I Can Hear the Bells

'Tis the season for weddings!

First, I would like to say how truly excited I am for the weddings of 2011-- Many of my great girlfriends are tying the knot! It has been a wonderful experience helping them plan and organize. Each individual love story is truly inspirational: from high school sweethearts to newly-found loves. Love is perhaps the greatest thing given to us, and when it is shared between two people, it is simply divine.

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:13

On a lighter note, I thought it would be fun to pass along this list of Wedding Trends for 2011. It will be interesting to see if any of these land in the weddings!

VINTAGE TOUCHES

Bringing the vintage looks into a wedding provides class, as well as a point of interest for the photography. It can add to the wedding, as well as the memories caught on camera, a strengthened sense of timelessness. Items such as vintage wedding dresses, ornate textures, old-fashioned photo booths, and vintage photography are expected to be a popular trend this year. 

ECO-FRIENDLY

Who isn't trying to be eco-friendly these days? When considering the environment, it can also tend to be a less expensive option for the bride. Items such as second-hand wedding dresses, invitations printed on recycled paper, and food supplied by local farmers, can help the local economy, environment, and the pocketbook. 

CONTEMPORARY 

Why try to avoid the fact that we are living in modern times? An up-to-date wedding can still be classy. A bride can shine a new-age light on the wedding by using bright colors, clean lines with decorations, serving cupcakes instead of cake, or even steering away from the traditional gown. Many brides will choose a shorter dress (almost cocktail length), or one in a color other than white or ivory. Yes, the decision is bold, but your wedding should be a reflection of yourself, right?

DO-IT-YOURSELF

Personally, I have already witnessed this aspect with a lot of the planning this year. From projects like centerpieces, picture albums, and wedding party gifts to other small items, DIY projects can reflect the style and personality of the couple.  Not only can a wedding be more personalized by choosing this option, it can also save a lot of money in the long run.

SOCIAL MEDIA

With the use of technology, social networking sites, and other wedding blog/planning sites, we have the ability to share the excitement, updates, and utilize the tools provided. Sites such as  wedding.com, theknot.com, and others allow the bride-to-be to keep track of guest lists, budgets, and other important items in the planning process. Blogging sites help to keep others updated before and even after the event. 

Again, I am so excited for this year, and I wish my girls the best of luck! Love you all!

Visit www.TheBeautyBridal.com for more information on trends, hairstyles, and other "need to knows" about weddings! The information for this post can be found at this link:

 http://thebeautybridal.com/442/five-hot-wedding-trends-for-2011.html

The Lost Get Found

So, it has been a month since my last post -- life has been busy!

For the past year or so, I have really been struggling to understand God's purpose for me-- should I be in Wichita? Am I supposed to move? How am I meant to share His message?

I have always had a love for God and a love for His people, but never felt I had the strength (or enough knowledge) to relay scripture. It was discouraging when my efforts to reach out were shot down, or hindered due to lack of support from other people. There were even times where I became frustrated with God, asking Him, "Okay, you commanded me to go and light up the world, so why aren't you helping me succeed?" First of all, never question God, His timing, or His ultimate plan. It's humbling to realize that you are only a tiny little part of His grandeur.

He's the one that saves the world... not me.

Sometimes it is just allowing God's light to shine through your daily activities that makes a big impact. You may not always think that He is using you, but He is: Everyone is special and has a purpose here on this earth. During the Winter Jam concert, Michael Tait said something that really stuck with me. It was simple, and said in a humorous manner, but it is 100% truth. He said we must love ALL people because "God don't make junk." We all tend to judge and treat people different based on income, lifestyles, appearance, or even religious beliefs. We may try putting ourselves above others.. Next time you find yourself judging another (for ANY reason), I challenge you to smile, and tell them that Christ loves them, and let them know they are truly something special.

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:16

This weekend, Britt Nicole's "The Lost Get Found" came on the radio. The lyrics of this song hit me, because it reminded me that change starts one heart at a time. It also reminded me that even though I may not be called to preach, or to do out-of-country mission work, I am called to share the light of God to the world, here in my own community. In the words of Britt Nicole:

"Don't let your lights go down,
Don't let your fire burn out
'Cause somewhere,
Somebody needs a reason to believe."

I hope you girls understand the impact that you've had on my life, and I hope to share those smiles, kind words, and the love of God with whoever crosses my path in life.

Attached is the full song by Britt Nicole -- wonderful song.

Stay tuned to my blog -- I feel a "Wedding-themed" message coming on! Have a great Monday!