What's All the Fuss About?!?

Finally, the wedding that the Duggar Fans have been waiting for, Jill and Derick Dillard. I dare say the most popular wedding of the heavily booked wedding day. What made her wedding so unique from all of the other thousands of weddings that took place Saturday, June 21, 2014? (besides the fact that she's a Duggar!) The Kiss, of course!

While I'm sure there were a FEW other brides married on Saturday that shared Jill and Derick's belief of saving the kiss for their wedding day, most did not.

In a society where many biblical morals and values are put aside for "times have changed." The purpose and meaning of those are lost, until a family on a reality show live by what many would call out of date rules.

Webster's dictionary defines a kiss: To Salute with the lips, as a mark of affection, reverence, submission, forgiveness, etc. Interestingly, the first mention of a kiss in scriptures is when Jacob was betraying his father Isaac in Genesis 27:26-27. Obviously, there had been thousands of marriages prior to this time, but oddly no mention of a kiss only the physical act of marriage until this story.

Based on biblical teachings, "The kiss symbolized the sealing of a legal contract or bond. The kiss is also  a symbol of commitment, which is why it is so important that a person not kiss before marriage," As stated in the book The Sacredness of a Christian Wedding. An example of this meaning being when Judas kissed Jesus in the garden. "His was a hypocritical act that took the sacred symbol of commitment and turned it into an appalling act of betrayal."

To Christian's who believe that their bodies are the temple of God, they guard their hearts and bodies to live a Christ honoring life for His name's sake. This requires devotion and dedication to the Lord. When a relationship starts with respect for the spiritual well being of another the physical will be a sweet reward God prepared for marriage. Just as Sarah referred to sex as "pleasure" in Genesis 18:12, when she over heard the angel of the Lord telling Abraham that she would have a son, doesn't kissing someone you're romantically fond of pleasure you? Arousing desires that can't be righteously fulfilled as a Christian outside of marriage.

Derick said, "You can really get to know each other on every level without the physical part of it."

Jill said, "We want to save the physical side of our relationship for our wedding day and not go further than we should." "If you are kissing, it gets more intimate. Obviously, you can kiss and not have sex. It's about setting a higher standard so you don't struggle with temptation."

Could kissing (and beyond) be asking (or requiring) your mate to pleasure you before you commit? Putting the physical desires above a persons spiritual needs? A slightly selfish act?

You must admit the decision to wait is a difficult one. Growing up we learn to affectionately kiss those we hold dear. As their hearts have knit together the natural urge to kiss those you love grows with it, but to control that urge can only be controlled by a greater love for their Saviour.

I seriously doubt either of them were disappointed in their first kiss or the many thousands they've had by now. They held to their beliefs and are enjoying the joy of a clear conscience and the  "PLEASURE" that came with the wait.

Congratulations to Derick and Jill! May you live Happily Ever After.

Want to use this article in your E-zine or website? You can as long as you include this complete statement:

Owner of Simply Elegant, Dana Ellison publishes "Fancy That" a bi-weekly e-zine. Get your FR*EE modest brides shopping guide: "What Every MODEST Bride MUST Know to Turn Wedding Gown Shopping into a Delightful Experience" at www.simplyelegantforyou.com . Get updates, ideas and sneak peaks on her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/simplyelegantforyou

Modest Brides Trunk Show

Once your phone number is posted on the internet it's impossible to remove it. Seven years later we still get calls from brides in Knoxville wanting to shop for MODEST weddings gowns. For most of them the drive is just a little too far for their busy schedule.

We are excited to announce our first Modest Brides Trunk Show in Knoxville, TN on November 7 & 8. 

Experience a private showing of our Best Selling styles with your closest family and friends.

Schedule your gown consultation by October 11 for 10% off your gown purchase at the show. Only 8 appointments are available!

For this special show we do require a $25 consultation fee to confirm your appointment. This will be applied to any purchase and is refundable if cancelled 5 business days prior to your appointment.

We have reserved a lovely suite at the Homewood Suites. Conveniently located in the Turkey Creek shopping area; it's close to the I-75 and I-40 intersections for brides coming from all directions.

For brides planning an overnight stay ask for Darrin when booking your room. Mention the Simply Elegant Show for a special rate.

Essential Wedding Invitiation Etiquette

When your guests receive an invitation to your wedding, they receive an impression of your preparation. The invitation conveys the style, tone, formality and details to your upcoming event. They also represent your personal sense of style. As always, it is important to remember when formatting them that consideration for your guests is a primary concern. By using proper etiquette you show respect for your guests and in turn can expect the same in prompt responses and gracious gifts. So what are the do's and don'ts?

Do's:

• Do allow plenty of time. Plan enough time in your schedule to carefully address, assemble and mail your invitations.
• Do get organized. Develop a system for addressing and mailing your invitations. Prepare by gathering names and addresses of everyone on your guest list.
• Arrange each piece that goes into the invitation in a stack, in the order it will be picked up, assembled and inserted into the envelope.
• Do ask for help. Invite friends, family and bridal attendants to help assemble invitations.
• Do use the name of all guests when possible. It is much warmer and more welcoming to use the correct names of those who will accompany your guests on invitations instead of "and guest."
• Do use correct titles. It's flattering when invitations are addressed correctly. This means using appropriate titles and spelling names correctly.When in doubt ask before addressing.

Don'ts:

• Don't forget to include any appropriate inserts. This would include maps, directions or hotel information for out of town guests.
• Don't include registry or gift information with your invitation. It is in poor taste to insert a list of places where the bride and groom are registered or a checklist of things they want and don't want.
• Don't use a standby guestlist. When possible invite your entire guest list at the same time rather than waiting to see how many people accept before sending out the second round of invitations. When the guest list is carefully planned and when you consider the likelihood that 10-20 percent of invited guests typically send regrets this approach is much more straight forward than using a  stand by list.
• Don't address invitations with labels. Always address wedding invitations by hand, even when inviting hundreds of guests.

Were these helpful tips? Do you have some suggestions to add? Post your comments below. 

Tips were taken from emilypost.com

Teaching Modesty

The responsibility and influence Christian teachers have is such a tremendous opportunity. This article greatly encouraged me since modesty is where my heart is. What a great reminder of the importance of praying for the teachers in our schools as they help shape the lives of our young people.

Modesty: the Lost Identity