The Details

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson || Dress: VICI

With summer wrapping up, I am getting as much wear out of this little maxi dress as I can. I adore the simplicity of this dress, yet with just the tiniest little detail of some tassels, it becomes something totally different. Without the colors it would just be a black maxi dress. Listen, there is nothing wrong with a black maxi dress. But don’t the colors make this one so much more fun?! 

Lately, I have noticed myself focusing too much on the details. Not the colorful, cheerful tassel details. The bad details. The details that cause me to lay awake at night and question myself. “Did I get my point across?” “Did I say the wrong thing?” “What if this never works out?” “What if I’m not hearing you God?”

You know what those little details do? They cause you to miss the big picture. Getting too wrapped up in the little things that ARE NOT happening instead of the big things that ARE happening. It can turn into a dangerous game of doubting yourself. 

In Present Over Perfect, Shanua Niequist writes, “One of the reasons I believe in God is because I can see so clearly his loving and hilarious hand, guiding us to the unlikeliest of places to find the healing we’ve been searching for all along.”

Wouldn’t it be nice to see the day in review and recognize all that you DID instead of what you DIDN’T do? Noticing the details of God’s guiding hand that show how crazy He is about you. 

I pray that today you recognize those details that are causing you to doubt YOU. And that when you do, you ignore them with all your might. I pray that you see not just the good details, the tassels of your day, but also the big picture God is creating for you. I pray that you trust in His guiding hand to lead you on the right way. The way to the greatest you. 

"Now then, stand still and see this great thing the Lord is about to do before your eyes!" - 1 Samuel 12:16

God Made

Photography of Madi Flournoy Henderson || Shirt: Madewell || Pants: Soft Joie

I rarely cover accessory pieces in my blog posts. Why? Well, honestly, I am not very good at accessorizing. I know! I know! As someone who loves fashion, I should be good at this kind of thing. But I am really NOT. As my style evolves, so does my desire to include those unique jewelry pieces as the final touch to that perfect outfit.. This necklace, however, is so much more than just the final touch. This necklace was made by my dear friend, Laura Crawford. It will always be more than just a necklace to me. 

I am amazed by Laura’s natural artistic ability for all things crafty. It is a true God-given talent. Since I have THE WORST handwriting on the planet and zero jewelry making skills, I am so thankful that God blessed me with a friend like Laura. Of course, she is so much more than just my crafty friend. But having someone who can whip up the perfect chalkboard (or the perfect necklace) is always a nice bonus to any friendship.

What I love about Laura is even though her talent comes naturally, she still takes the time to ensure that every necklace is absolutely perfect. She carefully places each bead and chain to make the necklace just right.

Just like Laura takes the time to make the perfect necklace, God took His time to make the perfect you. I love that feeling... Thinking about how God can create and mold each of us into the perfect example of His love. I love the way His creation of us is described in the song, Sons and Daughters. "Before He spoke creation, the God of Heaven knew our names. Formed in his reflection, we are His glory on display." 

That is exactly what we are: His example of His love, on display for the whole world to see. Just like we show off our favorite necklace, let's show off God's love. So, today, I challenge you to display the love God has for you to others. And while you're at it, display your favorite piece of jewelry, too. 

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful." - Psalm 139:14

The Everyday

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson || Top: Nordstrom 

It’s not unusual to find me wearing a blue and white striped shirt... Or a blue and white striped anything for that matter. In fact, whenever I pick up something blue and white striped while out shopping with friends, someone inevitably says, “Really Taylor Ann? You really need another blue and white striped ____?” I can’t help it! To me, it’s the perfect everyday casual look. Why not own a lot of a style that makes you happy? Plus, this one was a decent price, so it was well worth the purchase.

It’s also not unusual to find my face buried in a book… Especially during the summer. This past summer, I spent a lot of time with Annie F. Downs. Not actually with her (wouldn't that be awesome), but with her stories. 

It’s funny how some messages can find you at exactly the right time. Annie F. Downs’ Let’s All Be Brave and Looking for Lovely were exactly the books I NEEDED to read this summer. Let’s All Be Brave serves as a reminder that we are capable of delivering God’s message and living out our dreams. Looking for Lovely helps you see the beautiful that exists in the world around you. I even look at sushi differently after reading this book! There was one little line in particular that spoke to me during a time when I was wanting to quit. I would give it to you, but it probably wouldn’t make much sense (unless you are currently a teacher who dreams about being a writer).

When reading these books, I felt a sense of comfort and encouragement. It was as if Annie was sitting across the table saying, “Yeah, I’ve been there," while also saying, "but you can do this!” 

Image from Annie F. Downs

I could quote a hundred different lines from each of Annie’s books – lines that should be scribbled on post-it notes and scattered throughout your house as daily reminders of your “greatness.”  But I won’t… because I actually want you to read these books. BOTH of them! I think they will leave you feeling the same way I did, which is a feeling I TRY to carry with me everyday.

“I want us to learn to look for the lovely all around us and collect it, hold it close, and see how God drops beautiful things into our lives at just the right time to help us step forward on our own paths.” – Looking for Lovely, Annie F. Downs