Archives for February 2014

Fun Gift for the Bride to Give the Groom

February 27, 2014 by Leave a Comment

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Mother of the Bride, here’s a winning idea to pass along to your sweet girl getting married: Gift the groom with a snazzy pair of socks to wear on Wedding Day. What fun, right?!

Chances are, wearing a tux for hours on end doesn’t sound that desirable to your daughter’s intended. If she can give him some fun socks to include in his wedding ensemble, he will feel touched by her thoughtfulness and also excited at the prospect of flaunting them at some point during the festivities.

If your daughter likes this idea, she could go several different ways in finding just the right pair of socks for her soon-to-be hubby. She might try to find a pair that in some way matches the colors of the wedding, or she could try to find something to match the groom’s personality or interests. Or she could go with a total surprise—something no one would ever guess.

Yes, a fun pair of socks can definitely put a smile on the groom’s face—especially if they’re a gift from his dream girl. Let the sweetness begin!

*What are some other fun gifts the bride might give the groom for their big day?

*Photo by Will Flowers

*The current issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, came out Feb. 3rd. It’s not too late to receive it. Sign-up is free and to the right!

Filed Under: appearance, fun, Gift, groom, Mother of the Bride

Midweek Morsel: Parched No More

February 27, 2014 by 2 Comments

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“He turned the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into flowing springs;” Psalm 107:35

We’ve all experienced dry times—seasons of drought—at some point or other in our lives. Whether a drought of the earth where every living thing cries out for the relief of life-giving water or a spiritual drought when we feel forgotten by God and long for a special touch from Him, we’ve all known desert days . . . desert weeks . . . desert years . . . and have cried out for relief.

Are you walking through a desert time right now? Be encouraged. We have a God who can turn deserts into pools of water and parched ground into flowing springs. You will not be crying out for relief forever. At just the right time—in God’s perfect time—you will be parched no more. Flowing springs will be your portion. Hang on, friend.

“‘I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” Jeremiah 31:25

*How do you cope when you find yourself in a desert place?

*You might also like to read The Blessing is on the Way.

*The current issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, came out Feb. 3rd. It’s not too late to receive it. Sign-up is free and to the right!

*My photo

Filed Under: blessing, faith, help, hope, provision, refresh, spring, unfailing, wait

Taking Photos: Another Way to Worship

February 24, 2014 by 6 Comments

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A few weeks ago it struck me that my little hobby of taking photos is in fact another avenue of worship for me. My Facebook and blogger friend Nancy confirmed my thought a week or two later with this comment on a photo I posted on Facebook recently: “Love your pics. They glorify God.” Wow, how I loved to hear that.

Yes, capturing the beauty of God’s creation through a photo, rejoicing in that capture, and sharing it with others can indeed be worship. It might not be worship for every photographer—amateur (like me) or professional—but for those of us communing with God as we do our picture-taking-thing, it definitely qualifies as worship.

Of course, I don’t always have God on my mind as I snap photos, but many times I’m thinking of him and the beauty before me—and also calling on him for help, especially when I’m trying to capture photos of birds or other wildlife. My thoughts are often filled with things like oh,let it stay, Father, let it stay and thank you, Lord, for the great shot.

What joy then to be able to share a photo that brings others joy, or causes them to think of God, or ushers them into their own time of worship and adoration of the amazing Creator God we have. How wonderful is that?!

Taking photos is just one of many creative avenues for worshiping our Creator. For others, it could be music or dance or cooking or knitting. The possibilities go on and on. If we are rejoicing in God and communing with him as we undertake an activity, it indeed becomes worship.

 May the photos below inspire you to worship as you consider the beauty God’s given us!

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Mount Moran from Oxbow Bend“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers . . . O LORD, our Lord how majestic is your name in all the earth!” Psalm 8:3a, 9

*What creative way have you found to worship God?

*My photos

*The current issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, came out Feb. 3rd. It’s not too late to receive it. Sign-up is free and to the right!

Filed Under: beauty, creation/creative/creator, fellowship, nature, passion, photo fun, talent, worship

Wedding Cake Idea: The Drape Effect

February 24, 2014 by Leave a Comment

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Mother of the Bride, has your bride-to-be daughter decided on a design for the cake yet? If not, share this post with her. The cake above might be just be the one that will grab her heart.

A wedding cake with a drape effect provides an elegant and stunning crowning touch to the food you offer at the reception. This classy option is sure to draw lots of oohs and ahhs and will also give opportunities for some gorgeous photos.

My daughter Kelli wanted the drape-look for her cake (above), but she also wanted buttercream frosting. The baker was able to give her both by doing only the drape in fondant. Kelli also asked for it to be decorated with fresh flowers.

We couldn’t have been happier with the way it turned out—both in how it looked and how it tasted. The cake was a hit. You can’t ask for better than that!

*For more cake ideas, check out my Wedding Cake Pinterest board. 

*The current issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, came out Feb. 3rd. It’s not too late to receive it. Sign-up is free and to the right!

*Photos by Will Flowers, Cake by Country Cakes and Bridal Shoppe (Baker/Designer – Susan)

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Filed Under: beauty, cake, decorate, Mother of the Bride

Wedding Day Tip: A List for the Photographer

February 20, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Mother of the Bride, last week I told you one way to avoid disappointment over the wedding flowers, and today I have a tip on how to sidestep a potential disappointment with photos from the big day. Since wedding photography is one of the major expenses for the wedding, you definitely want to do anything you can to insure that both you and the happy couple will be satisfied with the once-in-a-lifetime photos from their special day.

One of the best things you can do to avoid disappointment with the photos is to give a list of must-have shots to your professional photographer. Don’t assume he or she will automatically take all the shots you think are standard. Don’t expect him to be a mind-reader, MOB. Some couples and their parents have a very traditional vision of what their photos should include while others want to take a more casual or photo-journalistic type approach.

Be specific. Don’t just say family shots. List the specific family shots you want. Also be sure to tell him that in addition to the list, you want him to be as creative as possible and capture unexpected, fun, and tender moments whenever and wherever he can.

As you compile your list, MOB, think outside the box—think of some of the great photo opps that might present themselves at the wedding that are unique to you and your family and friends.The photographer will not magically know to take a photo of you with your very best friends. He won’t know that the newlyweds want a shot of all their college friends together.

Do a little photography preparation, MOB, and you’ll come much closer to being pleasantly surprised with the results instead of unhappy over missed shots. Take full advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime event—make your list!

*Check this out—another Wedding Weekend Photography Tip! 

*The current issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, came out Feb. 3rd. It’s not too late to receive it. Sign-up is free and to the right!

*Flickr photo by Elvert Barnes, Creative Commons License

Filed Under: advice, disappointment, Mother of the Bride, photo fun, preparation
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