Three Questions to Ask Yourself Today

Happy Wednesday, friends!

I know what you’re thinking (and praying for): the weekend, of course! So I want to do a quick mid-week check-in with you ladies to encourage you today. I know just how easily we can become wrapped up in the drudgery of schedules and errands. So instead, lets kickstart this Wednesday with more direction! While you reflect on the three questions below and answer these honestly, I hope you will remember just how valuable and important you are.

Who are you reaching for?

Each one of us carries the ability to reach out to a completely different set of people every day. One of my favorite quotes I’ve heard my pastor repeatedly say is: “You are the only Bible some people will ever read.” There are people that read your life and attitudes shown to them daily that may never be reached or affected by anyone else with truth. You can easily be a beam of light into the darkness they are living. Be the bright light you were called to be, and reach for them!

What do you represent?

Darling, I pray that you let them see far beyond the dress, heels, and hair — that they see more than just a girl who holds her head up high in the air. Let them see Jesus in you. Let your smile radiate God’s joy and peace each day! Allow your lips to speak words of kindness that are soothing to the aching hearts you are surrounded by. Proverbs 16:24 says, “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”

How can we become more effective in the kingdom?

I am often questioning how I can do more with the 24 hrs a day I have. I have come to find that it is not so much about doing more as it is about doing each thing effectively. Is what I am doing making a difference somewhere? Am I contributing, supporting, and cultivating growth in my church? How can I grow closer to God and in turn help those around me? My desire is to focus all of my efforts on what matters in the long run.

Feel free to answer these questions by journaling out the answers to yourself to reflect upon. I find that to be a good way to analyze my own reflections. If you would like to share some of these answers with us, please comment below!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

xoxo,

*This blog post first appeared on daintyjewellsblog.com * 

Little Letters: Sarah P. Duke Gardens Edition

I am all for fun, easy, and FREE date ideas. A walk in the garden is about as romantic as it gets! (Hellooo Jane Austen) I love exploring beautiful winding paths in full bloom, birds chirping, the warm sun on your face and the rustling of the wind in the trees. Good company is obviously a must in this setting. 

This weekend Preston and I were able to visit Sarah P. Duke Gardens once again. The first time we visited the gardens we were a newly dating couple. This visit brought back a lot of nostalgic memories and made for a lovely afternoon. All of the beautiful flowers were in full bloom, and the weather you ask? Perfectly warm! The first glimpse that spring is really actually coming. 

If you have never visited Duke Gardens I do recommend a nice sunny spring day. The blooms are amazing, and everything is coming to life. The downside to this of course, is that it will most assuredly be crawling with people in every direction snapping baby shots, engagement shots, you name it. We actually witnessed a proposal AND a wedding. All in the short span of an hour and a half. 

If you would like to know any outfit details, I have added the links below. 

Enjoy the fun pictures!

XOXO,

Maeve Larkhill Swing Midi  |  Clare Cardigan in Black  |  Block Heel Sandal Option 1  |  Block Heel Sandal Option 2

January 5th

  

On January 5th, 2018 I married my best friend.

BEST. DAY. EVER. 

I cannot even begin to explain the overwhelming happiness that just surged my heart that entire day. I was surrounded by all of my favorite humans, I wore the prettiest wedding dress any princess could want (yes, my mom is amazing and MADE it!), and I got to unite my life with the one that makes me the happiest girl alive. 

There were little moments that will forever remain etched in my memories. 

How I felt getting in the car with my wedding dress on. How I didn't even feel the cold (even though it was about 30 degrees at noon, and only went down from there). How easy it was to smile for all my pictures because I was just so over-the-moon happy. How I just couldn't wait to see Preston. The kind words our pastors imparted upon us. The hugs that swamped us after the ceremony. How cozy and adorable our tent reception was. The love that just permeated every inch of space at church. The sparklers effect on the night right before we left on our honeymoon.

Preston Pearson, I love you. 

XOXO,

Photography by Amanda Sutton Photography