It is my privilege to welcome guest blogger Kathryn O’Neill. Kathy and I know one another from our local ACFW writing group here in Colorado Springs. I have read a number of Kathy’s devotions which have inspired and encouraged me. For any homeschooling readers, and really all others, I encourage you to check out her website for the amazing art lessons she provides.
Kathy knows that I welcome blogs that connect generations and preserve family memories. Her story of a traveling wedding veil will delight your hearts. And the timing is perfect as I know we may be hearing about June weddings. In fact, my own June anniversary is coming up soon. Speaking of traveling, I am offering a children’s book giveaway at the end of the blog about a little skirt that travels through three generations–keep reading!
Welcome, Kathy!
A Wedding Veil for Three Generations
My mom secured the veil on my head, and I turned to look in the mirror. The veil framed my face in lace and flowed to the floor in graceful waves. I’d loved the dress and its beautiful veil as soon as I saw them, and now despite some nervousness, was ready to walk down the aisle to meet my smiling, but also nervous, bridegroom.
I’ve now had the blessing of helping adjust that same veil for my daughter and one of my granddaughters. Each time its beautiful lace has framed a happy, glowing face and flowed out behind them like in a fairy tale as they walk down the aisle to their waiting bridegrooms.
Traditions surround weddings—many are symbols with rich meanings, such as the rings that symbolize the vows the bride and groom make to love and honor and be faithful to each other.
The veil is another tradition with deep symbolism, pointing to the purity of the bride’s heart. Years ago the veil covered the bride’s face until the groom lifted it aside to kiss her after their vows, a beautiful symbol of their union and lifelong relationship of growing trust and love.
And the veil has even more profound significance, reminding us of the tearing of the veil from the Holy of Holies when Jesus died on the cross. It showed that through His death, we have union with Christ, and He has opened wide the way for us to God. As our relationship with Christ grows, we know we may run to Him in complete love and trust that He will hear us and know what’s best for us.
Marriage itself is an earthly picture of the loving relationship between Christ and His church. He is the bridegroom, and the church is His bride (Ephesians 5:25-32).
Many of us may soon attend or be part of a wedding, sharing in the joy of the bridal couple. And when we see the bridegroom waiting with a loving smile as his bride walks to meet him, dressed in white, with a flowing veil, may we be reminded of when Christ will return for His bride, the church. We will meet Him clothed in fine linen—the righteousness of Christ (Revelation 19:7-8). And there will be no more need of a veil, as we see Him face to face and join Him at the marriage Feast of the Lamb.
Kathy O’Neill is an art teacher, writer, and speaker, who has taught all ages in Christian schools, and church and homeschooling groups. She has written for a number of publications, including The Quiet Hour, Light from the Word, Refresh Bible Study Magazine, and Highlights. Kathy grew up in Maine and loves family, horses and dogs, and walking on the beach when storms send waves crashing against the rocks.
Visit her website and blog for activities and posts that will engage your children’s hearts and hands to discover God in art, history, and nature. There you’ll find free downloadable puzzles as well as drawing and coloring pages. You can find out about the many engaging workshops she loves to do for children or adults.
And you may wish to sign up for her quarterly newsletter with lots more activities. When you sign up, Kathy provides a free guide to help you make art museum visits a fun masterpiece for the whole family!
**What about you? Do you have any “traveling” clothes that have reached several generations? Please let me know! Open this blog in your browswer and scroll down below “Related Posts” to make a comment for Kathy. I am giving away one free copy of my children’s book, Talitha, the Traveling Skirt, a true story about a little skirt that has traveled in my family for more than 70 years! I will draw a name from commenters on my website and Facebook for a winner.**
https://kathythepicturelady.wordpress.com/.
wears the beautiful veil
With Tempura Paint
Check out Kathy’s children’s art project:
From Mary Kelly: Thank you Becky for sharing A Wedding Veil For Three Generations. I enjoyed reading the article. Mary Rae has a beautiful veil. Maybe it will be passed down to the next generation.
I love you, Aunt Mary
Oh yes, Aunt Mary–I hope her veil can be passed down! I love you too~
I love the family story, Kathy, and the beautiful way you incorporated the biblical truths of Jesus as the Bridegroom and believers as His bride.
Jeannie, thank you for stopping by my website and commenting on Kathy’s family story. I always appreciate how Kathy incorporates biblical truths into all her art projects and blogs.
Thank you, Jeannie, for your encouragement! As I wrote this it brought back so many special memories of my own and my daughter’s and granddaughter’s weddings!
From Debbie Scales: What a sweet post from an obviously sweet woman.
I enjoy reading these stories from other Christian women, Becky.
Thank you, Debbie! I really appreciate your encouraging comment!
What a beautiful story! I’ve always loved weddings–they are such happy occasions. Having this tradition in your family is so special, Kathy. The connection you make to God’s love for us through His gift of Jesus brings peace and comfort. Thank you for sharing this uplifting message.
Thank you, Katherine, for stopping by. Kathy’s story is, indeed, beautiful. I always appreciate her spiritual applications.
Thank you, Katherine! Weddings are happy occasions, indeed, and such beautiful pictures of Christ and His church. I’m so thankful this brought peace and comfort to you.
Hi Katherine–you are the winner of a copy of my children’s book, Talitha, the Traveling Skirt. Congratulations! I will be getting in touch with you.
Thank you Kathy for all your artful ideas! Love seeing what the Lord is doing in your life. Would love for you to visit us in Maine!
Thank you, Karen, for encouraging Kathy. I love this story that she shared with us!
Hi Karen! That is high praise from someone who is so artistic–thank you! We soo want to get back to Maine sometime in the not-too-distant future, and we’d love to see you and catch up! I wonder if we can still find our way to your beautiful home in the woods? I’m sure Wes could. This year we have another granddaughter’s wedding, and though my veil didn’t fit with her dress, I know she’ll be a beautiful bride!
Such a beautiful story and precious family heirloom!
When I was preparing for my wedding, my mom told me that my grandfather (her dad) had bought me a pair of earrings for my wedding – when I was just three years old! He died of a heart attack when I was four. I don’t know if he didn’t expect to actually see me get married, but his gift, purchased THIRTY SIX years in advance of the occassion, touched my heart. It was a remarkable present from a man I barely remembered. I still wear and treasure them today!
Thank you, Jean, for stopping by and sharing this sweet story about your grandfather and such special earrings.
What a special memory and treasure from your grandfather, Jean! And you get to still wear them and remember his love for you!
Thank you, Becky, for hosting me as your guest blogger! I enjoy the family traditions you share on your blog and love my copy of your cute picture book, Talitha, the Traveling Skirt. I know whoever wins a copy will love sharing it with their children or grandchildren!
What a delightful post. Because of the Great Depression, there’s no clothing at all passed down. Alas, as we have a four-year-old granddaughter. But I do have stories from at least five generations! The first two books (WWII and the Depression years, which will be out next month) about my Grandma Leora are dedicated to little Kate, and the next one (about Leora’s early years) will be too. They are stories from my motherline.
Thank you, Joy, for stopping by and leaving a comment. I would love to hear more about Leora’s stories. Let me know when your books come out!
Thank you, Joy! Stories from previous generations are also so wonderful to have and treasure!
Thank you, Kathy! My book, Talitha, the Traveling Skirt, goes hand in hand with your true family story about a traveling veil!
Until you mentioned that in your introduction, Becky, I hadn’t thought about that, but you’re right! Family traditions can be so special and I appreciate your blog that highlights these.
A beautiful legacy to treasure. Thanks for sharing Kathy and Becky!
Thank you, Barbara, for stopping by my website and encouraging Kathy with her beautiful legacy. And I know she will treasure these memories.
Thank you for stopping by, Barbara! I’m so glad you enjoyed this! Are there any special traditions in your family?
From Laurie Lunsford: “Good blog”
Thank you, Laurie, for stopping by! Becky has such an inspiring blog about family traditions. Do you have any special traditions in your family?