The Cold Shoulder

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson

In case you haven’t picked up on it yet, it’s all about the off-the-shoulder look these days.  Like any new trend, I had a hard time embracing it at first; but, now that I have, the more off-the-shoulder, the better. Add in the fact that this off-the-shoulder look is also a JUMPSUIT, and I’m sold. It’s my two favorite trends all wrapped into one comfy, sassy, vacation-ready look. Fab’rik for the win…again.

Last Saturday, I spent some time on the lake celebrating the birthdays of two dear friends… and by “spending some time,” I mean like the whole day. It was a blast. The sun was hot, the water felt amazing, and the laughter was plentiful. But, right now, I’m still paying the price. My shoulders are burnt to a crisp. In fact, my daily text messages with Katie have turned into a complaining session about our fried body parts. Aloe has quickly become my new best friend.

Lesson learned. The sun in Tennessee is just as powerful as the sun at the beach. 

While my shoulders do not feel too cold at the moment, I’m ready to give the “cold shoulder” to something I have been feeling for a while.  And that something is worrying about time. Yes, time. Even though I am on summer vacation and shouldn’t have a worry in the world, the clock still ticks away at me everyday. I’ve noticed that I am not really living in the moment.  Instead, I am planning and worrying about events in the future that I have ZERO control over.

While on the lake this weekend, I had no control over ANYTHING. I couldn’t drive the boat. I couldn’t decide how long we would stay on the lake. I couldn’t control the sun (obviously). It was the first day in a long time that I realized it was okay to not be in control – to not have to watch the clock. In fact, it was almost relaxing.

So, I am giving the cold shoulder to the clock. I need to do a better job of giving my “time worries” to God. Let Him decide when everything needs to get done. I am going to touch more on this topic later this week, but I just want to leave you with something I heard from Justin Davis on Sunday. He said, “Just because you are not where you think you should be doesn’t mean you are not going to get there.” AMEN.

What do you need to give the cold shoulder to? What worry can you hand over to the Big Guy upstairs? How will handing it over allow you to become a better you?

"When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I." - Psalm 51:2

Gladiators in Rompers

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson Shoes & Romper: Fab'rik

I recently teamed up with Fab’rik for a shoot and am excited to bring you many of those looks over the next couple weeks. One outfit that I immediately fell in love with was this black romper. It’s perfect for summer because you can dress it up or down – it all depends on the shoes.

Lately I’ve had this weird obsession with gladiator shoes. It’s probably because we are heading to Europe next week and are ending the trip with a two-day stop in Greece.  So, naturally, I feel like I need to wear all things Grecian – blue, white, gladiator.  Totally look the part, right? Since gladiator shoes make such a big statement, pairing them with something simple—like this romper—totally works for me. 

Of course, when I think of gladiator shoes, I think of an army. Clearly, I am on a whole “God is our shield” kick this week.  It’s almost as if He is trying to prepare my heart for an upcoming battle. He seems to constantly be reminding me that He has my back. Do you ever feel that way? Like God is trying to get across to you, but you aren’t listening close enough?

The song, “Break Every Chain,” a popular tune at our church, has been on repeat in my brain for the last several days. Whenever this song is played, I always find myself singing louder than normal (apologies to anyone sitting next to me at Cross Point – I am WELL aware that my voice isn’t the most pleasant!). Particularly, the part that takes my voice to the next level starts with, “There’s an army rising up.”  This line is repeated several times, with each time getting stronger and stronger.

There is an army rising up with you. An army of people who want to walk with you. This army will help you push through the battles of life while reminding you of the strength that comes when you allow God to lead the way. So, let me ask you, are you allowing those people to fight with you? Who is in your army? Have you stood with them during their battles? Have you reminded them that God’s in control?

No matter what you are dealing with, it’s always comforting to know that God is in your corner… Gladiator shoes and all. He’s ready. Are you?

“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith” – 1 John 5:4

A Vest of Armor

I have always been a vest wearing type of girl. There’s something about wearing one that provides a sense of protection… not to mention an extra layer of warmth. So, when we recently traveled to New York and the temperature was appropriate enough for me to pull out my favorite vest, I immediately jumped at the opportunity.

At work I have this dear friend who honestly keeps me sane.  She offers lots of guidance, support, and laugher that keeps me on the right track. She is also a HUGE believer, and God always finds a way into most of our conversations (which is something I need on a regular basis while teaching small children - can I get an AMEN?!).

We work very well together. Even though my name is on the door, she is as much my students’ teacher as I am. She teaches them life lessons and makes big impacts on not only their education but also their character. Often, when I can’t find the words to explain something properly, she can tell where I am going and even explain it better.  She gets me. I dread the days when she calls in sick. If I’m being honest, I prefer to have no help at all if I can’t have her.

We have a very funny banter, and if you get the chance to witness it, I promise it will make you laugh. One thing I love about her is that she likes to tell me everything RIGHT AWAY. If she reads something and thinks I need to know, she will tell me that very moment. No matter what I am doing. On a daily basis, I would hear, “Taylor Ann! Taylor Ann! Listen to this!”  And while she was reading The Armor of God, anytime she saw something she thought I needed to hear, she would tell me and usually follow it up with, “Oh that is so true; don’t you think it’s so true?”

I didn’t actually read the book, but from what she told me about it, it is something I would recommend to anyone. And one day soon I hope to establish a small group with my friends and work through this book together. The book is all about preparing yourself for battle against the enemy. It talks about how God provides us with an invisible shield to protect us from the negative that has a way of bringing us down. I can’t tell you how many days I would hear her say, “You need to put on your armor. God will give you the tools to face this.”

So, whether you are wearing your favorite vest today or not, know that God has already provided you with a shield for protection. He is working each day to protect your heart. I pray that you will remember this truth with any hardship you may face today.

“Above all else guard your heart for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:25