Resources for Christian Women, Encouragement for Families
Blessings with Laura Story
Laura Story and Jane Vos
I had the privilege of attending a brunch and concert at Mitchell Road Presbyterian Church, June 2013. I was attending the PCA General Assembly as an exhibitor with Five More Talents. A few months ago, I had signed up for the concert and brunch, not realizing Laura Story was going to be there.
Driving in the rain a couple years ago, I heard the song Blessings playing on the radio. I began to cry and wondered who wrote it and if I could ever find all the words.
God had a bigger picture and I was totally surprised to have the privilege of sharing that time with Laura Story. I had my picture taken after we talked a few minutes. Laura also autographed my CD.
When Laura Story penned her now-famous song “Blessings,” she could hardly have imagined the way it would affect people from across the globe; or the acclaim it would bring. Laura won a GRAMMY award for the song – Best Contempary Christian Song in 2012.
At the brunch that morning, Laura shared about her husband’s diagnosis of a brain tumor going into the second year of her marriage. She explained that his vision and memory are still impaired. In the midst of disability, in the context of going through this, Laura sings the song, “Blessings.”
I married a creative man!!
My husband is a social marketing strategist!? Enjoy his latest project!
He has entered this video in a contest to promote Ford’s new Fiesta!
Another Wedding Coming Up!
Yes, our home is a flurry of activity as we prepare for another child to be married – this time, a daughter.? Being a traditional family, we are putting on the event, and with great joy!? We are preparing to release our daughter, in a sense, giving the responsibility of protection and provision to her beloved.
So what advice would I give to a family with lots of children, especially several daughters?? Since some have asked, I would say to begin the conversation now, between husband and wife, regarding courtship (what is it?), budget, expectations and more.?? Some have lumped dating and courtship together.? But the big difference is that a man and a woman in a courtship are heading towards marriage.? Dating, however, seems to imply a lack of commitment.? Yes, some who “date around” end up marrying that one, but dating around can leave great wounds.
Why talk about the budget when your children are young or teens?? Because this is a big issue.? We know folks who have gone into debt to put on their child’s wedding.? We know folks who spent $40,000 on the wedding only to be divorced a couple years later.? A wedding is a wonderful celebration, but it can be lovely and memorable even on a modest budget.? So, set a budget now, while you are thinking clearly, and when the time comes, make every effort to stick to it.? Pray, be creative, do some research.
In our case, our daughter wanted lots of guests, 100’s in fact.? So, the sit down dinner option was nixed.? But we will have delicious food for the guests:? fruits, vegeys, crackers, cheeses, shrimp, desserts, hors de voures, etc.? The setting is our home church for the ceremony and reception.? Since children are very important to the bride to be the wedding party includes 2 ring bearers and 4 flower girls, in addition to 7 bridesmaids and 7 groomsmen, ushers, musicians, and 2 ministers presiding.
This is also a time to let go……….to realize that the couple is establishing a new home.? It’s time to say, “I’ve raised you and love you and will continue to love you.? But if you want advice from now on, you will need to come to me and ask.”? That can be a very hard thing to grasp for a parent, especially a controlling parent.? But do you really want to treat your 20 something child like he/she still has a diaper on?? Cut the apron strings, in fact, start to loosen them little by little as the years roll on from ages, let’s say 1 , until the late teens.
Rejoice with us at this time!!