-Melissa Benson Becoming Melissa Mayfield-

Its quite hard to describe the events of my sister's wedding mainly because it was an emotional blur that had soo much planning involved yet it only lasted about 45 minutes (not including the reception party!). I get finished with finals and drive home on Wed. only to be greeted by a house full of crazy Bensons with a Zach To-Do list! I don't think i stopped from the moment i got home until the wedding was over. Nonetheless, my sister was an AMAZINGLY beautiful bride with a beautiful wedding! Funny story...at the rehersal dinner me, being the brother of the bride of course, had to say something and i had no problem with this. Its a brother's joy and honor to bless his sister and soon to be brother in law the nite before the wedding with a few loving words right? i honestly don't even get nervous talking in front of large groups so i was good to go right off the cuff (big mistake!). Yeah, all that went out the door, after the first few words of my little spill. After welling up with emotion and tears of joy upon looking at my sister all grown up and full of smiles, i lost it! Haha, i first introduced myself as "Melissa, Melissa's younger brother," yeah, i know real smooth, but i covered that one up ok. So the tears continued and i finally reached a stopping point and said all my heart wanted to say only to call Brandon (sis's soon to be hubby) in closing, the best son in law i could ask for! haha, real smooth Zach, real smooth. Maybe my public speakin class will pay off next semester, i need it! Like i said the wedding was perfect and everyone got through it with minimal tears. Poor dad, i never seen him cry soo much in my life! I can only imagine how hard it would be to give away my daughter if i have one.... man!

We had an amazing prayer time in the bridemaid's room before, wow, soo special and i am soo glad i got to pray over my sis on her special day! I couldn't be happier for Brandon and Mel and i can't wait to see what the Lord is gonna do in and thru them as a couple. Yeah, be jealous, they are coming back this Friday to Macon with nice tans... and its December, not fair!

-PS-
If you didn't realize, this Blog's title is a link to a few of my sister's wedding pics by the photographer we used, it should be updated every few days the little code thingy is benson1150 ...Check it out!

-Blessings and Happy Holidays!-

-The Color Red & Anthony Skinner-

Mr. Skinner and Jason Upton are pretty much on the most played list of zach's ipod and itunes! I love it when you've heard a song numerous times and yeah, you love it and could listen to it over and over again and then, on that 2000th time, something just unfolds from the words and you are floored with the presence of the Lord. Let me share...
I was in Taylor's the other nite and i was listening to Anthony Skinner's song titled Come, like i said, i've heard it tons yet somthing jumped out at me in the lyrics... maybe its just me but i thought this concept was pretty amazing and once again, proved the GREATNESS of the One we serve and attempt to model our lives after. The song basically conveyed the fact that before Jesus' cruxification and before you and i, God in all his knowledge, wisdom, and majesty created the color red! Yeah, that was it, don't miss it! Think about that. Before we were saved by grace and faith before creation, God in his creativity and love, invisioned His beloved Son, the risen lamb's death on the cross. Such a powerful moment, an eternal life giving moment for all who would call Him savior and friend. God knew the color of his Son's blood that would be shed that day before time!

Nothing But the Blood

Your blood speaks a better word

Than all the empty claims

I've heard upon this earth

Speaks righteousness for me

And stands in my defense Jesus it's Your blood

[Chorus] What can wash away our sins?

What can make us whole again?

Nothing but the blood

Nothing but the blood of Jesus

What can wash us pure as snow?

Welcomed as the friends of God

Nothing but Your blood

Nothing but Your blood King Jesus

Your cross testifies in grace

Tells of the Father's heart to make a way for us

Now boldly we approach

Not by earthly confidence

It's only Your blood

-M. Redman

Lord, we thank you for the blood...

-Be Blessed-
ZEB

-"Thank God" Thoughts...-

I was walking down the large slab of concrete/brick that is the Haley Center concourse and over heard some girl say with exasperation as she spoke about school, "Thank God I'm done with History forever!" At first, i thought nothing of this comment, and then because i was about to move on in my minds thought processes, i thought about her comment more intentionally. "Thank God..." This made me smile as i thought about it in a new light/ perspective. So easily we say those words too many times without thinking twice, some people say it thinking nothing of God... a habit maybe. Yet, to a believer or anyone who thinks about that comment a second time after it comes out of their mouth, it proves that no matter what, our Savior is who He is because before time, before you and i, He existed and exists to be lifted up and praised above everything else! That statement proves His supremacy over all and we don't even know what we are stating sometimes... Believer or non believer "Thank God" = the undeniable fact that we should exists only to lift up and acknowledge His greatness and mercy in our lives!

This may have gotten a little confusing.. it sounded better in my head... we'll do lunch over it!

-Be Blessed-


God says to you, "I love you, and I am with you, I want o see you come closer to me and experience the joy and peace of my presence. I want to give you a new heart and a new spirit. I want you to speak with my mouth, see with my eyes, hear with my ears, touch with my hands. All that is mine is yours. Just trust me and let me be your God." - The Inner Voice of Love by: Henri Nouwen

-Mr. Sam-

This is Keri Anne. I am speaking on behalf of Sam the dog. I must say that I am the coolest dog out there. I do many cool tricks and I love to dance and give big smooches. Love me!