Weddings and uninvited children
Published July 20, 2008 | 
Where to find trustworthy book reviews?
Published June 25, 2008 | 
Here’s a good questionfrom a mother who takes her parenting responsibilities seriously. She knows that what goes into a young mind has influence beyond the Continue reading Miss, Mrs. and Ms.
Published June 16, 2008 | Mmmmm-for those wondering about all those “M” titles, here’s a quick overview -
“Ms.” is a respectful generic designation when a lady’s marital status is either unknown or irrelevant when addressing or writing to her. We shouldn’t forget “Madam”, which is a polite French expression used by many English speaking people for “my lady”. A shorter version ,”Ma’am”, originally meant the mistress of a house but now represents any Continue reading
Those Marrying “I-Do-s”
Published May 12, 2008 | 
Some of my younger single friends, high school and college graduates, with whom I’ve visited lately, are considering marriage, which to them seems a most exciting, albeit normal, next step in their life’s progression. They’ve received fine educations, have good parental examples, and are capable young adults, yet for their new roles as husbands and wives, some say that they still feel Continue reading
On the Road to a Happy Marriage
Published March 31, 2008 | Bridal showers are fitting times for the “older women” (in this case a future mother-in-law) to share some words of wisdom for a happy marriage from her treasury of experience. Following are the wise words shared by Natali’s future mom-in-law, Sheryl, a delightful lady with wit and Continue reading
Question: Do groom’s parents pay for their invited guest’s room?
Published March 31, 2008 | Young men for all seasons….
Published March 31, 2008 | 
…..thought you might enjoy seeing some of the young men who cheerfully posed on Sunday for an impromptu photo …these guys know how to put on “Sunday best” and put their best foot forward…and so do their parents. Thanks Mitch, Matt, Connor, Patrick, Lucas, Sam, and Gabe!
Future ramificatons from behind bars and in homes
Published March 23, 2008 | Do you ever wonder if how you are raising your children makes a difference? Wonder if your efforts and your faith really matter in their behavior and actions? I admire many younger parents (including my son) who, with growing families, limited budgets, and imperfect living circumstances have their eye to the future, exhibit steadfast patience, and unselfish focus in training their children up in good behavior. Continue reading
Matters of New Life in Troubles, Jail, and Beyond
Published March 20, 2008 | 
Behold! I make all things new! Revelations 21:5.Today I write with tears–mixed with joy and sadness. Warm tears of joy because the Lord makes all things new–something so necessaryfor each of us and wonderful to see.But also with tears of sadness for the hurting hearts in our Continue reading Manners from the Home Maintainance Toolbox
Published March 1, 2008 | 
From the manners toolbox: Quiet speaks loudest Have you considered how noise impacts your home and your relationships? And how it relates to manners?A glance through Strong’s Concordance Continue reading 
Happy New Year
Published December 24, 2007 | May your 2008 overflow with worthy and virtuous conduct. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Cell Phones. WWJD
Published December 17, 2007 | 
Everyone appreciates the convenience of cell phones. Yet we’ve all been subject to sudden interruptions and personal conversations not intended for us by people in public places with cell phones permanently attached to their ears? But something else problematic exists…
Don’t be deceived by the glibness of the title–this post relates a serious side of technology misuse that many people overlook. It isn’t speaking of driving distractions or health issues, but something more subtly harmful to our humanity. It also reminds us why cell phone etiquette is important. Thanks to Charlie Wingard for sharing this Dallas News article by Ken Myers. Click here to read his column. In addition: Below you’ll find a list of basic cell phone etiquette that should be included in everyone’s good manners: Continue reading
Across the Big Pond interviews
Published December 7, 2007 | You are cordially invited to listen in for the United Kingdom’s Transworld Broadcasting System program, when I discuss Protocol Matters with Mr. Brent Siddall on December 13 at 9:00 A.M. GMT. Hope you can join me.
Also of noteworthy interest, Mr. Siddall will be interviewing Douglas Wilson on Dec. 12 at 9:00 A.M. If you haven’t had a chance to hear Mr. Wilson
speak, tune in–he is always well informed and his discussions, lively and pertinent for living faithfully in ways that may surprise and challenge you.
Other interesting inteviews conducted by Mr. Siddall are online via the TWR’s address below. If you are unable to listen in on the podcast date, the interviews will be available afterwards for a few weeks listed under past programs.
You may click here for a convenient link….
P. S. September 2009–Sorry, this link is now expired. I don’t have a copy of this interview but the book, Protocol Matters, is now available through Great Britian’s Amazon source.
Wedding receptions: Who greets whom?
Published December 5, 2007 | Dear Frances from New Jersey. Receptions are times that frequently give us practice in excercising broad social graces, including forbearance, because protocol oversights do happen. They are likely unintentional. Wedding complexities can overwhelm the best of us, especially dreamy eyed brides and nervous grooms. And, should the Continue reading
Holiday tips when there are mice in your boots
Published December 3, 2007 | I remember how very busy and challenging the B.C. holidays were in my early years of new motherhood so this post is for you young moms and dads who may face some similar obstacles. We laugh Continue reading
Good Words
Published November 29, 2007 | 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 permission. Continue reading
Here’s Kama: Birthday Book Exchange & Party Manners
Published November 27, 2007 | The book exchange idea started with a discussion and a concern. One of my sons, with a concern about “too many presents” during the holiday season and her birthday, and yet with the desire to provide a memorable celebration of our youngest Continue reading
Divine Simplicities: Expressing Thanks
Published November 18, 2007 | When busy parents ignore or neglect small matters in the protocol habits of their children, the effects can be profoundly negative. The giving thanks is one of those small, even seemingly insignificant items; yet this easy practice CANNOT be overlooked without awful consequences–grabbing included. Thank you to Jennifer from Washington for her question Continue reading
Toppling modern king pins
Published October 29, 2007 | A friend and fellow high school teacher passed along some excellent comments concerning the need for our current generation’s return to common sense and a better regard for truth and propriety. Modernity has lost touch with certain realities, including an understanding of ”solempne”. (If your Latin is rusty–or non-existent–you’ll appreciate discovering Continue reading
“No Boxed Gifts”
Published October 12, 2007 | Monetary wedding gifts
Published October 4, 2007 | Programs for Church Youth Groups
Published September 26, 2007 | This question comes from TS in Michigan:
Question: Dear Sandra, I have just finished and enjoyed tremendously your book Protocol Matters. Thank you for writing it. On the back of the book, mention is made of your prior work with church groups and youth programs. Have you ever implemented a protocol training program such as the one described in your book in a youth Continue reading
Men in hats
Published September 22, 2007 | I received the following question and am posting my answer regarding the dress codes for men and hats. I hope the answer gives you a deeper understanding of why this is an important question.
Question: “Sandra, In this modern day and age is it ok yet for younger men to wear their hats inside of buildings? Are there some buildings that are ok while others are not?” Brad F. from Washington Continue reading
Good Words
Published September 22, 2007 | 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 permission. Continue reading
Quiet Your Doubts
Published September 20, 2007 | Is this a time of doubt, suffering, or hurt in your life? Do you or your loved ones have serious problems and questions about the Christian faith because of some hard circumstances? So did former atheist, Lee Strobel, when he set out to examine tough intellectual objections to Christianity, especially the questions of suffering and how can a “good God do or allow bad things Continue reading
Lessons in the Games of Life
Published August 6, 2007 | My son’s lament was sincere: ”How difficult to teach our children the importance of proper dress as a sign of respect and courtesy when the adults drop the ball with their poor example” He is a fairly relaxed guy so this remark on his return from the golf course with my young grandson who was being introduced to this great game for the first time Continue reading
Etiquette for Wedding Guests
Published July 1, 2007 | 