BeautyRevealed | The Blog of Melissa J. Dillon

Loved this quote. Wouldn’t it be nice to be in this place all the time?? Only by His Grace.

“Humility is perfect quietness of heart. It is for me to have no trouble; never to be fretted or vexed or irritated or sore or disappointed. It is to expect nothing, to wonder at nothing that is done to me: to feel nothing done against me. It is to be at rest when nobody praises me, and when I am blamed or despised. It is to have a blessed home in the Lord, where I can go in and shut the door, and kneel to my Father in secret, and be at peace and in a deep sea of calmness when all around and above is trouble. It is the fruit of the Lord Jesus Christ’s redemptive work on Calvary’s Cross, manifest in those of His own who are definitely subjected to the Holy Spirit.” – Andrew Murray

(Just in case anyone decides they want to be extra generous on my birthday this year.☺)

The closest I’ve ever come to Paris? Patrick’s Cafè! I think I’ve decided that a little French Bakery would be my dream job. I’ll have to think on that dream for a while… hmmm. Just look at all the wonderful food!

I realized when I got home that most of the pictures that I took on Saturday either had Angela in her wedding dress or the bridesmaids in their dresses… And, obviously, I can’t post those. So I don’t have too many from Saturday’s “girl’s day out” (No, that’s not Angela in the wedding dress above!) 

Mark and I got to stay at Angela’s parents house, so we were able to meet many of Angela’s family for the first time which was such a blessing. Jamie is marrying in to the greatest family! We are so happy to have many new friends as a result of this blessed union. I was able to spend time with Angela’s mom, two sisters and two sisters-in-law during the wedding dress/bridesmaids dress shopping.  

It was such a special day on Saturday. First thing in the morning I woke up to the beautiful sound of doves cooing outside the window. As we were getting in the car to head out we heard it again and it flew right by us. We really felt that it was a gift from God for Angela. “Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. For lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.” Angela used to have a website called Dove’s Eyes, as well. It was very meaningful to hear and see a dove that morning. 

We went to The Wedding Shop in downtown St. Paul. Angela knew for the most part what she was looking for, and the attendant brought in 3 dresses for her to try on to start with. Would you believe the dress was the first one she tried on?! She tried on a few others to see if there were any others that she liked better, but when she put the dress on again, we all just knew. It was it! Just lovely… she was breathtaking. I can’t wait for her to walk down the aisle. 

Then, on to the veil. The attendant handed her the first one… wow! No need to go any further, she had just found the perfect veil! Can you believe it? Yes, it was just that easy. It was as though the Lord just went before her and picked out everything ahead of time… such a blessing!

This was Angela’s wonderful attendant… she was such a sweet girl (she even let me take pictures… which isn’t usually allowed). 

Next, we made our way to David’s Bridal. Angela had made an appointment to try on wedding dresses there, but considering she had just bought the perfect one, we decided we could start looking at bridesmaid’s dresses. I am so honored that Angela asked me to be one of her bridesmaids along with her sisters, sisters-in-law and friend. Jodie will be the best man, and Mark is one of the groomsmen. There are 6 attendants on each side. It’s going to be a fun wedding! 

When we walked into David’s Bridal, her sister Ruthie was holding a beautiful dress that she thought would be complimentary to Angela’s dress. It turned out to be the one! This will be my sixth wedding to be in (including my own) and I have never seen anything like this… everywhere we turned, the favor of the Lord was there! The dress was on clearance, and after making a few calls to other stores for all of our sizes, the bridesmaid’s dresses were able to be checked off the list. Even her mother’s dress was the first one she tried on! I was so thrilled for Angela, because for my own wedding, I went to so many shops looking for the perfect dress and was beginning to fear that I wouldn’t be able to find it. I finally did, but it was quite stressful for a little while. I had prayed that Angela’s day would go smoothly and that the Lord would lead her to the right dress. I had no idea it would be the first dress… the first veil… the first bridesmaid’s dress… and the first mother-of-the-bride’s dress! It was unbelievable. 

It was such a special day for me. I was so blessed to be a part of all the happiness and excitement of finding the perfect wedding gown. She is going to look gorgeous… I can’t wait until August 8th! Thanks Angela for such an honor! And Char, Ruthie, Becky, Ruth and Kristin… I had such a fun time with all of you. We’re so blessed that Jamie is marrying into such a precious family! I’ll see you again soon!

(More Minneapolis pics coming soon).

12:30 am… We’re home. We’re tired. We’re happy. We’ll post pictures soon. xoxo.

“A happy life is simply the sum of many small, happy moments.”

- Penny Krugman

Spring has sprung in the northwoods of Minnesota. No leaves on the trees yet, but we’ve had warm, sunny days and a rush of melting snow. I saw sparkling water today on the lake for the first time in 4 months… ooh, what a sight to behold! Today I opened the windows while I cleaned the house so I could enjoy the sound of singing birds and children playing at the park across the street. The air feels so fresh and clean. Summer is just… around… the… corner. I feel it. 

We’ve been busy, busy lately. It’s amazing how life can all of the sudden start snowballing, and before you know it, you’re busier than you’ve planned to be. I’m in three Bible Studies at the moment…I’m still not sure how that happened!  But it turns out that each one has been such a blessing, and I must just need a lot of Spiritual food during this time. Mark and I are in a “Fireproof Your Marriage” study with some friends, which we are really excited about. It is based on the movie “Fireproof” and has a lot of good, thought provoking discussion. One of the girls said that it was nice to be part of a Bible Study where the guys actually talked more than the girls! I agree. It’s definitely a fun mix of people. We are also in a Bible Study at my parents house with a few other families on Sunday evenings… this study has spurred me on so passionately for the Lord and has given me great insight into the Word. And my mom and I are in a Tuesday afternoon Bible Study with some precious, godly women whom I am learning so much from. It is such a blessing to be around so many wonderful friends who challenge me Spiritually. 

It looks like I’ve finally found a job doing childcare in our home. This is what I’ve wanted to do since I quit my job 8 months ago. I wanted something that would enable me to bring in some income while staying home with our own children one day. (Oh, if I haven’t mentioned, Mark and I are praying that the Lord will bless us with children soon, so if you happen to have a slot open on your prayer list, we’d love to be added!) Jackson is 3½ months old and is such a sweetheart. We met with his parents tonight and it looks like it will be a perfect fit for both families. They are still waiting on a job possibility, so we are keeping that in our prayers. If all goes well, I will start watching him full-time in a couple of weeks. I lovvve the baby stage… I’m really looking forward to having a little guy around. 

My wonderful Dad has just begun another project for us… we’ve starting work on the “baby’s room”. We are trying to accomplish everything in time for Jackson to use it, since he will need to stay overnight quite often. Mark, Jodie and Dad put up sheetrock over the “popcorn” sprayed ceiling the other night, and when that is spackled, sanded and painted, we picked out some beautiful crown moulding to put up around the edge. I’m still shopping for a light fixture, and I need to pick out a paint color for the walls. It will be nice to have so much done and ready for our own baby when the time comes. 

This weekend Mark, Jodie and I are going down to The Cities to see Jamie and Angela and meet some of her family… we’re so excited! I finally get to see her engagement ring and see pictures from their special night. But the best part is, I get to go with Angela and her mom, sisters and sister-in-law to shop for wedding dresses! Oh, I’m so excited! And yes, I will cry. I’m just so thankful for this amazing woman who is marrying my brother. To be a part of such an fun day is a treasure to me. I’ll post pictures when I come back (but not in her wedding dress!)

Another exciting event coming up is the birth of our little niece, Olivia Jane. Mark’s sister, Rachel is due very soon and we are praying for a safe delivery. We’re going to be an Uncle and Auntie for the first time! She lives in Missouri, so unfortunately we won’t be able to be there for the birth, but we are anxiously awaiting the call. We can’t wait to meet her. 

I wanted to thank you all for the many encouraging words I have received about the blog. I am blessed to know that you are blessed. I have received emails and phone calls, and it has brought me into friendship again with many precious friends that I had lost contact with over the years. As long as this blog is bearing good fruit, I will continue. I was so happy to have my grandpa call and tell me that he had my cousin print out all twenty-five pages of blog posts so that he could read them all! This blog is for all of you, dear friends and family… I love the beauty of relationship that it has brought to our lives. Thank you for your love… we love you all!

“In Summer, the song sings itself.” - W. C. Williams

“Behold, you are fair, my love! Behold, you are fair!

You have dove’s eyes behind your veil.”

- Song of Solomon 4:1

My brother, Jamie, proposed last night to the beautiful love of his life, Angela (and she said, “Yes!”) We are all thrilled to have such a gem become part of our family. Last weekend they shared with us their amazing love story that has been transpiring for quite some time, and I cried such happy tears. I’m telling you, God is surely the most creative Matchmaker! They were sharing about all of the specific dates, journal entries, notes in their Bibles, prayers they prayed, and desires of their hearts that ultimately created a beautiful, intricately woven love story that brings such glory to our Heavenly Father. (This was the reason Mark and I were shouting for joy and worshipping in the car a few weeks back!) They are both such inspiring examples to us of the blessings that come when we surrender our lives completely to Him. He continues to work, even when we don’t always know it. 

Their engagement night was a romantic one! Jamie planned a beautiful evening… I’ll will share more when I get some pictures from him. 

Angela, welcome to our family, my sister… my friend. You are so dear to us, and we are all so overjoyed to have such a beautiful woman of God come along-side Jamie and share this journey with him. You are God’s hand-picked rose for my brother!

Congratulations, Jamie and Angela! “Many waters cannot quench love!” We are so thrilled for you… love you both!

(Feel free to leave comments for the happy couple!)

“Trusting God does not change our circumstances – it changes us.”
- Unknown

It’s easy to trust the Lord when our lives are lush and green, overflowing with blessing and prosperity… when we’re spiritually in a kairos hour… a time of fruitfulness and growth. In my daily quiet times with God I have said, “Lord, I trust You! You are good! You are sovereign and trustworthy. I bless Your leadership in my life. I will follow where you lead. My eyes are ever on Your face, Lord!” 

And then the testing comes. The winds of adversity start to blow. I start to feel a winter season creep into my soul. Trials, circumstances of life, the things of this world, and thorns in my flesh begin to nudge at me. The fears and insecurities that only a short while ago were dissipated through the love of my Father, are now trying to once again get a foothold in my mind. I start to lose the tunnel vision that I have held for my beautiful Saviour, and instead look around at all the what-ifs and the whys. Before I know it, my heart can become downcast, and the things of this world are no longer strangely dim, but ever-looming in my mind. 

Last night I called my mom to fret. A situation in life had caused me to take my eyes off of Jesus, and I just felt like fretting! Then I fretted to Mark. Today I fretted to God. Then all was quiet.

Then I heard a still small voice… “Are you done fretting?” 

I paused to ask myself if I really was. “Yes.” (loooong sigh of martyrdom…)

“Are you ready to trust Me?” 

And then I looked up… I mean really looked up. To His character and His faithfulness. To eternity and His promises. To His majesty and holiness. To His power and His protection. To His forgiveness and grace. To His breathtaking beauty and His awesome presence. In the brilliancy of who He is, all of the cares of this world began to grow dim once again. With each trial, I have an opportunity… an opportunity to choose to trust my heavenly Father with my heart. My mind. My will. My emotions. 

Yes, the trusting is easy when it is not put to the test. It is in the face of not knowing what the future holds that brings the sweet fragrance of sacrifice to our trust. 

“Through His voice we are deeply quieted and strengthened for all that lay ahead. The right attitude of heart does not seek to know the future, and does not need to know it in order to be at peace.” – Leanne Payne

“She is clothed in strength and dignity and she laughs at the future to come.” – Proverbs 31:25

“There is nothing – no circumstance, no trouble, no testing – that can ever touch me until, first of all, it has gone past God and past Christ, right through to me. If it has come that far, it has come with a great purpose, which I may not understand at the moment. But I refuse to become panicky, as I lift my eyes to Him and accept it as coming from the throne of God for some great purpose of blessing to my own heart, no sorrow will ever disturb me, no trial will ever disarm me, no circumstance will cause me to fret, for I shall rest in the joy of what my Lord is.” – Alan Redpath

“Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2

Look up!