Bride's Prayer

Flickr by hipposrunsperfast.com

Welcome to a new series I will be starting and posting on a weekly basis. I want this blog to be a christ-centered blog for the bride on the journey to her wedding day and beyond. You may have noticed that on this blog, I provide studies, and daily scripture to always keep God on the forefront.

This series will be prayers for a bride to pray for all kinds of situations she may encounter during the wedding planning process. It is my hope that there will so be a list of prayers so long that all one has to do is look for a specific topic and say that prayer in your heart and to God. He hears and answers. We just have to speak. Also, as always, I am open to taking any prayer requests. Just shoot me an email: weddingpickle@gmail.com

We say goodbye to February. It has been great. But March, I have high hopes of pretty weather! God Bless!

Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. - Psalm 85:11

Unfailing Love

Last message in the Once Upon a Marriage study.



Watch the video in full HERE and download study questions HERE

My notes on this message:
Don't buy into this misconception:
What I am missing is better than what I have- Never forget to appreciate what it is your marriage does provide for you.

Two ways to have a marriage:
Do everything right (the best you can of course)
Walk through trouble together (no matter how hard) towards the door of Hope

Forgive and Love as you have been Forgiven and Loved.
Always keep this fact in mind as you enter the journey of your marriage!

Be sure to catch up with the other videos and notes if you missed them.

Much Love and God Bless!

Word of the Day Inspiration: Mansuetude

Mansuetude: mildness; gentleness.

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

*FFF* Fab Fitness Friday Week 4

Here is how I did for the last week of February Fitness (of course I'm still going to continue to workout)

I have a Discussion Forum on my Facebook Page (Fab Fitness) so be sure to check that out and post a comment on how you did for the last week of February.

Next month I will be trying out and reviewing gym classes for those of you who go to the gym and are afraid to try the classes not knowing what to expect! Stay tuned because fitness is never over!

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! -Psalm 133:1

Dialogue: Engagement Announcement

Does anybody announce their engagement in the paper?

I remember when I was engaged, the official announcement was changing my Facebook relationship from

 to 

and then making a huge proclamation of my happiness on my status and posting a picture of my ring.

I did this because friends before me did this and I see my newly engaged friends doing this. Why do we do this? Because, more than likely, we will get the message out to most of our friends and some family. Then word of mouth spreads like wildfire!

Unless you just want to have something to cut out and put in a scrapbook, is there really a need for announcing your engagement in the paper? Do let me know!

He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6

Quick Tip: Eraser Earring Backings

In a post I did for an emergency kit on jewelry, I mentioned having extra backings for your earrings because we have all been there on losing those things (heck, I still have a stud sitting in my car that I lost a backing to and gave up looking for it)

Flickr by Fdecomite

Brides Magazine had this handy tip: Use a pencil eraser! It probably is easier to use the easy-to-remove erasers from a mechanical pencil. Stab that earring into the eraser for a temporary solution. Someone might have a pencil in their purse, right?

Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. - 11 Corinthians 4:17

Pickle: Gotta Go Right Now!

Chances are you are looking for your venue and you are making sure to ask the right questions, but don't leave one important issue out.

The Pickle: After a couple glasses of wine, Aunt Sue many need to make a trip to the ladies room. Problem is, there is a line and she is about to burst!

Photo By Terry Johnston via flickr

The Solution: Make sure your venue has enough bathrooms available. Or, make sure you can provide enough for your your guests. According to theknot.com, the general number is to have one bathroom for every 35 guests.

Love one another deeply, from the heart. - 1 Peter 1:22

Tuesday Shoesday {3}

By Alexander McQueen Find these gold-studded loves here.

Find more Tuesday Shoesday on Twitter #tuesdayshoesday

Because I love your command more than gold, more than pure gold. . .  - Psalm 119:127

Pickle: No Kids Please!

The Pickle: You have decided to have a kid-free zone wedding. But how do you get that across without being rude?

The Solution: There are a few subtle things you can do.

Timing- If your wedding is on a school night. Kids probably won't be there. If your wedding is pretty late in the evening. Kids probably won't be there.

Be specific on names on envelope- "John and Sally" not "John, Sally and Little Billy". If the name isn't listed, that person isn't invited. Leaving the children off tells the guest that.

Sit-Down Dinner- I wouldn't say this is required, but if you are asking for menu selections for John and Sally, they would be crazy to think to write in on the invite what Little Billy wants to eat when you didn't ask. Little Billy obviously isn't invited.

Simply Sunday Love {2}

Photo: Charley*Star Photo on Brides.com

The Blessing of the Lord makes rich, and He adds no sorrow with it. - Proverbs 10:22

Word of the Day Inspiration: Verdant

Simply put, this word means Green. So, Green it is.

Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf. - Proverbs 11:28

Fab Find: Grecian Headband

Welcome to Fab Find, another new series of posts you will see periodically (with the occasional Fab Fitness posts). I find things across the web and I gotta share this headband from Ban.do

Grecian Headband $95

Not only is this beautiful for a wedding piece, but I want to get one just to wear out. So pretty! What do you think?

*FFF* Fab Fitness Friday Week 3

Week 3 of February Fab Fitness Fridays

I have a Discussion Forum on my Facebook Page (Fab Fitness) so be sure to check that out and post a comment on how you did for the 3rd week of February. Also, be sure to stop by and get the workout routine from Body By Glamour so you can get fit with me!

So, this week I did better because I got a partner to work out with me. Yay!

So on to my best tip. Count calories. I have been counting calories with my favorite app called Lose It! You may feel like you work out tons but if you aren't keeping track of what you eat, you could be coming out even. The app includes many restaurant and grocery brands to make it easy.

Do you count calories? What tools do you use?

You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. – Matthew 5:43-45

Dialogue: Wedding Dress Colors

When I bought my wedding dress I knew I wanted the pure traditional white dress. Of course I was well aware of dresses coming is champagne, beige, off-white, and many other white-ish colors. I also was aware of brides adding color to their dress with trim or ribbon.

Helene Bridal

Lately, something else has caught my eye. You might have seen on David Tutera's My Fair Wedding the bride whose Alice in Wonderland wedding included a black dress. Or maybe you saw Real Housewives of Atlanta where one of the ladies got married in a silver dress.

What I love most about those dresses was how much it captured the brides' personalities. What do you think about different colored dresses for wedding gowns?

There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. – Galatians 3:28-29

*DIY* Storybook Theme Table Numbers

Continuing with the Storybook Wedding Theme DIY series. Today I have some simple table numbers for you!

All you need: Cardstock, Pages from a book, Glue, Pencil, Black Marker

Step One: Draw out box pattern on card stock paper and cut out.

 Step Two: Print the numbers to size and transfer the number onto the box.

Step Three: Trace, cut out and glue the squares from the pages onto the box.

Step Four: Assemble the box and repeat until you have all the numbers you need!

To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. – Daniel 1:17

Wedding Dress Game Plan

I'm beginning a new series of posts that I'll call my Game Plan Posts. I will give you a visual game plan of various aspects of your wedding to-do's beginning with the Wedding Dress.

Click to enlarge

For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. – Colossians 2:9-10

Tuesday Shoesday {2}

By Cesare Paciotti Find these Here!

Follow more Tuesday Shoesday on Twitter #tuesdayshoesday

He knows the way I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. - Job 23:10

Valentine's Day Blessings

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails" - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

I read an amazing article called "Considering Valentine's Day" that really goes into the reality of what love is and not the movie/tv version of what love is. Don't get me wrong, I love roses and candy hearts as much as the next girl, but I really wanted to bring the focus today to what love really is. Think about these lines of scripture:

"My command is this: Love eachother as I have loved you" - John 15:12

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" - John 3:16

We love because He first loved us. We are told to love the way He loves us. That line in 1 Corinthians is such a wonderful definition of that Love. I want to give an example from my personal life that I feel shows that shift in focus of real Love. 

My husband is currently in training for the Marine Corps so he is gone ALL THE TIME. He has wee hour morning days and late sun's-been-down-a-while nights. When he comes home, he is tired. He barely talks does a few things and then goes to bed. Needless to say, it can be lonely for me, right?

Nope, not for me. It is such a blessing for me to even get to be with him during this training time. I know there will be times when he will be gone and I won't get to see him AT ALL. So I take these moments with so much love and patience. Believe me, I pray everyday for patience. Not to see his current behavior as neglect, but as something to be proud of. My husband is serving his country and I couldn't be more proud. 

So what if kisses are few and hugs are rushed. I know that my role as a Marine wife is to be his support. When he comes home, to tell him that I'm happy to see him. When he passes out in bed without saying goodnight, to simply kiss him as he sleeps and hold him.

My message to all brides is to realize that you are to support your husband so that he can be what God needs him to be. Save the nagging. Save the expectation of jewelry, flowers, candy. Just love him as God loves us. 

And in the meantime, your man will surprise you. Heck, I didn't expect anything for Valentine's this year. He surprised me on Saturday with a reservation to a fancy restaurant! 

So, God, you mean to tell me that I love him patiently without expectation and I get surprise giddy rewards in return anyway? I can deal with that.

God is good and if you let Him, He will work for you in your marriage. Food for thought.

Happy Valentine's Day and God Bless!

Faith-LESS or Faith-FULL

This is the 3rd video in the message series "Once Upon a Marriage" from the amazing Lifechurch.tv.

Again, here is an excerpt.


You can watch the message in full HERE and download message discussion questions HERE.

To sum up the message, here are my own notes for you:
What do you want out of your marriage? What do you think it will be like?
Follow God by faith into the unknown. BUT, even when we are faith-less, God is faith-full.

Three things happen when we are faithless:
1) We fall victim to FEAR. Asking "what if?"
2) We get AHEAD of God by taking matters into our own hands and not waiting and trusting His timing.
3) We don't BELIEVE God will do it for us. We ask, why would he do this for me?

Things to think about:
Is anything too hard for the Lord? We can take him at his word.
Invite God into the center of your marriage. Don't just go to church and check it off the list. Hang on to Him.
His TRUTH trumps Facts. God has the power to do what he promises. Do not waiver in your FAITH

BUT, here is where the blessing remains, that even if you do waiver in faith, God is ALWAYS faithful.


You can read up on the first message HERE and the second message HERE if you missed them.

God Bless!

Word of the Day Inspiration: Philomath

Philomath:
A lover of learning; a scholar (dictionary.com)

"But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it" - 2 Timothy 3:14

*FFF* Fab Fitness Friday Week 2

In my month long effort to show LOVE to myself by treating myself better, I'll be focusing on fitness for February. Remember, whether it is for your dress, your honeymoon, or just to lose weight for a better you, fitness is a fast track way towards feeling better and alleviating some of that wedding planning stress.

I started a Discussion Forum on my Facebook Page (Fab Fitness) so be sure to check that out and post a comment on how you did for the 2nd week of February. Also, be sure to stop by and get the workout routine from Body By Glamour so you can get fit with me!

Here is how I did for Week 2:

Only 3 out of 5 days, but an improvement from last week. Hey, improvement is better than nothing!

Withhold not good . . . when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. - Proverbs 3:27

Dialogue: Skip the Wrap

I read a blog post a few weeks ago about wrapping or not wrapping gifts for bridal showers. I thought this was a good topic to talk about the green aspect of weddings. A lot of senseless paper is wasted at these events.

For instance, I probably had about 50 people at my shower. (I didn't know most of the ladies, but who is to say no to a party that someone wants to throw for you) Of course, with that, garbage bag after garbage bag was filled with wrapping paper, ribbon, tissue paper. . . it was tragic really. All such good paper thrown out. Could have been the pages of a new beautifully bound Bible if you ask me.

Last year, I got the chance to attend a bridal shower that specified not wrapping the gifts and just attaching a favorite recipe to the unwrapped present. I thought it was weird at the time, but now I think it is a great idea. Paper is saved and the gift giver can still add a personal touch to the gift that way. Plus it saves time so you can socialize with the people you care about.

Can we all get a gift like this for our showers? lol 

Photo by Howard Dickins

Now, some people did get creative with some of my gifts which was very touching to me:
~ A group of ladies did a group gift. Party items and supplies all packaged inside of a cooler. Party in a box!
~ One lady gave me some bathroom items and used a super soft bath towel to wrap it.

So, skip the wrapping, get creative and stop the paper wasting. What do you think?

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! - 2 Corinthians 9:15

Pickle: Not Now Zit!

The Pickle: You have worked hard on taking care of your face, but that darn little zit is making an appearance. Not on your wedding day it won't!

The Solution: Spot treatment. Now, this is going to turn into a sort of review.

In the past, I have always been one of those girls who would go cheap. All my facial care would come from Wal-Mart. Neutrogena, Clearasil and Clean & Clear. Nope. Didn't work. It was like dabbing my zit with water and getting the same result. I now know that you gotta step it up to nicer products to get real results.

You get what you pay for, remember? Here are my recommedations:
In the past I used Mary Kay, and I know it worked.

Acne Treatment Gel for $7

But, my impatient self didn't want to order online from a consultant and wait for it in the mail. So, I went to a Clinique counter and got this:

Acne Solutions Emergency Gel Lotion for $14.50

I'm new to using this product, but I like the results so far! :) I'm thinking of switching to Clinique for all my skin care needs.

Anyone out there Clinique fans? What are your favorite products?

"And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it' " - Isaiah 30:21

*DIY* Storybook Bridal Shower Decor

Next up in the Storybook Wedding DIY series is a simple decor piece you can put together really quick and set it up at your bridal shower. You can find the other Storybook Wedding projects HERE.

All you need is a hardcover book, craft glue and pretty paper and card stock.

Step One: Type up and print out what you would like to put on the book.

Step Two: Cut it to size and glue on to the cover of the book.

Step Three: You can make more than one to set up throughout the shower, with the food, with the gifts, etc. Some can have pictures, or just words. I made sure to at least include the line I have been sticking with, "Like the pages out of a love story."

"We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." - John 1:14

Tuesday Shoesday!

Pansy by Not Too Coy. Find these darlings HERE.

Find more shoes on Twitter #tuesdayshoesday

"Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land." -  Song of Solomon 2:12

Pickle: Bridesmaid's Dress Discontinued

You picked out the perfect bridesmaid's dress for your wedding. Guess what? It has been discontinued.

The Pickle: A couple of bridesmaids bought their dress. The rest haven't yet. Since it is discontinued, they cannot order it now.

The Solution: Avoid this from happening. You can pick a dress that has just been a released. But what about this cute thought? Bridesmaids in different dresses. You can pick the color or color scheme and let the girls pick a dress that fits in their budget and style. They can pick a dress that they are sure they want to wear again. They will be thanking you!

David's Bridal

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Simply Sunday Love

New feature to show up on various Sundays will be called Simply Sunday Love. Something I am simply loving today. Take a brief moment and appreciate the beauty of your wedding and the blessings it brings. God is Love and weddings celebrate that. :)

Event Design: Birch Design Studio, Chicago Photo By: Garbo Productions, Chicago

The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. – Genesis 3:21

Word of the Day Inspiration: Melina

I know it may be conceited that I am using my own name as inspiration. However, I put together a board a few weeks ago for an application that was to portray my own style and aesthetic interests. Take a look and tell me what you think!



I am a lover of black and white, candle lighting, roses, and contemporary style. If I got to do my wedding over again, it would come off this board. :) Maybe for an anniversary party. . .

The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm. – 1 Timothy 1:5-7

*FFF* Fab Fitness Friday!

It is February and I decided to launch a new series of posts that uses the catchy alliteration with the letter "F" in honor of February. Fab Fitness Friday on Friday, February the Fourth. Love it.

It is the love month and working out is showing love to ourselves with a healthier lifestyle :)

An issue brides have, and newlyweds, is to shed a few pounds right? I know I am in the newlywed category trying to get back where I was before I got married! I thought I would make fitness a new pickle to tackle. Wanna join me?

Anyone doing the Body By Glamour? Let me know! Let's do it together!
I started a Discussion Forum on my Facebook Page (Fab Fitness) so we can commiserate or celebrate. :)

I have a gym membership, but I thought I would give this paper plates and pillows thing a try.

"How did you get that figure?"

"Oh, why with paper plates and pillows of course!"

http://www.glamour.com/bbg

Now if this first week of February was Week 1, here is how I did.

Week 1
Mon: nothing
Tues: nothing
Wed: nothing
Thurs: Cardio
Fri: BBG (Body by Glamour) Routine

Yep, off to a rough start. But, I got 5 months to work with before my vacation with my hubby for our anniversary. How much time are you working with to lose weight until the big day, or since the big day?

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12

Dialogue: Burgers and Fries Reception

Oh yes, we love our fast food addictions. Burgers, fries, tacos, nachos, pizza, etc. Great for a Friday night outing. Great for a girls night out to be little piggies with our margaritas and cosmos. But for a wedding?

Why not?

projectwedding.com

This lovely post tells how a caterer turned an idea for burgers into an actual menu for a couple's reception.

Tacky or unique? What do you think? All this is making me hungry!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

*DIY* Storybook Invitations

Continuing with the Storybook wedding theme, I made a wedding invitation.

You may have noticed a line I used on the Storybook Wedding themed Save-the-Dates:

Like the pages out of a love story. . . 

The line will continue:

When two become one. . .

What you need:

Pages from a book

Cardstock

Scissors and Glue

Step One: Set up the invitation wording in your word document.

Step Two: Print and cut out the invitation wording on the cardstock. The line, "When two become one," will be printed on regular copy paper to make it easier for tracing.

Step Three: Assemble with glue.

Step Four: Use the same tracing technique used in the Save-the-Dates to add the words to the invitation.

Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” – Matthew 22:37-40

Pickle: Dates to Avoid 2011/2012

The Pickle: You are worried about your date conflicting with something but can't think of what it is.

The Solution: Plan ahead with this awesome article that lists all holidays and the dates of other events to help you with picking your wedding date.

Once you have chosen your date, I would recommend using a checklist. I looked at many but the one that I always went back to was the checklist from theknot.com. What I love is how the tasks on the checklist will pop up only as you need to do them. It also syncs with an app you can download free for your iphone or ipod.

My favorite thing was when people would ask me, "Have you done this yet?" or, "You need to make sure you get this done."  I was able to say, "Nope, it hasn't popped up on my checklist so I will worry about it later." It really helped to stand my ground and not stress about things I didn't have to stress about.

I thought I would give a print-out that you could add to your wedding binder if you have one or to hang on the refrigerator or bulletin board. It is a blank calendar template so that you can write out the dates and tasks from the checklist on the calendar and give yourself a deadline and visual of when the task is to be complete.

Click HERE for Wedding Calendar Printout

What checklists are you using if not the one from theknot.com? 

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. – 1 Timothy 6:18-19