Sitting at Her Father’s Table

Telling Stories from Her Father’s Table

Some stories tell themselves. This is one of those. My niece, Emily recently said yes to a young man that our family loves. His name is Bubba. He is the man that we know God chose for her.

Emily was raised in a Christian home. Her mother is my sister, who also married the man that we all know God chose for her. Emily’s parents are loved by many across the southeast. And this story is an example why. Here is the engagement story in her daddy’s own words.

Dave:

Bubba asked me to meet him halfway between Tennessee and Alabama for coffee. I expected the meeting was for him to ask for Emily’s hand in marriage. During our conversation he mentioned that it would take place at my mom’s house near the river. He wanted to have a table outdoors that held flowers, a Bible with her new name, Emily Hoffman on it, with the ring on top. I asked if it was okay if I built the table. It was my desire for them to have something special to remember the occasion and something they could use in their home. The table was perfect because family meals and fellowship have been lost. Hopefully this would give them a place to enjoy each other’s company while eating a home-cooked meal or takeout.

How to Build a Table

I wasn’t sure of the style, but I knew Emily likes simple, functional things, and the farmhouse table we have in our family dining room. So I decided to go that route.

I ordered 6 – 2 x 6 x 8 Ponderosa Redwood boards, 4 Large table legs and got started.

Building a farmhouse table
First, I cut the 2 x 6 boards in half. Next, I took my Kreg pocket drill and drilled holes on the underside of the boards. I then attached all the boards together, put the end pieces on and sanded the top to make it smooth.

Unfinished Farmhouse Table
For the base, I used 2 x 4 x 6 material and built the frame between the legs. I also drilled the frame with my Kreg pocket drill so I could secure the top later.

Final touches – I stained the top with Minwax Espresso and coated it with water based poly. It’s important to sand between the finish coats which was 3.

stained tabletop

blank

Last step was to write the scripture I chose for them which was Proverbs 3:3-4, which is written beneath the table top.

3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;

bind them around your neck,

write them on the tablet of your heart.

4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.

Ready to Pop the Question

table for a proposal
The table was placed near the river. Roses placed on top with the Holy Bible and the engagement ring.

ring on Bible

Roses and Bible
The sweetest thing that stood out to me about this whole story is this… Every time Emily places her feet beneath this table, she will be sitting at her father’s table. A man who taught her throughout her life exactly what it means to break bread at her FATHER’S table. May GOD bless this union as HE has blessed our family with such godly men.

CONGRATULATIONS EMILY & BUBBA!

Leave a Comment