Archives for November 2015

Bridal Veils: The Corded Veil

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Mother of the Bride, if your daughter has found the gown of her Big Day dreams, it’s now time to start thinking about a veil. Be aware that some brides will prefer not wearing a veil at all, but if your bride-to-be is not in that group, you’ll want to help her carefully consider what would look best with her particular gown.

An elegant and classic choice that looks good with numerous bridal gowns is the corded veil. The simple cord adorning the edge of the veil, whether single or double-tiered, works especially well with gowns featuring a lot of detail. Something simple in a veil perfectly complements the gown then rather than competing with its already gorgeous detail.

Do you think a corded style might be the answer to your sweet girl’s bridal veil needs, MOB? If so, be sure to put it at the top of your list of suggestions. She just might agree!

*You might also like to read Bridal Veils: The Birdcage Veil, In Lieu of a Veil: Floral Bridal Combs or Hairpins, and Bridal Headpiece Idea: The Flower Crown.Main portrait on stairs with flowers*Top of post Flickr photo by outreachr.com, Creative Commons License; bottom photo of my daughter Kristin by Chris Humphrey Photographer

Midweek Morsel: Radical Faith Prepares for Answers

4929686241_05a2e2dc5c*May this encore post from November 2011 bless you today!

“And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.” Philemon 1:22

Radical faith. The apostle Paul demonstrated it on numerous occasions, didn’t he? When he wrote the words above to fellow believer Philemon, he wrote them from prison—a place he frequented because of his bold displays of faith.

Being imprisoned didn’t dampen Paul’s faith, though. In fact, he made plans to visit Philemon based on his hopes of answered prayers. He encouraged Philemon to act in faith as well. Paul exhorted him to prepare a room for him—to behave as if the answer to prayer had already been granted.

When Paul told the Corinthians to live by faith and not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7), he not only doled out instruction, he lived it himself. His instruction to Philemon shines as just one example.

What kind of faith are you and I demonstrating in our lives today? Could someone point to us and say, “Look at how she lives by faith. Look at how she trusts God.”

Are we like Paul? Are we living in the hope of answered prayer? Let’s think about what we can do right now to live in expectation and to prepare for the answers that God will send. Let’s show some radical faith.

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1

*The Life Notes Subscriber Appreciation Giveaway is underway. Details are in my Oct. 19 post and sign-up is to the right under “Free For You.” Deadline is 6 p.m. Nov. 11. Don’t miss out on the chance to win a $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble!

*Flickr photo by familymwr, Creative Commons License

The Pull of the Past

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Is there an activity, a place, an aroma, a taste, a sight, or a sound that transports you back in time? Most of us long for times gone by on occasion. We long for loved ones no longer with us, we yearn for a simpler time.

Nostalgia can be good for us. It causes us to remember our blessings and even inspires us to look forward to a heavenly home where we’ll be reunited with our loved ones, where we’ll be safe and happy in the presence of our Lord.

So indulge in some nostalgia today, friends. May my “Pull of the Past” give rise to your own. And may it lead to all our eyes looking heavenward!

The Pull of the Past

As I travel down the country road
the pull of the past is strong.
Decades suddenly disappear
as my heart is drawn like a magnet
to the farms, to my grandparents,
to our family as it was then.
The crunch of gravel under the wheels
and the smell of dust wafting behind
stirs memories so deeply held
my heart aches from the longing.
Oh to go back in time,
to find everyone at home
waiting with ready smiles and welcoming voices,
waiting to share the day together.
Those bottled memories
so real yet just out of grasp
stir a precious joy
trailed by a touch of sadness
that keeps me lifting my eyes
to the sure hope of the future,
to the promise of reunion.
And so the pull of the past
becomes the hope of heaven
where one day I’ll find
everyone at home
ready to share forever together,
ready to praise and serve our Lord.

“I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.” Psalm 143:5

*What triggers the pull of the past for you?

*The Life Notes Subscriber Appreciation Giveaway is underway. Details are in my Oct. 19 post and sign-up is to the right under “Free For You.” Deadline is 6 p.m. Nov. 11. Don’t miss out on the chance to win a $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble!

*My photo

Bridal Shoes That Sparkle

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Mother of the Bride, when it’s time for you and your daughter to shop for her bridal shoes, she may let you know that she wants something other than a traditional white heel. Many brides like to add a touch of color or sparkle or some other unique twist to their wedding day apparel, and their choice of shoes offer the perfect opportunity.

Your little-girl-turned-bride may be among those who want their bridal shoes to sparkle. And that’s not surprising since a sparkly shoe will look both elegant and fun with almost any wedding gown. The Nina “Carmen” heel above found at DSW is just one example. Have your daughter glance through these sparkly bridal shoes on Pinterest for some more ideas.

MOB, it’s fun to live during a fashion time when bridal shoes can be anything from an elegant white heel to a lacy bootie to a bold splash of color to a hand-painted work of art or even a cowboy boot. Have fun considering all the options with your daughter and then kick up your heels as well when it’s party time!

*You might also like to read Bridal Shoes: The Lacy Look, Bridal Shoes: The Cute Factor, Hand Painted Wedding Shoes for the Bride!, Rustic Wedding Bridal Shoes: Boots—What Else?, and Wedding Shoes Trend: Color Is In!

*The Life Notes Subscriber Appreciation Giveaway is underway. Details are in my Oct. 19 post on my home page and sign-up is to the right under “Free For You.” Deadline is 6 p.m. Nov. 11. Don’t miss out on the chance to win a $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble!

*My photo