African-American Wedding Music

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Building Faith Online


What makes your wedding uniquely African-American?

It’s easy to adopt Western traditions. Even in Africa, brides are choosing to go with Western-style weddings.

You can preserve your heritage in your wedding with African-American wedding music. What does this mean exactly?

Most couples have their own taste in music and that usually means the popular music of the day. But let’s explore the roots of African-American music for your African-American wedding music…

Spirituals

Blues

Rags

Jazz

Swing

Perhaps these styles don’t seem like they will fit into YOUR wedding, but look deeper.

If you are having a Christian ceremony, the spiritual fits well into the wedding. The spiritual is one of the most significant genres of American music. Yes, many of them are mournful, speaking of hope beyond present day circumstances, but many are stirring and uplifting, professing their faith. Try A little more faith in Jesus…

All I want, All I want, All I want is a little more faith in Jesus

Whenever we meet you here we say, A little more faith in Jesus

What’s the order of the day? A little more faith in Jesus.

I tell you now as I told you before,

A little more faith in Jesus,

To the promise land I’m bound to go,

A little more faith in Jesus.

What an exciting way to start a joyous occasion!

The blues are another uniquely African-American musical form. Now you might think the blues are just way too depressing for a happy wedding day. Blues music reflected the newly-acquired freedom of slaves in America. There are many songs that have a sad origin, but in the context of a happy wedding, work well. Consider, for example, Can’t help lovin’ that man of mine from the movie “Show Boat.” Yes, she lost her man in the movie, but he’s all yours on your wedding day and the words convey a beautiful sentiment…

Fish gotta swim, birds gotta fly,

I gotta love one man ’til I die,

So I can’t help lovin’ that man of mine.

Rags or rag-time – another great African-American tradition. Ever heard of Scott Joplin? This pianist extraordinaire practically invented the idiom. If you saw the movie “The Sting,” you heard a lot of rags. This style predated jazz and reached its popularity in the first two decades of the 20th century. Most rags are upbeat and could work as prelude music, and would be fantastic during the cocktail hour or during dinner. You could hire a pianist to play a selection of rags.

Jazz is the epitome of African-American art and is fabulous African-American wedding music. All you need to do is hire a great jazz band and your reception will be awesome. And don’t forget that swing!

Jazz can work well in the ceremony as well. Embraceable You and The Nearness of You are great jazz vocal solos as the mothers are seated or when the bridal party is entering.

Drums – If you want something really exciting and truly African, why not process down the aisle to a traditional African drum beat with musicians dressed in traditional garb? Contact your local university music department, music union, or music store, and ask if they know of any African drum ensembles. Or do an on-line search for an African drum ensemble.

Make your wedding a true cultural heritage experience with African-American wedding music.
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How do you choose the godparents for your child?

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Building Faith Online
I am 22 weeks pregnant now and we need to start thinking about this. My husband is Catholic, so he will want to have godparents for our little boy. We each have one full-blooded sister. Both of our sisters are married and are in stable relationships. We want the godparents to be the legal guardians for the child should something happen to us. My husband’s family is Catholic and mine is Protestant, but I don’t that matters overly much, especially for legal matters. My husband’s sister asked us to be the godparents for her newborn son. My sister has no children yet. I don’t particularly like my sister-in-law’s attitude in general and she and her husband argue a lot. My sister and her husband have a wonderful marriage and are the nicest people in the world, but can be a little unemotional at times. I’m torn with this and know it’s really going to hurt one of their feelings when we choose the other one. How do you go about doing this? I would want my sister and my husband would want his.
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Seven Gifts Of The Holy Spirit

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Building Faith Online




One of the major aspects of the Sacrament of Confirmation are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit that are bestowed on the candidate when they are sealed with the Holy Spirit. The candidate when participating in Confirmation accepts that their mission is to be witnesses of Jesus in their families and communities. And, the reception of those gifts helps each candidate succeed on their mission.

The gifts are wisdom, understanding, knowledge, fortitude, counsel, piety and fear of the Lord are the seven gifts although the gifts will manifest themselves over the candidates lifetime.

The gift of wisdom gives the confirmed the gift to see the worlds though Gods eyes and viewpoint. This will help us to understand the purpose of Gods plan for us and for the world. The candidate also has the ability to formulate a historical perspective and help have an enlightened view of history and how the present and the past work together and affect the mystery of the future. This is also known as speculative reason according to St. Thomas Aquinas, in Summa Theologica.

The gift of knowledge helps the confirmed use thoughtful reflection and contemplation on the mystery of God. It also helps with the mysteries of the Trinity and as well as the Catholic faith, according to the United States Catholic Catechism. This gift also helps draw the candidate to a meditative prayer, meaning the candidate is open for God to lead them while they are just quietly listening. Often this is practiced during Adoration. This is what Aquinas called practical reasoning.

The gift of understanding is to help the candidate learn themselves and how to grow in knowing God. St. Augustine used the prayer “That I May know You, may I know Myself.” We are all made in God’s image and as we come to know ourselves we also learn about God and who he is. This is also what Aquinas calls common sense.

The gift of fortitude is also known as the courage. The confirmed can used this gift to stand up for Jesus and his teaching. According to Aquinas, this gift is the firmness that is required to do good and to stand up to evil. This gift is more evident when the good or evil is particularly more difficult.

The gift of counsel is also known as right judgment and is the perfection of practical reasoning. And after the candidates learns though research how the candidate applies the knowledge. As this gift grows and we are faced with moral dilemmas we are more apt to make the better or more moral decision, according to Aquinas.

The gift of piety is the reverence and respect we show to the Father. Reverence may be learned from parents and teachers. This gift is often renewed during liturgy where it is a reminder to teach us reverence. Aquinas says at the instigation of the Holy Spirit we pay worship and duty to God as our Father.

And lastly the gift of Fear of the Lord, allows us the awe of the majesty of God. This also is a what makes us grateful wonder of God and his love for the candidate. According to Aquinas this is also the fear of separating themselves from God.

According to Aquinas the summary of the gifts is that the first 4 gifts direct the intellect and the last 3 direct the candidates will toward God making the confirmed a powerful messenger for Christ and His teachings.


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First Communion Celebrations Become Elaborate

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Building Faith Online


Move over…weddings, sweet sixteens, and bar and bat mitzvahs. Here come the First Communion celebrations! While First Communion celebrations were relatively low-key small family celebrations years ago, the last decade has demonstrated a trend toward extravagance and elaborate celebrations. Parents of children who will be receiving the sacrament of First Holy Communion begin to plan for these celebrations months well in advance of the event date. First Communions generally take place as early as January and as late as June, with the bulk of churches celebrating the sacrament within the months of March, April and May of every year. The majority of the communicants are usually 7 or 8 years old, but the sacrament can be received by persons of any age.

The first item of consideration should be whether to have the celebration at home or at a public place such as a restaurant, country club, banquet hall, etc. Most places require a reservation months in advance to ensure a guaranteed spot. The next item to consider is your guest list. Just as recommended for weddings, you should have an “A” list and a “B” list, with guests on your “A” list receiving priority. Mail out invitations to guests on the “A” list and for every regret you receive, mail out one invitation from the “B” list, etc. Since we are on the subject of invitations – this may be the very first impression you give your guests as far as setting the tone of the event. A very simple, casual invitation will demonstrate your guests that the event will be rather low-key and casual, while a more formal, custom printed and elaborate invitation, will point to a more elegant and refined affair.

First Communion invitations range from the simple “fill-in-the-blank” variety to unique and elaborate imported European invitations which have become a very hot commodity in this market. Parents want to make a statement of uniqueness and individuality and will go the extra mile to find something along these lines. European invitations have trickled into the U.S. social stationery market during the last 10 years, but are not entirely easy to find. There are a number of limited retailers on the internet which do offer these invitations so an internet search would be recommended. An alternative to regular First Communion invitations, which is in very strong demand, is utilizing what are known as European First Communion remembrance cards as invitations. The tradition behind First Communion remembrance cards originated in Europe well over a century ago. In many European countries, First Communion remembrance cards are handed to guests to commemorate the special day. These remembrance cards have the child’s name and communion date printed on them. There is the holy card style in which the information is printed either on the front or back of the card depending on the card itself. There is also the “folder” style in which the traditional information or invitation wording is printed on a translucent vellum insert held to the folder card with a gold-tone elastic cord.

The celebration will usually consist of a luncheon or dinner. Have a professional take a portrait of your child dressed in the traditional First Communion attire. Frame the portrait and place it on a table designated for gifts from the guests where you can also have a guestbook to record the visitors on that day. A beautiful way to keep a good record of the day is to use a traditional European mother-of-pearl First Communion photo/record album which provides pages for inserting photos as well as a guest register.

Have a table assigned just for the First Communion cake. First Communion cakes have become rather elaborate and are an art form in itself so be sure to take pictures of the cake before it is cut. Surround the cake with a layer of fanned out personalized napkins which have a first communion symbol and the child’s name and communion date printed on them. Decorate guest table settings with first communion favors. First Communion favors can be cute or simply religious mementos but be sure to decorate the favors with personalized ribbon to give the item the special touch it deserves.

Parents can have lots of fun planning this special day’s celebration with their children. Your child’s First Communion will undoubtedly be one of the most special days in your child’s life. While celebrating can be lots of fun for children, parents need to remind themselves and their families of not overshadowing the spiritual significance of the sacrament being celebrated.
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Traditional Christian Wedding Vows

Posted on January 22, 2012 by Building Faith Online


The wedding vows are the words that you utter as a promise to your significant other. The vows may be traditional, or personalized. Traditional vows are vows that were used over and over. The vows were handed down from generations. Personalized Wedding Vows were made up vows by the Groom and Bride. Many couples feel deeply for each other and like to express their feelings. So, the couple opts to make their own wedding vows.

Here are three traditional Roman Catholic Wedding Vows

Groom: I (name), take you (name) to be my wife. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.

Bride: I (name), take you (name) to be my husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.

Groom: I (name), take you (name) for my lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.

Bride: I (name), take you (name) for my lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.

Groom: In the name of God, I (name) take you (name) to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.

Bride: In the name of God, I (name) take you (name) to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.

Here is a traditional Baptist Wedding Vows

Groom: I, (Name), take thee, (Name), to be my wife, and before God and these witnesses I promise to be a faithful and true husband.

Bride: I, (Name), take thee, (Name), to be my husband, and before God and these witnesses I promise to be a faithful and true wife.

Here are three traditional Episcopal Wedding Vows

Groom: I, (Name), take thee, (Name), to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, ’til death do us part, according to God’s ordinance; and thereto I pledge thee my troth.

Bride: I, (Name), take thee, (Name), to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, ’til death do us part, according to God’s ordinance; and thereto I pledge thee my troth.

Groom: (Name), I vow to be your faithful husband, understanding that marriage is a lifelong union, and not to be entered into lightly, for the purpose of mutual fellowship, encouragement and understanding; for the procreation of children and their physical and spiritual nurture. I hereby give myself to you in this cause, with my sacred vow before God.

Bride: (Name), I vow to be your faithful wife, understanding that marriage is a lifelong union, and not to be entered into lightly, for the purpose of mutual fellowship, encouragement and understanding; for the procreation of children and their physical and spiritual nurture. I hereby give myself to you in this cause, with my sacred vow before God.

Groom: In the Name of God, I, (Name), take you, (Name), to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.

Bride: In the Name of God, I, (Name), take you, (Name), to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.

The wedding exchange of vows is an important part of the wedding ceremony. There is no wedding ceremony without wedding vows. The witnesses take note of the wedding vows, and hold the couple accountable.
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Personalised gifts will make any special day feel much more amazing

Posted on January 21, 2012 by Building Faith Online


Click on this cool site www.personalbabygifts.co.uk If you or a loved one has any religious belief or faith, you will know that commemorating the special occasions is extremely important. Children will experience a number of special events and a personalised gift or commemorative jewellery can help ensure the memory of the day stays vibrant for the people involved.

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So far, I’m seeing NONE of the change that Obama promised; have you seen ANY of it yet?

Posted on January 20, 2012 by Building Faith Online


Sorry for such a long post but our new Administration has gotten off to a fast start. lol

1 – Bill Richardson: An almost–Secretary of Commerce who has a history of ethical “issues” and is now caught up in the grip of a pay-to-play scandal back home in New Mexico.

2 – Timothy Geithner: A Secretary of the Treasury who won’t pay his SS & Medicare taxes until compelled to by the IRS. If you or I pulled that crap, we’d be charged with a felony – and rightfully so!

3 – Nancy Killefer: Slid into the job of Obama’s Chief Performance Officer for the United States Government while having cheated on her taxes. It seems that she refused to pay the SS & Medicare taxes on her household help. She was going to be allowed to keep her job until it became clear that was NOT going to pass the smell test with the American people.

4 – Tom Daschle: A former Senate Majority Leader and almost–Secretary of HHS who won’t pay his income taxes. Not only Barry, but the Senate, too (including most of the Republicans), were prepared to confirm this bum anyway. It seems that the ONLY reason he got the heave-ho was because Barry couldn’t keep tax cheats Tim & Tom while tax cheat Nancy got the boot. THAT would be sexist, you see. These Dems and their PC crap – sometimes ya really gotta laugh! lol

5 – Barry Obama: A President who, to the loud clapping of good–government types, issues an executive order banning lobbyists from his Administration and who, immediately thereafter, this time to dead silence, authorizes waivers for lobbyists that he wants in his Administration. “Our waiver provisions are designed to allow uniquely qualified individuals…to serve the public interest in these critical times,” Presidental spokesman Robert Gibbs said. Uh–huh, I think I got it; it goes like this, right? BUSINESS AS USUAL. Doh!

6 – More Barry Obama: A President who turns over the responsiblity for creating a “stimulus” plan to Nancy Pelosi and her gang in the House of Representatives. They immediately, and without ANY input from the other party, turn out the world’s biggest pig and then start screaming “It HAS to be passed NOW!!!” What they meant, of course, was “It HAS to be passed BEFORE anyone has a chance to look at it!” Whatever happened to that BIPARTISAN spirit we were promised; maybe Little Nancy didn’t get the memo, do ya ‘spose?

7 – Even More Barry Obama: A President who issues an order closing the Guantánamo Bay Detention Camp but then doesn’t close it; no, instead, he’s going to spend up to a year (or longer) figuring out HOW to close it! Shades of the banning of lobbyists fraud. BTW, don’t know if you picked up on it or not but Eric Holder, sanctioner as Ass’t. Attorney General of Bill Clinton’s pardons of felons who’d paid Bill’s family members for said pardons and now Attorney General of the United States, quietly stated during his confirmation hearing that the Administration would reserve the right to engage in (what the Dems like to call) torture under “unusual circumstances”. Read: Under the SAME CIRCUMSTANCES under which BUSH II engaged in “torture.” Oh, and the extraordinary reditions program that was instituted by none other than Bill Clinton himself? Gee, well, there may be some of those same “unusual circumstances” where it will be necessary to keep on keepin’ on with that practice, too. Hmm…change?

I could go on, but you get the idea.

So, sports fans, I’m not seeing ONE IOTA of change here. Are you?

Oh, I KNOW, the boy has a ‘D’ after his name instead of an ‘R’ – big deal!

Like the little old lady said: “WHERE’S THE BEEF!?!”

I’ll tell you what I think. This guy Obama is going to turn out to be a HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT to the average American. He promised things he couldn’t deliver on and, it turns out, NEVER INTENDED to deliver on. His party is gonna take it in the shorts in the midterm elections and, unless he gets it figured out, he may well be limited to one term – a la Jimbo Carter, a misfit for the Presidency if ever there was one.

Barry’s lack of qualifications, especially when it comes to managing the wild dogs in the House, are really coming home to roost. And his Say–One–Thing–and–Do–Another isn’t exactly what we signed up for. Too bad for us.
Dan – Son, STOP drinking the Kook-Aid!
Bob Muffin – Congrats on not going ANYWHERE NEAR the question!
ValGal995 – Well, GOD KNOWS I’d never do anything on purpose to annoy your precious little self! lol

BTW, the reason for referring to Presidents with pet names is to bring the boys down to size. But, then, you ALREADY KNEW that, right?
Brandon – I, too, hope that Barry has (many, many) shoes sent his way! lol
Kara – Thanks for the pointer to Levin’s piece on torture; would that the Weak Sisters would read it and take it to heart. Alas, that crowd seems to have a very effective force sheild up when it comes to common sense.
Kunukaraya – Yes, Barry has been in office only a very, very short time. And, being in Sri Lanka and not in the States, you may not have soaked in the bath of bold promises made by Barry over the last 18 months but I can tell you this: When, after only a very, very short time in office, the President is seen to be doing PRECISELY the opposite of what he PROMISED, he WILL be called on it. So, I would submit to you that it is not at all too early to begin doing just that.

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christening money gift?

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Building Faith Online


I am going to be a godmother and I would like to gift money for the baby. What is the best way to give money so I make sure it is for the baby’s future and parents won’t spend it? I don’t want to ask directly for the baby’s college or savings account, as I know he has one, I don’t think it is appropriate. Any ideas?

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Communion Supplies – Finding The Right Online Store

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Building Faith Online




Preparing for your child’s First Holy Communion has never been so easy. With so many online communion supply stores, the process of finding what you need has become much easier. With all of these different stores to choose from, you should be able to find one that offers quality communion supplies at a great value.

Once you create your list of guests, it will become easy for you to pick up the right number of supplies. The online stores are generally one stop shops that help you order communion supplies where you could evade the risk of forgetting any item. Shopping by category also helps make sure you don’t forget anything that you need for the first communion. And of course don’t forget to order the appropriate outfit for your child the veil, dress and appropriate shoes for girls and usually dress pants and a nice white shirt for boys.

One of the most important parts of First Communion parties is the stationery and gifts. Of course you will need to send out personalized Holy Communion invites and afterwards nice thank you cards. Some gift ideas include the religious cross necklaces, ornaments, figurines, communion medals, dolls and bears, bibles and books, or albums and photo frames. For party supplies, be sure to consider banners, decorations, favors, centerpieces and many other items.

It is indeed a very thoughtful way to express your appreciation for their presence in the Holy Communion of your child in the form of communion favors. The day of First Holy Communion for any child is a special day and it calls for celebration. What better way to celebrate it than choosing from a solid list of communion supplies that are there to win over the hearts of your invitees.

Shopping for the holy bread and wine, wafers, cups, gifts, invitations, favors, veils, dresses and other communion supplies could be loads of fun when you access the best online store.

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Christening gift? Christians, please help :-)?

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Building Faith Online
My cousin’s baby is getting baptized. I believe in getting religious gifts for baptisms as opposed to money, clothes, etc.

Last year, baby’s 1st cousin was baptized I gave her a Noah’s Ark playset. I got a lot of compliments about it including from the new mom of this baby’s whose baptism I’m going to next month.

Do you think it’s okay that I get the same gift for this little baby that I did for her first cousin?

Or, do you have any other ideas for good Christian toys/gifts, that spread the message, but aren’t super religious? They are not a really religious couple. The mom is not baptized and I think she’s exploring herself. I don’t want to get them anything that would make them uncomfortable (e.g. something they wouldn’t know what to do with) but I want it to be inspirational.

Also, I’d like to give them something that they/the baby could use now, rather than a keepsake. I don’t think the baby’s ever wind up seeing the keepsake.

Any ideas? Thanks!!
Simple Life Creations

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