Connecting Hearts

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson || Top: Hadley Rae Boutique

One of the things that I love about the Hadley Rae Boutique is that it was first put on my radar by my dear friend, Katie. Years ago, when Hadley Rae was first starting out, Katie used to take pictures for her website. So, when I recently collaborated with Hadley Rae, I thought it would be fun to bring Katie in for the shoot. Plus, it’s always more fun to take pictures with your best friend. 

I get a lot of joy from learning and connecting with other people. I love to sit, talk, and take in their thoughts and stories. Like I’ve said before, it is when I am with people that I feel closest to Jesus. One of the best parts of starting this blog has been all the amazing people I’ve interacted with along the way. While making these connections has (and continues to be) important for my blog, it is more important for my heart. 

When we connect with those around us, we also connect with Jesus… And not just in our own heart, but in their heart, too. We are given the opportunity to show the deep connection He has with us when we grow with others. In fact, getting the chance to witness another person’s journey with Him is a blessing in and of itself. It’s a connection made with Jesus. 

As the last year of my 20s begins today, I am eager to connect with the people Jesus will send my way.  Whether these connections are brand new or ones I’ve known for years, I am certain to learn valuable lessons from each of them. And no matter the type of connection, I will always be thankful for the fact that I am continually growing a little closer to Him. 

So, when you meet someone new today or hear from an old friend, I hope you will see the connection you are making with God in that moment. 

As I have loved you. Love one another. - John 13:34

Timing is Everything

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson || Watch: JORD

I am so excited to share this JORD Wood Watch with you today. I have literally been wearing it ever since it arrived in the mail. It is lightweight and fun to throw on for an everyday look. And here is the best part about this watch: JORD and I are giving you the chance to win one too! Yes, I have teamed up with JORD for my first ever giveaway. All you have to do to enter is fill out the information HERE. You will get the chance to win a $75 gift card to JORD, AND you will automatically receive a $20 gift card when you enter. So, everybody wins!  It will close one week from today on Tuesday, September 6th.

Of course, when I think about watches, I think about the time. The time reminds me of my plan. My plan reminds me of how I pretty much expect things to work out on MY TIME. But it is not my time, it is His. I am constantly having to remind myself of this truth. Are you?

The story of Joseph in Genesis is a good reminder of how we should trust God’s timing - even when His timing isn't what WE have planned.  Joseph was told through a dream that he would be the leader of his people. Before that even happened, Joseph had to wait patiently through each situation. Not only did he have to be patient, he had to trust that God would lead him to what he was called to do. I mean, Joseph was thrown in jail by his brothers. HIS BROTHERS! And he still continued to trust in the Lord's timing. 

As the time ticks by (hopefully, on your new JORD watch) and things maybe don’t go as planned, I pray that you will remember to put your trust in His timing. And if things are going according to plan, I pray that you give praise to the path He has created for you. 

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” – Proverbs 16:9

Wood Watch Review

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