Be Happy & Do Good

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson

Mug: Ashley Brooke Designs || Sweater: Soca || Similar styles here, here & here || Socks: Nordstrom || Jeans: Madewell || Similar Jeans here & here

Do you want to know a secret? I have a slight obsession with coffee mugs. Especially those that have fun little sayings on them like this one from Ashley Brooke Designs. I have been falling in love with this company for a while, so I was thrilled when they sent me this precious mug. Of course, this is the kind of shop where I could literally say, “Oh, I’ll take one of each, please.” So, be sure to check out all their adorable mug styles. Don’t tell the other mugs, but this one is my favorite.

There are a lot of traditions around the holidays that I truly enjoy. But, this year, my mom decided to change things up a bit. So, when she called and suggested that we spend Christmas Eve serving hot meals at the Nashville Rescue Mission, I was a little taken back. Most of my family has served before, and my sister, Hillary, is basically in charge of the food pantry at her church in D.C.; so, for them, this was no big deal. However, I was honestly a little nervous. I had never served at a homeless shelter before. I couldn’t understand why I was having such a hard time getting excited about something that I knew deep down would bring so much joy. 

While scooping mashed potatoes onto each plate that rainy Christmas Eve, I stood next to a women named Kerry. Kerry is the type of person you never forget. She is the type of person that embodies the verse “be kind and do good” each day. Kerry works two jobs, but in her “free time,” she serves at the shelter twice a week. And did I mention she is also a mom to the most adorable teenager? While her work-ethic is impressive, it is her positivity that draws you in and makes you want to do more, too.

Now, I am not suggesting that in order to “be kind and do good” you have to serve at the homeless shelter everyday. (Although it would be great if you did!) Rather, you can live out this verse by committing to serving God’s people on a daily basis. Whether that is severing dinner to hundreds or just telling a friend you’re thinking about them, it’s the act of kindness that makes it all worth while.

Don’t be afraid to answer the call to do something that may seem out of your ordinary. Just go for it. When you do, I hope you get the opportunity to meet and learn from someone as God-loving as Kerry. Those moments can change your life for the better.  And if you need a little reminder to live like Ecclesiastes 3:12, I have the perfect mug for your morning coffee that will do just that!

"I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live." - Ecclesiastes 3:12

A Cozy Start

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson

Sweater: Soca || Similar Sweaters here & here || Shoes: Sam Edelman || Similar shoes here || Jeans: Madewell || Similar jeans here

First, let me start by saying, “Happy New Year!” I can’t believe 2017 has officially arrived. I feel like just yesterday it was August, and I was greeting a whole new class of students. Now, we are halfway through the year, and I can’t even believe how quickly time is passing by. But, I guess it’s like the saying, “Time flies when you’re having fun!” (or, honestly, just really busy).

While January is certain to bring cold weather in Nashville, I will be extra warm in this sweater from Soca. I am all about that sweater life these days. I have teamed up with Soca for a fun collaboration and can’t wait to bring you more amazing looks from them in the future. But, for now, just know that this sweater is all you need for those cold days ahead. 

Of course, the start of a new year brings the idea of a fresh start. As we ring in the new year, I am taking this time to pray about how a TAD more faith will evolve in this next year. But, it’s not only my blog.  I am praying about what I should change or add to my everyday lifestyle to make this year the best one yet. I love how a new year and fresh outlook can bring these kind of thoughts and ambition out of us.

I also love that being a Christian means that I can decide to make a change in my relationship with Christ any time I want. I don’t need a ball to drop or the year to change to decide it’s time to work a little harder. My relationship with Him is ever changing, ever evolving no matter what time of year. While my side of the relationship may change, I find great comfort in knowing that His love always remains the same.

In 2017, I challenge you to not only think about what you want to do differently (or better) in your life, but also think about how you can strengthen your faith. Set some goals there, too, and truly work for them.  One of my resolutions is to read the Bible everyday. Yes. Everyday. I spend a lot of time reading what other people have to say about the Bible, but I do not spend enough time diving into the Word on my own. One thing I know for sure, the more I learn about Him through His words, the more I will better understand His plan for my life. 

What are your goals for the new year? Faith wise and personal? I would love to hear, so be sure to comment below. I know that God has big plans for us all in delivering His message this year. I can’t wait to see how He uses each and every one of you to make a difference in this world. Thankful for you all. Prayers for a strong 2017. 

"The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace." - Psalm 29:11

Celebrate Community

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson 

Top: Target || Similar Top || Skirt: Nordstrom || Similar skirt: Forever 21 || Shoes: Nordstrom

Can you seriously believe that we are in the last week of 2016? This year has absolutely flown by. Even though I still have no clue what I will do to ring in the new year, I know that this outfit will be part of it. When I first saw my friend Brittany from Loverly Grey wearing this ADORABLE top, I knew I had to get it, too. Especially because it is from Target! Yes. Target. That in and of itself is a reason to party!

In 2016, I made some big changes to my everyday normal. Of course, one of those big changes was this blog. It’s fun to share my thoughts with this online community and even better that there are people who actually want to hear them. But what I love most about a TAD more faith is the people I have connected with along the way. 

This blogger world can feel pretty cutthroat at times. One minute you are on your way up, while the next minute you feel like you are at a stand still… People who you thought would be supportive and helpful suddenly are not. It is a business that can really mess with your inner-self if you let it.

But then there are people like Brittany, who wanted to help me grow just because she believed in what I was trying to do. And friends like Bailey, who connected with me on a spiritual level and understood that it’s all about connecting more women with Jesus. Both girls owe me nothing, but have given me something that is priceless: friendship. They made room for me in their world and welcomed me when they easily could have shut me out. For this reason, I consider them my “blogging angels.” Sometimes, it’s someone that you never expected that makes you realize that you CAN do what your heart desires.

Jesus created this world for us to have community. Whether that community is in a small group or on Instagram, when “two or more are gathered in His name, there He will also be.” (Matthew 18:20). He wants you to go for it and encourage those around you to go for it, too. If you are both meant to be famous authors, He will create an audience for both of you. If you are both meant to start your own businesses, He will bring enough customers to support both of you.

So, as you look forward to the year ahead, I pray that you will remember the importance of community. The importance of lifting each other up in fellowship rather than tearing each other down in competition. And I pray that you will be blessed to find friends like Brittany and Bailey, who want nothing more than to celebrate you along the way.