Attention to Detail

Attention to detail is the secret of success in every sphere of life . . .” Hugh Black

Yes, Mother of the Bride, as in other areas of life, attention to detail when planning a wedding makes all the difference. If you want to bless your daughter and the love of her life with a wedding celebration filled with joy, beauty, fun, and ultimately great memories, give attention to all the details.

Whether it’s making sure everyone knows their assignments on Wedding Day or ensuring  that each centerpiece is centered and setting level on the tables, the details all work together to provide a beautiful setting and to keep things running smoothly throughout the entire event.

Nothing is too small or insignificant for your attention. If you give attention to detail, it shows. If you don’t give it, that shows as well. Why not give your family and friends an experience that leaves them saying Wasn’t that a wonderful wedding? Wasn’t that a great party?

After Kristin and Shawn’s wedding, I actually received a note from one of her bridesmaids telling me how much she enjoyed the wedding weekend and how the attention to detail made everything perfect. A few months after Kelli and Jake’s wedding and after they had attended a friend’s wedding where apparently haphazard best summed it up, Jake thanked me for everything I did to make their wedding a smooth-sailing and beautiful event. What was the key? Attention to detail.

Go above and beyond, Mother of the Bride. Give attention to detail.

*You might also like to read Mother of the Bride, You Are Appreciated and Mother of the Bride – Needed and Loved.

*The next issue of Life Notes, my inspirational newsletter with a giveaway in each quarterly issue, comes out in early May. One lucky subscriber (new or current) will receive a gift valued at $20 (shipping included) from Beigetone Soaps 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!

*Photo by Chris Humphrey

Give God the Glory

522072241_f26a5973aa_zWhen we do something well or endure a particularly difficult situation and come out still standing, who usually gets the credit? Do we openly give God the glory or do we let pride spring up and bask in the glow of any success or accolades?

In the Old Testament, when Pharaoh asked Joseph to interpret his dream, Joseph could have easily taken credit for his extraordinary ability to do so. Instead he said, “‘I cannot do it . . . but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.’” (Genesis 41:16) Joseph gave God the glory. He acknowledged the source of his success in interpreting dreams.

When we experience success, do we remember that even though we may have worked hard or persevered or trained, it is ultimately God who grants success? It’s natural to feel a sense of pride in a job well done, whether in a task or weathering a life storm, but if we forget where our strength and abilities come from, then we rob God of his glory.

Let’s remember these words of David in Psalm 18:32-26:

“It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.”

God is the source of our strength, the giver of our abilities, and the One who prepares our way. Let’s be quick to give him the glory he alone deserves. Let’s give God the credit!

“Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” Psalm 115:1

*What would you like to give God the glory for today? I give him all glory for any abilities I have with the written word. He always empowers, he always guides and provides!

*See also Deuteronomy 8:18

*Flickr photo by Matt McGee, Creative Commons License