January 10, 2017

Leaving an Impact

January 10, 2017/ Taylor Ann Dietrich

Bag: Fashionable || Sweater: Leith || Similar sweater Here & Here || Jeans: Madewell || Similar jeans Here || Watch: Nixon || Boots: Target

This Christmas, I unwrapped my first ever FashionABLE bag. I had been wanting a bag from this place for like… ever. In fact, when my husband asked what I wanted for Christmas, I was quick to tell him a FashionABLE handbag. His predictable response was, “What? Another handbag? Seriously?!?” Oh, but this one is so different than the rest. I mean, yes, it is still a handbag. But when I am carrying this bag, I know I am making a difference in someone else’s life. This bag gives a woman a second chance when she so desperately needs one. This bag gives a woman a job when no one else can. So, you see, it is so much more than just a bag. It’s an impact.

This past weekend, my husband’s family celebrated the life of Ms. Peggy. For years, Adam thought Ms. Peggy was his great aunt. I even thought this was the case because whenever we got together as a family, Peggy was always there. I think she is related to us in some way, but not as Adam’s great aunt (bless him). Regardless, Ms. Peggy made everyone feel like they were part of her family, and that rang true on a frigid Saturday afternoon in Kingston Springs, Tennessee, when every seat at her church was full to celebrate her.

Most of the time, funerals are sad and confusing, but this one left me feeling hopeful and inspired, which is exactly what I think Ms. Peggy would have wanted. Ms. Peggy didn’t believe in going to just one church to learn about Jesus. As a result, she had several pastors speak at her funeral. As each pastor told various stories about Ms. Peggy, they all had one thing in common: Ms. Peggy carried the light… His light… no matter where she went. She yearned to know Jesus and understand Him. She wanted to give like He did – even with the little means that she had. Whether it was knitting scarves to give as gifts or baking goodies to make someone smile, she lived to love like Jesus. And she did it well.

While the stories were being told, laughs and tears of joy were seen throughout the congregation. During that time, I started to pray, “Lord please let me leave an impact on the world like Ms. Peggy.” Of course, I will so miss her contagious happiness that she always brought to each event; but, I am so thankful for the reminder of her life that I can carry with me forever. A life for Him.

I hope that when you think about the year ahead, you think about how to live like Him. It doesn’t have to be some big thing. The littlest of acts can sometimes leave the biggest impact on a person’s life. And hopefully through those little acts, that person will come to know Jesus. I pray you find your way to love, and I pray you have someone as strong and giving as Ms. Peggy to be an example of how to leave an impact everywhere you go.

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" - Jeremiah 29:13

January 06, 2017

Be Happy & Do Good

January 06, 2017/ Taylor Ann Dietrich

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson

Mug: Ashley Brooke Designs || Sweater: Soca || Similar styles here, here & here || Socks: Nordstrom || Jeans: Madewell || Similar Jeans here & here

Do you want to know a secret? I have a slight obsession with coffee mugs. Especially those that have fun little sayings on them like this one from Ashley Brooke Designs. I have been falling in love with this company for a while, so I was thrilled when they sent me this precious mug. Of course, this is the kind of shop where I could literally say, “Oh, I’ll take one of each, please.” So, be sure to check out all their adorable mug styles. Don’t tell the other mugs, but this one is my favorite.

There are a lot of traditions around the holidays that I truly enjoy. But, this year, my mom decided to change things up a bit. So, when she called and suggested that we spend Christmas Eve serving hot meals at the Nashville Rescue Mission, I was a little taken back. Most of my family has served before, and my sister, Hillary, is basically in charge of the food pantry at her church in D.C.; so, for them, this was no big deal. However, I was honestly a little nervous. I had never served at a homeless shelter before. I couldn’t understand why I was having such a hard time getting excited about something that I knew deep down would bring so much joy.

While scooping mashed potatoes onto each plate that rainy Christmas Eve, I stood next to a women named Kerry. Kerry is the type of person you never forget. She is the type of person that embodies the verse “be kind and do good” each day. Kerry works two jobs, but in her “free time,” she serves at the shelter twice a week. And did I mention she is also a mom to the most adorable teenager? While her work-ethic is impressive, it is her positivity that draws you in and makes you want to do more, too.

Now, I am not suggesting that in order to “be kind and do good” you have to serve at the homeless shelter everyday. (Although it would be great if you did!) Rather, you can live out this verse by committing to serving God’s people on a daily basis. Whether that is severing dinner to hundreds or just telling a friend you’re thinking about them, it’s the act of kindness that makes it all worth while.

Don’t be afraid to answer the call to do something that may seem out of your ordinary. Just go for it. When you do, I hope you get the opportunity to meet and learn from someone as God-loving as Kerry. Those moments can change your life for the better. And if you need a little reminder to live like Ecclesiastes 3:12, I have the perfect mug for your morning coffee that will do just that!

"I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live." - Ecclesiastes 3:12

January 02, 2017

A Cozy Start

January 02, 2017/ Taylor Ann Dietrich

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson

Sweater: Soca || Similar Sweaters here & here || Shoes: Sam Edelman || Similar shoes here || Jeans: Madewell || Similar jeans here

First, let me start by saying, “Happy New Year!” I can’t believe 2017 has officially arrived. I feel like just yesterday it was August, and I was greeting a whole new class of students. Now, we are halfway through the year, and I can’t even believe how quickly time is passing by. But, I guess it’s like the saying, “Time flies when you’re having fun!” (or, honestly, just really busy).

While January is certain to bring cold weather in Nashville, I will be extra warm in this sweater from Soca. I am all about that sweater life these days. I have teamed up with Soca for a fun collaboration and can’t wait to bring you more amazing looks from them in the future. But, for now, just know that this sweater is all you need for those cold days ahead.

Of course, the start of a new year brings the idea of a fresh start. As we ring in the new year, I am taking this time to pray about how a TAD more faith will evolve in this next year. But, it’s not only my blog. I am praying about what I should change or add to my everyday lifestyle to make this year the best one yet. I love how a new year and fresh outlook can bring these kind of thoughts and ambition out of us.

I also love that being a Christian means that I can decide to make a change in my relationship with Christ any time I want. I don’t need a ball to drop or the year to change to decide it’s time to work a little harder. My relationship with Him is ever changing, ever evolving no matter what time of year. While my side of the relationship may change, I find great comfort in knowing that His love always remains the same.

In 2017, I challenge you to not only think about what you want to do differently (or better) in your life, but also think about how you can strengthen your faith. Set some goals there, too, and truly work for them. One of my resolutions is to read the Bible everyday. Yes. Everyday. I spend a lot of time reading what other people have to say about the Bible, but I do not spend enough time diving into the Word on my own. One thing I know for sure, the more I learn about Him through His words, the more I will better understand His plan for my life.

What are your goals for the new year? Faith wise and personal? I would love to hear, so be sure to comment below. I know that God has big plans for us all in delivering His message this year. I can’t wait to see how He uses each and every one of you to make a difference in this world. Thankful for you all. Prayers for a strong 2017.