Go With The Flow

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson Top: Diana Warner Shorts: Diana Warner

To wrap-up my collaboration with Diana Warner, I bring you one of my favorite pieces currently in her store.  I am all about a flowy top – especially one in this gorgeous blue!  I also love the shorts because they are super comfortable (primary requirement for me), and I could dress them up with wedges or wear them casually with sandals.  Either way, it’s a win, win for my summer closet. 

One of the reasons why I love a flowy top is because I feel very relaxed while wearing it. I don’t have to worry about getting too hot or having fabric stick to me.  It’s just simple, flattering and COMFORTABLE.  Did I mention that I really like to be comfortable in what I’m wearing?

While a flowy top can make me feel more relaxed, “going with the flow” often creates the exact opposite feeling for me.  I don’t know about you, but I like to be in control of all areas of my life. So, going with the flow is NOT something I’m good at.  Ask anyone who knows me.  They will tell you that I am far from laid back about most things. It is both a blessing and a curse, and I have spent most of my adult life trying strike the proper balance.

In life, however, we are often presented with situations where we just have to go with the flow.  Whether it be in your job, your family, or your friendships, you get to the point where you just have to sit back and let things happen on their own time. And trust me, recognizing that you are at that point is probably the hardest part about going with the flow.

What areas of your life do you need to just go with the flow? How can it help you better deal with the situation? And now for that all too familiar question… Have you prayed about it as much as you’ve talked about it?

Don’t be afraid to hand over your worries to God and ask him to help you go with the flow. After all, it’s kind of His job. 

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7 

Your Go-To

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson

We all have that go-to item hanging in our closet. It could be a shirt, a pair of jeans, or even a dress. Whatever it is, we pick it because we know it looks good and feels good.  But, most importantly, we pick it because we know we look good in it. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be our go-to.

These pieces of jewelry are my go-to for any occasion. Each piece has a story behind it and represents a time of celebration in my life.  It’s almost as if they provide a sense of comfort when I wear them.

At the end of the day, the “go-to” items in your closet or on your dresser are really just that… items. They hold sentimental value, which is special, but you can continue on without them. Another characteristic of our go-to items is that they tend to change with whatever season or period of life you are in. Something you wear over and over again in the summer isn’t going to be the same thing that you wear in the winter. Unless, of course, you live somewhere tropical. And, if that’s the case, aren’t you lucky! 

Just like the go-to items in our closet, our go-to people change, too. We all have that group or that clique that we know we can go to with anything: to celebrate, to cry, to laugh, or to grab a donut with (because who doesn’t want to do that?). There are members of this “go-to” group that you know will be with you for life. Each member holds a specific place in your heart and carries a special gift.

On the other hand, there are those go-to members of the group who enter your life for a season. During that time in your life, you are going to rely on them to walk with you down a specific path. 

No matter what, we all need a go-to. We are not built to take this journey by ourselves. Even Jesus walked the earth with a go-to group. He had people to pray with, eat with, celebrate with, and travel with.  He even had people to challenge Him. Doesn’t that sound very similar to your “go-to” people?

This week, I encourage you to recognize the gifts in each of your “go-to” people. Take a moment to realize what they offer you. Then, take a moment to think about what you can offer them. Check yourself! Have you been as much of a go-to to them as they have been to you? God has placed people in your life for a reason. So GO TO them!  

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirt, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." - Matthew 28:19-20

People Loving People

As you can probably tell by other posts on this blog, there is a soft spot in my heart for my beloved 12th South Neighborhood.  When I drive through, I want to open my arms and give the whole street a big hug. Whether it’s the craftsman-style houses, the families strolling down the sidewalks, the coffee shops, or the FOOD, it’s definitely my kind of place.

Whenever I get the chance to suggest a dinner location for any occasion, I always start with the list of 12th South restaurants. On any given night, you can find me at any one of the following: Burger Up!, Taqueria del Sol, 12th South Taproom, or Bar Taco. But, truthfully, you say 12th South, I say “What time?” 

With that said, it should come as no surprise that when Adam asked where we should eat last Saturday night, I immediately responded with Taqueria del Sol.  Adam, knowing that he shouldn’t even try to compete with such a tasty suggestion, agreed.

Besides the food, one of the things I love most about my neighborhood is the people we see when we are out. Nine times out of ten, we will see someone we know. While this night was no exception, our encounters were particularly noteworthy. 

On our way to dinner, Adam and I were discussing the pros and cons of a decision that I had been tossing around in my head for quite sometime.  I had ultimately made my decision, but Adam couldn’t quite understand my choice.  Immediately after pulling up to the restaurant, we ran into a friend, who, out of nowhere, reaffirmed the decision for me.   Thank you, Jesus – I needed that sign...and to prove to Adam that I was right (wink, wink).

Then, while eating dinner, we ran into a partner who works with Adam.  After talking to us for a few minutes, he sneakily paid for our meal. A small deed that wasn’t necessary but that will certainly stick with me for a long time. The fact that this small act of kindness even crossed his mind (much less that he actually followed through with it), spoke volumes of his character and the respect he must have for Adam. This made me one proud wife! {insert cheesiest grin}

We spoke with many different people while sitting at the bar that night and even made some new friends through our mutual love for the Grizzles (who lost a heartbreaker to Golden State… I think). Well, to be totally honest, I don’t really care for the NBA.  I either cheer for the Grizzles (the home state team) or whichever team has a former Duke player on the roster. But, back to the point: all these interactions really reminded me of the deep love God has for his people. 

Photo from intsapray.com

In my opinion (and its my blog so that’s all that matters), the best way to witness God’s love is to experience people loving people. Even though it was just your typical Saturday night out in 12th South, Adam and I were reminded of the importance of loving those around us the way God loves us – even complete strangers. It’s amazing what lessons you can learn from the people you interact with when you just slow down and truly pay attention. 

Don’t even get me started on paying attention during a lesson – I’m a teacher – I ask little humans to pay attention to me all day long. But, what I am challenging you to do as you go through this day, or maybe even this week, is to pay attention to people loving people… and even people loving you. And my prayer for you is that through this experience you will gain an understanding of just how much God loves his people. 

-Taylor Ann