Microcosm of Life's Journey

The RSVPs are coming in! It is so exciting to see the names of folks who are making the journey to Florida from California, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Alabama, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, Iowa, Rhode Island, North and South Carolina, Texas and other locations around the country. Ayla and Rob have friends and family all over our nation, so to bring them together for this special occasion is so fun. I have delighted in hearing from precious friends who have messaged me with "Got my tickets!" or "We coming!"  or "Looks like we'll see you in Florida!" My heart is overflowing with joy at celebrating this day with folks near and dear to our hearts. God has truly blessed our family in this life journey with friends who are loving, fun and willing to carve time out of their busy lives to witness and celebrate this marriage. Praise Jesus!

We know to come for this wedding this is quite a sacrifice for many, and we pray will bless them as much as it will bless us and Rob and Ayla. And we look forward to celebrating again with Anton and Kayla in June of next year. I think what is so amazing about these celebrations, is that the guest list is a microcosm of our children's and their fiance's lives. People they have known and loved since infancy or met as young children. Some they have met in high school. Others in college. And still others from life post-college. Some from various churches they've attended. People from the different locations they've lived in. When you couples stand in front of these guests to say your vows, you truly will have your whole lives leading up to this moment sitting right behind you, supporting you, encouraging you, loving you, mentoring you and blessing you. These folks have helped shape who you are today. Some have prayed for you your whole lives. The conversations and stories these people could share with one another about this common tie they all have in you! To go around that reception hall and just simply ask, "How do you know the bride? How do you know the groom?" What a fun time!

My dear ones, how honored you must be to know the ones who love you will be part of the beginning to great new adventure for you! And the best part is ... it's a worship service! They will gather to witness your marriage and worship the One True God together with you! Glory to Him!

We want you to take time to reflect on the names of the souls who will make this journey to be at your wedding. Pray for them. Pray for their safe travels. Pray for the quality time you'll spend with them. Pray the Lord blesses them as they will bless you. And thank God for them. Philippians 1:31 says, "I thank my God every time I remember you." Thank God for the part they've played in your life, what they've witnessed in your life and will soon witness. What a marvelous journey this life has been and will continue to be. May it always be to God's glory!

Discussion: Share with one another some unique stories about some of the guests attending your wedding. Why is it important these folks witness your marriage? Share also about friends or family you wish could attend.

Prayer: Father God, thank You for each individual who will come to our children's weddings. We thank you for having our lives intersect theirs and thank you that they are coming to celebrate with us. Lord, You are amazing and we are blessed indeed by Your children. In Christ we pray, Amen.

Request The Honor Of Your Presence

Now that the Save the Dates have gone out, Ayla and Rob are in the process of searching for the perfect wedding invitation. They want one that reflects the theme and colors of their wedding, incorporates their personalities and is, of course, informative about the event, location, times, etc. In our day, invitations were pretty simple - white with words printed in the color of your event. We had RSVP cards with self-addressed stamped envelopes included and the ever present tissue paper (not quite sure what that was for). Nowadays, invitations are original and clever, depending on how much money you want to sink into them. I've seen invitations sent in bottles, engraved in wood, in a hardback book, as a box of chocolates, in a viewfinder and many more. And RSVP cards are not mandatory as people can respond via the couple's website. So there are all kinds of ways to invite folks to the wedding.

But if you want to know what you need to have on your invites, here's the scoop:

• The name of the hosts of the wedding goes at the top
• Date, day, time and location
• If there is a reception, indicate as such
• How to RSVP - card or online?

You can also include your information on your website, attire, maps, accommodations and menu choices for the reception.

You don't have to spell out everything ("two thousand fifteen") just as long as everything is consistent with words, numbers and abbreviations. You can "request the honor of your presence" or "invite you to the celebration of the marriage" or "request the pleasure of your company" ... whatever you like.

As for how to address them:

• Mr. and Mrs. for married couples. If their family is included ... "and family."
• For singles: Miss So-And-So and Guest
• For couples you know who aren't married, one after the other with an ampersand or stack the names.

Depending on the guest, you can also include activity information with the invitation such as - rehearsal dinner, bridal tea, farewell brunch or gift opening.

Keep in mind that if you have an invitation that is extra large, square or contains any envelope embellishments, you will need to pay extra postage.

Praying as you make your decision!

Discussion: What are some ideas you have for your invitations? What is important to be included?

Prayer: Father, you already know what the invitations will look like and who all will come. We give you glory and thank you in advance for all your blessings and the sweet souls who will participate! In Jesus, Amen.