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

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 

Funny How A Memory

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson Dress: Diana Warner

Don’t you just love this maxi dress? It reminds me of being at the beach. I could totally see myself strolling down 30A in this outfit. Actually, let’s be real. I would be happy to stroll down 30A in a trash bag – I love that place so much. But, if I could wear this dress, it would be all the more perfect.

This dress is brought to you by Diana Warner; and, if you haven’t been to her pop-up shop in Nashville (or at least browsed through her website), I highly suggest that you head over there… like now.  Diana will always hold a special place in my retail heart.  A little more than four years ago, she designed the most beautiful necklaces for my bridesmaids to wear at our wedding. And let me tell you, it made my day to walk into an engagement party this past weekend and see Jamie, one of my bridesmaids, wearing the necklace.

I also loved pairing this look with another favorite jewelry piece from Diana Warner: the Obligato necklace. I bought it while attending the University of Tennessee; so, whenever I wear it, I’m instantly brought back to those beloved college days. 

I know material things shouldn’t be that important, but I love how a simple necklace can bring back such wonderful memories… Memories that remind you how you got to where you are today. They also serve as good reminders of how the Lord’s plan for our life can be better than anything we could ever think up. Memories can be a comforting reminder of how he is in control. I wasn’t supposed to attend UT for college. I originally started at Ole Miss. But because I ended up there, I met Jamie, who has since been my sorority sister, roommate, bridesmaid, teammate, and best-friend that I couldn’t imagine doing life without. 

Have you ever stopped to think about how you got to the place you are today? And all the twists and turns you made along the way?  Did you know that with each step you took, God already knew you would take them? How can the steps you’ve already walked help someone who is trying to find their way?

We have an amazing God who gives us so much. I just hope He will guide the way to get me to 30A in this dress very soon! Until then, I’ll just sit back and reminisce about all these happy memories. 

"I thank my God every time I remember you." - Philippians 1:3