Balance Acrostic: 2024 Theme Word Refresher

July 2, 2024 by 2 Comments

**I will be taking a blogging break until mid-August. See you back here then!

A few years ago I wrote an acrostic as a refresher for my theme word that year, and I soon decided it was an exercise I would benefit from each year. 

For me, the creative exercise of writing acrostics is an excellent way to go deeper in my consideration of my annual theme words. Doing so helps me think of different aspects of the word.

As I remind myself of and reflect on my 2024 theme word balance, I pray you find something to help you find balance in your life as well. Or if you chose a theme word of your own this year, maybe you will be inspired to do something similar with your word too. Whatever the case, friends, may you be blessed and encouraged as you read!

Bend your goals to the current demands on your time.

Ask for God’s wisdom as you determine your priorities.

Let others handle some of your tasks.

Adore God daily and spend time in his Word.

Note your blessings and thank God for them.

Choose health and peace and time with loved ones.

Entrust God with your schedule and time.

“. . . it’s a matter of striking a balance.” 2 Cor 8:13 GW

*What is most challenging for you when it comes to maintaining balance in your life?

*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. *Temporary problem with Life Notes sign-up. To sign up, just contact me. 

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

*Photo by Sam Carter on Unsplash

Filed Under: balance, blogs, challenge, creation/creative/creator, encouragement, focus, goal, growth, help, life, refresh, word, writing Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Wedding Planning Help During Summer Blogging Break

July 2, 2024 by Leave a Comment

Mother of the Bride, I’m taking a blogging break until mid-August, but never fear—I will not leave you without some help. Below you’ll find a variety of ideas and links to help you with you and your sweet girl’s wedding planning while I allow myself a little blogging vacation.

So here you go—hope you find tons of ideas that will really help!

Here are five resources from yours truly:

  1. Read my book Mother of the Bride: Refreshment and Wisdom for the Mother of the Bride. Allow me to be your friend for the journey!
  2. Look through the list of Favorite Posts on the sidebar and click the links to the ones that spark your interest. (If you’re on a mobile device, scroll to the bottom of the screen and click View Full Site to find the sidebar items.)
  3. Use the Search bar. Simply type in any topic you’d like to find some ideas or info for and see what comes up!
  4. Check out my Pinterest page. Among other things, it features eighteen wedding-related boards!
  5. Glance through the roundup posts I’ve written. They are listed below. Roundups can be very helpful:

Wedding Photography: Bridal Portrait Roundup

Roundup: Popular Mother of the Bride Blog Posts

Bridal Bouquet Roundup

Wedding Cake Roundup

Wedding Registry Roundup

Wedding Photo Ideas Roundup That Star the Groom

Finally, if your daughter is in the beginning stages of gathering ideas and investigating her options, try Martha Stewart Weddings and Brides.  And if she wants a rustic wedding, check out Rustic Wedding Chic.

Hope this helps you and your sweet bride-to-be daughter, MOB!

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride and also my Wedding Inspiration cards, 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, comes out in early August. Sign-up is free and to the right! Temporary problem with Life Notes sign-up. To sign up, just contact me.

*Flickr photo by smcgee, Creative Commons License

Filed Under: Above and Beyond, advice, blessing, blogs, bride, encouragement, groom, help, learn, Mother of the Bride, Mother of the Bride book, mother of the groom, organize, preparation, variety, wedding Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Creamy Addition to Your Wedding Dessert Bar

June 18, 2024 by Leave a Comment

Mother of the Bride, have your daughter and her groom-to-be decided to have a dessert bar at their wedding reception? If so, I bet the ideas are flying concerning exactly what to include. May I throw another idea into the mix?

A creamy pudding or mousse could provide a light and delicious dessert option for your wedding guests. Chocolate (pictured above) would be sure to be a hit, but lots of other flavors would be great possibilities too. Your daughter might even be able to match the flavor to one of the colors of her wedding—for instance, strawberry, lemon, or pistachio.

Serving the creamy dessert in a martini or champagne glass (as in photo above) looks elegant and fun at the same time. Add a ribbon in one of the colors of the wedding and you’re good to go. Not only will this pudding/mousse martini-idea make a beautiful display at the reception, but your guests will enjoy savoring a comfort food all dolled up for the wedding festivities.

Why not share this yummy and fun dessert idea with your daughter, MOB? Your guests will be glad you did!

*You might also like to read Wedding Cake Pops Equal Fun!

*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. *Temporary problem with Life Notes sign-up. To sign up, just contact me.

*Flickr photo by Furumaru, Creative Commons License

Filed Under: bride, chocolate, dessert, Mother of the Bride, preparation, variety, wedding Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Healed by God’s Word

June 4, 2024 by Leave a Comment

“He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.” Psalm 107:20 NIV

Our celebration of Easter each spring reminds us that Jesus “was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5 NIV) Praise God for the healing that comes from his wounds! For the price he paid for our sins.

But not only are we healed by his wounds, the verse above from Psalm 107 points out that we are healed by his word as well. When the pain is great, when defeat looms large, when confusion rules, our precious Father sends his word to heal us and to minister to us.

He’s done if for me time and again when my need has been great. He’s sent the healing touch of his word in a variety of ways—everything from my daily Bible reading to a scripture I see posted on social media or to reassurance he whispers to my spirit. The avenue can vary but his word stands the same. And his word heals.

Praise God for the healing that comes from his word!

“When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name LORD God Almighty.” Jeremiah 15:16 NIV

*How has God sent his healing word 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. *Temporary problem with Life Notes sign-up. To sign up, just contact me.

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

*My photo

Filed Under: blessing, comfort, encouragement, faith, faithfulness, heal, help, holidays, joy, life, miracle, praise, provision, refresh, salvation, sin, variety, word, Word of God Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Fun Nail Polish Gift from the Bride to Her Maids

June 4, 2024 by Leave a Comment

Mother of the Bride, at some point in the days or weeks preceding the wedding, here’s a fun gift idea for the bride to give her bridesmaids—nail polish! And not just any nail polish, but nail polish in the color of their dresses or bouquets. Fun and pretty, too, huh?

Not only will your daughter’s maids appreciate this special treat, but it will help their overall wedding day look come together as well. Variety can look fun and festive on the big day, but uniformity has a special beauty too.

And just think of the great photos that might result if their nails are all done in the same color. The photographer could actually take a few shots with their hands in mind. Pretty shots with their bouquets, pops of the same color as they help the bride get into her gown, and even a shot specifically showing off their hands. And if they use the polish on their toes as well, you’ve got more cute photo possibilities ahead!

You or the bride might even want to take the gift of nail polish a step further and surprise the bridesmaids with a professional manicure and have them take their polish to the salon (would probably be a good idea to have purchased the polish there.) This extra treat is entirely optional, of course, but it could be a fun outing for all the girls—bride included—a couple of days before the wedding.

Worth suggesting to the bride, MOB? I think so! And why not get your nails done at the same time? Go ahead—have some fun and treat yourself!

*You might also like to read Bridesmaids’ Manicure: Polka Dots and More.

*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. *Temporary problem with Life Notes sign-up. To sign up, just contact me.

*Flickr photo by Upupa4me, Creative Commons License

Filed Under: accessories, beauty, bride, bridesmaids, celebrate, color, decorate, Friend, fun, Gift, joy, memories, Mother of the Bride, photo fun, preparation, surprise, wedding Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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