Tiffany Blue Damask Invitation

A few weeks ago, I hosted a bridal shower for my sister-in-law. I thought I would share with you my invitation design and offer it as a free template that you could use for any upcoming event you may be planning. It is simple yet elegant, a classic tiffany blue Damask pattern on an ivory background. It could be used for a bridal shower, baby boy shower, birthday party or whatever you have in mind.

You might also notice the Mason jar candle holder in the picture. This is a super easy and inexpensive party decor idea. I used blue and green food coloring to color the water. I couldn’t find any floating candles, so I just used tea light candles, and they floated. Who knew?

For the tables I did these large tissue paper flowers as centerpieces—another decoration that was easy and inexpensive.

Now on to the invitation…The template is set up in Microsoft Word and can be used with version 2004 and later. Download the file by clicking on the link below. Then click "File" and "Download."

Tiffany Blue Damask Invitation Template 

Open it up and customize for your event by clicking on the text box. You can change the fonts and text to your liking. I used Times font in the template, since just about everyone has it. Once you get it how you want, you can print it from your home printer on a piece of cardstock.

 As you can see, I have crop marks on the template. This is where the invitation should be cut. If you only need a few, you could cut it yourself at home using a ruler and an X-Acto knife. Line the ruler up with the crop marks and slice along the line with the X-Acto knife. Just make sure you are working on a surface that you can cut on like a cutting mat used for sewing. Or you could bring it in to your local Kinko’s store and have them cut it for you. I have done this before, and the charge is minimal.

Pair it with an ivory #10 size envelope, and voila, you’ve got a stylish, custom and inexpensive invitation to set the mood for your upcoming event!

A Homemaker's Need for Christ

I have never recognized my need for Christ more than within my roles as wife and mom. Every other relationship or responsibility that life has thrown my way seems easy compared to these. I feel as though I constantly fall short, my inadequacies exposed. Maybe this is a good thing.

I’ve been used to getting along with people and doing well in life. Growing up I rarely got into trouble; I excelled in school, and now work life seems a piece of cake. So it’s easy for me to pat myself on the back and think that I’m a pretty good person. But in truth, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23 NIV),” and I am most certainly included.

Since becoming a wife and mom, some days I feel like I can’t do anything right. I can think of no other relationship than that of being a spouse or parent that is so fulfilling yet so arduous. I desire so greatly to be the person my family needs me to be. But by 8 a.m. I’ve already said unkind words to my husband or lost patience with my kids, and I wish I could start the day over and try again.

“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do…For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” (Romans 7:15-18 NIV)

This passage from Romans so vividly describes the way I feel. It brings me straight to the foot of the cross, imploring God for His mercy and strength. And that is exactly where He wants me. I cannot do it alone, as much as I try to sometimes. I need Him every hour, every minute, guiding my path. I need Him to cover my marriage and my family with his protection.

Being a wife and a mom has brought me to such an unexpected place in my relationship with Jesus. It is a place of longing for His will in my life, gratefulness for His grace and strenuous exercise for my soul. I have come to realize that I am far from a perfect wife and mom, but that God doesn’t require me to be perfect. Instead he calls me to be faithful, continually seeking Him. I will undoubtedly continue to mess up, but I will also never stop trying to be what he wants me to be.

“What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24-25 NIV)

Do you ever feel this way? I would love to hear your thoughts. Please share!