and they lived happily ever after.

It seems like just yesterday when Melvin took me to prom. Friday, May 6, 1994.
I will never forget.

Hair $65.00
Nails $35.00
Shoes S40.00
Dress $112.00
Meal $70.00
Memory of attending my husband's senior prom... Priceless.

I'm sure all of the above prices have gone up since the 90's. Saturday, May 9, 2009 I had the great pleasure of photographing an adorable couple for their prom. I think they were so wise for choosing a personal photographer. When I look back at my prom pictures the one thing I don't care for is the cheesy photographs. Of all the money we spent for that one day we have nothing to show for it except for those pictures. Ask me where they are now? Hidden in a Senior Scrap Book that get's pulled out about once every 5years. Here's some advice for all students that will attend prom, take pictures that tell your story. Anything else will wind up tucked away rarely to be seen again. Kudos to Chase and Brittney! Thanks for a great session.

Enduring to the End

After several weeks of hard work my studio is finally finished! The last week was the most challenging. None of the challenges had much to do with the actual studio, just lots of little foxes that tried to spoil the vine. I caught a really bad cold, had a couple of speaking engagements to prepare for and not time for preparation and the one thing that still shocks me... I had to contend with a case of head lice. I didn't even know that little brown people could get head lice until I got a call from the school nurse telling me to come get my child. Anyhow, God is good and does all things well.

Don't be alarmed, I'd hate to stop receiving appointments for fear of lice so let me set the record straight by informing all that my home is as lice free as it can possibly be. I have never washed so much hair in my life. Not to mention linens, clothes, stuffed animals, carpets... Can you say EXHAUSTING? Anyhow, I will not complain because the Lord spoke so clearly to me during that time about His unfailing love towards His children. As I sifted through every single strand of hair on my daughter's head I thought of how detailed God is and how He loves us in such a intimate way. He knows how many hairs we have on our head and collects our tears in a bottle. His thoughts towards us out number the grains of sand at sea. He is truly a Good Shepherd.

When I got the call from my daughter's school I immediately started praying, "God please give me the grace to not be freaked out and reject my baby when I see her." When I showed up and saw her itching like a heroin addict my immediate desire was to rescue her. I just wanted to see her delivered from her discomfort. I had a compassion that words can not describe. It was the perfect picture of grace. I know that's what God feels towards us when he sees us in whatever state He finds us in. He wants us free, whole, complete, healthy, restored, delivered... I didn't care what it took, how long, how difficult or what she looked like in the process. All I could focus on was the end result.

If this is your first time reading my blog I want you to know that this is who I am. Present me with a problem and I'll find some way of giving God glory. Often times in life we fixate on the flaws and miss the real beauty. Photography to me is about much more than taking pictures. It's about seeing life from a different perspective, one in which no matter what subject is set before me I'll find a way to bring out the best and trust God to do the rest. Behold, Tree of Life Studio.

Tree of Life Studio-Coming Soon

When Melvin and I were in high school we used to go to Home Depot, Builders Square and Lowes just to dream. He would speak of his desires to build a home complete with features that I choose not to disclose, very unique to say the least. One of the items on our wish list was a studio with lots of light for me. Back then I loved to paint so naturally an art studio was what we envisioned. I'm so glad that the dreams that God dreams for us go far beyond the dreams we dream for ourselves. My studio will come to fruition soon. I take comfort in knowing that the Lord will perfect that which concerns me. I am reminded of the scripture that states,

At the time I have decided,

my words will come true.

You can trust what I say

about the future.

It may take a long time,

but keep on waiting--

it will happen!

Habakkuk 2:3 (Contemporary English Version)

If there is a dream in your heart that seems deferred, don't fret the desire will come and when it does it will far exceed what you previously asked for, thought of or imagined. Don't become so distracted by the dream that you fail to focus on the Dream Giver.

Mother Knows Best

Last weekend I had the great honor of photographing some of the sweetest children I've ever met. They are funny, caring, well behaved, beautiful and more than anything they love each other so much. It warmed my heart to hear them shower each other with compliments. Their mommy is sharp, she home schools, loves her babies, her hubby and her planet (Go Green) and above all else she loves the Lord. If I could just laugh and play like this everyday. This was the most carefree photo session I've done to date. I look forward to watching them grow. Jessica, thank you so much for sharing your babies with me!

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!