Archives for May 2015

End-of-May Blogging Break

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The first half of May has been a whirlwind for me and the last half of the month promises more of the same. I’m willing to bet it’s a jam-packed month for you, too, Mothers of the Bride. In fact, some of you may be throwing the event of a lifetime as we speak. Others may be gearing up for a summer wedding. Whatever our situations, I’m willing to bet the month of May is busy for all of us.

And so, dear MOBs, I’m going to apply my 2015 theme word rest to my life this month and declare an end-of-May blogging break. Sometimes we just need to cut ourselves a break, and this is one of those times for me.

I’ll resume regular posting on June 1, but in the meantime, why not peruse the list of Favorite Posts on the sidebar or use the drop-down feature in the Archives to spot some posts that might be especially helpful to you at this stage in your Mother of the Bride journey. I hope you find just the help and encouragement you need. All the best as you work with your daughter to plan the wedding of her dreams!

*You might also like to check out my Pinterest page. Among other things, it features eighteen wedding-related boards!

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

*Flickr photo by Silvia Sala, Creative Commons License

Last-Half-of-May Blogging Break

6065053437_b6cceb1fd0_zThe first half of May has been a whirlwind for me and the last half of the month promises more of the same. I’m willing to bet it’s a jam-packed month for you, too. In fact, I think May might be second only to December where the busy factor is concerned!

And so, dear readers, I’m going to apply my 2015 theme word rest to my life this month and declare a last-half-of-May blogging break. Sometimes we just need to cut ourselves a break, and this is one of those times for me.

I’ll resume regular posting on June 1, but in the meantime, let me leave you with a beautiful passage from the Word of God. May the King of Glory bless you and be your strength today and always!

“Lift up your heads, O you gates;
be lifted up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The LORD strong and mighty,
the LORD mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O you gates;
lift them up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is he, this King of glory?
The LORD Almighty—
he is the King of glory.” Psalm 24:7-10

*How has the King of Glory blessed you this month?

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

*Flickr photo by Silvia Sala, Creative Commons License

Wedding Photo Idea: The Minister’s Bible

Keith & BibleMother of the Bride, some of the simplest shots your photographer captures on Wedding Day can speak volumes. No elaborate background set-up, no gathering of the bridal party or family members, just some ideas in mind and a photographer with a great eye.

The minister with his Bible is one such photo that conveys deep meaning. I love the shot above that focuses on the Bible and not on the minister himself. It speaks of the importance of the day and the holiness of the ceremony. It says God is here. It says this marriage is founded on the instruction and wisdom of God. Yes, this simple shot speaks volumes.

So, MOB, when you’re compiling a list of shots for the photographer to take on Wedding Day, be sure to include the minister-with-his-Bible idea as well as other artsy-type shots you might have in mind. Just tell the photographer some general ideas you’d like included, and he’ll be ready to work his magic. Bet you’ll be pleased!

*You might also like to read Wedding Day Tip: A List for the Photographer and Wedding Photography Tip: Candid Shots of the Guests.

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

*Photo by Chris Humphrey Photographer

Midweek Morsel: The Prayer of an Imperfect Vessel

6013255406_1b697baa36_z“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7

Do you ever feel unworthy to be used by God? I feel like this quite often—when I mess up and sin, when I see areas of my life that aren’t all God designed them to be, or when I struggle with my thoughts, attitudes, or emotions. At times like these I wonder how can God use me?

The good news is that God uses imperfect vessels. He created us. He knows we will sin and fall short of his very best desires for us (Romans 3:23). But he loves us, forgives us, cleanses us, and then uses us for his purposes and glory (John 3:16, 1 John 1:9, 2 Corinthians 4:7, and 1 Peter 4:10).

So for all of us imperfect vessels out there, here’s a simple prayer we can freely pray. Hope it helps express your heart, too!

Father, thank you for loving me. Thank you for using me even though I’m not perfect. Protect me from the evil one, the one who wants me to feel too unworthy to serve you. Help me be ever ready to do whatever you want me to do. Yes, Lord, use me in spite of my failures and sin. Shine through me in spite of me. I will indeed give you all the glory, and I will remember that I am loved!

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God planned in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

*What else can we do to battle feelings of unworthiness?

*The new issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, came out earlier this month. It’s not too late to receive it. Sign up is free and to the right!

*Flickr photo by avrenim_acceber, Creative Commons License

Make the Mother of the Groom Part of the Team

4197459050_4ec8e9f299_zMother of the Bride, have you reached out yet to help the Mother of the Groom feel included in some way in the wedding preparations? Remember, the wedding you’re helping your daughter plan is a very big deal to the mother of your little girl’s beloved, too. This is a major milestone and celebration in the life of their family as well.

True, unless the groom’s family is helping in a significant way financially and thus in charge of certain aspects of the wedding, you and your daughter will take care of most of the wedding preparations. However, you can enlist the MOG’s help for certain things.

Here are a few ideas to help make the Mother of the Groom feel like she’s part of the team:

1) Ask her to be in charge of providing the card box/container to use on Wedding Day for any wedding cards guests may bring.
2) Invite her to help decorate the church and/or reception venue the day before the wedding.
3) Ask if she can provide some needed items such as cake knife and server set (since one will be needed for the groom’s cake as well) or a champagne bucket.
4) If a problem arises with some aspect of the wedding prep, is there some way she might be able to help? If so, call on her.
5) Is there an errand she can run? For example, if you need to find multiple items of a certain component of the centerpieces, can she check to see if more of the items you need are available at the store in her location?

MOB, these are just a few possibilities for including the MOG. I’m sure you’ll be able to think of others. The important thing is to just reach out, to make her feel included. The joy will be that much greater during Wedding Weekend if you’ve built a bond ahead of time. Don’t miss out on this special blessing!

*You might also like to read Kicking Off the In-Law Relationship.

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

*Flickr photo by Or Hiltch, Creative Commons License