The Future Is... Spotty?

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson || Top: Hadley Rae Boutique

Hadley Rae has me swooning over her new arrivals this month, and this shirt is just one of the many pieces that I love. Why? Well, probably because it has stripes on it. Remember, stripes are a staple of my “everyday go-to kind of look.” I also love how the polka dots on the top of the shirt add a unique little twist. And since I am all about a casual look, this shirt hits on all cylinders.
 
While we can all get behind the idea of spots (or polka dots) in an outfit, we all hate when our future seems a little spotty. Of course, the Lord plans our steps; but, generally speaking, we have an idea of where He might be taking us. With that said, every once in a while, a path opens up that we never saw coming. A path that we wouldn’t even wish upon our worst enemy. And when that path presents itself, it leaves us wondering whether God will patch the holes that seem to litter the journey ahead.

This morning, my family and friends from my precious beach town on the east coast are waking up and wondering what they will find in the days to come. I can’t even imagine the overwhelming feeling of uncertainty and worry that has consumed their thoughts these last couple of days. And when a path as devastating as this becomes your reality, you can find yourself asking, “What now, God?”
 
While I’ve never experienced this kind of loss, I do know my God. And I know that He will always provide for His children. In the midst of each unexpected path we encounter in our lives, He finds a way to show us His love. He reminds us that “His love is like a hurricane and we are the tree, bending beneath His weight and mercy. How He loves us with such an unconditional love.” 
 
Today, I pray that whatever path you are traveling down, you will see God carrying you through. Whether it is a path you saw coming or one that appeared out of no where, God will stay by your side. He will provide. For in His eyes, your future is never spotty. 

"God is our protection and source of strength. He is always ready to help us in times of trouble." - Psalms 46:1

My Favorite Day

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson

In case you haven’t noticed, I have a thing for Sundays. It has always been—and will always be—my favorite day of the week. So, naturally, I am drawn to any shirt that says “Sunday” on it… Especially one that advocates for “less Mondays and more Sundays.” Hello. That is something I could absolutely agree with today. This afternoon, I literally looked up to my co-workers at recess and said, “Wait, is it really only Monday?”

There is one day a week where I usually feel right on track. It’s a day where I don’t feel like I have to be someone else or prove something to anyone. It’s a day where I am excused from the pressures of society and friendships and get to reset my focus on Jesus. It’s on Sundays that I feel whole, worthy, normal(ish), and unstoppable. At church, I am reminded of His love the second the music vibrates through my heart. I am reassured of His plan the moment I hear the message. And my soul is reminded of His grace as soon as I am hugged and loved by His children. I love Sunday. Not only because it is the Lord’s day, but also because it is our day. Mine and Jesus’s.

I realized a long time ago that it wasn’t the activities of the day that make it my favorite. While I leave with “that Sunday feeling” whenever I physically attend church, I also experience it even when I don’t set foot in the building. (Thanks be to God for the online campus at Cross Point Church. Amen!). Further, I feel reconnected with Jesus when I get to connect with His children. And that can happen any day of the week. 

I want to experience the feelings I have on Sunday every day of the week. I want to be the Sunday version of myself on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday…you get the picture. I know that whenever I become that person, I will do a better job of delivering the Lord’s love no matter the day on the calendar.
 
My prayer for you today is that you will be the best version of yourself everyday of the week. I know the best me is on Sunday but that might not be the case for you. It might be a time of day or a season of the year where you are at your best. Or, maybe you are still searching for that moment; if so, I am praying that you find it. Because it is there, friend. Whatever it is that you want to be, you should know that God is ready to celebrate that moment with you. And know that you are capable of being an example of His love no matter what. 

Printed

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson || Top: VICI

I love a good print, but when it comes to shopping, nine times out of ten I am going to go with the solid color option. However, this shirt from VICI just screamed fall to me. So, I went for it. Bring on the printed shirts… Especially one with colors and patterns that carry that strong “the leaves are changing colors” kind of feeling. I also love how this necklace from Laura Crawford Designs goes perfectly with the top. The single feather is the perfect compliment to this flowy fall shirt. 

While shirts and dresses can be covered in prints, our hearts are imprinted with many different desires. Desires that you can’t shake because they control your every thought and direct your every step. They are your passions and your push to become what your heart is calling you to be. Whatever your heart’s desire may be, it is not put there by accident. There is a reason why you keep yearning towards that one particular thing.
 
Sometimes, those desires can feel next to impossible to achieve. So, we ignore them. We push them away because they seem so far out of reach. Even though that feeling in the pit of our stomach keeps coming back day-after-day, we choose not to listen. We choose to remain comfortable in our current place instead of stepping out into God’s space… His space where He transforms your heart and mind by unfolding the unbelievable plan He has for you. But we must embrace His plan for our lives in order to ever fulfil our heart’s desires. “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” – Proverbs 16:9 

What desires are imprinted on your heart? Have you stopped to listen to what He might be calling you to do? Are you ready to hear where you need to go next? Or, are you too scared to hear the answer to that question?
 
Some days, I really want to ignore my desires. It seems like it would be easier. But, luckily, Jesus always seems to point me back in the right direction. Today, I pray that you take the next step in chasing the desire that God has placed on your heart.  Instead of pushing away, I pray that you inch a little closer to Him so that you can embrace the plan that He has in store for your life.