How to obtain favor from the Lord? Helpful advice for men.

Ever notice how wives and wisdom have a lot in common? Proverbs 18:21 says, "A man who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord." Earlier in chapter 13 verse 13 it states, "Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding. It goes on to say that "she" (referring to wisdom) is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. I thought that was kind of funny since we are in a recession and gold is increasing in value. A good wife obviously increases in value during difficult times.

In verse 1 of Proverbs 31 the bible reads, "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies." For thousands of years rubies have been considered one of the most valuable gemstones on earth. To me that implies that a good wife never goes out of style. Something quite similar is said of wisdom in Proverbs 3:15, "She is more precious than rubies, nothing you desire can compare with her."

Proverbs 31:11,12 Tells us, "Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life." There is much to be gained from finding both wisdom and a good wife. In Proverbs 3:18 when it states that wisdom is a TREE OF LIFE to those who embrace her, those who lay hold of her will be blessed." We know what it means to be blessed but you may find yourself wondering, "What exactly is a TREE OF LIFE?"

A Tree of Life is a gift that keeps on giving. It's a desire fulfilled that only gets better with time. It's a blessing from the Lord that makes you rich and adds no sorrow. It's a fruit bearing tree that brings forth fruit in every season. The similarities between wives and wisdom is uncanny. A lot of men are missing out on their blessings, and not obtaining favor because they are afraid of marriage.

How exactly are you to find a wife with such virtuous qualities? Find wisdom first and she'll help you find a wife. In case you need help finding wisdom, Proverbs 1:7 tells us that "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Still wondering how to recognize your wife? In the same manner in which you began to find wisdom. The fear of the Lord. "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Proverbs 31:30

If you are reading this and you have a virtuous wife, "Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." Proverbs 31:31

Sincerely,

Toya Poplar

Smiles are Infectious

Yummy to my Tummy

I could just eat her up. Seriously!

Circle of Love

“Children will not remember you for the material things you provided but for the feeling that you cherished them.” Richard L. Evans

Have you ever adored someone's kids so much that you treat them like your own? One of my favorite things about this family is that we are friends with the entire family. From our husbands down to the kids we are all close friends so needless to say this photo session was as informal as it gets. All the way down to me forgetting to give mom a photo release form. She went to process the pictures and the photo lab wouldn't release them to her because they were "professional".

We got a hard laugh out of that. They insisted that she speak with a manager and that she return with a photo release form. I told her it was the greatest compliment I've received concerning my photography thus far.

How Love Grows

"A child fills a place in your heart you never knew was empty." Every mom I know can relate to the overwhelming love you experience when you have a child. I've heard moms say that their intense love for their first born made them wonder if they'd be able to love additional children. Then that next baby comes along and love overflows so strongly that you can't imagine life with out either one of your kids. By the time you reach child number 3 you start to see a pattern... Love has a way of exponentially increasing.

An "Expected" End

My friend Dasha recently moved to Iceland. Both she and her husband are incredible basketball players. At the end of this session I asked, "Do you think your baby girl will play basketball?" Dasha laughed and said, "it's pretty much in her DNA." That's what sparked me to grab a basketball. Although the b-ball pics were a hind thought, they happen to be my favorite shots. They tell a major part of Sy and Dasha's story.

I'm sure Dasha never dreamed of living in Iceland. It's so comforting to serve a God who knows the end from the beginning. I am 100% certain that Sy and Dasha will be outstanding parents. They both have so much love to give. God really does know the plans He has for their daughter. Whether she plays basketball or golf we can trust that His plans are to prosper her and not to harm her to give her hope and a future.

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11

www.weaponsofdavid.braveshot.com

Every since I was little I've always admired people who could dance. I think dance is a poetic outer expression of the passion in one's heart. I once read, "You can dance anywhere, even if only in your heart." Because dancing is something that I am not good at, I would like to consider myself a "heart-dancers."

Weapons of David Hip Hop Dance Ministry consists of a group of students that use dance to fight against temptations, addictions and peer pressure. They dance with such power and passion it provokes all who see them to dance right where you are... Not just in your heart. For more information on this dance group please visit the above website. I'm very proud to share that WOD recently competed in the Cheer Sport Grand Championship, they won first place in the Senior Hip Hop Division. They were the first Christian dance group to compete in the history of the Cheer Sport Grand Championship. When you promote God, he'll promote you.