Tag: marriage

Posted in Wedding Wednesday

Wedding Wednesday: A Civil Affair

Posted on by Mikal

Wedding Wednesday (1)

Oh. My. Goodness. I can’t believe I’m late on this post. Again. Slap me upside the head!

So in honor of a very quick post written just before the end of the night, how about a quick wedding? An elopement? So let’s get down to City Hall!

The dress:

For an elopement, you’re not likely to have a ginormous gown, but really…I’d still want a wedding gown. Who can resist this sweet frock?

 

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From Forget Me Not Designs

The bouquet:

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From MyWedding.com

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!

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From Buzzfeed

The reception:

When you get married at City Hall, you’re saving a lot of money. So why not throw a moderate-sized party for your family and closest friends?

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From Mod Wedding

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.

The ring:

Because why not?

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From Wonderful Fashions

This is such a simple, sweet engagement ring, but still totally unique…just like you. aieRkxaLT

So, my patient people? Would you ever have a City Hall wedding? They can be so fun!

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Posted in Wedding Wednesday

Wedding Wednesday: Going Medieval

Posted on by Mikal

Wedding Wednesday (1)

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:

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From Pinterest

Do you know how hard it is to find a medieval wedding gown that isn’t completely plain? Who would have thought?!

The hair:

Because who doesn’t need a medieval hairdo on their wedding day??

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From Endless Madhouse

The bouquet:

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From The Pretty Blog

Those colors!!

The Ringbearer’s “Pillow”:

Warning, you may want a fake one, or an older ringbearer–one who won’t try to become a medieval Luke Skywalker.

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From UK Bride

But seriously. How cool is that?

The seating plan:

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From Bespoke Bride

I. Love. This. Especially if it’s posted to a tree just outside the…

Reception hall:

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From Style Me Pretty

The wedding cake:

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From The Cake Zone

This cake. I die.

The guest book:

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From Etsy

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.)

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Posted in Forever Friday

Forever Friday: Faithfulness

Posted on by Mikal

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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.

Faithfulness 3

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.

For nothing will be impossible with God.Luke 1-37, ESV

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:

                              2 Timothy 2:13                                           1 Corinthians 1:9
Deuteronomy 7:9                                     Psalm 33:4
2 Thessalonians 3:3                                 Psalm 86:15
Jeremiah 29:11-13                                    Lamentations 3:23
1 Corinthians 10:13                                  1 John 1:9

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.

And I’ll do the same.

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Posted in Wedding Wednesday

Wedding Wednesday: Superheroes

Posted on by Mikal

Wedding Wednesday (1)

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.

The dress:

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From Belle the Magazine

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!

The shoes:

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From Etsy

Are these not cute? Check out Etsy, for serious. Tons of different styles!

The bouquet:

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From Elegant Wedding

I die.

The bowtie:

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From Etsy

Because the guys need to be stylin’. And these are super chic, if you ask me.

The Groomsmen’s cufflinks:

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From Etsy

 

Because these are just the best. Ever.

The photo:

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From The Daily Buzz

Okay, so this is a prom photo, but still. This idea? I love. So match up your bridesmaid to a groomsman and have some fun with it!

And finally, the cake. Oh, the cake:

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From GreatIdeas.People.com

How fun is this?!? I love it. All business in the front and party world-saving in the back!

So? What did you think? Would you do it? I might know of at least one woman who would. 😉 What say you?

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Posted in Forever Friday

Forever Friday: Goodness

Posted on by Mikal

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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.

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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 ice-cream-778311_640may 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.

  1. Listen! You know that saying, “You have two ears and one mouth for a reason.” Yep. close-up-18753_640That. 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.
  2. Encourage your spouse. Especially when you know they’re struggling or down in the dumps about something.
  3. 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!
  4. 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.photo-1
  5. 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!

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To read the other posts in this series on Galatians 5:22-23, click on these links: love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness.

Posted in Forever Friday

Forever Friday: Kindness

Posted on by Mikal

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In light of events this past week in Orlando, Florida, I think it’s pretty safe to say this little series on love–and specifically this post on kindness–is coming at the right time. My heart aches for those families who have lost loved ones, for those who are laying in the hospital physically healing but emotionally scarred for life, for the first responders who had to witness such horror. And yes…my heart also aches for those who believe such lies as the murderer believed. This world needs hope. This world needs Jesus.

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I think I can safely assume that you all know the meaning of kindness. But let me give you a quick rundown. “Kind” means to be “of a good or benevolent nature or disposition, as a person: a kind and loving person; having, showing, or proceeding from benevolence: kind words; indulgent, considerate, or helpful, humane: to be kind to animals; mild, gentle, clement” (from Dictionary.com).

In marriage–in all of life, this really just means to care for your spouse. Be good natured, use kind words, be considerate and helpful, be mild and gentle. I won’t lie. I’m not always kind (shocker, right? Ha!). But I try, and my husband tries (he does a much better job of it, I think). Being kind really paves the way for more patience with one another and even a deeper love. It’s not a guarantee, but it can’t hurt.

As for what happened at the nightclub in Orlando…it’s hard to process when anything of this nature happens. But look around and you’ll see kindness happening, even in the midst of incredible evil and sorrow.

This is a short post, I know. I just don’t have the words. And kindness, well…it’s simple. Be kind.

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Posted in Forever Friday

Forever Friday: Patience

Posted on by Mikal

FOREVER FRIDAY (1)

Oh patience. Can I admit it’s not my strongest character trait? But can I also admit that I’m one of those weird Christians who actually do pray to receive patience?

Yeah. Crazy.

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Like I’ve already said, patience isn’t my strongest virtue, so yep, I need to pray for it. And yep, the Lord will often give me opportunities to practice patience. Especially with my kids.

Especially during summer vacation.

It is currently summer vacation. But I digress.

I absolutely love my husband, Donkey (watch Shrek, then you’ll understand), but I admit that I get impatient. I have what they call Misophonia, so I often lose my patience when I’m hearing certain noises that trigger it (screeching, repetitive noise, whistling through the nose while breathing, chewing…you name it, it hurts my ears and causes almost instant headaches…and impatience). During the first year or two of our marriage, I was so enamored with Donkey that these things didn’t bother me. But then they slowly crept in, and my patience level slipped. And slipped. Aaannnddd…you get the idea.

Trust me, it isn’t only noise that causes impatience in me. It’s truly my own sinful self.

Having patience in a marriage is absolutely necessary. If there’s no patience with one another, there is constant nagging (which the Bible warns us not to do here, and here, and here, among other places) and bickering. Who wants to be in a marriage that is full of battles?

A lack of patience seems to have its root in anger. When you feel impatient with someone, you’re usually (if you examine yourself) becoming angry with them, and sometimes rather quickly.

“Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the hearts of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:9, ESV).

I don’t know about you, but 99% of the time, my impatience stems from anger for not getting my own way (…can you say “childish”?? Yikes. I have a lot to work on!). I think it’s so good for us to sit down by ourselves with our Bibles and really examine why we act the way we do. Knowing this may really help us to change our behaviours in the future, and strengthen our marriages and other relationships.

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” Ephesians 4:2, NIV).

Don’t be afraid to pray for patience. More so, however, don’t be afraid to ask God to change you. I’ve been praying that for the past two days now, that God wouldn’t change my circumstances, but change me, and I can tell you, what a breath of fresh air! He is changing me, and it’s freeing.

And I’m pretty sure my husband and kids are appreciating it, too. 😉

What about you? Do you struggle with patience? Is there anything–even if it isn’t impatience–you need to ask God to change in you? I’d love to hear so I can pray for you, too. ❤

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Posted in Wedding Wednesday

Wedding Wednesday: A Book Lover’s Dream

Posted on by Mikal

Wedding Wednesday (1)

Oh you guys. You’re probably all going to wonder what took me so long to get to this Wedding Wednesday.

I don’t know. I haven’t had enough coffee, apparently. I need more.

Lots more.

But today. Today is the day. Today…I present, a Book Lover’s Wedding.

Yes. ALL THE YESES!

The dress:

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From Belle the Magazine

Isn’t this dress sweet? I love the classic lines and deep sweetheart neckline, but you know what I adore?? How the color reminds me of vintage book paper, and the layers remind me of falling book pages. I love this. For reals.

And bonus jewelry:

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From BuzzFeed

Because who doesn’t want Pride & Prejudice earrings?! (I may actually go find these and buy them just because. Don’t tell the husband though, k?)

The bouquet:

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From Huffington Post

Because YES. Even though these are pages from a book, which kinda hurts my heart. BUT I HAVE A SOLUTION! You can download images of book pages, print them out on both sides of a piece of paper, and then create this bouquet with those printed pages! See? IT’S A GOOD PLAN.

For the Groom:

Yeah, for once I’m including him in this. Nice, eh?

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From Etsy

 

*snicker*

The invitation:

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From BuzzFeed

How cute is this?! With the most important dates listed on the library card, then the wedding date? As an invitation?? I’m in love.

The decor:

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From BuzzFeed

Because who doesn’t want to be married under a book arch?! I die.

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From Mod Wedding

For the guest book table? How cute!

The cake:

I admit it, I couldn’t decide. One is less literal and two are, well, more literal. And I love them all.

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From Mod Wedding

I love how clean this one is, except for the “ink print” on a couple of the layers. Very simple and elegant!

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From Weddingbells.ca via Indulgy

This one is sweet and simple, and could be personalized to the bride and groom specifically. Love.

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From Bustle

So this one is definitely more colorful, but I adore the idea of having book titles on the cake that both the bride and groom love. I mean, this. is. fab.

The favors:

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From Instagram

Okay, so this is actually an idea from a bookstore. But really, this could easily be done as wedding favors for guests! Do this and let the guests each choose one. You can go to a used bookstore to find these books, so you’d not only be saving a bit of money, but supporting a local business. What could be better?

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Well? What did you think? Would you be all over a book wedding?

Confession: I kinda want to renew my wedding vows just so I can have this wedding. Whoops.

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Posted in Forever Friday

Forever Friday: Peace

Posted on by Mikal

FOREVER FRIDAY (1)

I’m continuing on with my 1 Corinthians 13 series today. You can read Love here and Joy here. Today is all about peace.

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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.

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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!

 

 

 

Posted in Forever Friday

Forever Friday: Joy

Posted on by Mikal

 

FOREVER FRIDAY (1)

Keeping up with the Fruits of the Spirit in marriage today. 🙂 Next up: Joy.

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When I was younger, I used to think that joy was all about feeling happy, having fun, and laughing a lot. It is that, but it’s more than that when we invite God into things.

The world’s definition of joy is: “1. the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation. 2. a source or cause of keen pleasure or delight; something or someone greatly valued or appreciated. 3. the expression or display of glad feeling; festive gaiety. 4. a state of happiness or felicity” (Dictionary.com).

The Bible, however, says a couple of things about joy. “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4, English Standard Version). And “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4, ESV).

Have you ever known someone who has gone through something terrible–a death in the family, cancer, abuse, etc.–but has still somehow maintained joy? I’ve been so fortunate to know such people. Honestly, on my side of things, I don’t know how they do it. But I know what they would say: it’s all God, not them. It’s a supernatural thing, something that, until you go through it, you probably won’t understand.

Joy is something that lasts. It endures, even through painful times. It’s different than happy. Happy is a feeling that comes and goes–joy sticks with us. I have joy because of God, but I’m not always a happy camper. Ask my husband and kids. (…Actually, don’t ask them. I don’t want your perception of me ruined. HA!!) The best explanation on the difference between happiness and joy that I’ve read can be found at GotQuestions.org.

So how does this relate to marriage? I believe when both people in the marriage have joy–the enduring kind of joy–their marriage is stronger. They may not always be happy, but they’re not as tempted to find that joy outside the marriage. Their love deepens and endures They can forgive more easily (note I’m not saying they can forgive easily, just more easily, in my experience). They rely on God first for their worth and are more complete, not looking to their spouse to make them complete or happy or to give them joy.

Does that make sense? (And oh, please know I’m talking to myself here, too!)

How do we get joy? The only time I’ve truly experienced joy is when I’ve given up my self: my desires, my ambitions, my goals, my dreams, my own fulfillment, and I’ve sought God: His desires for me, His ambitions for me, His goals for me, His dreams for me, His fulfillment in me. When I seek Him and find Him, I find joy.

For more verses on joy (and what it means and entails), visit Faith Gateway.

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