Hashtag Blessed

Black Friday. The biggest shopping day of the year has arrived. Only to be followed by Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. And let me confess, these days are a blogger's dream. The sales, the excitement, the comfy sweaters. But these days can only mean one thing - the holidays are here. 

I love the holidays. I love the hustle and bustle of parties, get-togethers, dinners and drinks. But every year I try so very hard to not get wrapped up in the stress that comes with the holiday mess. Don't we all. 

Before you embark on your marathon weekend of shopping I would like to remind you of something. No matter what sale you find, or what deal you snag, you are already hashtag blessed. Not because of the items in your shopping cart, but because of all the blessing that came with the birth of our Savior. The fact that you are not only loved, but forgiven, sought after and fought for by someone who wants to be with you so badly that He gave His life to save yours. 

So as the holidays get crazy please don't forget what the craze is really all about. The love that came when the Son was born. 

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name." - Psalm 100:4

And because I care so much about your stress, I've listed some sales that are simply the best. 

- JCrew 40% off your whole purchase with code HOLIDAY 

- Madewell 25% off with code THATSALE 

- Sole Society 30% off all footwear (praise), and select bags 

- Nordstrom 20% off select sale items 

- Kelly Wynne 20% off

- Nisolo 40% off select shoes and bags 

- ASOS 30% off with code THANKFUL30

- Ann Taylor 50% off with code celebrate

Throwback to Thankfulness

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

While it’s not Thursday, I’ve decided to throw it back to this plaid shirt that I posted on Instagram a few weeks ago. Since it has been restocked at Hadley Rae Boutique, I figured it was time to write about it on the blog. The truth is that if it was socially acceptable, I would live in a plaid shirt. Or, I guess, if I was a farmer… But, let’s be honest, you are not going to find me tending to any sheep anytime soon. The only flock I’ll be taking care of are the ones that resemble God’s children. So whether you are wearing plaid at the farm or to deliver the message of His love, this shirt is the way to go.
 
It is no secret that my church has been going through a transition lately. While that transition has brought on feelings of hope (and worry) for the future, it has also been a learning experience. Being a pastorless church has opened the door for us to hear from many great Christian leaders from all over the country. And while I am eager for a new face to permanently brace the stage, I am grateful for the lessons learned over the past few weeks.

Waiting for the NEXT step is always an anxious time. For me, it’s in these times of anxiousness that I lose sight of the past – or, the times that God has fulfilled. Instead, I spend time focusing on the possibility (or worry) that comes with the future. But this past Sunday, our church recapped all the amazing things God has done (and is doing) through His people. These things didn’t happen because of a pastor. Rather, these things happened because through his people, God makes the unthinkable a reality.
 
This recap of the church’s blessings got me thinking about my past year. About all that has transpired. The good, bad, and ugly. But regardless of the labels attached to these memories, each one gives me something to be thankful for. Each memory shaped me into the person I am today.
 
Since Thanksgiving is just two days away, I want to propose a challenge to you. I know that right now you are probably not reflecting on the past year of your life. Instead, you are focusing on the decorations, the food, and the fact that it is finally appropriate to start playing Christmas music (I have secretly been listening to my Dave Barnes Christmas playlist since August).
 
But instead of focusing on the events to come, take a minute to sit down and look at the past. Take in all the times, big or small, that found you this past year. Try to see the good that came out of these moments. And try to see how these moments could shape you next year. The Lord delights in seeing His work through His children. You are a blessing that was delivered to this world to love and be loved by Him and by His people. 

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." - Ephesians 3:20

Lord I Need You

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson || Dress: Fab'rik

One thing I need for this holiday season is more suede dresses. Normally, I wouldn’t pick out a dress like this. I have to keep my everyday style simple in order to do my job. Simply put, this dress would not work for teaching third graders. With that said, this dress is absolutely perfect for the upcoming holiday events. The suede… the lace-up. Not only is it all on trend, but it’s also from one of my favorite boutiques, Fab’rik. 

You know that song, “Lord I need you?” The song basically repeats those four words over and over again. There’s nothing fancy or mind blowing about the lyrics. Just a simple and easy to understand, “Lord I need you.” But, oh, how powerful are those words. This song has been stuck in my head the past couple of days, and I honestly don’t know how it got there. But I’m glad it did.

Sometimes, we receive gifts in life but forget where they came from. We get confident in ourselves and what we accomplished. We stop talking to Him as much because that one thing we yearned for finally arrived.

Other times, we encounter rough patches and focus so hard on the bad that we forget to lean on the one person that can see us through. Our anger and confusion entangles our mind and causes us to think we are in control.

I am in a season where I need to be remember how much I need Jesus. I need Him to tell me it’s all going to be ok. I need Him to remind me that He will provide. I need Him to show me the path to what is next. I need Him to celebrate the good things that are coming.

So, I hope that the lyrics, “Lord, I need you, oh I need you” continue to stick in my head. Because I want to need Him everyday… in everything that I do. Regardless of the season you are in, I pray that you will want to need Him, too. Whether it is a time for rejoicing or a time of frustration, you need Him to see you though.  

Blessed is the one... whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither - whatever they do prospers." - Psalm 1:1-3