Archives for June 2018

The Power of Remembering God’s Faithfulness

“‘But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike.’” Acts 26:22 NIV

Do you wonder how you can impact others for Christ or how you can strengthen your own faith?

One way to strengthen our faith is to recall God’s past faithfulness—to remember the times he’s been there for us or acted in our behalf. If we’ll then take it a step further and speak or write or sing of his faithfulness, we will undoubtedly point others to Christ as well and possibly impact their lives for eternity.

In the Bible one example of the apostle Paul remembering God’s faithfulness is found in the book of Acts. When Paul was imprisoned wrongfully while in Jerusalem, he testified before King Agrippa that “God has helped me to this very day. . .” While this particular statement is fairly broad, others he made were more specific. And I imagine that while he sat in his prison cell, he may have privately recalled all the times God had been faithful to him—either as a way to offer thanks to God for all he had done in the past and what he would certainly do in the present circumstance or as a way to bolster his faith when so much was hanging in the balance.

Likewise, when times are bad in our lives, we too can strengthen our faith by recalling God’s faithfulness to us. We too can impact others for the Lord as we testify how God has helped us throughout our lives, how he has helped us to this very day.

God has certainly helped me to this very day. He has strengthened me, comforted me, loved me, forgiven me, delivered me, guided me, empowered and used me, blessed me, and answered my prayers time and again.

Is this your testimony as well? If so, let it strengthen your faith as you remember God’s faithfulness to you. And let it impact others as you testify!

It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me.” Daniel 4:2 NIV

*In what ways can you tell others about God’s faithfulness to you?

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter with a giveaway in every regularly scheduled issue, will come out in early August. Sign-up is FREE and to the right! (If you’re on a mobile device, scroll to the bottom of the screen and click View Full Site to find it.)

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride check out my Books/My Work page.

*Flickr photo by michael pollak, Creative Commons License

9 Scriptures You Can Feature in Wedding Celebrations

Mother of the Bride, do you think your daughter and her beloved might like to use a scripture or two in special ways on their big day? If so, I have several to offer as suggestions.

First, though, consider the variety of ways that scripture might be incorporated. The minister will already have some scriptures he or she is planning to share during the ceremony, but if your sweet couple has a special verse or two they’d like included, I’m sure the minister would be happy to oblige.

Other ways to feature a scripture include using it on the printed program, on signs or plaques in the welcome area, on the cake and gift tables, or even used in some way in the centerpieces on the guest tables. Certain wedding favors even lend themselves to including a short message so a brief portion of scripture could be a possibility there as well. These are just a few ideas and others may come to mind when you all start thinking about it.

If the bride and groom need some ideas for specific verses, here are 9 scriptures they might want to consider (brief portions of them can be used instead of the entire verse if they so choose):

“‘Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.’” Ruth 1:16 NIV

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 HCSB

“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” Psalm 126:3 NIV

“. . . love one another deeply, from the heart.” 1 Peter 1:22 NIV

“Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:8 NIV

“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5:21 NIV

“. . . a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and the two will be one.” Ephesians 5:31 GW

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 NIV

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:12 NIV

Whether your daughter and her groom use these scriptures in their celebration or not, MOB, may they bless you and yours as you read them!

*You might also like to read Wisdom and Encouragement for the Mother of the Bride, Spirit and Soul Refreshment for the Mother of the Bride, and New Year’s Blessings for the Mother of the Bride.

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride check out my Books/My Work page.

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter with a giveaway in every regularly scheduled issue, will come out in early August. Sign-up is FREE and to the right! (If you’re on a mobile device, scroll to the bottom of the screen and click View Full Site to find it.)

*Flickr photo by charamelody, Creative Commons License

Intercession: The Privilege and Gift of Prayer

Interceding in prayer for others takes commitment and work, and in the process, we may sometimes forget what a privilege it is to take the needs of others and present them to the God of the universe. What better gift could we give? I need this message today and maybe you do too.

Intercession

What a privilege
When I can go to God
On someone else’s behalf.
What a comfort to know he listens
And answers with perfect wisdom.
What peace in knowing
It’s the best I can give —
That nothing less will do . . .

I give you my best today —
I’m on my knees for you.

“…night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.” 2 Timothy 1:3 NIV

*Are you on your knees for someone today? Trust God to answer in his perfect time, in his perfect way!

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter with a giveaway in every regularly scheduled issue, will come out in early August. Sign-up is FREE and to the right! (If you’re on a mobile device, scroll to the bottom of the screen and click View Full Site to find it.)

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride check out my Books/My Work page.

*I hope this slightly revised encore post from June 2010 blessed you today!

*Public Domain photo by Pierre martinfr

Bridal Portrait Shot: Watching for the Groom

Mother of the Bride, isn’t this photo gorgeous and precious all at the same time? I may be a little biased since the bride is my sweet daughter Kristin, but this particular pose of watching for the groom conveys so much—grown up beauty and the promise of joy as well as little girl excitement and overflowing love. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Notice how Kristin’s photographer, Chris Humphrey, chose a beautiful spot for this shot and took advantage of perfect afternoon sunlight coming through the windows. You might ask your daughter’s photographer if he knows a location where he might be able to get a similar shot of your bride-to-be.

So MOB, when it comes time for your daughter’s bridal portrait day—one of the most delightful wedding planning days you’ll experience, by the way—keep your fingers crossed for a “watching for the groom” shot. I promise it will immediately become a favorite!

*You might also like to read Bridal Portrait Idea: A Shot with Mom, Bridal Portrait + Fancy Sofa = Perfect Bridal Portrait, Bridal Portrait Idea: A Stairway Shot, Bridal Portraits: Include Some Artsy Shots, and Bridal Portrait Idea: A Mirror Shot

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride check out my Books/My Work page.

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter with a giveaway in every regularly scheduled issue, will come out in early August. Sign-up is FREE and to the right! (If you’re on a mobile device, scroll to the bottom of the screen and click View Full Site to find it.)

*I hope this slightly revised encore post from July 2013 was helpful to you today!

*Photo by Chris Humphrey Photography

Sculpted Pumpkins and Jack-o-Lanterns for Fall Wedding Décor

Mother of the Bride, is your daughter planning a fall wedding? If so, the fall season opens up all kinds of possibilities for colors, décor, and food. She and her groom can add just a light touch of fall or go all out and let it permeate nearly every aspect of the wedding.

One classic fall decoration that can be incorporated into evening wedding celebrations is the simple jack-o-lantern or the more detailed sculpted pumpkin. They can feature the couple’s names as pictured above, the wedding date, the couple’s initials, wedding messages, portraits and scenes, or even traditional jack-o-lantern faces. Not only will jack-o-lanterns and sculpted pumpkins add a touch of fall to the festivities, but they’ll add an atmosphere of fun as well as provide some great photos.

These delightful, glowing pumpkins can grace the entrance of the venue, be used as centerpieces, or add a touch of fall to the guest book table, cake tables, and photo tables. In fact, they can be used just about anywhere. You could even line several up, creating a special message for the bride and groom or even for the guests (giving direction to a certain area, etc.)

Why not suggest sculpted pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns to your sweet autumn bride-to-be, MOB? Who knows, the newlyweds may decide to make pumpkin carving one of their new family fall traditions!

*You might also like to read Fall Wedding Bouquet Idea, Fall Wedding Favor Idea: Caramel Apples!, and Summer or Fall Wedding Favor Idea: Jars of Honey!

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride check out my Books/My Work page.

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter with a giveaway in every regularly scheduled issue, will come out in early August. Sign-up is FREE and to the right! (If you’re on a mobile device, scroll to the bottom of the screen and click View Full Site to find it.)

*Flickr photo by Phil Gyford, Creative Commons License