A White Dress and Red Shoes Wedding {Ryan and Amanda}

I was so lucky and so blessed when I was asked to second shoot for a wedding a week back. 

It was a beautiful day, fall colors, a cool, crisp day.

Amanda's colors were absolutely beautiful.

And she was an amazingly beautiful bride.

Here are the photos from the special day =)

Hannah, from Ordinary Miracles Photography.

 Her cute red heels.

See you soon!
Sara Rose <3

Chapter 14 {A Double Blessing}

"Your tears never touch your cheeks without at the same time it touching

God's heart."

HER PREPARATION
She is not afraid of the snow for her household : for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
Proverbs 31:21

No one, Jesus tells us in his Sermon on the Mount, was ever arrayed in clothing as splendid and grand as King Solomon of the Old Testament (Matthew 6:29)
But the family of the Proverbs 31 woman may have come very, very close!
What joy her loved ones stir in her heart--and what joy she brings them as they wear the masterpieces she spins and weaves and decorates.  When her family walks down the street, people can't help but notice!
Now before we go thinking that God's beautiful woman is out of balance here, that she's overly concerned about appearances, remember something that this godly woman knows to be fact: "Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain" (Proverbs 31:30).  Far from being conceited and worldly, God's beautiful Proverbs 31 woman once again demonstrates her concern and care for people, her creativity, and her great ability to work.
Only this time her efforts are visible to all because her character expresses itself in her family's clothing.

-Clothing Fit for a King-
What does it mean that this beautiful woman clothes her family members in "scarlet"?  This color reveals much  about her provision.

*Warmth--Red, or scarlet (meaning "to shine"), indicates the retention of heat.

*Stately appearance--Scarlet is the color of kings' clothing and signifies dignity, luxury and magnificence.

*Quality--Only the best will do for this beautiful woman's family.  The fact that they are clothed with wool--and with scarlet wool at that!--speaks of the quality clothing she provides.  Then, as well as now, very few people owned more than one woolen overcoat.

*Double thickness--One meaning of the Hebrew word for scarlet is "double", and of course God's beautiful woman would only make quality, double-thick clothing, extending a double blessing to her brood.

*Double dipped--Wool has to be dyed the color scarlet, and to become truly scarlet, wool was dipped in to the dye more than once.

*Costly--Because of the dye and the added labor and time, scarlet robes were luxurious and costly.

It's amazing that the mere mention of scarlet clothing reveals so much about the heart of the seamstress and conveys such a powerful message from that heart to the heart of those for whom she sews!!
Even more amazing is that you and I are able to send the same message of love to those we love!
Just as God's beautiful woman, armed with her calendar and a "to-do" list, takes time to anticipate her family's future needs and prepare for them, so can you. :)

See you soon!

Sara Rose <3

Chapter 13 {A Helping Hand}

"Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon."

HER MERCY
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
Proverbs 31:20

God's beautiful woman is certainly impressive isn't she?  The Proverbs 31 woman excels in trustworthiness, , supportiveness, diligence, industry, thriftiness, creativity, organization, and management.
But I am so excited to see that mercy is being added to this woman's list of attributes.
Although she stays busy with her own family's needs, she's not to busy to overlook the needs of others.  Without godly mercy, our industry and activities will make us harsh and hurried; we'll become to busy to care.
Rather than folding our hands for a moment of relaxation or using them to hold onto our money (from that business we've started ;) We need to extend out our hands and stretch them towards those who are in need!
God's Proverbs 31 woman is constantly aware of these people, sympathetic to their needs, ready to help, and her full heart and full coffers spill plentifully to bless others. Rather than drawing a tight circle around her family and shutting others out, this beautiful woman follows her heart, opens the circle, and takes them in.  Her circle of love includes all who need her help.
One how-to:
Live Out Love--When asked what love looks like, the early church father Augustine replied, "Love has hands to help others.  It has feet to hasten to the poor and needy.  It has eyes to see misery and want.  It has ears to hear the sighs and sorrow of men.  This is what love looks like."
What a blessing we are to others when we live out this kind of love.  It truly is beautiful in God's eyes!

See you soon!

Sara Rose <3

Chapter 12 {A Little Night Work}

"When you lose everything you want, you find the only thing you need."

HER DILIGENCE

She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands to the distaff.

Proverbs 31:19

OK, so, so far we've learned that a beautiful woman of God rises early in the morning, works hard all day, has her own business, and THEN lesson number 12...here she comes,  God's beautiful woman also works behind-the-scenes, and into the night.  

It's true that work, work, work and more work lies behind every success.  We are considering the wonderful success story of the Proverbs 31 woman.  Clearly this woman is a woman of diligence--ever persevering, continually industrious, and constantly busy.  

She rises early to take care of her household and continues to work at the other end of her day, too.  She puts her evenings to good use as well. 

Here are a few "How-To's"

#1:  Evaluate you Evenings--Do you know how you spend every 20 minutes of your evenings?  Answering this question can be quite an eye opener!

#2:  Plan your Evenings--Just like you schedule your days, start scheduling your evenings!  One woman did her laundry, cleaned the kitchen, and then spent 30 minutes exercising.  You don't have to be up until midnight every night.  Just stay up a little bit after the rest of the family has gone to bed. 

This time doesn't just have to be for work, it could also be for your personal interests.  Read your favorite book, look up new recipes for the family, or give yourself a manicure!

#3:  Use your evenings--It's great to evaluate, plan and prepare but you have to USE your evenings.  God's beautiful woman "layeth her hands to the spindle" What do your hands reach for at night?  A snack?  A book? A favorite video?  Your pillow?  This chapter is about diligence; it's your invitation to you and I to make your evenings productive.

See you soon!

Sara Rose <3

Chapter 11 {A Taste of Success}

"Blessed are those who give without remembering and take without forgetting."

-Elizabeth Bibesco

HER CONFIDENCE

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

Proverbs 31:18

Seriously?  I thought we were supposed to be keepers of our homes, help meets to our husbands, comforters and nurturers to our children.  And now, on top of all of this we are not only have knowledge of our finances, but also we should be able to have our own business on the side!  Not something that would take over the daily tasks of being a wife and mother, but something that would create a little more "breathing room" in the area of expenses.  

This wise, wonderful mother in Proverbs 31 is giving us a formula for success--or in other words a formula for excellence!  When you and I pursue excellence in all areas of our lives, we can experience the kind of success that God's beautiful Proverbs 31 woman enjoyed.  

This woman had excellent TASTE, GOODS, RESULTS, and an excellent PURSUIT.

Elizabeth George calls the business of God's beautiful woman her "Proverbs 31 Project".  In her book she listed several women who did things from their very own homes in order to contribute to the finances of their family.  

I personal know several ladies who have small business that they run in their own home.  One young woman runs a small bakery, and sells her baked goods to local restaurants in the area.  Another woman in my church sells her own ointments.

Now, here are some "How-To's" on developing your own "Proverbs 31 Project"

#1:  Listen to Others--
Do you get compliments for something you do?  We will usually take the gifts God has given for granted.  We tend to think "Oh, anyone can do that!"  "It's not that great, someone else could do a better job!"  But we need to thank God for the abilities He has given us and try to use those abilities in a broader way.

#2:  Move Forward--
Did you good somewhere?  Did the recipe fail?  Keep moving forward!  Have the attitude Thomas Edison had: "Don't call it a mistake.  Call it an education!"

#3:  Develop Your Skills--
Just because your good at something doesn't mean you can't get better!  Are you good at making the world's best Colorado Cowboy Cookies? 

(see www.sweetteaandarockingchair.blogspot.com for the recipe)

 Go ahead and try giving the Alabama Mud Cake a try! 

(a favorite, also found on the same site )

#4:  Take Risks--
Scary?  Maybe just a little :)  But!  Be creative!  Try new things!

#5:  Do Your Best--
All you do, do with excellence.  As a result, your merchandise will be good!

#6:  Do Your Projects Unto the Lord--
With Him as the reason for your work, with Him as your Boss, with  His glory as your goal, you'll experience the blessing of His strength and His guidance.

#7: FAMILY FIRST--
God's beautiful woman isn't motivated by greed in her business.  A true Proverbs 31 woman will be motivated by the want to be a blessing to her family.  And not only her family, but also a continual blessing to others!  

So, take a step back before pursuing this "Proverbs 31 Project".  Who are you really doing this for? 

In the case of becoming a beautiful Proverbs 31 woman, take care of your family, and let God take care of how He chooses to bless you and any business efforts.

Good luck!

See you soon!

Sara Rose <3

Chapter 10 {An Eager Attitude}

"We must move from asking God to take care of things that are breaking our hearts,

to praying about the things that are breaking His heart." 

Margret Gibbs

HER WORK

She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

Proverbs 31:17

Mmmm...work :)  Something not everyone embraces with beauty.  Yet, it's something all of us must do.  And it's something God's beautiful woman did with an eager attitude!

Yesterday I received my first paycheck.  I don't think I have ever been so excited about a piece of paper.  It has been about three months since I last worked, and although I have stayed busy around my home, I must say that I was excited about the new work opportunity.

But, some mornings (like today for example) it is difficult to get out of bed (especially after a long shift)  for another work day.  

So, here are few "How-To's" to get you out of your warm bed and up and running for the day!

#1:  EMBRACE God's will for your life--Own it, love it, tackle it, be committed to it, and dedicate your life to it!

#2:  STAY in God's Word--Allow the Holy Spirit to energize your heart, mind and strength through the power of God's Word.

#3:  DEVELOP a mission--Have a vision of the bigger picture for your life!  Broaden your horizons and nurture a vision for the future of your family members and the contribution they might make to society.

I love this prayer: "Lord, make us masters of ourselves that we may be the servants of others."

#4:  TAP into the why--It's vital to know WHY you are doing WHAT you are doing.

"The secret of discipline is motivation.  When a woman {or man} is sufficiently motivated, discipline will take care of itself."  

We can possess all of the necessary skills and know exactly what needs to be done, but unless we have motivation--and an understanding and a passion for the WHY--the job most likely will not get done.

#5:  PRAY for an eager attitude--After you turn out all the lights, and you lay in your bed, ask God to allow you to greet the next day with an eager attitude.  Then, when your alarm goes off the next morning (before the sun comes up right? ;), thank God for another amazing day in which we get to serve Him and our families.

#6:  CREATE a schedule--eww! Really?  Actually, I live on schedules.  I'm a list person.  If I don't have a list, I can't live. :)  A schedule helps you know where you are going, when you have to be there, and what will be coming next.

#7:  DEVELOP a routine--Whenever you decide to do something one day, do it everyday, at the exact same time.  Soon, it will be second nature. =)

#8:  TACKLE the worst first--Dreading cleaning that bathroom, or organizing the closet?  Do it first, then it's over and you can move on to the more fun chores.

#9:  TURN up the music--We pretty always are playing music on the big cleaning days at our house.  

It helps keep spirits up.  How can you be unhappy when you're singing?

#10:  CONSIDER yourself--I know I have already posted two other quotes, but this is also from the book. Pray that this poem will not be a roadblock in your life.

All that stands between your goal

And the deeds you hope to do

And the dreams which stir your soul--

Is you!

See you soon!

Sara Rose <3

Chapter 9 {A Field of Dreams}

Watch your thoughts; they become words.

Watch your words; they become actions.

Watch your actions; they become habits.

Watch your habits; they become your character.

Watch your character; it becomes your destiny. 

HER VISION

"She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard."

Proverbs 31:16

I'll admit, here's another verse that is on my "Things to Conquer" list.  Along with getting up before the sun, the business side of life is something that my brain doesn't often comprehend. 

 But!  Never fear, it's on the list! =)

Ever heard of the findings of "right brain-left brain" research?  Supposedly one side of the brain controls the creative functions and the other side is our practical functions.

The woman who is beautiful in God's eyes has fully and gloriously developed both sides of her brain.  In the creative realm, she's a visionary--a person given to dreaming and imagining.  

When we, in the quest for our dreams, seek and follow God's wisdom and add our own hard work to the pursuit, everyone benefits.

Here are six P's for a beauty plan in seeing our dreams come true. 

*Patience--so that you will wait before you act when opportunities arise

*Prudence--so that you will carefully think things over while you're waiting

*Prayerfulness--so that you will seek the Lord's wisdom while you are waiting and thinking

*Petition--so that you will willingly consult your husband--or your parents =D--after you've waited, and thought, and prayed

*Purpose--so that God will guide your heart in the right direction, in HIS direction

*Perseverance--so that you will do whatever it takes to make your dreams come true

See you soon!

Sara Rose <3

Chapter 8 {A Pattern for the Household}

"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery.
Today is a gift.
 That's why we call it the present."

HER DISCIPLINE
"She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household,
and a portion to her maidens."
Proverbs 31:15

If you are even slightly like me this verse makes you almost cringe.  Although I tend to be more of a morning person, the thought of waking up while it's still dark is not my favorite thing to do.  As soon as I see that it is still dark, this girl normally will head back to her warm bed!  Now that I have a job, there have been a few mornings where I have to be out of the house and on my way, but I've always seen sunshine when I opened my eyes. =)
This verse is definitely something I have put on my "Need to Conquer List".
In this chapter there are 3 disciplines taught to us by a woman who lovingly cared enough for her home and for her family, that she rose while it was still dark in order to ensure that everything would be prepared BEFORE her family awoke.

Discipline #1: An Early Start
When Proverbs 31 was written a woman got up early for several reasons.


Tending the fire at home--
First she would tend the lamp, this lamp had to stay lit all night so that it could help start the fire the next morning.  It was also the ideal time to get a head start on the meal preparations for that day.

Tending the fire of her heart--
Deuteronomy 6:5 says, "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind."
A Proverbs 31 woman not only tends the fire of her home, but she also ensures that the fire in her heart has also been tended.  She rises while it is night to find a quiet spot to spend with her God.

Tending the fires of their hearts--
The Law of Moses instructed each mother to teach and to train her children God's law.  The Proverbs 31 woman first fills her own heart with God's truths, but also teaches her children the same truths all day long.

Discipline #2: Food for the Family
This woman's daily bread needs for her family was a major reason in rising early.  Her family depended on her to provide the most important mainstay with each meal.  The bread!   But there is an exciting image behind this verse!
"The Hebrew word used here for "food" actually means "prey" and refers to the prey of a lion.  God's beautiful woman here is being likened unto that of a lion hunting for the prey it needs to survive.  She is pictured as lioness prowling at night to obtain food for her household.  Besides being an army (verse 10), a warrior (verse 10), a worker (verse 13), and a powerful ship (verse 14), she is now a lioness (verse 15)!  The image of this woman continues to point to a woman with tremendous strength and courage.

Discipline #3: A Plan for the Day
While it's assumed that God's Proverbs 31 woman gave her maids a portion of the food in which she had prepared she also gave them work.  She issues them a decree or a work "ordinance" which outlines their daily work assignments.  This woman also has her own daily work to plan and organize, but her maids also need their daily portion for the day.  Eager not to lose a minute of time, she has to be ready for them--early!

See you soon!

Sara Rose <3

Chapter 7 {An Enterprising Spirit}

"Don't waste your time looking back on what you have lost.  Move on, for life is not meant to be traveled backwards."

-Unknown Author

HER PROVISION

"She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar."

Proverbs 31:14

Like the merchants ships of her day, this Proverbs 31 woman sets sail and glides on and on...searching, looking , seeking and obtaining what she wants to provide for her family.  Motivated by love for those she cares about, she sets forth on a mission with vigor and anticipation, willing to explore beyond the familiarity and convenience of her neighborhood market.

Here's how:

#1.  A heart of love is the first thing on the list.  Without love we are nothing (1 Corinthians 13:2), and so, without love we will want to do nothing! So...

Pray

Make your home your first priority

Spend time with other women. Listen to women who speak with heartfelt love about their husband, their children and their home.  You'll find the enthusiasm contagious!

#2. A vision of loveliness gives wings to an enterprising spirit.  As a creative individual, nurture you own vision of loveliness and offer your family your personal expressions of beauty.

Surround yourself with beauty

Make your vision of loveliness a reality

#3.  God's assignment to love your family in the practicalities of daily life gives an enterprising spirit of direction.

Become a wise shopper

Search for the unusual

Consider bartering

Become the "resident artist"

See you soon!

Sara Rose <3