The Peace Lily is related to other aroids, including anthurium and alocasia. The plant has glossy, pointed and oval leaves that emerge from the soil. Typical of the aroids, the white flowers emerge from the leaf stalk surrounded by a cupped white spathe that gradually fades from pure white to greenish or yellow over time. The central spadix is white or yellow. These plants are native to the rainforests of Central and South America.
Growing Conditions:
Light: They are shade-loving plants in their native habitats, and in the home they prefer light to moderate shade. Some varieties can withstand more light.
Water: During the summer, water and mist frequently. They thrive with higher humidity. In water, reduce watering, but never allow the soil to dry out.
Temperature: They really prefer moist warmth; avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 55ºF if possible.
Soil: These plants like a rich, loose potting soil containing plenty of organic material.
Fertilizer: Feed weekly in the summer, or use slow-release pellets at the beginning of the season.
Propagation:
Peace Lilies are easy to propagate by division during repotting.
Repotting:
Annually, in the spring or as needed. Large plants can be divided into clumps, which can then be independently potted. Always use high-quality potting soil.
Varieties:
Peace Lilies have been heavily hybridized, and there are currently dozens of varieties available. They range from miniature to massive, from deep green with snow-white flowers to golden-leaved beauties. Some of the hybrids include:
•S. Mauna Loa. A larger plant, up to 2 feet
•S. Mojo. A striking, large plant with vibrant green leaves
•S. Golden Delicious. The new growth is golden-green
•S. Starlight. The narrow leaves on this plant have wavy margins. The plant is known for heavy, multiple blooms, with as many as 20 flowers on a single plant.
Grower's Tips:
The Peace Lily is a striking plant when used in a massed display. They bloom in the spring with long-lasting flowers that hover gracefully over the leaves on thin stalks, although they can be forced to bloom in the fall or winter. A very well-grown Peace Lily may bloom twice a year, resulting in several months of flowers. All spathiphyllum are vulnerable to bugs including aphids, mites and scale, as well as root rot if they are allowed to sit in water. Curled, pale leaves generally indicate too much light. Scorched leaves indicate direct sun. Plants that are not properly fertilized may fail to bloom.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Steve Covey - 7 Habits
1. Be Proactive
2. Being with the End in Mind.
3. Put First Things First
4. Think Win/Win
5. Seek first to Understand, Then to be Understood
6. Synergize
7. Sharpen the Saw
2. Being with the End in Mind.
3. Put First Things First
4. Think Win/Win
5. Seek first to Understand, Then to be Understood
6. Synergize
7. Sharpen the Saw
'Twas the night before Christmas - insurance adjustors version
'Twas the night before Christmas - insurance adjustors version
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T'was the night before Christmas (12:01 A.M. EST 12/25/2006) and all through the house (single family, masonry veneer 1 1/2 story with basement, 1128 ground floor sq. ft. 5-6 corners, territory 68, PC 1)
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse (through pride of ownership and excellent maintenance.) The ( flame retardant) stockings were hung by the (contractor installed) chimney with care in hopes that St. Nicholas would soon be there (in spite of dead-bolt locks and ADT central station alarm system, certificate on file.)
The children (ages 4,8,14 & 16) were all nestled snug in their beds (check MVR on 16 year old - possible undisclosed driver) While visions of sugar plums danced in their heads (must check for drug use.)
Mama in her kerchief (scheduled heirloom) and I in my cap had just settled down for a long winter’s nap (check employment - is insured sleeping all day?)
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter (check into condition of premises, housekeeping etc), I jumped out of bed to see what’s the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, threw back the curtains and tore open the sash (intentional destructive act - no coverage. Also, as far as we know, insured only wearing a cap in front of uncovered window.)
What to my wondrous eyes should appear but a miniature sleigh and 8 tiny reindeer (note to check if sleigh rated business use and corporate owned). With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick (order medical on 600 year old driver; notify life underwriter for possible table rating).
More rapid than eagles (check MVR for speeding violations) his coursers they came, and he whistled and shouted and called them by name (possible aggressive driver?) : Now Dasher (turbo equip?) now Dancer (classic?) now Prancer (check lifestyle) now Vixen (definitely check lifestyle), On Comet (possible muscle deer) on Cupid (lifestyle again ) on Donner (4x4) and Blitzen (possible drinking problem?)
To the top of the porch to the top of the wall (check for structural damage also look into height exposures), Now dash away, dash away, dash away all. (also old man climbing walls either in great shape or overly medicated?) So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, with the sleigh full of toys and St. Nicholas too (check for possible retail delivery classification of autos).
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof the prancing and pawing of each little hoof (check for shingle damage also classification of operations; roofing is a prohibited class). As I drew in my head and was turning around, down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound. He was dressed all in fur (scheduled items) from his head to his foot and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot (part time job as firefighter?) . A bundle of toys he had flung on his back (Check to see if insured has safety committee, check lifting training) And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes how they twinkled, His dimples how merry, His cheeks were like roses, His nose like cherry (order updated medical report, possible alcohol drinking abuse ? ). The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth
(note - not eligible for non-tobacco discount) And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath (check batteries in smoke alarms to make sure operational). He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf (overweight for height - additional table rating?)
And I laughed when I saw him in spite of myself. A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread (home invasion, stranger enters past alarm and insured not worried? Possible risk). He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, and filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk (review workplace for ergonomic compliance). And laying his finger side of his nose (obscene gesture?) And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose ( check operations, chimney sweeps are prohibited classification, look into CGL PD deductible.)
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, and away they all flew like the down of a thistle (not likely with fat man and sleigh full of toys. Check GVW for proper classification, Light/Service/Local seems unlikely). But I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!" (Check hours of operation, 24hr service operations prohibited. Also check into seasonal nature of business and limits of liability).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
T'was the night before Christmas (12:01 A.M. EST 12/25/2006) and all through the house (single family, masonry veneer 1 1/2 story with basement, 1128 ground floor sq. ft. 5-6 corners, territory 68, PC 1)
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse (through pride of ownership and excellent maintenance.) The ( flame retardant) stockings were hung by the (contractor installed) chimney with care in hopes that St. Nicholas would soon be there (in spite of dead-bolt locks and ADT central station alarm system, certificate on file.)
The children (ages 4,8,14 & 16) were all nestled snug in their beds (check MVR on 16 year old - possible undisclosed driver) While visions of sugar plums danced in their heads (must check for drug use.)
Mama in her kerchief (scheduled heirloom) and I in my cap had just settled down for a long winter’s nap (check employment - is insured sleeping all day?)
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter (check into condition of premises, housekeeping etc), I jumped out of bed to see what’s the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, threw back the curtains and tore open the sash (intentional destructive act - no coverage. Also, as far as we know, insured only wearing a cap in front of uncovered window.)
What to my wondrous eyes should appear but a miniature sleigh and 8 tiny reindeer (note to check if sleigh rated business use and corporate owned). With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick (order medical on 600 year old driver; notify life underwriter for possible table rating).
More rapid than eagles (check MVR for speeding violations) his coursers they came, and he whistled and shouted and called them by name (possible aggressive driver?) : Now Dasher (turbo equip?) now Dancer (classic?) now Prancer (check lifestyle) now Vixen (definitely check lifestyle), On Comet (possible muscle deer) on Cupid (lifestyle again ) on Donner (4x4) and Blitzen (possible drinking problem?)
To the top of the porch to the top of the wall (check for structural damage also look into height exposures), Now dash away, dash away, dash away all. (also old man climbing walls either in great shape or overly medicated?) So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, with the sleigh full of toys and St. Nicholas too (check for possible retail delivery classification of autos).
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof the prancing and pawing of each little hoof (check for shingle damage also classification of operations; roofing is a prohibited class). As I drew in my head and was turning around, down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound. He was dressed all in fur (scheduled items) from his head to his foot and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot (part time job as firefighter?) . A bundle of toys he had flung on his back (Check to see if insured has safety committee, check lifting training) And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes how they twinkled, His dimples how merry, His cheeks were like roses, His nose like cherry (order updated medical report, possible alcohol drinking abuse ? ). The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth
(note - not eligible for non-tobacco discount) And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath (check batteries in smoke alarms to make sure operational). He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf (overweight for height - additional table rating?)
And I laughed when I saw him in spite of myself. A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread (home invasion, stranger enters past alarm and insured not worried? Possible risk). He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, and filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk (review workplace for ergonomic compliance). And laying his finger side of his nose (obscene gesture?) And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose ( check operations, chimney sweeps are prohibited classification, look into CGL PD deductible.)
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, and away they all flew like the down of a thistle (not likely with fat man and sleigh full of toys. Check GVW for proper classification, Light/Service/Local seems unlikely). But I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!" (Check hours of operation, 24hr service operations prohibited. Also check into seasonal nature of business and limits of liability).
Bill of Personal Rights
1. You have the right to express your thoughts, feelings, and opinions.
2. You have the right to say NO without feeling guilty.
3. You have the right to not have to justify yourself to others.
4. You have the right to ask for what you want.
5. You have the right to ask for help.
6. You have the right to get what you pay for.
7. You have the right to make mistakes.
8. You have the right to be listened to.
9. You have the right to put yourself first.
10. You have the right to change your mind.
11. You have the right to ignore the advice of others.
12. You have the right to not take responsibility for others' feelings, needs and wishes.
13. You have the right to be alone.
14. You have the right to choose to be assertive or passive.
2. You have the right to say NO without feeling guilty.
3. You have the right to not have to justify yourself to others.
4. You have the right to ask for what you want.
5. You have the right to ask for help.
6. You have the right to get what you pay for.
7. You have the right to make mistakes.
8. You have the right to be listened to.
9. You have the right to put yourself first.
10. You have the right to change your mind.
11. You have the right to ignore the advice of others.
12. You have the right to not take responsibility for others' feelings, needs and wishes.
13. You have the right to be alone.
14. You have the right to choose to be assertive or passive.
Instructions for Life
1. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
2. Memorize your favorite poem.
3. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.
4. When you say, "I love you", mean it.
5. When you say, "I'm sorry", look the person in the eye.
6. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.
7. Believe in love at first sight.
8. Never laugh at any one's dreams.
9. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.
10. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.
11. Don't judge people by their relatives.
12. Talk slowly, but think quickly.
13. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask "Why do you want to know?"
14. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
15. Call your mom.
16. Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.
17. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
18. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; Responsibility for all your actions.
19. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
20. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps.
21. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
22. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.
23. Spend some time alone.
24. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.
25. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
26. Read more books and watch less TV.
27. Life a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll get to enjoy it a second time.
28. Trust in God but lock your car.
29. A loving atmosphere in your home is so important. Do all you can to create a tranquil harmonious home.
30. In disagreements with loved ones, deal with the current situation Don't bring up the past.
31. Read between the lines.
32. Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.
33. Be gentle with the earth.
34. Pray. There's immeasurable power in it.
35. Never interrupt when you are being flattered.
36. Mind your own business.
37. Don't trust a man/woman who doesn't close his/her eyes when you kiss.
38. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.
39. If you make a lot of money, put it to use helping others while you are living. That is wealth's greatest satisfaction.
40. Remember that the best relationship is one where your love for each other is greater than your need for each other.
43. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
44. Remember that your character is your destiny.
45. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.
2. Memorize your favorite poem.
3. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.
4. When you say, "I love you", mean it.
5. When you say, "I'm sorry", look the person in the eye.
6. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.
7. Believe in love at first sight.
8. Never laugh at any one's dreams.
9. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.
10. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.
11. Don't judge people by their relatives.
12. Talk slowly, but think quickly.
13. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask "Why do you want to know?"
14. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
15. Call your mom.
16. Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.
17. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
18. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; Responsibility for all your actions.
19. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
20. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps.
21. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
22. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.
23. Spend some time alone.
24. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.
25. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
26. Read more books and watch less TV.
27. Life a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll get to enjoy it a second time.
28. Trust in God but lock your car.
29. A loving atmosphere in your home is so important. Do all you can to create a tranquil harmonious home.
30. In disagreements with loved ones, deal with the current situation Don't bring up the past.
31. Read between the lines.
32. Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.
33. Be gentle with the earth.
34. Pray. There's immeasurable power in it.
35. Never interrupt when you are being flattered.
36. Mind your own business.
37. Don't trust a man/woman who doesn't close his/her eyes when you kiss.
38. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.
39. If you make a lot of money, put it to use helping others while you are living. That is wealth's greatest satisfaction.
40. Remember that the best relationship is one where your love for each other is greater than your need for each other.
43. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
44. Remember that your character is your destiny.
45. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.
Time Management Quotes
1. Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them and their value will never be known. Improve them and they will become the brightest gems in a useful life. Ralph Waldo Emerson
2. Decide what you want, decide what you are willing to exchange for it. Establish your priorities and get to work. H. L. Hunt
3. Many people fail in life, not for lack of ability or brains or even courage but simply because they have never organized their energies around a goal. Elbert Hubbard
4. A man who dares to waste one hour of life has not discovered the value of life. Charles Darwin
5. Do something every day that you don't want to do; this is the golden rule for acquiring the habit of doing your duty without pain. Mark Twain
6. The tragedy of man is not that man dies, but what dies within man while he is alive. Albert Schweitzer
7. Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time for that is the stuff life is made of. Benjamin Franklin
8. See'st thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before men. Proverbs 22:29
9. Don't start your day until you have it finished on paper first. Jim Rohn
10. And remember that time waits for no one. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present.
2. Decide what you want, decide what you are willing to exchange for it. Establish your priorities and get to work. H. L. Hunt
3. Many people fail in life, not for lack of ability or brains or even courage but simply because they have never organized their energies around a goal. Elbert Hubbard
4. A man who dares to waste one hour of life has not discovered the value of life. Charles Darwin
5. Do something every day that you don't want to do; this is the golden rule for acquiring the habit of doing your duty without pain. Mark Twain
6. The tragedy of man is not that man dies, but what dies within man while he is alive. Albert Schweitzer
7. Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time for that is the stuff life is made of. Benjamin Franklin
8. See'st thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before men. Proverbs 22:29
9. Don't start your day until you have it finished on paper first. Jim Rohn
10. And remember that time waits for no one. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present.
Think about This
You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.
1. At least 2 people in this world love you so much they would die for you.
2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.
4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
6. You mean the world to someone.
7. If not for you, someone may not be living.
8. You are special and unique.
9. Someone that you don't even know exits, loves you.
10. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes form it.
11. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look: you most likely turned your back on the world.
12. When you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won't get it, but if you believe in yourself, probably, sooner or later, you will get it.
13. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.
14. Always tell someone how you feel about them; you will fee much better when they know.
15. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they are great.
1. At least 2 people in this world love you so much they would die for you.
2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.
4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
6. You mean the world to someone.
7. If not for you, someone may not be living.
8. You are special and unique.
9. Someone that you don't even know exits, loves you.
10. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes form it.
11. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look: you most likely turned your back on the world.
12. When you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won't get it, but if you believe in yourself, probably, sooner or later, you will get it.
13. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.
14. Always tell someone how you feel about them; you will fee much better when they know.
15. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they are great.
Quotes
1. If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning. Catherine Aird
2. The business of a leader is to turn weakness into strength, obstacles into stepping stones, and disaster into triumph.
3. Leaders are ordinary people with extraordinary determination.
4. Age is only important when talking of cheese or wine.
5. A good leader inspires people to have confidence in her; a great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves.
2. The business of a leader is to turn weakness into strength, obstacles into stepping stones, and disaster into triumph.
3. Leaders are ordinary people with extraordinary determination.
4. Age is only important when talking of cheese or wine.
5. A good leader inspires people to have confidence in her; a great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
White Bible Ceremony
In the southern United States, the White Bible Ceremony is an old tradition for the bride-to-be, along with the groom-to-be. The couple is honored at a private or public gathering. They are presented with flowers and a white Bible. Each flower is a symbol of an important ingredient necessary for a successful marriage.
This can be an intimate gathering of family and close friends or it can be open to all of the wedding guests, whatever the couple wants. This can be performed by a minister or by one or more family members. Some couples have the mothers of the bride and groom do the ceremony. Other couples include both sets of parents and even grandparents in this important evening.
Consider having this ceremony as a part of your pre-wedding activities, even if you are not from the south. It is a passing on of a beautiful formula for a successful marriage from one generation to another.
The formula? Basically seeking God's guidance in your daily life as a married couple through reading His Word and praying together.
The White Bible Ceremony presents items to build a beautiful bouquet.
You will need:
2 Red Roses
1 Yellow Rose
1 White Rose
1 Red Carnation
1 White Carnation
Bouquet Greenery
Length of Ribbon (about 20")
New White Bible (preferably NIV)
Try not to get a King James Bible if you want the bride and groom to read it often. I prefer the NIV or New International Version Bible as it is easy to understand. King James Bibles usually cost less but are difficult to understand. This means that the King James Bible will probably not be opened very much.
There is a greater chance that the NIV Bible will be read more often by the couple since it is easy to read and understand. If you purchase a study Bible, the couple can better apply the words and teachings to their lives.
There are other modern translations for the couple to receive as well but the NIV is currently the most accurate modern translation.
The ceremony wording can be written by the officiant or a family member or it can be found online.
It is okay to write the wording for your own White Bible Ceremony based on the sample wording below or you can use the sample as is.
Have the couple stand up in front of everyone during the ceremony or they can sit in chairs or on stools facing the audience.
The flowers should be presented to the bride-to-be. As she receives each flower, she will create a bouquet in her hand. The groom-to-be can help her tie it together when the ribbon is presented. Then he can hold the bouquet as the White Bible is presented to her.
________________________________________
We are so happy that (bride's name) and (groom's name) will soon be joined together as man and wife. We, as your family and friends, congratulate you and wish you all of the happiness and joy you deserve as you begin your new life together.
Today we will be giving you two important things which will help you to form a strong marriage in Christ.
The first item is a bouquet of flowers that we will build, flower by flower. Each flower stands for something that no Christian marriage should be without.
The second item is a Bible. The Bible is the inspired Word of God. Each day, as husband and wife, it is important for you to get into the Word of God, both individually and together as a couple. The answers to all of life's problems are inside this book.
(Present the first red rose.)
A man in love sends red roses on special occasions. Roses symbolize love and unity.
Soon, you will build a new home together. Love will be the foundation of your home. The love that the two of you share is romantic or eros love.
Because you are both Christians, you also have God's love, agape love. This is a patient and unselfish love that comes only from Jesus Christ. This is the kind of love you will need in order for your marriage to survive and thrive.
(Present the yellow rose.)
The yellow rose represents a sincere heart, which you both must have. It also stands for unity. United in Christ, you will grow together as one with sincere love for each other, putting each other's needs ahead of your own.
(Present the second red rose with the white rose.)
The red and white roses together represent unity and passion. Allow Christ to unite the two of you as he is one with his Father. Remember that you will be partners for life so decide now to be united in purpose and in passion.
Talk things over before making hasty decisions. Consult each other. Listen calmly and allow your partner to express his or her emotions. Do not stop communicating openly with each other.
(Present the red carnation.)
This red carnation represents your engagement which was a big decision for both of you. Hopefully, you both prayed to God for guidance in choosing the best possible mate when you started dating. God helped you to make this decision.
You will make many decisions during your marriage. Always remember to pray first and ask God for his divine guidance, not just in the big things, but in all things.
(Present the white carnation.)
This white carnation represents purity. Only Christ can cleanse and purify your hearts and minds from all unrighteousness. Pray often for cleansing so that you are pure in heart as you share your lives.
(Present the greenery.)
This green foliage symbolizes your growth in Christ as you share your lives with each other. As you become more spiritually mature in Christ, you will draw closer to each other and your relationship with each other will deepen.
When and if you are given the gift of children, you will show them how to live a godly life.
(Present the ribbon.)
This ribbon is to tie your bouquet together in the same way that your love for each other binds you together.
When you say your marriage vows you will promise to live with each other for better or worse. We ask God's blessings on your marriage for the better. But there will be times when it seems to be for the worse.
During these times, read God's Word, pray, and trust God to lead you through the tough times. He will never leave you or forsake you.
(Present the White Bible)
(Bride's name) and (Groom's name), turn to God's word each day, looking for Divine guidance from your heavenly Father. He will provide you with everything you need for a successful union.
Read the Bible everyday, in good times and in bad, in times of sorrow and in joy, in times of financial success and failure, in times of illness and in health, as your children are born, as you raise them , and as they leave your home as young adults.
Read your White Bible together and pray, expecting the Lord to bless you greatly.
This can be an intimate gathering of family and close friends or it can be open to all of the wedding guests, whatever the couple wants. This can be performed by a minister or by one or more family members. Some couples have the mothers of the bride and groom do the ceremony. Other couples include both sets of parents and even grandparents in this important evening.
Consider having this ceremony as a part of your pre-wedding activities, even if you are not from the south. It is a passing on of a beautiful formula for a successful marriage from one generation to another.
The formula? Basically seeking God's guidance in your daily life as a married couple through reading His Word and praying together.
The White Bible Ceremony presents items to build a beautiful bouquet.
You will need:
2 Red Roses
1 Yellow Rose
1 White Rose
1 Red Carnation
1 White Carnation
Bouquet Greenery
Length of Ribbon (about 20")
New White Bible (preferably NIV)
Try not to get a King James Bible if you want the bride and groom to read it often. I prefer the NIV or New International Version Bible as it is easy to understand. King James Bibles usually cost less but are difficult to understand. This means that the King James Bible will probably not be opened very much.
There is a greater chance that the NIV Bible will be read more often by the couple since it is easy to read and understand. If you purchase a study Bible, the couple can better apply the words and teachings to their lives.
There are other modern translations for the couple to receive as well but the NIV is currently the most accurate modern translation.
The ceremony wording can be written by the officiant or a family member or it can be found online.
It is okay to write the wording for your own White Bible Ceremony based on the sample wording below or you can use the sample as is.
Have the couple stand up in front of everyone during the ceremony or they can sit in chairs or on stools facing the audience.
The flowers should be presented to the bride-to-be. As she receives each flower, she will create a bouquet in her hand. The groom-to-be can help her tie it together when the ribbon is presented. Then he can hold the bouquet as the White Bible is presented to her.
________________________________________
We are so happy that (bride's name) and (groom's name) will soon be joined together as man and wife. We, as your family and friends, congratulate you and wish you all of the happiness and joy you deserve as you begin your new life together.
Today we will be giving you two important things which will help you to form a strong marriage in Christ.
The first item is a bouquet of flowers that we will build, flower by flower. Each flower stands for something that no Christian marriage should be without.
The second item is a Bible. The Bible is the inspired Word of God. Each day, as husband and wife, it is important for you to get into the Word of God, both individually and together as a couple. The answers to all of life's problems are inside this book.
(Present the first red rose.)
A man in love sends red roses on special occasions. Roses symbolize love and unity.
Soon, you will build a new home together. Love will be the foundation of your home. The love that the two of you share is romantic or eros love.
Because you are both Christians, you also have God's love, agape love. This is a patient and unselfish love that comes only from Jesus Christ. This is the kind of love you will need in order for your marriage to survive and thrive.
(Present the yellow rose.)
The yellow rose represents a sincere heart, which you both must have. It also stands for unity. United in Christ, you will grow together as one with sincere love for each other, putting each other's needs ahead of your own.
(Present the second red rose with the white rose.)
The red and white roses together represent unity and passion. Allow Christ to unite the two of you as he is one with his Father. Remember that you will be partners for life so decide now to be united in purpose and in passion.
Talk things over before making hasty decisions. Consult each other. Listen calmly and allow your partner to express his or her emotions. Do not stop communicating openly with each other.
(Present the red carnation.)
This red carnation represents your engagement which was a big decision for both of you. Hopefully, you both prayed to God for guidance in choosing the best possible mate when you started dating. God helped you to make this decision.
You will make many decisions during your marriage. Always remember to pray first and ask God for his divine guidance, not just in the big things, but in all things.
(Present the white carnation.)
This white carnation represents purity. Only Christ can cleanse and purify your hearts and minds from all unrighteousness. Pray often for cleansing so that you are pure in heart as you share your lives.
(Present the greenery.)
This green foliage symbolizes your growth in Christ as you share your lives with each other. As you become more spiritually mature in Christ, you will draw closer to each other and your relationship with each other will deepen.
When and if you are given the gift of children, you will show them how to live a godly life.
(Present the ribbon.)
This ribbon is to tie your bouquet together in the same way that your love for each other binds you together.
When you say your marriage vows you will promise to live with each other for better or worse. We ask God's blessings on your marriage for the better. But there will be times when it seems to be for the worse.
During these times, read God's Word, pray, and trust God to lead you through the tough times. He will never leave you or forsake you.
(Present the White Bible)
(Bride's name) and (Groom's name), turn to God's word each day, looking for Divine guidance from your heavenly Father. He will provide you with everything you need for a successful union.
Read the Bible everyday, in good times and in bad, in times of sorrow and in joy, in times of financial success and failure, in times of illness and in health, as your children are born, as you raise them , and as they leave your home as young adults.
Read your White Bible together and pray, expecting the Lord to bless you greatly.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Chicken a la King Recipe
Here is a great new recipe that I tried.
1 (10 oz.) package frozen puff pastry shells
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
2 tablespoon butter or margarine, melted
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1/2 cup milk
2 cups chopped chicken cooked
1 (2 oz.) jar diced pimientos, drained
1. Bake pastry shells according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, saute green pepper in butter in a large skillet until tender. Add soup and milk; stir until smooth. Stir in chicken and pimiento. Cook over medium high heat, stirring constantly until heated.
3. Spoon chicken mixture into pastry shells.
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
*It takes 3 to 4 chicken breast halves to yield 2 cups of chopped meat.
1 (10 oz.) package frozen puff pastry shells
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
2 tablespoon butter or margarine, melted
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1/2 cup milk
2 cups chopped chicken cooked
1 (2 oz.) jar diced pimientos, drained
1. Bake pastry shells according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, saute green pepper in butter in a large skillet until tender. Add soup and milk; stir until smooth. Stir in chicken and pimiento. Cook over medium high heat, stirring constantly until heated.
3. Spoon chicken mixture into pastry shells.
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
*It takes 3 to 4 chicken breast halves to yield 2 cups of chopped meat.
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