read of the week: having a mary heart in a martha world

My mother in law bought this book for me LAST christmas.  Last year, my New Year's Resolution was to start reading more.  My goal was three books (which I thought was a lot at the time).  Well I'm up to at least 4 starting in 2012 and its only the second month.  See?!  Some resolutions do work.

Anyway, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver is a great read for this time of year.  Here we are at the end of February and we have hit the ground running after Christmas catching up on all things pre holiday season.  Most of us are running around like chickens with our heads cut off.  (I know we are here in the Shanks household).  Its the shortest month yet seems to be the busiest for some reason.  Who has time to spend time with God? Each day? Yeah right!

The book is based on the famous story of Mary and Martha. Martha is the busy bee.  She is preparing a huge meal for Jesus and all of his followers in her home.  Her heart is in the preparation and being a happy hostess.  If the guests are comfortable then she is comfortable.  Mary is the more relaxed one.  She is more than content to just sit at Jesus' feet and listen while he is in their home.  This drives Martha crazy.  Thanks Mary for nothing!  She isn't doing anything to help prepare this big extravagant meal.  Yet, Jesus sides with Mary.  He wants us at his feet.  Easier said than done if you are a Martha!!

So, let me know if anyone is interested in borrowing my copy.  There is a great study at the end of the book for each chapter if you want to go deeper (which I also recommend).

the top ten wedding trends of 2012: #10

Trend #10

Mega-Moons

Sri Lanka? Check. Patagonia? Check. All in one trip? Check. That’s right, for 2012, brides won’t be settling on just one dream destination, but instead, they’ll be opting for a round-the-world getaway to several far-flung locales. Plus, they’ll be virtually bringing their friends with them via social travel apps that crowd-source friend-approved recommendations from resources like Tripl and Gogobot. 

  

{trends by theknot.com}

the top ten wedding trends of 2012: #9

Trend #9

Long Sleeves & Lace

 

Brides can thank Kate Middleton and the latest Twilight installment for this wedding fashion trend – long sleeves and lace! Strapless dresses will still rule the bridal aisle, but expect more coverage for 2012 with a sexy twist. Think: sheer backs and illusion sleeves. And don’t be surprised if the look of lace pops up on everything from the wedding cake to the décor.

 

 reem acra . monique lhuillier . monique lhuillier . vera wang .

the top ten wedding trends of 2012: #8

Trend #8

When Harry Met Sally-Inspired Video Trailers

 When it comes to wedding vidoes, it’s not something brides are watching after the wedding anymore. Couples are filming their love stories à la When Harry Met Sally and then showing snippets of it in video e-save-the-dates and having it screened at the wedding…all while guests are being filmed watching it, of course.

the top ten wedding trends of 2012: #7

Trend #7

Ritzy Ranch Weddings

The setting? A 200-year-old barn complete with long exposed-wood tables, large chandeliers and ambient lighting. The flowers? Lace-wrapped bouquets of wild roses, lilies of the valley, Queen Anne’s lace and gardenias. The food? Delicate wild game like juniper-spiced venison, cider-braised pheasant and pan-roasted quail, Top Chef: Texas-style. Brides will be channeling the Old West with a rustic-elegant spin à la Lauren Bush and David Lauren’s recent nuptials.

the top ten wedding trends of 2012: #6

Trend #6

The Panoramic Wedding Portrait

Just like critically acclaimed movie The Artist was shot on film without sound, the trend in wedding photography is to steer away from all the overdone effects (like odd angles and lots of added filters). Instead, photographers are shooting turn-of-the-century-inspired wedding portraits with a formal, classic approach. One shot that’s totally mantel-worthy? A panoramic wedding portrait where every single wedding guest is in the photo.

the top ten wedding trends of 2012: #5

Trend #5

The Bombshell Bride

 

Marilyn Monroe wooed a president, was featured on the cover of the first issue of Playboy, is the subject of Oscar-buzzed movie My Week with Marilyn, and is going to make an especially big impression on brides this year. The beauty icon’s ability to accentuate her best features, signature pouty lips and slinky dresses (we especially love a number from Reem Acra with a sexy slit up the side!) are the perfect inspiration for bombshell brides.

{reem acra 2012 collection}

the top ten wedding trends of 2012: #4

Trend #4

The Hunger Games-Style Bachelor Parties

Forget strippers and booze, the bachelor and bachelorette party of 2012 is giving way to The Hunger Games-style action. While ladies are channeling their inner Jane Bond via programs like Stiletto Spy School where they get to learn defensive tactics, high-speed stunt driving and MacGyver-like survival skills (all while rocking a dress, of course), guys are finally fulfilling their lifelong fantasies of race car driving, learning how to play poker like a pro and even, believe it or not, herding cows and sheep.

the top ten wedding trends of 2012: #3

Trend #3

Watercolor Designs

On dresses, invitations, and table designs, watercolor touches give weddings the perfect creative bent for 2012. A-list designer Carolina Herrera showed stunning watercolor prints in her spring 2012 bridal collection. And the color palette to do this in? Pastels like pink and lilac are the “it” colors of 2012!

the top ten wedding trends of 2012: #2

Trend #2

Enchanting Flowers

 The magical settings of these Snow White-inspired movies and even much-anticipated fantasy film The Hobbit will have an effect on wedding décor, with brides opting for a woodsy vibe. Think: soft, decadent bouquets filled with flowers like cabbage roses, peonies and dinner plate dahlias.

the top ten wedding trends of 2012: #1

I have had three good friends get engaged over the last month (Kristie, Emily, and Liza -- love you guys!)  Tis the season for weddings?  I think so!!  The Knot has come out with their trendcast for 2012.  This week I am posting all things wedding based on this trend.  Happy wedding planning!

Trend #1 

 “Snow White” Wedding Dresses

  Buzzed-about movies Snow White and The Huntsman and Mirror, Mirror will inspire 2012 brides to wear wedding gowns that are light and airy, but with a mysterious and sexy vibe. Vera Wang’s stunning witchcraft-inspired 2012 wedding dresses will be the bride’s first stop.

{vera wang 2012 spring bridal}