Glitz and Glamour!

"In 1893, George Washington Scribner, being lured into farming by the rich, deep soils of the Sacramento River Delta, settled along what is now called Scribner Bend. The river bend became a vital shipping point, picking up produce, mail and passengers by steam boat.

"The Scribner family ranch runs along the Sacramento Delta where the family has farmed for over 100 years. Their most recent addition is their Scribner Bend Vineyards.

"The original barn built in 1918 was featured in Sunset Magazine’s March issue “Winter Roaming along the Sacramento River” in 2002. Today the barn has been completely renovated and transformed into a unique tasting experience that includes the new Tuscan indoor venue room, tasting room and event for weddings, picnics, birthdays, reunions and more."

I have had the pleasure of performing many wedding ceremonies at Scribner Bend, most recently last Friday (May 7th). The weather was warm, the breeze was minimal, the ambiance was welcoming, and the ceremony was personalized and perfect for Alex and Laura.

On Sunday, May 23rd, from noon to 5:00 p.m., Scribner Bend Vineyards will be showcasing some of the finest wedding professionals in the Sacramento area. I'll be there, and I hope you'll come visit this beautiful wedding venue, enjoy some wonderful wine or champagne, and meet some of the best people in the wedding business!

PS: Tickets are $15 at the door. However, the first five brides who contact me can get in for free as my guest!

Love Cannot Be Hidden

I am reading a little book called "Let Nothing Disturb You." It's a 30-day meditation book based on the works of Teresa of Avila.

Today's meditation is this:

My Day Begins:

The soul that truly loves God
loves all good,
protects all good,
praises all good,
joins itself to good people,
helps and defends them,
and embraces all the virtues.
It loves only what is truly worth loving.

Do you think that it is possible
for anyone who truly loves God,
to care for vanities, riches,
or worldly pleasures and honors?
Such a person cannot quarrel or feel envy,
for she aims at nothing
but pleasing the object of her love.
Whether your love of God is great or small,
it must show itself.
Love for God can never be concealed.

When you love God deeply,
it will be plainly evident in many ways,
for a large fire throws a bright and clear flame.

A love that is strong and just,
that grows for as long as we live,
that there is no reason ever to end,
a love that is returned so fully --
can a love such as this be concealed?

If you ask me how such a love is to be attained,
my answer is:
Resolve firmly to do and suffer for God,
putting your resolution into action
whenever the opportunity occurs.
Your love must not be just something you imagine,
something you desire.
You must prove it by works.


I think this is beautiful, and I would like to modify it a bit, either to include in the "Marriage Address" portion of a wedding ceremony, and/or to offer as a vow that might be included in personal vows.

Is it appropriate for a wedding ceremony? I would love your thoughts and comments.

Love,
Rev. Jeri

Advice from the experts ... married couples!

Recently I posted a question on my Facebook Fan Page: "What is the best love / romance advice you have for newlyweds?"

The respondents varied from a soon-to-be-wed bride (May 2010) to a woman who will be celebrating 55 years of marriage in December! (What an inspiration you are, Nancy!)

Here are some of the responses:

From Nancy G., who has been married for 30 years: Choose your battles, don't dwell on the small stuff, it's not worth it.

From Patty G.: Never go to bed mad or without resolving an argument! ... Happily married for 7 years...together for almost 12!

Carrie P., who will marry Paul on May 29th, says: The most important thing to remember is respect. As long as you respect your partner, and they respect you, everything else will fall in place.

From Kathy H. a newlywed of one year: Never take one another for granted ~ appreciate the little things ~ hold hands ~ put a little love note where it will be found when you are not around.

David B. has this sage advice: Don't EVER say that whatever your spouse does to irritate you, that they remind them of one of their parents .....example: "You act like your Father/Mother!" :(
That's like dropping cluster bombs!!!!!!

And Nancy F., married since December of 1955, says: You must nourish a marriage--it cannot survive without respect, faith, trust , and humor -- a couple may become a family-but they need to always remember they were the original spark-and need to retain their own relationship , as their lives change throughout the years.

Excellent advice, from the experts.

So, what's YOUR best advice on love and romance? I'd love to hear from you!

Rev. Jeri