Colorful Mother of the Bride Dresses That Will Turn Heads

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One of the most exciting things for a bride while planning her wedding is picking out the dress. And while it is important to find a dress that she and she alone is crazy about, it is also nice to have some outside input.

This is where the bridesmaids and the mother of the bride come in. It can be a joy for the bride to go out with the most important women in her life in search of that perfect dress. Aside from all the laughter and fun, their insight and opinions could turn out to be invaluable.

In fact, the work that the mother of the bride puts in during the months leading up to her daughter's wedding day is oftentimes unparalleled. So when the big wedding day comes around, it is only right that she looks her best as well. Here are a few ideas for colorful mother of the bride dresses that will let mom shine just as brightly as her daughter.

Short Iridescent Taffeta Jacket Dress

This ink-colored jacket and dress combo is a gorgeous shade of bright blue. It is perfect for a contemporary and fashion-forward mother of the bride.

The jacket has a lovely brooch detail and sensibly capped sleeves. That way, it offers a little bit of extra coverage but still looks dashing and stylish.

The dress itself has a subtle side ruching, which is designed specifically to disguise any flaws in your figure. It hangs to just above the knees, giving it a sense of allure without going too overboard. This dress and jacket set is also available in both mink and grey color options.

Hi-Low Mesh Dress with Rhinestone Brooches

For something really wild, you can't go wrong with this gorgeous dress in a deep shade of red. It is perfect for getting out on the dance floor and shaking a leg. The front of the hemline hangs to right below the knees while the back reaches down slightly farther. This effect is at its very best when the wearer is twirling around on the dance floor!

The top part of this gorgeous gown has rhinestone brooches sparkling at either shoulder strap. The bodice criss-crosses the chest and then hugs the waist before spreading out again at the hips. This dynamic dress is truly only for moms who are willing to make an impression.

Stretch Satin Cap Sleeve Dress

There is an old saying that goes "When I am an old lady, I will wear purple." But this beautiful orchid-colored gown is truly for the young at heart. It would look just as natural being worn on the red carpet at the Academy Awards as it will at the wedding ceremony of a proud mother's daughter.

The dress has cap sleeves at the top that provide a little bit of extra warmth and coverage. From there, the dress sweeps down, hugging the waist and the hips. This slim cut creates a dazzling and very flattering silhouette. It also hangs to right about the knees and looks its best when paired with a pair of tall silver high heels.

Off the Shoulder Ruched Stretch Tafetta Dress

This plumberry-colored number is another dazzling option that will have mom looking great and showing off her colorful side. The dress is a stunning revolution of flattering ruching and modern pizzazz.

At the top of the dress, the straps hang off of the shoulders and meet in the center with a sparkling brooch. Because of the intense shine of the brooch, this dress doesn't necessarily pair well with most necklaces. The open neckline might make the wearer feel obligated to put something there, but the presence of the brooch will only make the look feel complicated and cluttered. Instead, it is best to pair this dress with a big, impressive pair of hanging earrings.

As mentioned, the ruching appears all over the dress and will make mom's figure look fantastic. What's more is that the stretch taffeta fabric also feels surprisingly comfortable. Get out there and impress the crowd with this dynamic mother of the bride dress.

Flutter Sleeve Iridescent Chiffon Tiered Dress

For an inspiring springtime wedding, you just can't beat this adorable violet-colored dress. The flutter sleeves and tiered chiffon on the full-length skirt look even more impressive when they are out blowing in an evening breeze.

The dress has a v-neck bodice and a fashionable sash at the waist that really brings it all together. In fact, this dress is so stylish that it is fit to be worn again and again to any cocktail parties or other special occasions that may come up.

Moms work hard all their lives to raise a daughter. When that daughter's wedding day comes around, it is time for her to relax and enjoy all of the effort that she put in. With one of these bright and colorful dresses, she can look just as good as she feels.

Ross Johnson is a freelance writer who writes about weddings and specific products such as mother of the bride dresses.

Why Women Agree To Being a Mail Order Bride

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Some women cringe at the thought of other women becoming mail order brides. In fact, most women have no idea why a single woman would ever put herself on the market in such a way. However, there are good reasons many women choose to become mail order brides. In fact, they often do so to better themselves and not embarrass or put themselves into a negative situation.

The fact is that there are thousands of women around the world that are not in great living conditions. They could be living in countries where their lives are at risk each day. Many of them have no freedom and are under lock and key of their government. With the mail order bride programs, they have a chance to escape their culture that treats them so poorly. So, being a part of a mail order bride program is their ultimate dream.

If they can find a man who will marry them, they will be able to get away from their oppression. They may even be able to get a great education and a job. They will be able to raise their children in a place where they will not be abused or oppressed. These are the main reasons women choose to become a part of mail order bride services. So, instead of looking down on these women for being a mail order bride, applaud them for doing whatever it takes to end their own personal oppression. After all it is a brave move that many of them would be punished for if found out.

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Father of the Bride Speeches - Dad's Very Own Manual in Delivering a Wedding Speech

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The thought of giving a speech is scary, how much more if it's your own daughter's wedding day? Anxiousness is doubled perhaps and fathers like you will sure have no time wasted to get out of the picture and have someone do your speech. Honestly, it would be unpleasant to have someone do your speech, as a father, you have to be the first person to say your piece standing on behalf of the rest of the family.

Father of the bride speeches need not be a horror experience. Remember, it is totally different from giving presentations in your corporate career. Whether you slip or stumble, fathers can simply get away with it especially on wedding speeches weigh against the formal corporate presentation. So, if you're all geared up and packed a great deal of self confidence in your backpack, here are further tips to guide you more.

- Remember to keep it memorable but short. You don't want to bore your audience and put them to sleep as you deliver a long speech. Therefore, you have to ensure that you keep it short yet filled with all the things you want to say. Father of the bride speeches are normally delivered in a span of 6 to 10 minutes so make certain that you stay within this time duration. Wedding speeches like this need to be time sensitive for the reason that: First, there are still a lot of other speakers to hit the floor. Second, your audience doesn't need a litany for a speech, they already know the gist of your message and all you need to do is deliver it. Lastly, guests are in for some celebration and partying and providing a long speech will be a cause of delay.

- Look straight into your daughter's eyes. Fathers, when they come in front of a huge crowd to deliver their speech would normally panic specifically if one is not used to public speaking. However, the key to this is to look at your daughter while you deliver your piece. This will help you remember all the things you want to say and state your message in a more personal manner. So, instead of looking at a great sea of faces in the crowd, try to focus on the fairest of them all - your daughter.

- Father of the bride speeches has no perfect format. You as a father have to understand that there is no right and wrong when it comes to composing your wedding speech. You can say anything you want provided that it will not embarrass your daughter and the family unintentionally. So if you stumble in between words or experience mental block, it's definitely fine. Fathers are not perfect and so as wedding speeches!

- Always be organized and prepared - Have your notes handy. This is one of the rules of thumb in father of the bride speeches. Always have small notes with you, just in case the inevitable happens.

Father of the bride speeches most of the time is the most moving and emotional part of almost all wedding speeches. It signals a father giving up his daughter to the man whom will fill her with love and joy.

For more tips, techniques and general advice on Father Of The Bride Speeches, go to the Father Of The Bride Speech site.

Choosing the Best Grandmother of the Bride Dresses and Outfits

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Grandmother of the bride dresses are an important consideration when planning a wedding. Grandmothers hold a special place in their granddaughter's hearts and lives and it is important they look and feel beautiful on their granddaughter's big day. Considerations for her comfort, ease of wear and her fashion sense should be paid when you consult any mother of the bride outfits guide for shopping tips, locations and ideas when selecting a grandmother of the bride dress. Keeping those things in mind will help you focus your shopping so you do not waste valuable time and energy.

Grandmother of the bride dresses are available in many different styles, silhouettes, colors, patterns, fabrics, and lengths. Whether the wedding is a formal evening event complete with black tie dress attire or a casual elegant beach side gathering, there is a dress simply perfect for the grandmother of the bride in today's bridal attire offerings. Whether you decide to shop in your favorite local dress boutique, in a national department store or online, you will be pleased with the wide selection of mother of the bride dresses and options available for all the women in the bridal party. Gone are the days of limited, dated wedding attire selections. Today's designers know brides are fashion savvy and they cater their entire collections to reflect the tastes of the modern bride, resulting in beautiful grandmother and mother of the bride dresses.

Thank your grandmother for all she's done for you and treat her to a beautiful grandmother of the bride dress. Complete her look with shoes, accessories and a hand bag and be sure to include her in the hair and make up appointments. Sharing your big day with your grandmother will be a treasured memory for years to come, make sure she feels and looks her best for it.

Ryan has been a coffee lover and drinker for many years and enjoys writing about his experiences with Grandmother Bride Dresses. He also likes to pass on useful information of how to get the best out your coffee machine and new brewing techniques to his friends and readers on his website Mighty Bean Coffee.

Purple Wedding Flowers For the Bride

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If you've never considered purple wedding flowers for your wedding, now is the time! Purple is a wonderful color for your wedding, whether you prefer pale lavenders, brilliant violets, eggplant, plum, or dusky grays with just a hint of purple. There are all kinds of flowers available to suit any preference, and they can be used in almost any bouquet.

Here's a look at some of the best purple flower choices around:

Purple Roses

When you talk about romantic flowers, most peoples' thoughts go to roses. They're among the most popular wedding flowers, and can be found in shades of purple from cool lilac to brilliant purple. These purple roses are also among the best smelling roses available. Mix and match roses to create attractive centerpieces and bouquets. These purple wedding flowers really make you feel like you're getting the royal treatment.

Purple Lilies

Calla lilies are another popular romantic flower, and they also come in purple. Choose miniature calla lilies in a shade of purple for mixed flower arrangements, such as bouquets, centerpieces, and decorations. Lilies are a truly elegant addition to your wedding flowers.

Purple Tulips

Roses and lilies aren't the only option, however - tulips are an excellent type of wedding flower that's available in all different purple shades, including plum and a dark, nearly black shade that's extremely sophisticated. Add it to mostly white wedding decor for a look that really stands out from the rest.

Sweetpeas

Ruffly and old fashioned, purple sweetpeas are the ideal addition to a vintage-styled wedding. They're cute, and make a great bouquet on their own. For spring weddings, or any other ceremony that needs a touch of sweetness, you can't go wrong with sweetpeas.

Grape Hyacinth

Also called muscari, these flowers look a lot like a flowing bunch of grapes, and are a great choice for adding variety and texture to mixed flower arrangements, or for making wreaths for the flower girl. Like sweetpeas, these flowers have a sweet, old fashioned charm that's perfect for spring ceremonies.

Orchids

There are several very dramatic purple orchids, such as medium purple phalaenopsis orchids, and dark vanda orchids, which feature white accents. Both do very well in centerpieces, and as part of a large, dramatic bouquet, but may not be appropriate for male members of the party or for smaller arrangements.

Pansies

Pansies are among the most famous of the purple flowers, and come in a range of attractive colors. They're a great casual wedding flower for the spring, and can be used in all sorts of arrangements.

Lilacs

A sprig of lilac carries a wonderful scent, and a beautiful color. Despite their name, lilacs actually cover a range of purple shades, from the light, grayish tone that takes its name from the flower, to blue-purple tones and even reddish-plum colors. You might be surprised by the range of options in lilacs as purple wedding flowers.

Choosing purple wedding flowers is only one of the many choices you have to make when planning your wedding. For many more tips on planning your wedding, click on this link, PlanMyWeddingTips.com

For the Non-Traditional Bride - Putting the Funky in Your Wedding Invitations

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Let's ask a few questions to see if funky wedding invitations are the right kind for you.

1. Would you use words like outgoing, exuberant, thrilling or extraordinary to describe yourself?


2. How would you describe your fiancée?


3. If you both see yourselves as extraordinary people, then why would you choose traditional for your wedding?

You've answered all 3 questions and you're thinking, hmmm, traditional might not be for you. Now let's look at one alternative - funky wedding invitations. "Maybe 'funky' is a little extreme," you say. Maybe it is, but why not explore all your options? You never know, you may be pleasantly surprised. First of all, what exactly are funky wedding invitations? In your searches you will find contempo-funky invitations featuring things like:

• bright colors and huge graphics


• bold patterns like stripes or polka dots


• unusual textures like dried banana leaves, engraved wood or fabric instead of paper


• unusual color combinations like fuchsia with forest green and teal blue


• unusual construction using elements like rivets or frame corners (elements I use in my THM Signature collection)

You'll also find extreme-funky invitations featuring:

• gothic motifs like skeletons and grave stones


• themed invitations like wild west and pirate ships


• invitations including taffeta, velvet, glitter, fluff and every other add on you can think of

Next, where do you find these wonderful and exotic things? As usual, the web will give you the widest selection of what you'll be looking for. Of course I'll want you to start at my site where the selection is not-so-extreme, but at the end of the day, you can go as toned-down or as wild as you want as your spirit tells you to be. Get started on your search engine of choice looking at all the options for the new age, diva-licious, statement-making, stand-out kind of bride that you are. If you find images you like but nothing exactly like you want, I'd encourage you to work with an invitation designer, especially if your budget isn't too tight or if you can stretch it because your wedding is small enough. Consider funky wedding invitations for your modern couple's nuptials. Let your voice be heard and let your colors be seen!

C. Aisha Thompson has designed wedding and event invitations and corporate greeting cards for clients throughout Miami and the Caribbean. View samples of funky hand made wedding invitations at http://www.TheseHandmadeMemories.com

Preppy Bride Alert: New Lilly Pulitzer Wedding Gowns

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Preppy brides, your dreams have finally come true! Every preppy gal's favorite designer, Lilly Pulitzer, has created her very own line of wedding gowns. Get inspired for a pink and green wedding with the most perfect preppy bridal gowns ever created.

The debut collection of Lilly Pulitzer bridal gowns is being created by a company called Designer Bride, which also makes gowns for Angel Sanchez and Carmen Marc Valvo. The fresh and fun Lilly wedding dresses are set to arrive in select bridal salons in early 2011. Like other designer wedding gowns, Lilly's dresses will not be available online, nor will they be sold in Lilly Pulitzer boutiques. The bride seeking a perfectly preppy Lilly for her wedding can search the Designer Bride website for a boutique in her area which will carry the fabulous frocks.

Like all Lilly dresses, the new bridal collection has an informal and lighthearted spirit. It is not a collection of princess ball gowns with heavy beading, but rather a group of gowns which are perfect for all the places one would usually wear their Lilly, like Nantucket, Palm Beach, or a seaside resort. The silhouettes are primarily slender A-lines; there is nothing extremely poufy nor anything skin-tight. In short, the gowns are ideal for a preppy bride who loves simple elegance. Kind of like a Lilly party dress, only full length and just a tad dressier.

The standout feature of Lilly's new bridal gowns is the use of lace. All Lilly lovers know how beautifully her collection has always used a heavy 1960s inspired lace, and the collection makes good use of it. Many of the bridal gowns are created using Lilly's signature lace. Paired with the simple strapless or cap sleeve silhouettes, it is a gorgeous look for a bride who wants a perfect afternoon wedding gown. The wedding gown which is destined to become an instant classic is a strapless gown with a slim A-line skirt and a natural waist; the gown is created from the signature Lilly lace in white over a soft pink satin lining. Finished off with a pink sash at the waist, it is quite possibly the most perfect preppy wedding gown ever made! Add a classic pearl necklace and a bouquet of pink peonies and you will be good to go.

Short wedding gowns have become a popular trend in recent years, and Lilly has taken care to include a couple of short and sassy options in her bridal collection. A knee length lace dress with a full A-line skirt and cap sleeves is accented with a pink grosgrain ribbon at the waist. It would be darling for an informal wedding, or as a second reception dress. A more sophisticated short dress features a sleeveless tank bodice with lace, a knee length satin tulip skirt and a big bow at the waist. It is something you could picture a lady from the early 1960s wearing to a summer cocktail party, and it is absolutely charming.

What to pair with all this Lilly fabulousness for bridesmaid dresses? More Lilly, of course! The natural companion to a Lilly Pulitzer wedding gown is pink and green bridesmaid dresses in one of her exuberant patterns. They suit the relatively informal style of the Lilly bridal gowns, and of course you can be sure that these will be the bridesmaid dresses that will definitely be worn time and time again. Give each bridesmaid a pearl necklace for her bridesmaid gift, and let her wear her favorite pair of pink or metallic sandals to complete the outfit. Pick up some matching Lilly ties for the men and a mini Lilly dress for the flower girl, and your wedding will be nothing short of preppy perfection!

Let us know if you need assistance in any area of planning your wedding.Take advantage of Bridget's experience helping clients select jewelry and accessories. A classic pearl necklace from http://silverlandjewelry.com/ is the perfect jewelry for a preppy bride. All jewelry orders over $99 receive free shipping, leaving you more money for life's little necessities like monogrammed sandals for your honeymoon!

Stunning Mother of the Bride Dresses - How to Look the Part of the Proud, Elegant Mother

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Mother of the bride dresses have their own style compared to the outfits of the rest of the bridal entourage. As the person responsible for bringing the bride into this world, it is only fitting that the mom be dressed just as elegantly as her daughter and the principal participants of the event.

Mother of the bride gowns should exude an air of regality and ageless grace. For those who have no qualms at baring a little skin, a strapless or sleeveless full length gown with a plunging V neck or dipped neckline can make the wearer look gorgeous without upstaging the bride or any of the younger ladies. If the doting mom would rather keep herself covered up, she can do so in style with a matching bolero jacket. Short sleeved and long sleeved gowns are also excellent conservative options.

For cuts, it would be best to stick to the sleek A line or column dress. Ballooning ball gown skirts are not exactly age appropriate and are best reserved for the bride to be. Empire line cuts make for great mother of the bride dresses for moms on the heavy end as it effectively draws attention away from the stomach area and highlights the area from the bust up, making the wearer look slimmer and more beautiful.

One can shop for mother of the bride gowns through the Internet. This can save the bride and her mother a lot of time and effort as they search for the perfect wedding outfit. They may also decide to head to the nearest store that sells the dresses they find on the Internet. Online boutiques that direct you to affiliated retail shops are the best resources for ready made mother of the bride gowns.

Resource Box:

Mon Cheri Bridals carries an extensive selection of beautifully designed wedding dresses and outfits for the bridal entourage. Montage contains its line of mother-of-the-bride dresses, designed by Ivonne Dome. The mother-of-the-bride gowns come in a wide variety of colors and sophisticated designs. To look through Mon Cheri Bridals' entire collection of wedding outfits, visit MonCheriBridals.com.

How to Make Your Father of the Bride Speech Funny and Memorable With These Great Speech Jokes

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You can easily work a little bit of humor into your Father of the Bride Speech by using a few clean and tasteful Father of the Bride Speech Jokes. This is the perfect opportunity for you as the father of the bride to add to the magic of this special day in your daughter's life. How do you manage to blend emotion, sincerity and a bit of humor into your father of the bride speech? Let's have a look at how you can use father of the bride speech jokes and add a bit of sentiment in your speech.

Who To Include In Your Father of the Bride Speech and Jokes

Your Family: You can easily include jokes about your family relating to the wedding in your speech. I'm sure they'll have no problem with that.

The Bride: No father of the bride speech would be complete without mentioning a few funny incidents from her childhood or later in her life. This always adds a little extra sentiment and meaning to your speech!

The Groom: Include the groom and weave in a joke or two about how he met your daughter of how he proposed to her. This will make him feel part of your family and appreciated! Drop a few pearls of wisdom and you've got the right mixture of sentiment and humor.

The Wedding: No wedding ever goes without a mishap or two. Put a little extra twist on these little small mishaps and use them in your speech. There is always a little nugget or two that maybe caught your eye. You can use this in your speech to add a more personal touch to your father of the bride speech.

3 Savvy and Exciting Ways To Include Humor In Your Father of the Bride Speech

1) Use Funny Wedding Anecdotes - A Wedding Anecdote is a short story with a humorous ending. You can either make up your own anecdote or use a well-known one like the following

The Promise of Marriage

"Molly and Peter have been married for almost 48 years and have raised a brood of 12 children and are blessed with 23 grandchildren. When asked the secret for staying together for such a long time, Molly replies: Many years ago we made a promise to each other: The first one to pack up and leave must take all the kids."

2) Use Wedding Limericks - A limerick is a light or humorous small verse. It is very easy to write a limerick and you can even try to make your own limerick for the wedding. Here is an example of a wedding limerick by Graeme King.

"The bride threw her floral bouquet
but somehow it went the wrong way
it fell in the lap
of a very nice chap
who received three proposals that day!"

3) Use Wedding One-liners - There is numerous wedding one-liners available for you to use in your speech. It is best to start off your speech with a punchy one-liner to grab the attention of the guests and to act as an ice-breaker. Here is examples of a few wedding one-liners you can use:

• A man is incomplete until he is married. After that, he is finished
  


• Words to live by - do not argue with a spouse who is packing your parachute
  


• If a man opens the door of his car, you know either the car is new or the wife is new

These are only a few ways for you to bring a bit of humor into your speech and add a blend of sentiment as well. Make sure you deliver memorable father of the bride speeches and entertain the guests by looking at more funny father of the bride jokes from http://www.weddingspeechesandtoasts.net and get free tips and help to deliver an outstanding speech with comfort and ease!

Lucky! Lucky! Lucky! Bride and Groom!

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Our forefathers (and mothers) were a fearful bunch. They worried that when it started to rain, it might never stop. And worried again that when the rain stopped, it might not start again. Similarly, while they lived in daily fear that they might become a snack for some marauding animal, they worried even more if the animal decamped and they lost their own supply of food.

In such a world of fear and worry, it's no wonder that people were very much on the lookout for ways to avert disaster or promote good luck through all sorts of rituals. In particular, the wedding is full of them.

One of the stranger of these customs of good luck, is that surrounding the story of the Lucky Chimney Sweep. In themselves, chimney sweeps weren't particularly lucky. Some of them never survived their apprenticeship as six year old chimney sweeps. And as older chimney sweeps, so full of dust and grime that no amount of washing was ever likely to eradicate it, it is not to be supposed that they were society's darlings.

Ladies in their silks and satins weren't likely to say to themselves, 'I really must get an introduction to that irresistible chimney sweep. I'm sure that underneath all that soot lives a veritable prince'.

The more likely scenario was that the lady would pick up her voluminous skirts and run for her life, knowing just how expensive those skirts were, and how onerous the washing would be if they ever came in contact with that walking duster.

So why the Lucky Chimney Sweep?

Well, the stories are many and varied. But the bottom line is that a chimney sweep, sometime in the past, was lucky enough to save a prince from some severe physical distress. In his gratitude the prince rewarded the chimney sweep with enough gold pieces to make it possible for him to realise his dream. His dream was to make his sweet heart his bride. At this stage she was vacillating between a poor chimney sweep with personality, and a tradesman without personality but with a respectable bank account.

From then on it was circulated that a bride who glimpsed a chimney sweep on her way to the church, was bound to be lucky in love and in life.

Incidentally, the kissing of a chimney sweep in very much a twentieth century thing. No self-respecting female could have ever wished to get any closer to a chimney sweep then waving at him from across the opposite side of the street.

Julie Andrews and Mr. Disney have a lot to answer for.

Vlady Peters is an Australian Civil Marriage Celebrant authorised to perform marriages in Australia. She also perform general ceremonies such as Baby Naming, Renewal of Vows and Commitment Ceremonies. To learn more about her as a celebrant and an author visit vlady at http://www.weddings-celebrant.com

The Beautiful Bride of God of Israel

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A: lways The Beautiful Bride of God of Israel

M: iracles occurs in this Sweet Land of Liberty from the arrival of Pilgrims in 1607

E: xperiencing the glory of Jesus

R: isking everything for the sake of the Evelasting Kingdom of God

I: nspired by the Holy Spirit that one day, Puritans will be living in a society praying without

C: easing because they know that they have Freedom of Religion

A: ffirming Psalm 33:12 that it is obvious that this is chosen Gentile Nation by God.

T: reasure is this Nation for the LORD where

H: ealing is what The American people do for living with their prayers and

E: loquent songs such as God Bless America and The Star Spangled Banner.

B: lessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance

E: ven with the threats of terrorists, Our Nation will be still the number one with the

A: lmighty God who provide us perfect protection in from the founding documents to

U: nite 13 colonies to be free forever with the Word of God as the essence of

T: treating everyone as Children of God with an inalienable rights written in the Declaration of

I: ndependence inspired by The Bible that Life, Liberty, and The Pursuit of Happiness are

F: ree and given by our Creator. There is no gentile nation in human history with such

U: nity in God that even until today in the 21st Century Our Men and Women's

L: oyalty serving the U.S. Armed Forces has kept us safe, protected, and prosperous.

CHILDREN'S CHORUS

I am proud to be an American
I am blessed living in the United States of America
Where the impossible becomes possible
All dreams can be realized
Thanks God Almighty for who you are for U.S.
When I grow up I can be all I can be in Christ

I Pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands,
one Nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all

ORCHESTRA

Whether I am from New York City or Los Angeles
Whether I am from Denver or Washington, D.C.
Whether I am from Memphis or Boston
I am proud to be an American

Whether I am black or white
Whether I am an immigrant or citizen
Whether I am Latino or Asian
I am proud to be an American

Jose Angel Manaiza, Jr. is a Mathematician.

Find Your Mail Order Bride Now

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Working class American men have a long history of looking to so-called mail order brides to provide wives for rural areas, mining camps, soldiers, and factory labor. Times have changed.

Russian mail order wives are now a step up or marrying up for many of the best educated and wealthiest of Americans. The Internet has simplified the process of finding a woman who is younger, taller, prettier, smarter, sexier, and better-educated than you can attract at home.

The Internet lets anyone search through hundreds of thousands of potential mates in seconds - no matter where she is in the world.

While I believe this is the golden age of email order brides - and not a way for nerdy or cruel men to exploit impoverished or submissive women - I believe the window will be closing within 5 to 10 years.

Here's why:

1. Oil

Governments hide the ball when it comes to oil reserves, peak oil, and future prices for gasoline, we don't know how high costs will go.

Electricity can be generated for your home or electric car from solar, wind, or geothermal sources, but jets need aviation fuel. Lots of it.

If oil prices triple or more, which is a distinct possibility, international travel will become prohibitively expensive for the average man.

Travel now.

2. IMBRA

The International Marriage Broker Regulation Act of 2005 (IMBRA) requires background checks on American men looking to file immigrant or fiancee visa petitions for foreign women if they met through a marriage agency.

An International Marriage Broker (IMB) is an entity - U.S. or foreign based - that provides matchmaking or social referrals between U.S. citizens/permanent residents and foreign nationals for a fee.

Passed in the wake of the Anastasia King murder allegedly to protect foreign brides, all it really does is take away privacy, free speech, and freedom from American men.

IMBs must:

- search U.S. sex offender public registries for information on the U.S. clients
- collect criminal and marital background information on American client
- provide this information to the foreign woman in her native language
- provide foreign clients with a government produced pamphlet detailing her legal rights in the U.S.
- obtain the foreign client's signed consent to release her personal information to the U.S. client
- limit of 2 fiance(e) visa petitions with at least 2 years between filings

All of these restrictions apply to IMB arranged matches, so there are many ways around the law. Just don't think this will be the last piece of insane legislation to restrict freedom of American citizens.

Anastasia King is not the only bride to fall victim to an abusive and sinister husband. If this is so important for foreign brides, why not make a law that applies to all women?

Simple. Americans would not stand for it at home.

It's easy to pick on groups with no power. And there is that pesky Constitution (what's left of it).

Good intentions make bad law. IMBRA is a poster child for unnecessary and flawed regulations.

If gay marriage becomes law and opens same-sex spouses to immigration benefits, you can expect Congress to make it exceptionally difficult for anyone to bring a spouse home.

Find your Russian, Chinese, Filipina, or Brazilian mail order wife before it becomes an impossible ordeal.

3. American Men Still a Catch

For many foreign women, American husbands are still considered a good catch and a favorable match. Go figure.

I'm not sure if I am flattered or frightened.

Many foreign women view American men as better husband material, and not just on a financial level. Hollywood movies showing women's equality in marriage and relationships have no doubt contributed to the perceptions.

After a couple of divorces, I have become more jaded regarding marriage. Instead of falling into a relationship, why not search for exactly what you want without local fix-ups or sorting through women in bars.

My recommendations:

For younger men, women from Russia, the Ukraine, and the former Soviet Republics, Russian women are the sexiest and most stunning females on the planet.

Go for it. Don't apologize or settle. You will discover so many who are the right age, well-educated, and whose looks blow you away.

Caveat - watch the age spreads. For Russian women, 10 to 15 years younger will work fine. A larger age difference could be risky.

For older or more traditional men, nothing beats the Philippines. Filipinas are the most religious, family oriented women I have ever lived among.

Age differences are less of an issue. A Filipina will stay married as long as she can. While a Vice-Consul in Manila, I have approved visas for brides 50 years younger than their American husbands.

For men who get pensions or Social Security, I would consider living out my retirement in the Philippines with a young wife. Immigration goes both directions. And a "fixed income" in the P.I. is a beautiful thing.

Golden Age:

For American men, you are nearing the end of the golden age for marriage and family.

You will never have a higher position in the minds of many brides to be.

You will never be able to attract a more desirable wife or mother for your children.

You have never been more able to find and communicate with the right woman for you without all of the social and cultural boundaries of the past.

Before governments and busybodies once again interfere in the process of love, marriage, and family, grab your perfect mail order wife.

Dating, romance, and marriage have changed forever.

You can start your search for the perfect bride at Russian Mail Order Wife [http://joinfreeanastasia.info].

For a huge resource of U.S. and international dating sites, visit DatingDirectoryOnline - [http://datingdirectoryonline.com]

Charles Lamm is a former Vice-Consul in Seoul and Manila, retired immigration attorney, and writer now living in Florida.