The Question Is...

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson || Sweater: Dainty Hooligan

We all know that feeling when we get the urge to do a little online shopping.  The first thing we do is hop on our phones and visit all our go-to websites. Well, go ahead and add Dainty Hooligan to your list. While their online store is great, I picked up this must-have sweater while visiting their store in Houston. Now, the only question is, “Will I ever be able to really wear it?” 

A couple nights ago, my closet girlfriends and I went to Coco’s Italian Market to see our dear friend, Morgan, her sweet mom, and gorgeous sister. Morgan’s mom is like a second mom to us.  (And she just so happens to double as our favorite trainer). But over the years, she has been a real guiding light to me and a huge example of Christ’s love for us.
 
On this particular evening, she asked a lot of questions about our group of friends. They were just basic questions, such as “Who is the most laid back? Who tells it like it is? Who worries what other people will think?” While they were just basic questions, it amazed me how much we were all on the same page. But the questions also made me realize just how lucky we were to all have each other. How lucky we are to have grown to love each other like sisters. Isn’t it funny how a couple questions can make you realize some of your greatest blessings?

As a teacher, I ask a lot of questions throughout the day. I also get asked A LOT of questions. But you can probably guess the person I don’t ask enough questions to. There is a difference between saying your prayers and asking Jesus a question. How often do you say the words, “Lord what should I do?” and wait (patiently) for His answer? I tend to pray about the plan I have in mind rather than asking Him what He thinks about it. What question about your life do you need to ask Jesus? What is stopping you from doing it? Are you ready to wait for the answer? God already has your life figured out, but maybe He is just patiently waiting for you to ask what’s next. 

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:7

Behind Each Layer

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson || Vest & Skirt: Fab'rik

Nothing says fall more like when the air gets a little chilly, and it is time to start adding layers to your look. I love that the days have arrived where I get to throw on a sweater in the mornings and be the right amount of warm as I step out the door. To me, one of the best layering pieces will always be a fur vest. And this one from Fab’rik will be the perfect addition to your fall and winter wardrobe.
 
Adding and removing layers is not only something that we do when the seasons change. It is also something we do in our relationships. Now, now, I am not talking about clothing, I am talking about layers of YOURSELF. You know, the ones you reveal to people as you grow closer to and feel more comfortable with them. When you are connected on a deep trusting level, you are able to take away the very protective layers and show a more vulnerable side of you. When the relationship is fresh, you are probably not comfortable with sharing your truest self. You might keep a guard up for a while until it feels safe enough to let them in. We tend to hold on to that layer that protects us from feeling hurt. Don't worry, it's totally normal. 

But what about our relationship with Jesus? Are we peeling back all the layers there? We know that Jesus knows exactly who we are, but we so often try to hide even our truest self from Him. We push away the feelings because admitting THOSE feelings to HIM might make it all seem way too real. So instead of talking to Him about it, we ignore it and attempt to deal with those feelings on our own.

It is hard for me to remember that I need to talk to Jesus about those deep hidden away feelings. Feelings that I try to ignore because the very thought of them makes my heart beat faster than I prefer. But how am I supposed to get the answers and find peace if I don’t ask Him about it? If I can’t pray about it with him, how will it ever change? I want to be able to share my whole heart with Him just like I long to share my heart with those I love.
 
Today I pray (really, I talked to Jesus about it) that you will be able to peel back those protective layers not just in your relationships, but with Him. Talk to Him. Tell Him what it is that you are really feeling. Once you do, I have a feeling you might begin the process of truly receiving the peace that only a deep relationship with Him can provide. So go ahead and peel back the layers in your relationship Jesus, while you layer up in a gorgeous fur vest for fall. 

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. - Colossians 3:15

Wrapped Up In Love

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson || Top:Hadley Rae || Jeans: Madewell

I recently teamed up with Hadley Rae Boutique and had so much fun shooting looks for her website. But the best part was making a new friend in the process. If you haven’t paid Hadley Rae a visit, I HIGHLY recommend you do so. Like, TODAY.  It is your one-stop shop for affordable and adorable pieces. Yes, you read that right… AFFORDABLE! Seriously. Amazing prices.

I fell in love with this little number, which comes in 3 colors… Or should I say, 3 PERFECT colors for fall. You can find them here. I love how it flows. It gives you that comfy, cozy feeling that we so desperately crave as the cool weather moves in. This is one of those looks that I KNOW I will wear over and over again. I can’t wait to wrap up in it when the crisp days of fall arrive. 

There is nothing like the feeling of being wrapped up in a loving embrace. It is a feeling of protection and peace that cannot be replicated. However, the best embrace is not one we can feel with the touch of a human hand. Indeed, it is only the hand of Jesus that can truly touch our souls and comfort our worried minds. He has a strong hold on our heart. And, thankfully, he isn’t in the business of breaking those hearts; rather, he is in the business of building them into loving hearts like His own.

So, as the days cool off and the air gets a little drier, remember that your heart will always have a warm place to call home. 

"He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield." -Psalm 91:4