The Way I Feel About KALE

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson || Top: Nordstrom || Jeans: Nordstrom

If you know me, you know that I absolutely love kale. I admit, it’s a weird thing to love. Like why do you get so excited over a vegetable?! And not just any vegetable, a vegetable that most people think tastes DISGUSTING?! But not me. Hi, my name is Taylor Ann Dietrich, and I love Kale. So, when I walked into Nordstrom and saw this shirt on SALE, it quickly became mine. And let’s not forget about these jeans (also on the #Nsale) because who doesn’t need a pair of ripped up jeans?

I tried to think about why I love Kale. Because it is weird – like really weird that I care for this piece of green like I do. I don’t think it is the actual vegetable that I love. It’s not like I’m at home eating a bowl of kale like it’s a bag of popcorn. But if I get the chance to add it to any meal, I am going to do so. I realized it’s not the taste I love, it’s what it does for me. I know that when I eat kale, I am taking care of myself. I am putting good food into my system to keep myself healthy. That is something that has always been very important to me.

So, if kale makes me feel good about my health, what makes me feel good about my faith? I had to think about this for a second… Because I feel like the correct answer should be that I feel Jesus everywhere. After all, He is always with me. But I wanted to truly figure it out.  What really makes me know He is there? We all have different ways of connecting with Jesus. Some feel him most through prayer, while others feel him through praise music. Maybe you feel him the most when you are doing mission work, in your small group, or reading the Bible. What is it that reassures you that He is walking with you? 

I have always felt the closest to Jesus when I see Him working through other people. It can be simple things like a stranger sharing a smile or a student making me laugh. It can be deep things like sharing stories of His love with friends or receiving advice from someone whose opinion I hold so dear. But whatever it is, when it involves His children (that’s all of us, guys), I can really feel His love for me. I treasure the moments when I can look up to the sky and praise Him for sending me that person.

When do you feel closest to Jesus? Think about. Thank Him for it. Then go find it… again. Because those moments where it feels as if He is giving you a heavenly hug are the ones we are so lucky to experience. Jesus has a never ending supply of showing His L.O.V.E for YOU! 

"I am with you always" - Matthew 28:20

She Speaks

This was a weekend of firsts for me.  It was my first time to go to Charlotte. First time to rent a car. First time to stay in a hotel room BY MYSELF. First time to attend a writers’ conference. First time to attend a Christian conference. First time to show my book to the publishing world. HELLO. That last one was enough to send me into a nervous breakdown.

The days leading up to She Speaks had been nothing short of stressful, but the second I walked through the doors, I felt those worries slip away. I knew I was exactly where I needed to be. Even though I was hundreds of miles away from anything or anyone I knew, I felt like I was home.

I heard so many talented women speak. Their words taught this eager, hopeful, future author so much about the writing world. I learned about font size, pub board, freelancing and SO MUCH MORE. Shauna Niequist gave me peace in the timing of His plan by explaining that “the most beautiful things in life are never made quickly.” Lysa TerKeurst provided the roadmap for discovering my best idea yet and told me to “trust the Lord with [my] pace and [my] place.” And Cindy Bultema literally had me in giggles while teaching valuable lessons about the blogging world in which I now live.

But even after all that advice, the best lessons from the weekend came from the loving hearts of three of my newest friends. We are so excited for each other. We are all on a journey to share the good news and answer a calling God has placed on our hearts. The prayers and support from these girls is the greatest example of His love for me.

At the end of She Speaks, we were told to pick three things from the workshop to improve upon. Of course, I have WAY MORE than three things to improve upon as an author, but I suppose that’s a good place to start. So, without further adieu, here are my three things: 

1.         Pray more often; 

2.         Spend more time with His word; and 

3.         Trust in His timing. 

I realize that none of these things appear to have anything to do with my writing; yet, they are the three things that are MOST important to my writing. So, now, I am challenging you. What are the three things you want to focus on for improvement? Whether they are in your work, home, relationships, or dreams, just remember that God is cheering you on.

"May He grant you the dreams of your heart and see your plans through to the end." - Psalm 20:4

Uninvited

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson || Dress: Fab'rik

It may be July, but a little black dress is always in style… Especially one that has fringe (which adds a little something extra to those twirls on the dance floor). My friend Lacey, who is the best person to be with when you are in need of a night of belly-aching laughs, would call this dress, “Fringe Benefits.” And I would say that the fringe is a perfect addition to this little black dress. 

The best part about buying a new dress is having the perfect event to showcase it. The worst part is buying a new dress and not being invited to wear it anywhere (cue the ugly crying)

I was recently given the opportunity to promote Lysa TerKeurst’s latest book, Uninvited. I like to pretend that I was HAND SELECTED for this very important role but that really wasn’t the case.  (A girl can dream, right?).  I eagerly signed up (yes, just basically gave them my email) to help because it meant that I could get my hands on the first 3 chapters of the book before it is released in August. With a title like Uninvited how can you not be excited. Yes, Lysa, I have felt rejected.  Yes, I have felt uninvited! Help me understand how to work through these feelings!   

I couldn’t even get through the first page, let alone the first chapter, without writing down passages.  I had so many “THAT’S SO TRUE” moments while reading. She doesn’t sugar coat anything. Lysa dives right into that feeling of not being worthy. Even with a strong faith in the Lord, she admits that “spiritual maturity doesn’t shield from rejection.” 

n this life, it is a well known and understood truth that we will face rejection at some point. We might even at times be overcome with the fear of being rejected (which, by the way, is a fear that I am battling INTENSELY right now). However, “we must tie our identities to our unchanging, unflinching, unyielding, undeniably good, and unquestionably loving God.” 

She goes on to write, “No person’s rejection can ever exempt me from God’s love for me. Period. No question mark. The most beautiful love story ever written is the one you were made to live with God.”

Of course, I realize that my quick blurb from her book isn’t going to solve all those feelings of rejection, but I hope it will provide you with a little sliver of comfort. But, isn’t it so true? Our love story is written with God, by God, and for God. He will always carry you through those moments of feeling unworthy.

I pray today that whenever you are faced with a moment of rejection, you will remember that you are ALWAYS accepted by the one who loves you the most. And His love is powerful enough to heal the most broken of hearts.

PS: I think we should all read this book.