First, I know that it’s been three weeks since my last Wedding Wednesday. I’m using my trip to Nashville for the ACFW Conference as my excuse. But really, there is no true excuse. I’m just bad.
I’m also not above using a picture of the cutest kitten around to get all your feels going.
But I digress.
When I was researching for today’s Wedding Wednesday post, I came across this stunning dress, so I clicked on all the links to track it down (as I always do), and came across the photographer’s pictures of the entire wedding.
Oh. My. Word.
You guys. This entire wedding is a stunner. So rather than curate a wedding this week, I’m just going to point you in the direction of the photographer’s blog post. Because gorgeous. The venue, the decor, the FLOWERS. And that dress.
I want the dress.
So go read it and enjoy the fab photography (if you’re in his area, he looks like a lot of fun!) and creativeness of the bride and groom in this colorful wedding!
Even though you’re having a City Hall ceremony, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a fab bouquet! This smaller one is convenient (less to carry and hold onto when you’re waiting for your number to be called) but still stunning.
The announcement:
Because you’re going to need a cute way to tell everyone you just eloped!
Have your reception at a downtown restaurant! Restaurants located in old factories with exposed brick and beams give a fab atmosphere…so much so, you likely wouldn’t need any decorations except maybe some special table settings brought in.
I’m late! I’m late! I’m late for a very important date!!
Okay, so I totally forgot today’s Wednesday, and I admit: I’m doing this so last-minute. It’s been a super busy week so far, though! Between trying to finish my novel in the next two weeks, there’s a lot of doctor and dentist appointments, figure skating lessons, and a husband out of town. But don’t fret! It may be late, but I still have a wedding for you!
So let’s go medieval today! Ready?
As always, because the clothes are my faaavorite part, the dress:
I was going to include the groom’s outfit, buuuut…my son scoffed at it. Ha! Besides, Pinterest is full of them!
So what do you think? Are you a medieval buff? Would you want this wedding theme? I have to admit, I think my favorite was the reception hall. It puts me in mind of Tamara Leigh’s Age of Faith series. *swoon* (Seriously, you should go buy them.)
Oh friends, have I got a treat for you today! I’m so beyond excited for this out-of-the-norm Tuesday post. 🙂
Welcome to the Pinned in Time Blog Hop: a twelve day party celebrating Pepper Basham‘s Penned in Time series! There is a Pinterest scavenger hunt, exciting giveaway,
behind the scenes looks into the worlds of The Thorn Bearer and The Thorn Keeper–as well as a glimpse into the heart of their talented author.
Do you want to see a glimpse of the prize? Yes? Okay! You can win all this and a $25 Amazon gift card!! Hello!
Doesn’t that look fab??? But first things first. I need to tell you about my very sweet, lovable friend, Pepper Basham. I love this lady more than I can possibly even get into in one blog post. Because she’s fab. And today, I get to host a blog hop for her–and give you a clue to her giveaway! So be sure to read the entire post. 😉
So, about Pepper: Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of 5 great kids, speech-pathologist to about fifty more, lover of chocolate, jazz, and Jesus. Her debut historical novel, The Thorn Bearer, released in May 2015 and has garnered awards such as Reader’s Favorites Award, finalist in the Grace Awards, shortlisted for the Inspy Awards, and most recently a finalist in the ACFW Carol Awards. Her second historical novel, The Thorn Keeper, released in Feb 2016 and her first contemporary romance, A Twist of Faith, released in April 2016 with a 4 star review from Romantic Times. You can get to know Pepper on her website, pepperdbasham.com, on Facebook, or over at her group blog, The Writer’s Alley.
Told you she was great. 😀
For today’s stop, I get to pick out a modern-day outfit for Pepper’s characters, Ashleigh and Catherine, in The Thorn Bearer and The Thorn Keeper. And by now, you might know I love doing this kind of thing.
But you guys need to get to know their stories! First up is Ashleigh in The Thorn Bearer.
Title:The Thorn Bearer Series:Penned in Time, Book 1 Author: Pepper D. Basham Publisher: Vinspire Publishing, LLC Release Date: May 7, 2015
When Ashleigh Dougall’s fiancé leaves her eight months before their wedding, the unexpected blow ignites a battalion of insecurities stemming from her father’s intimate betrayal. In an attempt to escape her shame, Ashleigh boards the ill-fated Lusitania to cross the war-torn waters of Europe. Much to her dismay, she isn’t traveling alone.
Sam Miller is always making up for his best friend’s mistakes. Determined to help his childhood friend, Ashleigh, he offers his compassion and companionship as she ventures across a perilous sea. With the faint hope of renewing his lost love for Ashleigh’s sister, Sam never expects to find the woman of his dreams in the love of his childhood friend.
Neither are prepared for the life-altering and heart-breaking journey of their friendship.
Purchase The Thorn Bearer on Amazon. You can read my five-star Amazon review of this book HERE.
So how would I dress Ashleigh today? Oh, this is going to be fun! I love how Ashleigh looks romantic and mysterious, and dressed so elegantly in the cover photo…like she’s keeping secrets. So, let’s go with this outfit for a formal event:
And this outfit for a fun Saturday out with friends (after all, one can’t always be secretive and mysterious, sometimes one needs to be romantic and playful!):
Now it’s Catherine’s turn! First, a bit about The Thorn Keeper.
Title:The Thorn Keeper Series: Penned in Time, Book 2 Author: Pepper D. Basham Publisher: Vinspire Publishing Release Date: February 28, 2016
With her past in shambles, how can she fashion a future of hope?
Catherine Dougall’s past of manipulation has left her future in threads. With a new faith, she longs to take the remnants of her life and make something beautiful, but shame, societies’ judgments, and the natural consequences of an unplanned pregnancy test her newfound hope. Dr. David Ross doesn’t help either. His kindness, sacrifice, and tenderness tempt her to impossible dreams. A fallen woman doesn’t merit a fairytale.
David Ross has made every effort to keep his life above reproach. His passion for the sick pump fresh purpose through his choices, but without financial support to maintain his war hospital, all is lost. When his notorious aunt offers an easy solution, David is tempted to give in to her demands, but his growing affection for the reformed flirt, Catherine Dougall, unwinds the careful wall around his heart and offers an unexpected choice.
When the worst of war tears them apart, can love renew the memory of what was lost or will tragedy steal away their hope forever.
From the beautiful Derbyshire countryside to the trenches of World War One, Catherine and David must learn to trust in a God who designs a masterpiece out of brokenness and fashions hope in the most unlikely places.
Purchase The Thorn Keeper on Amazon.Read my blog review HERE.
Catherine is the quintessential redeemed woman. She’s made some bad choices, but she’s on the right path and is full of love. And she’s a de…well, I can’t give that away. So let’s see what she might wear today.
One winner will receive a basket filled with English goodies. Hello!! ❤
Here’s how to play:
Each blog hop stop contains an image clue, with a link to a Pinterest Board filled with pictures related to the Penned in Time series.
Using the image clue, find the corresponding answer image.
Create a Pinterest board, titled “Penned in Time,” and pinned the answer image to your board, and hashtag #pinnedintime.
Enter your pinned (answer) image link on the Rafflecopter entry form, correspond to the stop on the Blog Hop.
Check out the other blog hop stops for more entries!
Are you ready for your clue? Click on the image to be taken to Pepper’s Pinterest board. Make sure to come back here to click on the Rafflecopter link below!
So…here it is!
Carrie started the Pinned in Time Blog Hop off yesterday over at Reading Is My Superpower. Make sure you go over there to get the first clue!
To enter the Rafflecopter giveaway, click on the image below:
Follow the blog hop each day for more chances to win!
After a break for a couple of weeks (writing a novel is time-consuming, man!), it’s time to pick it back up again. 🙂 Our study on Galatians 5:22-23 continues. ❤ Today, it’s all about faithfulness.
I think it’s probably fair game to say that faithfulness–especially in relationships–seems to be out-of-the-norm these days, at least as portrayed by media. We continually hear news of this person cheating on that person, and really, it’s tiresome. And sad. And it breaks my heart.
Hollywood makes it sound like being faithful in a relationship is too hard or old-fashioned. Well, I’m here to say it’s not.
You know me, so you know I love my definitions. Ha! The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines faithful as, “having or showing true and constant support or loyalty; deserving trust–keeping your promises or doing what you are supposed to do; not having sex with someone who is not your spouse” (emphasis mine to make it simpler).
It’s a pretty simple list, right? Of course right! So why do humans have such a hard time being faithful in relationships, whether that’s friendships or marriages? Because we’re humans. We’re sinful. We’re selfish by nature.
And that’s why we need God. Because with him, nothing is impossible.
I’m definitely not perfect. I’ve made my fair share (more than, if I’m being honest) of hurtful choices. I’ve not followed through with promises, and wavered in my constant support.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23, ESV
But some encouragement for you!
We are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. Romans 3:24-25, ESV
So to be faithful? Trust in God! Look to Him as your example of faithfulness. Here’s a list of verses you can read to see His faithfulness to us:
For those who have been hurt by the unfaithfulness of others, don’t let that be your opinion of God.
What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God?By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar Romans 3:3-4b
So take heart, my friend! Follow the Lord’s example in faithfulness. And trust in Him when you’ve experienced the unfaithfulness of others. Put Galatians 5:22-23 into practice.
Here it is, people. The wedding you’ve been waiting for. This is actually inspired by one of my dear friends I met through writing. Let’s see if she comments here and recognizes “her” wedding. 😉
So I have to admit. Today is more guy-oriented, but I mean, it’s their wedding, too, right? Right? Well, we like to make them think it is. Ha! (It is, guys. Truly.)
So let’s get to it! As always, I have to start with the dress.
This one is nice and simple, something necessary (I think) when having such a fun, colorful theme. Click on the caption and visit the site to get the other views. Stunning!
So yes. After a wee bit of a hiatus, I’m back in the saddle, and it feels so good! Read on to get my take on goodness from Galatians 5, and how I see it relate to marriage.
It’s an easy one, people.
So, you all by now probably know that I like definitions of words to help me brainstorm. And today’s no different. Goodness is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as “the quality or state of being good.”
My personal belief is that we can’t be good apart from God.We’re all sinful people. We do wrong by one another. We may have moments of kindness, but overall we’re a selfish people. I mean, I want that last scoop of ice cream rather than give it to Donkey.
Differentiating between goodness and kindness can be hard at times. We tend to equate the two when really, they are different. So here are some practical ways we can bring goodness to our spouses and our marriage.
Listen! You know that saying, “You have two ears and one mouth for a reason.” Yep. That. But instead of just hearing what your spouse is saying (you know, hearing their voices drone on while you’re thinking of something else or what you’re going to say to negate what they’re saying…#guilty), stop thinking and really pay attention.
Encourage your spouse. Especially when you know they’re struggling or down in the dumps about something.
Tell your spouse what you appreciate about them. Every day. Seriously. I think one of the keys to long-lasting marriages is a genuine appreciation for and looking for the positive in your spouse each day. Tell your husband you appreciate how he provides (or helps provide) for your family (even if it’s just the two of you). Tell your wife you appreciate what she does around the house or how she helps provide. Be specific!
Pray for your spouse. Not that God will change your spouse, but that He will change you and help you be a better spouse to your partner. Pray for those areas you know your spouse is struggling in, and pray for protection for your husband or wife. Let’s face it: there are temptations everywhere we look. Pray for God to protect your spouse both in mind, body, and spirit.
Have fun together! There was a meme that went around Facebook a few years ago that showed a wife’s note to her husband along with a Nerf gun. The note and Nerf were ready for him when he walked in the door that evening. She warned him. Haha!
A side note: I can’t let the events of the past couple of weeks go unmentioned. The shootings of so many people–out of fear and out of revenge–is abominable. Goodness isn’t just for marriage. It’s for life. It’s how Jesus wants us to live–that’s why it’s in the Bible. These five ways I mentioned don’t only apply to marriage, but to every relationship. After all, “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27, English Standard Version). Every individual mirrors an image of God, if that makes sense. There are 16,000–sixteen thousand–people groups on this planet, and each is an image of God. How diverse is our Lord??? There is no one ethnicity that is greater than another. So be good to one another. Be kind. Show love.
So, what are some ways you bring goodness to your marriage? I need more ideas! (We all do!) If you aren’t married, what have you seen in other marriages that you admire? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Because, you know…I’m curious and am always up for learning more!
To read the other posts in this series on Galatians 5:22-23, click on these links: love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness.
Sooo…I have no excuses. Actually, that’s not true. My mum came for a visit, and I only get to see her once a year because she’s from Canada and I so don’t live in Canada anymore. Anyway, this isn’t my usual posting date, but I have a very exciting reason to post today.
It’s the annual Pre-conference mix and mingle post!!!
It’s hosted by the lovely Laurie Tomlinson, and I am so excited to take part in it for the first time this year! Because I get to go to conference this year!!! All because of God and friends and strangers alike listening to His nudge. (Thank you!!)
If you’re going to the 2016 ACFW Conference in Nashville this year, stop by Laurie’s blog post to get the instructions on how this works! In order to participate, I have some questions to answer so us attendees can get to know one another before we arrive (pure brilliance, Laurie, pure brilliance!). So here I go!
Here are my answers!
Name: Mikal Dawn
Location: Omaha, NE
What you write/tagline/trademark: Contemporary romantic comedy / faith. fun. forever.
Place in the book world: I’m totally unpre-published right now, and still deciding whether to pursue traditional publishing or indie publishing. I see the benefits of both…especially indie when I’m an impatient sort.
On a scale of hugger to 10-foot-pole, please rate your personal space: All the hugs, all the time!
Something VERY serious: How do you take your Starbucks? Very serious indeed. A nice, foamy latte with a splash of vanilla and some thick chocolate sauce. Otherwise known to my friends as my “Kit Kat latte.” Mmm.
The unique talking points that will get you going for hours: Seattle Seahawks (Go Hawks!), books (duh), plot boards, and Colin O’Donoghue.
Loved ones at home you’ll be missing: My sweet and supportive (and very geeky) husband, 7-year-old daughter, 8-year-old son, and 21-year-old son (and since I hear it all the time, I am old enough for a 21-year-old…but you’re my best friend when you tell me I don’t look it). My cat, Leo, will also be highly missed. He’s so soft and fluffy. Serious.
Conference goals we can pray for? Before I even get to conference, I’m begging for prayers to finish my manuscript. Kids at home for summer break and family visits have obviously taken a priority, but I desperately want to finish this manuscript so I can confidently meet with editors or agents. Thank you!
Anything we can celebrate with you? I’ve had one editor interested in receiving a proposal when I’m finished!
I’m sooooo excited to get to know all the others during this mix and mingle! Be sure to visit Laurie’s blog post to get the links to everyone else and maybe discover some new-to-you authors!
So this is a last-minute post. It’s Tuesday night and I just realized tomorrow is Wedding Wednesday! Eek! So I went to peruse Pinterest (duh) and was struck by the realization that I haven’t (gasp!) done a Steampunk wedding! Because yes! (Wait for the cake, you guys. To. Die. For.)
I’m continuing on with my 1 Corinthians 13 series today. You can read Love here and Joy here. Today is all about peace.
Confession: I love a peaceful home. Quiet, calm, not much activity. My cat sleeps on my legs during the day, I drink coffee (duh) and write…and not just on Facebook. 😉 But then my kiddos come home from school and my husband comes home from work. The quiet house? Not so much anymore. (Okay, another confession: it’s still quieter than a lot of my friend’s homes when their kids come home.)
Peace isn’t just quiet and calm. In my mind, it’s also trust.
My husband (Donkey is his call sign…Shrek anyone? Nonstop chatter? Yep. My husband is Donkey.) is away from home quite often due to his job. His job requires him to fly various missions around the world. The problem with his job? If his plane goes down, so does everyone on that jet, including Donkey. I’ve seen tragedy and I know we’re not immune to that possibility. I do get nervous sometimes, especially if he’s flying out of the country rather than just a simple mission for a few hours. But that’s where trust comes in.
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?
~Psalm 56:3-4, ESV
When I have trust in the Lord, peace follows.
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
~Isaiah 26:3, ESV
Peace in marriage is so vital. Donkey and I do argue, though his absences make us more conscientious about enjoying one another. When we argue, however, we still try to keep peace between us. We try not to raise our voices (I think we do a good job of that, but I don’t record our arguments, so really, I have no idea), and we try to work our arguments out quickly, and always before going to sleep. Only once have we gone to bed mad at one another, and it was not fun…nor was it a good sleep.
Disagreements, arguments, fights…they can happen in a marriage. Well, in any relationship. Keeping the peace, trusting in God…those can be hard. But pray together, spend time with God, keep Him your focus, and peace will follow.
I know that no marriage is perfect, and believe me, I am so preaching to the choir when I write these posts! So help a girl out. 🙂 How do you keep peace within your relationships? Do you have any Bible verses you focus on? I’d love to hear (okay, read) your thoughts, so feel free to comment below!
Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of 5 great kids, speech-pathologist to about fifty more, lover of chocolate, jazz, and Jesus. Her debut historical novel, The Thorn Bearer, released in May 2015 and has garnered awards such as Reader’s Favorites Award, finalist in the Grace Awards, shortlisted for the Inspy Awards, and most recently a finalist in the ACFW Carol Awards. Her second historical novel, The Thorn Keeper, released in Feb 2016 and her first contemporary romance, A Twist of Faith, released in April 2016 with a 4 star review from Romantic Times. You can get to know Pepper on her website, 
When Ashleigh Dougall’s fiancé leaves her eight months before their wedding, the unexpected blow ignites a battalion of insecurities stemming from her father’s intimate betrayal. In an attempt to escape her shame, Ashleigh boards the ill-fated Lusitania to cross the war-torn waters of Europe. Much to her dismay, she isn’t traveling alone.
Title: The Thorn Keeper
may have moments of 
That. But instead of just hearing what your spouse is saying (you know, hearing their voices drone on while you’re thinking of something else or what you’re going to say to negate what they’re saying…#guilty), stop thinking and really pay attention.
Name: Mikal Dawn
Mikal Dawn 