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| source flickr.com via Ksenia Pascal via Pinterest |
As little girls most of us dreamed incessantly about fining our Prince and getting married. I remember thinking as a young Princess in Training that a wedding was simply the Prince dancing with the Princess, kissing her soundly and then everyone lived happily ever after. The villain was dead, the threat was over what awaited my favorite Prince and Princess was wedded bliss.
However, having found my Prince I discovered that there is more to a wedding than just a dance and a kiss and that happily ever after is a lot of work. So I have what I like to call ‘A Princess’s Kit for a Happily Ever After Marriage.’
A bag.
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| source vandco.bigcartel.com via Vanessa Christensen via Pinterest |
If you’re gonna have a kit you’re gonna need something to store everything in. However, this bag isn’t just any bag it is a visual reminder to you, Jenna that you need to “store up treasures in heaven.” (Mt 6:19-21) ‘For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.’ Right now you are so excited to be getting married. You’re heart has been captured by your fairy tale Prince and in your heart he always will be. Yet you must always remember who first stole your heart, and has truly made you a princess. That by putting God first you will always be the wife your husband needs.
Body Wash.
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| source hotbeautyhealth.com via Shannon Spiegel via Pinterest |
Every princess is gonna need to shower in the morning so she’s clean and ready for the day. Yet I find that this is the best time of the day to talk with the Lord, to ‘cast your cares upon Him.’ Prayer is an essential part of marriage. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6) You must constantly be in communion with your Heavenly Father about the ponderings of your heart. Pray for your husband, that he will be the leader you need. Don’t be afraid to tell God to talk to your husband for you and above all remember to ask God to guide you as you take on the role of wife.
Yes, it is true that even princesses have a certain ‘odor’ to us all but this goes further than any perfume or deodorant. ‘For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.’ (2 Cor 2:15) As you embark on this new life we must constantly remember that we are ambassadors for Christ and that you will stick out in the world. This is good. So when you’re out with your husband watch your actions, are you showing others how you love and respect him? True submissiveness in a loving, godly relationship built on mutual love and respect is foreign to the world and is a powerful tool for spreading the gospel. Stay on your guard for those who are watching you interact with your husband and may your aroma always be pleasant.
Toothbrush and Toothpaste.
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| source urbanoutfitters.com via Nina Burk via Pinterest |
With all your public engagements as a princess you’ll want to make sure your teeth are clean and your breath is fresh. ‘Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.’ (James 3:5) Guard your mouth in dealing with your husband. Words are immortal. So think before you speak. Trust me when I say that at some point (probably multiple times) you will nearly bite your tongue in half to keep yourself from saying something you’ll regret. This is a great time to go brush your teeth and remember that you love your husband and that he loves you. That even if you are seriously considering physical harm to him, what you both truly desire for each other is the very best and what is needed is fresh breathe to remind you of how you’re words must be honest, but kind.
The limelight is bright on the fair skin of our Princess and she’ll want to protect her beautiful skin from burning. Stay on guard Jenna for ‘the sin that so easily entangles us’ (Hebrews 12:1). In every marriage there are seasons. Joyful times and sorrowful times, times of plenty and times of drought. Temptation is always at the door knocking and we must be prepared. Marriage is work, probably the hardest work of your life (yes, harder than working at Starbucks at 4am). However, it will be the most rewarding and dare I say enjoyable work too. Be proactive. Date your husband, never stop talking to him, read books on marriage or blogs. You can never know too much about communicating with your husband or how to make a marriage last.
Even sunscreen can wear off when we least expect it. Sunburns are painful but quick and reliable treatment can keep the pain low and the scars at bay. No matter how perfect life seems sin can blind side you, in your life and in your husband’s life. ‘Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.’ (Col 3:13) Forgiveness, Grace and Mercy are crucial to a happy marriage. Forgiveness is the Aloe Vera to a sinful sunburn. And just like Aloe Vera works best right away, so too does forgiveness. FORGIVE quickly and completely. Sometimes it’s yourself that you have to forgive. Other times you have to forgive a hurt that the other doesn’t understand. Whatever it takes don’t hold a grudge, for it is a poison that will seep in and destroy your happily ever after.
Tissues & Snickers.
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| source chow.com via Jaime Eggleston via Pinterest |
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| source hollandcox.com via Dawn Ramirez via Pinterest |
Tears and laughter are a part of every person’s life. If you have to make a choice between crying or laughing, laugh…I mean Snickers always trump tissues, right? Embrace the moments of happiness and sorrow and share them with your beloved. Don’t hide your joy and don’t bury your pain from your husband even in the smallest of matters. It is hard to be that vulnerable but it is so necessary to create a new life as man and wife. Remember to eat your fruit together every day for a healthy spirit. ‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.’ Gal 5:22-23
Of course our princess is going to need the crown to complete the look, what Princess doesn’t have one? A tiara is a loving reminder to you that you were bought at a price and because of that great sacrifice you are truly a Princess of the Most High God. ‘The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.’ Romans 8:16
The world will constantly be sending you and your beloved a barrage of temptations that will leave you dissatisfied. What is more Satan will try to persuade you that you deserve better. At these times you are going to need your kit to remember that while wedded bliss and happily ever after aren’t just for fairy tales, but to achieve it you must work for it. And should you misplace your kit or forget what you need to do look no further than the Spirit living and working within your heart.
...in keeping with the Fearless Friday theme I thought I'd fearlessly share this devotion with you all. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
{{hugs}}
Buffy
Thanks so much for sharing this, it's wonderful!! Great objects to go with the scriptures, wish I could have been there to hear you give this devotion.
ReplyDeleteOh, Thanks Michelle! I appreciate it. Of course it would have been awesome if you had been there :) The shower really was lovely...and now that you know I do this, am not afraid of a crowd I could always come over for you sometime ;) Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this! Awesome job, Buffy! I also really like that bag in the picture! Any idea where I can get one like that? I'm addicted to bags. :D!!
ReplyDeleteYou can buy the pattern here http://vandco.bigcartel.com/product/the-abby-tote to make it yourself! I'd offer to make you one but I don't know if the pattern comes with a license to sell and I wouldn't want to break copyright laws.
ReplyDelete