Dear David...{She Won't Be Perfect: Letter 15}

Dear David...

On and off I've been thinking about how much I need to start praying for your future. Not only what job you'll have and who you'll become as a man...but who you will marry, if you do marry at all. It is my duty as a God-fearing mother to intercede spiritually for you both, now and then. It sounds so crazy saying this. You are going to be two years old this Sunday and we are going through the potty training adventures at this moment. Your only concern today was eating another bite of brownie and rolling toy cars down the hallway without wetting your pants.

Prayer is powerful. I've told you that before in this letter. I will do all that I can to encourage you to pray for your future spouse and when you are married, continue to pray for her and with her. Why? Well, she won't be perfect. She will have experiences that will shape her thoughts and dreams. They may not go along with your beliefs. She will have made mistakes. She will be over-emotional and over-critical at times. She might become needy and lonely. She won't always say the right things and will some times argue points that are untrue. She will be fully human; full of potential on a path that hopefully is guided by her Maker.

She won't be perfect, David. And neither will you. It is easy to envision the one we truly love as a perfect vessel, in the beginning. We almost idolize and worship one another. However, the only perfect One is the Lord Jesus Christ and as you both seek Him first, you both will be perfected.

So even when you see a glimmer of the imperfect nature inside of her, remember your vows. Even when you don't understand why she is upset or crying, hold her. Even when you feel your world is being shattered, don't forget who is part of it. She won't be perfect but you are still called to love her with all you have. And love is an action word. Look to Jesus for that demonstration of what perfect love is so when she disappoints you (because we do that as humans) you can see past her imperfections and will encourage the potential she has inside.

Above all else, remember that we all are clay in the hands of the Potter. It pains me to think that I'm probably making a mistake raising you right now. I'm constantly praying that as a parent I'm doing the right thing and as a Christian woman I'm producing the right example for you. But one thing I do know is no matter how long of a list you have of what you seek in a woman of God, she won't be perfect. But love her anyway.

Love, Mom

Be His Constant.

Coming in from the cool night, she paused. Her ears were listening for the sound she desperately loved to hear. As she made her way to the stairs, it dawned on her. He was sleeping. Pounding the steps, she rushed to the door and as I let our precious puppy in, immediately she hopped on the bed. Curling herself in a tight ball behind his legs, as she always did at night, a phrase flooded my mind: she was his constant. 

Marriage can sometimes be a rocky road. Too often we find ourselves bickering and nagging over the slightest things. Many years from now when the dust has long been settled, we hopefully will realize how unimportant it was to be right. Last night I painted our living room by myself. Not because I wanted bragging rights (did I mention it was 300 square feet? just saying). I did it because I wanted to surprise my husband when he came home from work. Little did I realize the magnitude of the job, thus, I worked until the wee hours of the night finishing it up.Wasn't much of a surprise, at least, not what I had envisioned. However he was beyond grateful and I could tell he truly was touched.

We are in the process of sprucing up our condo to sell. Our goal and dream is to own a house for our family, so I've been putting many hours into our place to prepare for our blessing. This year marks 5 years since we said our vows and since then have been through a lot together. Did you catch that? Together? There have been very trying times when our heads could barely withstand the beating waves of the current storm.

We each made selfish mistakes. Though it may be hard to forgive ourselves, it's so important to let our spouses know we've forgiven them. That we will stand by them even through the murky waters. That we are more than best friends but are soldiers in love, fighting a tough yet beautiful battle, side by side. That they can trust us. Depend on us. That they know we can be their constant.

One definition of constant is this:
a situation or state of affairs that does not change.

This is where many marriages fail. We fail one another because we change our love based on circumstances and trials. We fail to be consistent in our vows. We lack accountability for our words and actions. The same way that God's love for us is constant and unchanging, our love for our husbands need to be this as well. 

We live in a world today that embraces change like a new outfit. While change is good, when it comes to true love in marriage, it's important to honor it the way God intended it. Constant. 

Constant in forgiveness.
Constant in open embrace.
Constant communication.
Constant understanding.
Constant commitment.
Constant loyalty.
Constant honesty.
Are you getting this?

These things should never change. If they do, they should be getting better and stronger! I want my husband to feel secure in our marriage. I want him to know that no matter what choices he makes, I'm not going anywhere unless God tells me to. He can rely on me to be next to him even when he falls. I want him to know that we are a team.

He can trust me with his heart, that I won't manipulate it to get what I want.
He can be honest and open because I'm honest and open.
He can share with me his inner fears because I too am flawed and scared.
He can know that when he comes home at night, I'll be eagerly waiting with a tight hug, as if to say "It's okay. The troubles of the day are gone. You are home."

I use the illustration in the beginning because that is exactly what happened last night when this thought occurred to me. Our Siberian husky Jackie is truly in love with him. Even when he gets firm with her or disciplines her, it never fails: she hops up on the bed and finds that spot where she can curl up next to his legs. It doesn't matter what he does or says. She has made up her mind that he is her love and nothing will stop her from being with him.

How much more loyal should a wife be? Don't misunderstand what I'm saying. We are not dogs and shouldn't be in the eyes of our men. Nor are we slaves jumping at every command or call. The bottom line I'm trying to make is, my husband has no doubts about Jackie's love because it's constant. Never changing. Never wavering. It is settled and genuine. Our love must be that and more!

When We Expect Too Much

I'm not going to lie. The last few days have been a bit challenging. The toddler has been teething. My husband and I have been praying/hoping/waiting for a miracle because we desire a house rather than our condo. I've been taking some time to really seek out the Lord about our future and asked for Him to intercede anyway that He can.

As I was driving home from a playdate today, my mind was swirling with thoughts like a replaying bad movie. Recycled, nothing new, can we please change the channel? I thought about my life, my family, my art, my shop...everything.

Until a still small voice whispered a phrase into my scattered mess..."You expect too much."

As I typed those words, I literally burst into tears. My heart is heavy because now I see why I've been so discontent in some areas of my life. It has never been about other people or not being content with what I have. It was like God whispered quietly into my spirit to relax because I was asking a lot of myself...as a Christian woman...as a wife... as a mother...as a person.

Not only that, I expect too much from the people I love and when they don't meet those expectations, then it makes things difficult to extend grace and mercy. I expect too much of my husband. I expect too much of my son. I expect too much of my parents and in-laws. I expect too much of family members in general. I expect too much of the church. It's all selfish really...

I always knew I had a "perfectionist" mindset issue but today the perspective became clearer. When I make a mistake, instead of repenting and turning away, I beat myself up and bring condemnation upon myself because my expectations as a Christian/wife/mother/daughter/friend were too high. I understand we should have high standards for ourselves but that is different from expectations.

Having high standards are your personal convictions to keep you in line with God's will.
Having high expectations of yourself and others leads to feeling unfulfilled since ALL expectation should be from God!

"My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us." 

Psalm 62:5-8

These biblical words I sent a friend yesterday who asked for prayer. I read them at the time and didn't get "that feeling" that the verses were for me (you know what I mean.) Until today.

If we are truly free in Christ, then why do we bound ourselves in expectations that are so high no one can possibly reach? Why do we expect perfection from imperfect creatures? God does have a law and He does desire for us to follow His commandments and guidelines laid out in scripture. We also should shrive to be better in every area of our lives. There is NO excuse for sin, period.

The challenge comes when we realize we need to be better so we make our own plan as to how that can happen. I'm no expert on the subject and haven't studied about spiritual expectations but I know what God spoke to my heart today. It was surgical. It was truth.

Do you expect too much of yourself? spouse? children? I'm not saying that we can't want the best for them but we need to evaluate how we handle our emotions in those delicate situations because it can lead to an unhealthy perfectionist attitude.

I see things from a different perspective now. From how I handle my daily routine, bible studies, cleaning, relationships and business. Too many changes with my shop stem from me expecting too much of myself. As soon as I felt like I was failing in an area, I stopped. We should never stop when we feel like a failure! Jesus didn't die for us to stop trying.

Let us take a minute to glorify the Only Holy and Perfect One, our God and Saviour Jesus Christ! I pray we learn to let go of our expectations and focus on edifying ourselves and the ones around us.

 

Why I Love My Husband

This post is part of the Happy Wives Club Blog Tour which I am delighted to be a part of along with hundreds of inspiring bloggers. I did not receive any compensation for this post; I just have an amazing husband who deserves to be praised. To learn more about the Happy Wives Club Blog Tour and join us, CLICK HERE! 

Let me start off by pointing out that I do not like how I look in the picture above. This was after the wedding ceremony and we were taking photos at a beautiful local park. I had not eaten for hours and was starting to get crabby and have a headache. But then there's him. And he makes this picture so worth it.

When I'm at my worst, he's still there. This photo proves it. This year we will be celebrating our 5 year anniversary and every year has come with new challenges, as well as great blessings. Here are just some of the reasons why I'm head-over-heels in love with my husband:

• He makes me laugh. Even when I don't want to and I try to push the giggles away, his efforts almost always win. And I'm glad for that. 
• He absolutely loves family. My husband would rather come home every night and spend time with his wife and son instead of hanging out with friends or gallivanting around town. As a young man the temptation could be there but he is not bothered by it in the least.
• He is a man of integrity. When he makes mistakes, he is honest about it. Even if it's not right away, he has a good conscience and a heart to please God. He also respects me enough to confess any faults and keep that line of communication open.
• He is smarter than me. I'm serious, he really is. I was terrible in school so having a husband who is actually smart and not just pretending like I do is amazing. If I have any questions about history, math or science I can count on my guy for the answers. And if he doesn't know, he legit cares about finding it out. Unlike me.
• He strives to be better. My husband is not satisfied with who he is at the moment, no matter how much I try to encourage him. He is always looking to step higher, go farther and be better. It's admirable and pushes me to be a better version of myself.
• He learns from mistakes. He is not only a man of integrity but when he falls, he knows there is a lesson to be learned and he repents. I've seen him develop into such a wholesome individual and it teaches me not to beat myself up when I make a mistake.
• He takes fatherhood seriously. Not only does he truly adore our son but he knows the value of having a father who is hands-on and involved. He is constantly making sure that he connects as a dad and loves making memories as father/son. He is burdened by men who treat children like objects or trophies and put their desires before the little ones in their lives. He makes every effort to be above that and more.
• He takes love seriously. My husband is very cautious who he opens his heart too. The fact that he has not only opened it to me but has entrusted me with the most sensitive and vulnerable parts of his being is truly a gift. His love is intentional and with purpose. I love him even more knowing that his acts of love stem more from his heart than hopeful emotion. 

I could go on forever but the fact is I love my husband because he pushes me, challenges me and sees me for who I am and who I can become. I can trust my life with him. I can trust my heart with him. I can trust our family with him. Because He trusts God with his life, heart and family.  And when there is unity among a man and His Maker, there is unity among the entire household. Love can abound and grow. We can prosper even in the valley and move mountains even in rainstorms.

My husband is ready to fight any battles that come our way and doesn't mind me as his sidekick. How can I not love a man like that?

Fawn Weaver, the founder of the Happy Wives Club wrote a book about the best marriage secrets the world has to offer. They say the book is like “Eat, Pray, Love meets The 5 Love Languages.” I say the book is inspiring. You can grab a copy HERE.

Dear David...{Things I'll Tell Your Future Wife: Letter 10}

Photo Credit / j&s Photography

Dear David...

Just typing out the title of this post made mommy's heart and tummy hurt. You are barely 16 months old and I don't want to think about you getting married {if you do}. Right now, I love how you only have eyes for Daddy and I, running around the living room content with a remote control and a Popsicle. However, my mind was completely blank with zero ideas for this week's letter. Until the Lord illuminated a personal situation, thus inspiring me to write this post. So even though in the future I'll be speaking one-on-one to your wife-to-be, right now I'd like you to know what I will say. This way, you will know where my heart is coming from.

There are plenty I could say to your future wife. I don't want to talk with a lot of words with empty impact. Simple statements can make more of a difference than a long lecture. So, that being said, I'll tell your future wife...

Edify, Uplift, Bless.

Nagging never works. You may want to nag my son because he didn't complete a chore in a certain time frame or you don't feel like he is listening to you. Please, don't. Not because I'm protective {which I am} but because it does no good. Nagging tears down and doesn't build up. Look at the positive. If he completed a task, who cares if he did it because you asked him or that it was finished five minutes before you came home from Ladies Conference! Be grateful. Tell him he did a great job. Thank him. Make him feel good. Bless him with words of edification that will uplift his self-worth. It will only move him to want to bless you back. This will stop a lot of "power struggle" fighting and improve your communication

Always Be Faithful.

My son may not always do the right thing. I will do my best to raise him as a fine gentleman, strong in the Lord and filled with integrity. But he is his own person and will make his own decisions. Let him. You can still state how you feel but sometimes letting him make mistakes {even if it affects the entire family unit} can be for the best. It is scary. It is hard. But no matter what, you be faithful to the Lord and what He says. My son may decide to do something against God. It is very difficult for us to stop people when they do that. But we can pray for them. We can still go to church, read the Bible, and listen to the preaching. Be faithful to God, to your marriage, to your commitment. Try not to let my son's wavering rock your walk. Keep going. Because even though you may think he is far gone, he is still your husband and watching every step you make. Make those steps faithful.

Don't Hoard Love.

There will be times you may feel unloved, ignored or taken advantage of. Know this: it may not be intentional. We females are emotional beings and this can cause feelings that are only one sided. If my son says or does something that offends you, go to him with your concern. Don't hold in anger and hoard love. It is a natural instinct to protect ourselves from harm. You must remember that you've done or said things that probably offended him too. If you did, ask for forgiveness. Regardless if he forgives or not, love anyway. Love because God is love and He did not hold anything back from us. It didn't matter how He was treated, He still loved and continues to love. Hoarding love causes sickness and poisons a heart. Hoarding love burns bridges and suffocates growth. Let it go. In the end, we must all be accountable for our actions. My son will face the music in time, should his actions stray. We are not Saviour. We are "wife". He is your other half, so pour love into him if you see he is empty. It may be the very thing that could change his world.

Love,
Mom
{PS: It's okay. You can call me that.}

Linking up to:
Mommy Brain Mixer

Letter to Myself: Be Content

Dear Jacy,

Last night you were a little emotional. By little I mean a whole lot. I know you were feeling worn and tired after having a toddler pull at you all day, then not eat anything you put in front of him. You feel like your effort is useless and that nothing you do gets noticed. You feel like you are being pulled into 100,000,000 directions...and all you want to do is focus on the One.

I want to tell you that your attitude was wrong. You victimized yourself and manipulated the situation, which you are very good at if I do say so myself. We are not to do things to get noticed. You are appreciated and you know that. Your husband tells you almost every day. Still, you are not content. And it really bothers me because I have to deal with it. Think on these things:

While most women long for love, God blessed you with a hardworking husband, who encourages you, is proud of you and loves that his wife can stay home with his darling boy. Be content in love.

While most women cannot have children, you have a beautiful son. Training him now is hard work and you won't see the fruit of your labor until he's grown. But don't rush it. Be content in the season.

While most children play in the streets or live in drug-infested homes, your living room is messy because it's a safe playground. He feels happy here and it shows. Be content in the clutter.

While most families are poor and starving, your kitchen counter is cluttered with dirty dishes and cups. It's because you are rich in nutrition and your family eats well. Be content in the mess.

While most people are sick and hospital bound, your bed is not made and the sheets are not perfectly tucked. You and your husband sleep well and are provided with comfort. Be content in rest.

While you huff / complain / whine / groan / sulk, others have no money, no food, no home and no family. You are rich, no matter what society says. God says your are. You lack NOTHING. Be content with what you have because it is everything you need.

Love,
You
{and that's not just a signature. it's a commandment}

7 Signs He Might Be The One

The just man walketh in his integrity

Proverbs 20:7

Many people {myself included} have a tough time decoding the opposite sex. Okay, like everyone has this problem. The more we are around guys, the more confused we can get. I mean, what language are they speaking? Is that even English? And for the sake of all things holy, WHY do they insist on watching the same movie 18875556 billion times, drink from the juice carton {actually, I do that} and use every single dish in the cabinets before washing the first one? Yeah, I'm stumped too.

When we look at these little "quirks" {do we want to call them that? whatever too late}, we may not see the real gem that the guy is. Okay, so maybe he doesn't put the toilet seat down after use BUT he did just come in from helping the old lady next door unpack a car full of groceries. And yeah, it really is lame when he gets into a conversation about work {do we have all day to talk about his boss's obsession with Pokemon post-it notes?} BUT he isn't a slacker and has a great work ethic.

Hm, sounds like there may be some things we should pay more attention to than others. I've put together a list of 7 signs that might tell you he is "the one" {duh duh duhhhh.} This is not by all means a fool-proof list {as a fool is writing it} but it was created to get you thinking a different way about the guy in your life {or future guy.} 

7 Signs He Might Be "The One"

1.) HE VALUES YOUR TIME

You call and ask if he wants to go to lunch tomorrow at a local hangout...and he actually shows up! Not only that, he makes plans for the next day and keeps that as well. He may not be a total keeper but the fact is he cares enough about spending time with you and doesn't like standing you up. That has to count for something!

2.) HE RESPECTS YOUR DECISIONS

You may not see eye to eye on a lot of topics but when you decide you believe in something, he takes you at your word. Sure, he can put in his two cents if he feels you aren't making a wise choice but overall he understands you are your own person and allows you to make decisions. Even if it's as simple as what toppings you want on the pizza.

3.) HE ENCOURAGES YOUR DREAMS

Okay so he may not know a lot {or even a little} about being a super awesome teacher, accountant, ballerina, concession stand worker, street performer or a blogger but he knows it's important to you. He sees what you are passionate about and provides positive encouragement. Even if it's a simple "Go get 'em, babe" that's guy talk for "You can do it! I believe in you!"

4.) HE LISTENS TO YOUR ISSUES

Whether it's the big things {like your parents separating} or the small stuff {ouch! I stubbed my toe wicked hard} when you chat him up, he listens. I didn't say respond; even now my husband will listen for a good couple of minutes without responding to what I say. I often think his ears are turned off but then he can relay our entire conversation to his parents the next day. And I feel like a complete tool bag for assuming he didn't care. If he lets you drone on and on about old Dawson Creek episodes, your cat's insane cardboard box fetish or your little sister's rebellious bf, it shows a lot of patience in his character. I mean, really, would YOU even listen to you?

5.) HE CONFIDES HIS ISSUES

His turn! He has listened to you for a good hour complain about your co-worker's tuna and pineapple sandwiches, now he has something on his heart to share. There are some things that will always be kept secret. I don't know everything about my husband and that's a good thing. My big mouth may make situations worse! If your guy is willing to talk to you about his daddy issues, how he feels inadequate in a new job environment or his thoughts on the universe and God, it shows he trusts you.  Let it come natural and don't force it. Trying to force information out of any guy is a road leading to Cut Off Cliff.

6.) HE LOVES HIS FAMILY

And doesn't mind yours! Family is a big deal to me. We are super close and have tons of parties. It is rough when you are dating a guy who just sits in the corner not speaking to anyone. Maybe he is just shy but maybe that is a sign he is just not that into your family. My husband and I have a blast with both sides. We are blessed and we know it. He loves playing with my little brother and talking to my mother, and I love having heart to heart chats with his sisters. If he can tolerate your dad's baked bean outbursts {if you smell my drift} without gagging, keep him around a bit longer {at least before he passes out.}

7.) HE GIVES TO OTHERS

One of the best things about my man is that he loves to help someone. He knows his strengths and talents and doesn't mind helping {or giving advice.} It could be fixing the neighbor's car, helping his mother pick up after dinner, helping a friend move into a new apartment or lending a hand during a church service. Whatever it is, big or small, it shows a lot about his character and ability to think of someone other than himself.

We all know the dating world can be crazy, to say the least. I'm not saying if the guy is a cheater but has all of these 7 signs you should elope to Vegas. Like I said before, this is merrily a small guideline to get you thinking about him in a different way. I truly believe dating is an interview process for marriage. This list may help you, it may not, it could just be something to read and laugh at. Just do me a favor: take your time! Don't rush down the aisle or obsess over the latest wedding mag. Watch your guy, how he acts around other guys AND girls. Listen to what he says and HOW he says them. Take inventory of what you've learned and build your choices off of that list.

**This post was approved by Mr. Jonathan Pulford aka my handmade husband.**

Obedience + Submission = Wife Curse Words

"Oh no, she didn't?!" I can just hear that little voice in your mind right now. You know, the one that talks back to your husband even when your mouth stays shut. Or the one that criticizes your pastor after he preaches something you didn't like. Ouch, feel that? I did. It's a pretty big nerve too, I might add.

If you couldn't tell already, I'm not here to feed you fluff. I've struggled {am struggling} with these words daily. So why do I want to act like I got it all together? I don't and probably never will. However, today I had a turning point. I can't explain how, it was a spiritual shift. My focus had been on the wrong target for so long, that the false became truth and vise versa.

The truth is this: it's not about me. Or you. Sorry. Actually, no I'm not. It's about Jesus. It's about others. It's about His will and His kingdom. I'm not saying we are insignificant. I'm talking about order. And the Lord Jesus Christ is definitely all about order...{1 Corinthians 14:40}

These words are in place for a reason. For correction but mainly for protection. And I don't just mean from that red guy with the horns. Sad how you knew who I meant based on the world's image of him. I can bet he looks nothing like that. The point is, there is a battle. Good vs evil. Man vs nature. Men vs women. Uh, wait, that last one doesn't seem biblical. And yet we somehow think it is.

I'm not going to talk about the history of women's rights, equality, the liberation movement or anything like that. I'm going to talk Bible talk. It seems to me that is where understanding and knowledge {two very different things} make the best marriage. Oh, did I say marriage? Ha, we'll get to that...

Obedience and submission are very similar. To obey an order or a rule, you must submit. In order to submit, you must obey. They go hand in hand like candy and sunshine. Only we don't feel as warm inside. Or outside. Or anywhere, really. Why is that? Have we been programmed so much by society's definition of these words, that now as a Christian wife we seem to allow that definition to trump the Word of the Almighty? To be obedient, we must be submissive by complying with orders. This usually means denying how we feel and what we want. I mean, who wants to do that?!

Soldiers. Soldiers are obedient. Soldiers submit themselves everyday, doing things they don't want to do, fighting fights that aren't even theirs, never knowing more than their leaders. They are only told specific details attached to the job given. They must trust in their leader. Trust that they know what they are doing. Trust that they are plugged into the overseer of the entire operation.

Why? Their very lives depend on it. An order is given and they don't have time for questions. It's time for action because there is a battle and one hesitation can mean life or death. If they wait, it could be the last thing they ever do. If they rebel and disobey the orders, not only can they get hurt or worse, but the ones around them are in danger as well. Side note about orders: life revolves around them. Orders don't have to be looked at as negative. Orders bring, well, order.

As Christian wives, we are soldiers of the home. I'm not trying to feed you any 1950's tv commercial slogan.
Check out Titus 2:5 KJV:
"To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed."

A few months ago I read a book called Pursuit of Proverbs 31 by Amy Bayliss. My brain has been spinning since then. When you read her words, you can't help but feel like they aren't really her words. She allowed the Holy Spirit to pen these truths:

"All are equal but one takes on more responsibility than the rest."

"If your country were being invaded by terrorists and a soldier knocked on your door and said, "Follow me" you wouldn't hesitate to go. You have a reverent fear and awe of those serving your country and know that they have your best interests in mind. He is reporting to his commanding officer who is ultimately  reporting to the highest of authority in your country. You trust those sent to protect you by this higher authority. God placed your husband there to protect you and keep your best interest in mind. He is your soldier. He is reporting to the highest of authority. You should have reverent fear and awe of him.

When you submit to your husband you are submitting to Christ. This submission is for your protection. It is not to strip you of who you are or your full potential. That is a lie from the pit of Hell."

Whoa, right? I urge you to get this book if you have not already, right here on Amazon. This isn't a paid sponsored post. I'm not getting paid to talk about this topic or her book. It has truly changed my life and I can say my marriage is better because I am better. There is still so much I am working on but I find peace knowing I'm breaking those lies; the mindsets that have taken root in my heart and are poisoning my soul. Because, honestly ladies...when the wife is dying, the entire house dies.

We are both soldiers, fighting in the same battle. There is a Divine order given that we both must follow. Just because you have someone leading you, doesn't mean you are not important. Having "reverent fear" is not being scared or terrified. It's having a deep respect for someone that you don't want to go against them or displease them. Soldiers need to remember who their battling. It should never be their fellow soldiers.

Here are some scriptures that I urge you to pray over and study on your own. Remember: don't make decisions by how you feel or what you see. Go by what you learn and what you know. That's what all soldiers do. If every soldier went by feelings, we'd have to surrender because no one would be on the battlefield.

It takes more strength to follow, obey and submit then it does to disobey and run away.

{The Lord}
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7

 {Marriage}
"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord." Ephesians 5:22

{Leadership/Pastor/Elder}
"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. "Hebrews 13:17

"Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5

Wedding Fun Wednesday!

This is something new...and I love it!
I don't want to make every day a theme day and this may not be every week. However, I have so many friends engaged and getting hitched. It got me thinking how much fun I had planning mine, so I've decided to share with you some awesome wedding photos/ideas I've found.
(PS: At the end of the feature, I share my own wedding photos!!)

Check out these gorgeous cake toppers my friend Danielle made!
Click here to check out her DIY bridal blog and click here for her shop!

A button/brooch bouquet!

Here is country singer Miranda Lambert with her very own, personalized bouquet, created by a fellow Etsian!

Peppermint Pretty is a gorgeous shop. I just love how this dress flows! It looks so fluffy and soft :)

Beautiful hand-stamped forks!
This shop has everything to add some personalized, hand-stamped magic to any wedding or wedding gift.

 

Okay, confession. I am in LOVE with BraggingBags!! I adore their shop and every little treasure inside.

Another good friend  Kimberlee/ Gracefully Girly showcases many stunning wedding accessories. I adore this cathedral length veil, so stunning.

I absolutely LOVE this rhinestone and crystal headband!

Twigs & Honey is such a beautiful shop. You have to experience it here.

Okay, now I'm ready to share some of my own wedding photos!!

 

We had a casual dressed down reception. It was awesome! For our gigantic wedding party gifts, I created personalized t-shirts using Zazzle.com...it was quick & easy. The amazing day ended by riding away on the motorcycle, while everyone blew bubbles. It was great!

Oops...can't forget our Bride & Groom Pimp Cups, yo :)

How was your wedding day? Share your stories in the comments!