Belief

 To me, yesterday was the start of the new year. I felt like I could say hello to 2025 now that school, work and routine can resume. After taking a nearly 2 week break from my job, and other responsibilities there's pressure to produce on top of the weight of the new year culture of change and habits. 

I love goals! I make them daily, monthly yearly ....

But here's the truth:

JESUS SAID

"APART FROM ME, YOU CAN DO NOTHING"

JOHN 15:5

He didn't say it would be harder, you'll need better strategies, you can handle small stuff, just try harder .... He said we can do nothing.

As you reflect on your intentions, do you believe that He will provide, protect and be present?

I hold on to so much of what I want, that I realized I have some unbelief that is in the way. 

  BELIEVE IN HIM & HIS PROMISES

Dress Beautifully Believing in Him for Everything

XOXO Sarah Louise

Willpower < Surrender

Can you have too much of a good thing? I'm learning yes! 

I've always known I've had excessive willpower. I take disciplined to a whole new level and live a regimented life particularly when it comes to my schedule/routine, exercise, nutrition, cleanliness etc... 

#controlfreak

BUT often I find myself frustrated when outcomes are not what I'd expect. Unlike a mathematical equation or chemical reaction (I'm a nerd & can do them in my sleep) life doesn't always balance or equal what we think it should. 

I work hard, I try to do the right things and yet often I do not receive the results I expect. 

Rather than willpower, I need to surrender. 

Surrender to the plans and path God has for me.

Gracious that's not easy for me and I know I'm not alone. I've been wrestling and praying over this for several weeks now. 

I hope that this encourages you in your circumstances and relationships!

Dress Beautifully in

Surrender Over Willpower 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Throne before the Phone

 I'm a woman of many words and thoroughly enjoy sharing chit chats with my friends, sisters, and Mama.  I'm a quick draw with my phone to share the good, bad and anything in between. But I'm working on changing the way I talk.

Talking is what us women folk do. However, we tend to overshare about ourselves and others ... aka Gossip.

What if we ....

Take it to the Throne Before the Phone

Before we pick up the phone to talk to someone else about our problems - talk to God first.

The thing is God knows it ALL! He knows your side, the other side and the truth.

He knows what you need and when you need it.

And it goes both ways. Encourage your friends to talk to God before they bring it to you. 

We are called to bear one another's burdens, so when we do share, let our words be truthful, useful and good.

Note: Counsel from Godly women can be a blessing!

Dress Beautifully Bringing it to the

Throne Before the Phone

XOXO Sarah Louise

3 FACTS

 Gals, I had no clue what I was going to write about today. This happens often, particularly with Monday posts as I try and share content that is motivating and focused on inner beauty. 

Over the past few weeks myself and others around me have had struggles with doubt, confidence and insecurity. 

Whether it is with your body, relationships, circumstances etc ... it is discouraging and not a fun place to be.

Here are 3 FACTS I shared with myself & several friends that we should remind ourselves and others of often 

YOU ARE WORTHY

YOU ARE SIGNIFICANT

YOU ARE DEARLY LOVED

Step out with your head held high knowing while you have limits, God does not.

God has created you beautifully and has you where you are with a divine purpose.

Dress Beautifully in His Image

XOXO Sarah Louise

IF ONLY ...

Recently I took Vivian on a trip to the beach and while out on a fancy girls' night dinner on the water, she was fascinated by all the boats and asked me very enthusiastically if we could go on them.  I responded with "Darling, I wish we could but those belong to others and we can't go on them!" 

This disappointment luckily was short lived but it had me thinking about my own wants. I don't believe I'm alone in having desires for things in hopes for better or more. 

I often fall to the mindset of "If only          then I'd be happier or life would be better". 

Some of my "if only" that I battle:

- If only ... I had legs like Carrie Underwood I could have confidence to wear shorts & mini skirts.

- If only ... I had a husband that worked a day job we could have dinners & weekends together.

- If only ... I had an updated kitchen I could be hospitable and host more (along with the above)

- If only ... I had a bigger following on my blog I could inspire more.

- If I only ... 

Let me just stop right there!!!

God has bigger and better plans for me than I could ever wish for!
I'm working hard to change my "if only" to "wait and see"!

His plans will unfold beautifully!

Dress Beautifully in Faith as 

You Wait & See

XOXO Sarah Louise

Quiet Time

Quiet time is essential. I don't know anyone that doesn't value it. But no matter what your season or schedule looks like, it can be challenging to obtain.

I just started back in a new semester of bible study after a long winter break and I've had to make adjustments to get alone and peaceful time to focus. 

Here are some tips and things that I've implemented to help make sure I get quiet time each day ...

SCHEDULE

Making quiet time a priority is the first key step. Think of treating it like a doctors appointment that is imperative, you can't reschedule or be late for. Often times we let other happenings around us take precedence but I believe putting this time at the top of your list will make the most impact.

I chose 5am (I know that's crazy for most) but in the early morning is when I am fresh and full of energy. It's also when my home is very quiet. Lunch time, nap time, and post dinner time are also great options.

SILENCE

Removing distractions will help you be present in your time. First and foremost start with your phone. Turn it on silent and even place it in a room or drawer that's out of sight. (Same goes for your computer) Also, be thoughtful about the time of day that's the least interruptive. 

SPACE

My favorite space is outside where I can hear the birds singing, feel the warm sunshine and enjoy the beauty of God's creation. I take full advantage when weather allows. In this case I often move my quiet time to the afternoon. 

Maybe it's a comfy chair in the corner of your room or at the breakfast table with a cup of coffee. Find a space where you can cozy up with all your things that's calming.

Note: I find that a space that's away from clutter and view of chores is beneficial. 

We share the same scrunchie face when we smile big!

I encourage you to make your quiet time an intentional practice each and every day! 

Dress Beautifully in Quiet Time

XOXO Sarah Louise

3 things to Bring to the Thanksgiving Table (that you don't have to cook!)

 It's hard to believe Thanksgiving is just a few days away. I've been focusing on gratitude these past few weeks and I've noticed my heart increasing in contentment and calmness.

But then I think about the chaos of gathering with a lot of family and the noise they bring and I instantly cringe (I love my family with all my heart but I thrive on quiet and order). But all that noise is laughter and memories being made and I'll look back on that day with a smile and cherish those moments.

Cooking isn't my thing (an understatement) so here are 3 things I am bringing to the Thanksgiving table ...

ATTITUDE

Our attitude is a reflection of our faith. Despite the circumstances the hope and love we have knowing Jesus allows us to live a joyful life. Gratitude and bitterness can not coexist. Approach the day with a positive attitude. It will change your entire outlook even if the happenings don't.  It's also contagious so spread some happy around!

GRACE

I can be really hard on myself when it comes to what I eat. I’m going to give grace and enjoy (maybe even indulge a bit ) on the yummy dishes.  Maybe you have to give grace in another area of struggle. Whatever you like to grab control over, let it go so that you can freely enjoy!

PATIENCE

It's a blessing to have a lot of food, moving parts, people and noise surrounding you. Life isn't perfect nor does it go according to our plans but it is so purposeful. Exercising patience will create a day of ease.

My Top | Skirt | Earrings

Dress Beautifully at Your Thanksgiving Table

XOXO Sarah Louise

Tree of Thanks!

Gals, I'm not embracing the Christmas season until after taking this month to practice gratitude! I believe this is extremely important in remembering why this season exists and to humble our hearts. 

In my MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meeting on Friday we cut out leaves together to create a daily gratitude activities for our families. Some are making garland, some wall art but we are making a tree to sit on our dining room table. Each night at dinner we will all write something we are thankful for on a leaf and clip it on to the tree. 

Gratitude is a PRACTICE! It is a constant effort that creates contentment.

Here are 5 ways to show gratitude ...

REMEMBER HIM

Who we are and everything we have is a gift from God. He has given us a unique purpose with unique gifts to fulfill that purpose. Acknowledging Him, the source of our life and everything in it.

SERVE OTHERS

Use our gifts, resources and talents to bless others. It can be lending a helping hand, a listening ear to a friend or volunteering locally.

We are not meant to carry this life alone.

EXPRESS GRATITUDE TO OTHERS

Thankfulness is not something we keep to ourselves. Tell others! I know how great I feel when I receive thanks and I want to share that.

Whether it's modern with a text or my preference, a handwritten note in the mail letting others know you appreciate them is love!

NOTICE THE GOOD THINGS

Gals, our days are so FULL and we can be so distracted. Look for the good things! Appreciate them! 

The hard things look less hard when you do.

We haven't earned nor do we deserve what we have.

A great attitude to have is  "I get to" rather than "I have to"

PRAY

Talk to God. Praise Him for all that He is and does. Thank Him. Lean on Him. Ask Him for forgiveness and strength and patience. He will always and forever provide, protect and be present!

Dress Beautifully with Gratitude

XOXO Sarah Louise

Treasures

Gals, I love collecting treasures - things found in nature like sharks teeth and interesting rocks from places I visit along with antiques for our home and vintage accessories to wear. They’re valuable to me because they are rare and meaningful. The funny thing is they’re free or cost very little but I treat them like diamonds.

I've found nearly 30 shark teeth this Summer!

In a world where more, new and aspirations to acquire are so prevalent it has me challenging myself to keep my priorities where they should be.

“ Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your reassure is, there your heart will be also” Matthew 6:19-21

Gals, gracious do I adore my clothes, handbags and fine jewelry Ryan’s given me. Even our home and it’s furnishings mean a great deal to me.

 It is so hard not to treasure things of this world like money, popularity, success and possessions. The influences around us tells us to treasure these things. 

The reality is a heart that longs for Jesus to be the greatest treasure in our life is like nothing of this world, now and forever. 

Fact: you can’t take it with you.

Here are some ways we can store our treasures in heaven rather than here on Earth …

Focus

Make Jesus the object of our affection, rather than centered on ourselves and accumulation. If we do our desire will be to put our time, money resources and talent into things that glorify Him. Colossians 3:2

Trust

Trust that He will provide. Be generous even if it feels risky. Mark 12:41-44

Give

Look to the needs of others and be generous.  Helping others without expectation of repayment or praise is an act of loving God and others.  Blessing another becomes a blessing to the giver. 

Gals, it’s ok to enjoy the wonderful things that we have but it’s important to remember who gave them to us and how we should treat them. 

He is forever. My stuff is not. 

Dress Beautifully with a Heart Full of Heavenly Treasures

XOXO Sarah-Louise

WELCOME, WELCOME

Happy Monday! A new week, morning and day to start.  

The word 'WELCOME' has been on my heart this past week. I am a strict person when it comes to my schedule and tasks. So, you can confidently call me a control freak.  The reality is that very little is in my control. Life is full of interruptions and unexpected events. When it comes to welcoming what the day will bring, well, I hesitate to leave the door open.

This prayer was shared by one of the gals in my bible study last week and it has been a big encouragement.

It's easy to 'welcome' what I've made room for and what/who I delight in but it's often the things that I don't that can grow me, strengthen me and challenge me.

I want to gladly receive what is given to me regardless of what, who or when it comes or even how difficult. I'm so curious to see what my days will look like if I opened myself to all possibilities wanted or unwanted with arms wide.

I hope that the word 'Welcome' and this prayer encourages you!

Dress Beautifully with a Welcoming Heart

XOXO Sarah-Louise

A Mary Heart

Gals, we are 3 sleeps away from Christmas morning! Squeal! When I look at our fireplace and see the 3 stockings hung, I stop in awe that I have this sweet family of mine.  I'm blessed beyond measure and deserving to have Ryan & Vivian to love!!! I don't say that to be boastful but to emphasize that we ALL have so many gifts to be grateful for.

Rather than share an outfit on this Wednesday I'm going to share something a bit more lovely than holiday plaid, red or warm. Dressing your inside is far more important than the outside!

Last December I wrote a post on being more like Mary.  It was so encouraging to me to pursue a heart like hers that I felt compelled to share it again. 

This Christmas I hope that you have a 'Mary' heart 

that's humble, willing, trusting, joyful and enduring. 

Post:

MORE LIKE MARY  

Dress Beautifully with a Mary Heart

XOXO Sarah-Louise

P.O.P. - Peace on Purpose

Happy, Monday before Christmas gals! Don't hate me, but now that I'm a Mamma the excitement seeing it through Vivian's darling eyes (almost) overcomes all the frazzle dazzle stress.

Pretty sure our bunny Ethel prays for peace daily

It's the most wonderful time of the year but so many call it the 'busiest' (gracious I can't stand that word - I prefer 'full'). With so much to do, so many places to go and so many people to enjoy it with, one can easily feel like a chicken running around with its head cut off.

I recently went to a Ladies' Pop Up Christmas event at the church I attend weekly bible study at and the topic was 

Peace on Purpose

Purpose was my word of the year this year - read about it on this blog post. Purpose requires action, intention and practice. It's constant effort. I know, I know, MORE during such an already full time. But gals, this more makes more room.

PEACE is something that 

Comes from Heaven - fearing nothing from God

Brings Wholeness - content with earthly lot

is a Person - assured salvation

Transforms & Calms - trusting God

PEACE is NOT 

absence of fighting, pain, hurt, noise

perfection

comparison

discontentment

un-forgiveness

judgment

reaching for the goal/check list

Here are some of the take aways and what I personally do to have more Peace:

HUSH

I always wake up at 5am each day

But during the Christmas season I've changed up my morning time

I've chosen scripture over scrolling

and exchanged my time on the computer, chores etc .. for quiet time around the tree

I pray, reflect and am just still.

GO OUTSIDE

Fresh air, sunshine and being in God's creation is the best calming medicine

LISTEN TO CLASSIC CHRISTMAS SONGS

This sequin angel was my late Grandma's

it reminds me of the reason for the season

COUNT MY GIFTS

This ornament was custom made for me when I was expecting Vivian

I look around and make myself aware of all that I have, the undeserved gifts He's given me.

EXERCISE

Moving and challenging myself physically is fun and stress relieving for me.

It creates an energized and happy attitude to face my day & circumstances positively.

HUG

I hold my darling. It is a feeling of great honor & privilege!

I encourage you to think about ways you can bring peace into this Christmas season. Welcome the Prince of Peace into your time. We must have peace WITH God before we can have peace from God.

I'm so happy to share with you a 7 day devotional to help you have Peace on Purpose:

Thank you to New City Church in Charlotte for this!

Note: I shared this as an image so that you can save

Wishing You a Peaceful & Merry Christmas!

Dress Beautifully with a Peaceful Heart

XOXO Sarah-Louise

The 3 P's I Live By

Happy Monday! We live in a time where there's an 'app for that' to help us navigate daily life. But despite how advanced our world is it can't fulfill everything. We have moments of fear, doubt, and worry that technology just can't resolve. The solution is found in standing on the truth of the Word of God! #amen

Today I'm sharing 3 P's that I rely on ...

God's Promise to PROTECT

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2

I know that God has the whole world, including myself and those I love in his hands. No matter what happens his divine and perfect plan for our lives will be fulfilled.  I do not have to be afraid or worry.

God's Promise to PROVIDE

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

While I'm not enough, He is! He will provide for my needs, giving me the necessary things to fulfill His purpose for me. 

God's Promise of PRESENCE 

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

I am NEVER alone. He is always with me through life's every step.

Dress Beautifully Standing on the Promises of God

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Quiet Time Basket

Good Morning! Quiet time is the most important time of my day.  It's time alone with no distractions that I spend with God in His Word, praying, studying and reflecting. 

In order to obtain this luxurious peace as a Mamma, I wake up at 5. It's not hard for me as I've always been a morning person, no alarm, I just pop up and start my day.  It also allows me to do other things like blog, exercise, tidy, etc ... all before Vivian wakes up. I do go to bed very early!

I recently received this basket full of gifts that I'm now using to hold the things I use during my quiet time.  This simple basket has been such a blessing. It's sturdy and a perfect size to hold everything I need.  Before my things were scattered from my handbag, bedside table and desk. Now they're all together in one place in a neat and organized manner (cleanliness is next to Godliness). 

The best part is that I can carry this basket to wherever I want to cozy up: outside on the patio, our sunroom or any comfy chair throughout our home.  I've even curled up in the rocking chair in Vivian's nursery when she's away. It's the most comfortable chair and the prettiest room.  I also miss her like crazy when she's gone despite often being desperate for a break, that's real motherhood for ya!

Here's what's in my basket and some suggestions for filling your own:

1. Bible - I use this study one.  It's too big to carry to church but perfect for at home. I love all the notes. 

2. Journal - I write down my thoughts, encouraging scripture and even questions to ponder. I also have a specific gratitude journal.

3. Devotionals - these 2 books 'Be Still' & 'Focus' are great! When I'm lacking focus or in between a study book they encourage me and keep me in His Word. They're also perfect for when I'm short on time or midday during Vivian's nap. 

4. Book - currently I'm readying 'Shepherding a Child's Heart'

5. Box - I keep blank cardstock to write down special encouragements, verses or thoughts and keep them there to revisit. Sometimes I pull one out and mail it to a friend. 

6. Stationary/Cards - I send correspondence every week, and by keeping the cards in my basket I can write to whomever is on my heart or that I'm praying for. 

7. Pens, Markers, Highlighters - I love to write! Lists, notes and scribbles to really put to memory what I'm studying. (I keep this basket put away and have taught Vivian that it's not for her to play with)

8. NO phone - this is something I would leave OUT of the basket.  I put mine on silent and in another room.  I feel strongly about this!

Suggested Additions ...

9. Blanket - It's Summer so no warmth needed but one could be nice to have for the cooler months or if you're cold natured.

10. Refreshments - maybe some snack bars, hard candy or dried fruit to enjoy.

Dress Beautifully in Quiet Time

XOXO Sarah-Louise