glory of the Pacific on our Tennesee Beach hike with Cheri the Cherished, Alice the Knowledgable Navigator, and Glenn our favorite papparazzi, Danielle and I burst into dance as if no one was watching!

More Roomie Reunion pics ~ July 07

Roomies again for 1 week each summer

Pepperdine is still reeling from Cyn and my late 60's, early 70's stint on-campus. Our 3rd Annual Summer Stint featured plenty of stunts: Laguna Beach Art Festival, Seal Beach with our daughters ~ Anna & Danielle, Las Brisas' guacomole beachside, and a boat cruise around Balboa Island with all the Smith's. Eating lunch & popping wine bottles while scoping the 40 million dollah homes was a Total Blast! (Is the word 'blast' still used or is that a 60's flashback?)

The elderly SWAT man says from his wheelchair perch on the beach boulevard, "Hello pretty ladies!" I had to get a pic with the dear thing.

Long awaited photo of Aaron Nadler and Danielle Beth

Wedding photo of Danielle and Aaron. No not their's ~ you silly geese! The Scottish affair that beautifully featured the Nadler's home. Where's the kilt, Aa? The groomsmen were fully regaled in Scottish attire from head to toe for Euan & Keri's nuptials.

Even in nor Cal, all my friends are Scottish! How could this happen?

Here comes the Bride

The Sacred Came

The Sacred Came

The Sacred came to earth that day, when Heaven's strains were heard.

His red guitar stood silent, still ~ Did Robert's song all heaven fill?

Hearing the strains, did angels prance and join in Joyful's Wedding Dance?

The wonder of their first embrace has scarce been seen on earth's dull face.

The Sacred kissed the earth that day,
when *Gift of God took Joyful's hand
and saw his bride like purest gold
reflective of the Story told
by men and angels, Father Son:
When Jesus comes, His Bride to take,
Let all mankind to Sacred ~ 'wake.

I hope that Robert saw and heard, The Sacred Dance, Divine Romance.

*Nathaniel's name means Gift of God

Wedding Dance, Divine Romance

MacMurchy ~ Navratil wedding photos just keep trickling in

Favorite Wedding prep pic and the Bride