Prayer Can Transform Faces

October 6, 2020 by 2 Comments

As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.” Luke 9:29 NIV

We’ve all heard that familiar saying that prayer changes things, but can prayer actually change our faces? I think it can.

The Bible gives us examples of faces transformed by prayer. The scripture above refers to the day Jesus took three of his disciples—Peter, James, and John—up onto a mountain to pray with him. Never in their wildest dreams could they have imagined what was about to unfold. As Jesus prayed, his face changed and his clothes turned bright as lightning. A transformation (known to Christians as the transfiguration) took place and the disciples were allowed to see Jesus in his glory. Just thinking of it leaves me in awe.

Moses’ face was also changed by spending time with God. After God met with Moses on Mt. Sinai and engraved the Ten Commandments on stone tablets for the Israelites, the Bible tells us that “[Moses’] face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord.” (Exodus 34:29 NIV)

Think of Paul and Silas. After they were severely flogged and thrown into prison, they prayed together and even sang hymns as the other prisoners listened to them. Scripture doesn’t mention the expression on their faces, but it’s safe to assume that as their prayers gave way to hymns, the distress on their faces must have been replaced by peace and even joy.

Yes, our faces often reflect what’s going on in our hearts and lives, don’t they? When we pray and tell God our burdens and hopes and as we give him our thanks and praise, our faces will indeed show the peace and comfort, joy and refreshment, and even strength or determination he’s imparted to us.

So is prayer transforming our faces today, this week, this year? Can people see God’s love and care reflected there? Oh, may it be so! Let’s allow prayer—time we spend with God—to change our faces!

“Those who look to him are radiant;” Psalm 34:5 NIV

*When was the last time you felt your face change as you prayed?

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, comes out in early November. One lucky subscriber (new or current) will receive a $15 gift card to Starbucks and a signed copy of my book to use personally, give as a gift, or donate to a library. 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.) p.s. If you sign up after Oct. 30th, you will be included in all future Life Notes giveaways but not in this current giveaway.

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

*Photo by Radu Florin on Unsplash

Filed Under: appearance, body, change, joy, peace, prayer, refresh, signs Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Wedding Chalkboard Signs: Versatile and Affordable

October 1, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Mother of the Bride, are you and your darling daughter up to your elbows in decorating ideas yet? If not, I’m sure you soon will be—and if so, I’ve got an idea for you today that can be easily added at any stage of planning.

Chalkboard signs are nothing new in the world of wedding décor, but they are still an adorable option for almost any wedding. Not only can they offer information to guests but they can also be used to help set the mood for the wedding or reception. 

Just think about how versatile chalkboard signs can be. They can feature loving messages like the photo above or provide direction for the guests as in the photo below. Or you might want to feature some of these ideas: a welcome sign in the entry area, special instruction for the guest book, an unplugged wedding sign, a timeline for the festivities, a cute sign for the ring bearer, the couple’s relationship timeline, directions to a photo booth, an Instagram hashtag to use for photos, or a thank-you sign at the gift table. And these are just a few ideas to get you started!

Other good reasons to use chalkboard signs is that most are very affordable—plus they can be repurposed after the wedding is over.True, some of the larger or more decorative ones can be more expensive, but many are very easy on the budget. Take a look at some of these places where you can purchase them to get an idea of prices:

Etsy

Save on Crafts 

Amazon 

Michael’s 

Hope these ideas help, MOB. Now go have fun sign-planning with your girl!

*You might also like to read Just Married Sign and Photo Idea and Flower Girl and Ring Bearer Serve as Sign-Bearer.

*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, comes out in early November. One lucky subscriber (new or current) will receive a $15 gift card to Starbucks and a signed copy of my book to use personally, give as a gift, or donate to a library. 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.)

Top photo by Sooz . on Unsplash; bottom photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash

Filed Under: bride, decorate, fun, memories, money, Mother of the Bride, photo fun, preparation, signs, trend, variety Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Just Married Getaway Vehicle and Photo Idea

May 7, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Mother of the Bride, have your soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs. given any thought yet to a getaway vehicle? Here’s a fun idea to share with them—and just in time for the spring and summer weddings that are upon us.

A bicycle as a getaway means is sure to provide for fun as well as memory making. Whether one built for two or a ten-speed big enough for the groom to carry the bride in front, joy and laughter will abound when the bride and groom breeze away on two wheels. All you need to do is make sure a Just Married sign is attached to the bike so the photographer can snap a super cute photo too.

Chances are the newlyweds will only ride a short distance before needing to change forms of transportation, but the memories will have been made and the fun photos captured by then. They’ll need to have their other means of transportation waiting for them at the appointed time and place along with someone else to pick up the bike. The bride and groom can simply hop off, sneak in a kiss or two, and then take off on the next leg of their honeymoon journey.

Fun idea, right, MOB? Your happy couple may not know it yet, but a bike may be just what they need for their perfect getaway. Here’s hoping!

*You might also like to read Just Married Sign and Photo Idea, Wedding Day “Just Married” Photo Idea, and Honeymoon “Just Married” Photo Idea.

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride and also my Wedding Inspiration cards, check out my Books/My Work page.

*The current issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter with a giveaway in every regularly scheduled issue, came out last week. It’s not too late to receive it. 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 Rachelgnatiev, Creative Commons License

Filed Under: adventure, bride, celebrate, fun, groom, laughter, memories, Mother of the Bride, photo fun, preparation, signs, team, travel Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Budding: New Growth in Spring and in Life

March 19, 2019 by 2 Comments

Have you noticed them yet this season? Budding trees. They whisper promises of things to come, slip us reminders of spring’s unfailing relief from winter’s frigid toll. One day they nudge us and say, “Look at us. New growth! There’s hope after all . . .”, while on another they call out, “Look at us! We’re budding! What will you become?!”

I love how the seasons speak to us on deeper levels and give us encouragement to grow or rest, to persevere or hope. Spring has the privilege of bringing hope to weary souls and inspiring us to branch out or reach for new heights. It works wonders in our world and in our hearts, and each year its work in our lives might be a little different.

The image of growth in spring has influenced how we see so many things. We’ve all heard people say, “He’s a budding artist” or “She’s a budding musician”, and they’re usually referring to children or teens. But I can’t help but notice, in the natural world, that even old trees bud year after year. New growth and the promise of things to come grace them as well.

And to be honest, probably none of us reading this post today are children or teens. We’re all older trees, if you will, though some of us are indeed older than others. The good news is that old trees bud! We’re not only capable of growth, it’s expected.

So what’s budding in our lives as we head into spring this year? What evidence of growth can be seen on our branches? Are we mastering a new skill or using some new technology? Are we displaying strength or peace in the face of adversity? As believers, are we looking more like our Savior each year?

If you don’t feel like you’re growing right now, it’s not too late to start. Get out there and start budding! Rejoice in the promise of things to come!

“In days to come Jacob will take root, Israel will bud and blossom and fill all the world with fruit.” Isaiah 27:6 NIV

*Is there something budding in your life right now? If not, what would you like to see bud?

*I hope this slightly revised encore post from March 2011 blesses you today!

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter with a giveaway in every regularly scheduled issue, will come out in early May. 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 and also my Wedding Inspiration cards, check out my Books/My Work page.

*Flickr photo by James Bowe, Creative Commons License

Filed Under: change, encouragement, growth, hope, life, nature, new thing, old, signs, spring, unfailing Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Ask Wedding Guests to Unplug During Ceremony

November 7, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Mother of the Bride, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to ask your sweet couple if they do or do not want guests taking photos during their ceremony. Some won’t care while others will definitely want to discourage photos while they’re tying the knot.

Banning photo-taking during the ceremony can actually be a very positive thing. The bride and groom will be spared a paparazzi-feel during the holy moments they are becoming man and wife, and the guests will be freed from the personal compulsion they feel to snap photos of the big event in progress. Instead, they can be fully present in the moment, watching everything unfold unhindered rather than watching through the screen of a phone or other camera.

A simple Unplugged Wedding sign like the one shown above is all it takes to make such a request of your guests. You can purchase ready-made signs or make your own, and a variety of wording gives the couple an opportunity to state the message in the exact way they wish.

Pinterest, of course, offers several examples of Unplugged Wedding Signs and where they can be placed. And simply Google Unplugged Wedding Signs to find places to purchase the signs. A quick glance shows me that prices can vary anywhere from less than $10.00 for printables to as high as $65.00 for handmade wood signs. Not all wood signs are that expensive, though, so be sure to check out the various options.

Why not share this post with your daughter, MOB? Find out if she and the groom want everyone to unplug with them!

*You might also like to read Just Married Sign and Photo Idea, Flower Girl and Ring Bearer Serve as Sign Bearer, and Include Venue Signs in the Wedding Photos.

*The new issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter with a giveaway in every regularly scheduled issue, came out last week. It’s not too late to receive it. 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.)

*Photo by Stephtphotography

Filed Under: advice, balance, bride, celebrate, focus, groom, joy, Mother of the Bride, peace, preparation, protection, signs, simplify Tagged With: , , , , , ,
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