Tied Up

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson || Dress: VICI

The dresses with the little “tie-up” in the front will be everywhere this fall. Well, at least everywhere in my closet. Give VICI a visit because they have this look figured out. I’m sure Adam is loving the packages that regularly show up on our doorstep from their store in California. #sorrynotsorry

While this little tie-up makes a great addition to the VICI dress, there are some tie-ups that should be avoided… like being tied up in stress rather than tied up in trust. I’ll be the first to admit that I am by far the worst person to travel with – unless, of course, you enjoy being at least three hours early to the airport… Then I am great. But if we get behind, off schedule, or delayed, I DO NOT handle it well. Adam witnesses this often. He has to love me, though, so he has learned to deal with it. But a handful of family and friends have witnessed several travel-related emotional breakdowns, and I am thankful they still choose to travel with me. 

I am currently sitting on the airplane we almost missed because of the SLOWEST ECONOMY PARKING BUS ever. Apologies to all on that bus… I now realize that my dramatic run from the bus to the security line was the most UNNECESSARY thing ever. But it happened.
 
As I sit here in seat 10A, I am pretty disappointed in myself for not calling on Jesus in that time of stress. I mean, I thought about it; but, if there was a lesson on patience that He was trying to teach me, I totally missed it. Again. While traveling is such a small example, you would think that by now I would realize that he is ALWAYS in control.

Do you ever feel like you keep missing the same lesson? Like God is clearly trying to tell you something, but it still isn’t getting through to you? What is it? I want you to think about it. Pray about it. And maybe finally pick up what He is putting down.
 
My travel through the airport would have been a lot more enjoyable for myself (and Adam… and everyone that I came in contact with) if I had just handed all that worry and stress over to Him. I pray that you can today. I pray that you fight through whatever is holding you back. And I pray that you will only be tied up in dresses – not stresses. 

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