Today was a beautiful fall day with some rare quiet time at my house. Such a treat with an extra hour or so to go through a box of mail, papers, and magazines that have set too long and are begging to be sorted. They’re full of good articles that I wanted to re-read. One of the brochures and an […]
Christina, thank you for your perceptive question! First, words matter… and you’ve picked up on that. That’s wonderful! Right, fitting, pleasant, and true words reflect a thoughtfulness that aims for appropriateness. True words create a difference in our own lives and those around us. Encouragement often comes via fitting and appropriate language. Something about “trueness” in speech increases soul satisfaction […]
Have you learned that there are times when certain endeavors have to be put on the back burner…things that you care about? That’s where this PM blog has been due to a variety of factors–some issues were (and still are) technical and other factors involved time constraints due to life’s speed bumps, and also because of some family needs. […]
Dear PM friends Do you know that you are a special and unique person in today’s world…and the fact that you are here, that you care about good manners, a sense of order, kindness and respect for other people is a huge blessing in many ways…you make the world a better place. I am blessed to be growing in grace […]
Thoughts on messing with manners… A question in many people’s mind is whether or not etiquette has any flexibility in its practices …the short answer, is of course it does. So when are detours or adjustments allowed? When are they necessary? Any variation from etiquette’s standards requires an understanding of why we do what we do, where we are going, […]
We see Christianity’s timeless, powerful and wise influence upon the world of manners from one of my older etiquette book’s first chapter: “What is a gentleman? The question is an old one. It cannot be ancestry, for often the son of the most noble and honored parentage is merely a coarse compound of clay and money…It cannot be dress–for surely […]
“Are there any special responsibilities as the wife of the best man?” was the second part of a recent question that Protocol Matters received (and, in this case, the wife of the best man is also the sister of the groom). Answer: You have some involvement as wife of the best man, however, all etiquette authorities agree that you have […]
Protocol Matters received this two part Question: My husband is best man at my brother’s wedding. What are his duties before, during, and after the big day? Do I have any responsibilities as the wife of the best man? Answer: Your questions are good ones, especially since brothers or cousins are often asked to be a best man, and how […]
Dear Ms. Deb… I’m happy you chose Protocol Matters for your students’ expository assignment. How thoughtful of you to keep me in the loop with your email. Thank you! Other than keeping me on my toes, (which is a welcome exercise) you are certainly no trouble.
Protocol Matters lost a dear friend this last week. Sharon Howell was an enthusiastic supporter of PM, good friend, and fellow protocol instructor. This was a lady who understood the importance of etiquette as an expression of respect for other people. She knew how much right actions matter.
Spitting in public is nothing new. It’s not unsual when out and about to see youngish swaggering guys launch their slobbery marks in an attempt to appear awesome. However, rather than being a cool macho thing, spitting has long been recognized as inconsiderate, rude, and even childish.
Worry and anxiety are enemies of happiness and joy. These invisible robbers destroy our peace of mind and dilute our sense of contentment and satisfaction, which are essential to happiness. Three tools –or weapons,if you prefer– against these very real enemies are the practices of trusting God, thankfulness, and proper management of our thought life.
In case you haven’t noticed–happiness includes more than thinking right thoughts. It involves wise actions that are taught and learned. Insightful training and the practices of good manners, including etiquette’s many trustworthy Christian based rules, contribute greatly to happiness. Yes, they do!
The saying “Good manners are the stitches that hold the fabric of society together” also applies to the home front. Happy households are safe places where individual actions and words build up others, rather than tear down.
A little side (as in sea) note…for those who love the beach, the water, the smell of the ocean…and seashells. If you wish for summer’s continued sampling of the seaside in the coziness of your home you will like “Splendor at the Shore” under the Favorite Things section in Victoria’s July/August Bliss issue. I picked up this magazine at the […]
Hard to realize its planning time again for the new school year. I will soon post some details about one of my favorite assignments where we combine art and protocol lessons. Its fun, creative, and introduces students to proper table settings as well as good design principles. Give me another week and I’ll share some past project photos (hopefully). You […]
Dear PM Friends Ever notice how, in the real world, nothing in life is a “slam dunk”?…And, so it is with our new site format, which for some reason doesn’t allow me to respond to your comments . Please know that I appreciate each of you who have taken time to email and make comments. I send my thanks via […]
Understanding the importance of instilling good behavior patterns in children is vital if you want happy well behaved kids. A true road map exists, but some parents simply don’t know how to read, believe, or follow it; others think they can take short cuts; and some, with good intentions, do not have a clue where to find these reliable directions […]
This is a side note for PM’s knitting friends. I’m enjoying the summer days with my daughter-in-law who just received a beautiful pattern book from her sister in Scotland. I think you might like it, too. Lovely and fresh, it’s titled Summer Breeze, featuring luxury cotton DK and Bamboo soft creations by Martin Storey from Rowan Classic. And, speaking of […]
As our family prepares for a 4th of July barbecue we are grateful for time off, time together, good friends, good food, and good weather. For us, the fourth is a fun celebration with lots of fireworks capping off the day. We are happy and blessed by these things and I suspect you are too. The holidays, like other oft […]
Welcome to Protocol Matter’s new look … photos and a few cool additions are still to come, but thanks to Carl from Adonai Media, Inc., we are up and going again. I think you’ll like the new tags and categories, which make it easier to locate specific topics and scout out the vast terrain of etiquette discussed in the posts, […]
Take this opportunity to teach your children that what we have and how we live is a costly gift from others. Memorial Day in the United States signifies an official time to honor soldiers who died in our country’s service. We honor them by remembering their sacrifice. The observance began in the 1800’s, after the civil war, as a time […]
Interested in teaching your teenagers some valuable social skills based on respect for others and topping it off with a special evening out? Here’s something you might consider. A grand finale time allows our young people to practice what they learned in protocol classes as well as have a great social event. For one of our recent junior protocol training […]
Question: Could you address the topic of throwing a party on the occasion of one’s own birthday? Are there guidelines for doing so graciously, or is the entire concept just tacky?
Question: What is the proper way to congratulate a female who has become engaged? I have always been told that is incorrect to offer ‘congratulations’ to the female.
Question: What is the proper way to congratulate a female who has become engaged? I have always been told that is incorrect to offer ‘congratulations’ to the female.
Long ago John Donne expressed thanks to certain people and noted that we can only know how to live when someone takes the time to teach us…..this is still true today, especially in the area of manners.
Question about engagement party etiquette. “We were just invited to an engagement party, and I’m completely unfamiliar with the concept. What is proper etiquette for an engagement party? Is it simply an opportunity to meet the bride and to congratulate the groom who’s been off at school for many years and just graduated from med school and lives far, far […]
Questions: Hi, I came looking for anything you may have written on funeral etiquette, and there it was right at the top! Thanks so much! Do you have any thoughts on the post-funeral meal or wake? Where it should be, who is invited, what kind of food should be served? I would appreciate any more info you have. Thanks again, […]
Question: We are throwing a bridal shower for a young lady in our Bible study. She is moving right after the shower to her fiancé’s hometown and won’t be back until the wedding, which will take place here, her hometown. She and her fiancé are trying to limit the things she has to move. It has been suggested that a […]
There’s a strong possibility that someone you know will experience a death in their family in the coming year. Knowing beforehand what we can do as friends is essential. We must practice, and teach our children to practice, good protocol during such times. Our active response and role as friends (and acquaintances) should reflect our sympathetic care and concern for […]
May I put a serious matter before you?–regardless of your age or household size. It’s an important discussion that should not be ignored. Still, people often avoid talking about it. I’ve seen some sad repercussions because people failed to address or realize this fact of life–usually at a cost to loved ones. How we handle major issues impact lives more […]
I’m sending Thanksgiving thoughts across the miles while visiting another state. As we pause in our busy schedule to celebrate this special holiday, the words ‘Happy Thanksgiving” are popping up everywhere–on napkins, the news, banners, signs, ads, in songs-and even on tee-shirts. While a nice phrase, I can’t help but think of the incompleteness of those two words.
Thanks to Mrs. True for her recent Question and Comment– Question: Does anyone do a protocol retreat? We watched Princes Diaries and it got me thinking we ladies could use similar coaching. It would be so fun! Better than a quilt retreat or a Harley convention!
Question: We have many friends from out of town who will not be able to attend my daughter’s wedding or her bridal shower. The groom’s family is also out of state. Yet these families would like to send a gift. What is the best way to inform them where the bride and groom are registered? I know it is not […]
Protocol Matters Cultivating Good Character and Manners in Christian Homes and Schools
Protocol Matters Cultivating Good Character and Manners in Christian Homes and Schools
Protocol Matters Cultivating Good Character and Manners in Christian Homes and Schools
Protocol Matters Cultivating Good Character and Manners in Christian Homes and Schools
Protocol Matters Cultivating Good Character and Manners in Christian Homes and Schools
Protocol Matters Cultivating Good Character and Manners in Christian Homes and Schools
Protocol Matters Cultivating Good Character and Manners in Christian Homes and Schools
Protocol Matters Cultivating Good Character and Manners in Christian Homes and Schools
Protocol Matters Cultivating Good Character and Manners in Christian Homes and Schools
Protocol Matters Cultivating Good Character and Manners in Christian Homes and Schools
Protocol Matters Cultivating Good Character and Manners in Christian Homes and Schools
Protocol Matters Cultivating Good Character and Manners in Christian Homes and Schools
Protocol Matters Cultivating Good Character and Manners in Christian Homes and Schools
Protocol Matters Cultivating Good Character and Manners in Christian Homes and Schools
Protocol Matters Cultivating Good Character and Manners in Christian Homes and Schools
Protocol Matters Cultivating Good Character and Manners in Christian Homes and Schools
Protocol Matters Cultivating Good Character and Manners in Christian Homes and Schools
Protocol Matters Cultivating Good Character and Manners in Christian Homes and Schools
Protocol Matters Cultivating Good Character and Manners in Christian Homes and Schools
Protocol Matters Cultivating Good Character and Manners in Christian Homes and Schools
Protocol Matters Cultivating Good Character and Manners in Christian Homes and Schools
Protocol Matters Cultivating Good Character and Manners in Christian Homes and Schools
Protocol Matters Cultivating Good Character and Manners in Christian Homes and Schools
Protocol Matters Cultivating Good Character and Manners in Christian Homes and Schools
Do you know how powerful your words are? Words have great effect in two directions –they can build up or tear down. Fitly spoken words possess the power to build up when dispensed in truth with sincerity. The key is speaking truthful words with sincerity, which rules out phoney flattery. Such words make a difference to others in our lives as Janet Lawrence tells us in this excerpt, reprinted with her kind […]
Protocol Matters Cultivating Good Character and Manners in Christian Homes and Schools
Protocol Matters Cultivating Good Character and Manners in Christian Homes and Schools
Protocol Matters Cultivating Good Character and Manners in Christian Homes and Schools