Just Go for It

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson 

Dress: Amelia Styles || Shoes: Target || Similar shoes here

I am super excited to share this adorable look from Amelia Styles. She is a fellow fashion blogger, who also runs her own clothing boutique in East Nashville. Amelia is an incredibly driven individual. She puts an amazing spin on the classic look that makes it a bit more fabulous than your everyday wear. And I am obsessed. When I shop Amelia Styles, I know I am getting great quality at a fair price. Be sure to browse her online store, and use the code FAITH15 for 15% off.
 
When Amelia first started selling her clothing online, she never thought she would open an actual brick-and-mortar store. However, when the opportunity fell in her lap, she went for it. And sometimes just going for it is exactly what we need to do. 

It is easy to get caught up in the “what ifs” of a decision. And those “what ifs” can cause a lot of confusion and frustration, ultimately leading to not wanting to make a decision at all. With some decisions, it is important to weigh the pros and cons, pray about it, and then decide. But with others, we just have to trust what is in our hearts. If the moment feels right—if we feel like God is placing this choice on us for a reason—then we should just go for it. Sometimes taking a leap of faith is exactly what God is calling us to do.
 
So, whatever decision is weighing on you, I hope you get to that “go for it” moment. I pray that God will bring you enough peace to know that your choice is also His choice and He is ready to guide you though each and every step. 

He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it. - Philippians 1:6

New Heart, New You

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson 

Sweater: Fab'rik || Similar styles here & here || Jeans: Madewell || Similar jeans here & here || Shoes are old but similar styles here, here & here

I will typically dress in any shade of blue. In fact, a good majority of my closet is blue. So, it comes as no surprise that I gravitated towards this gorgeous sweater. It’s a newer, brighter shade of blue.  I mean how could you say “no” to a color as pretty as this! Fab’rik’s spring collection is amazing and something you should definitely check out – especially a sweater like this that provides the perfect level of warmth during this transitional weather.

Currently, I am in a season of “new.” New books to read, new items to buy, new things to worry about. Shopping is a whole new experience because I try things on and wonder whether I will be able to wear them in a month. And I’ve even reached into a new section of jeans… Yes, the ones labeled, MATERINTY... but that’s a story for another time. In the midst of all the new going on in my life, there was one thing that I didn’t plan to make new: my heart.  That was a mistake.
 
A few mornings ago, I was listening to the Leading and Loving It online conference (which, if you want to join me, click here), and Lori Wilhite read the verse, “And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you, I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender responsive heart.” (Ezekiel 36:26).
 
As Christians, I think it is hard for us to admit that we are a work in progress. It is also hard to accept that we are constantly needing to change our hearts to look at something new. But I have noticed lately that I might need to view things with a new heart. Things like this blog. I want my heart to look at it the way it did in the beginning. Humble, excited, and pure. Not the way it is now, which is focused on comparing, comparing, and more comparing! I also want my heart to look at my next steps in a different light. Knowing that we have a child on the way has made me think I need to get everything done before August because I will NEVER, ever have time to do anything again. But, deep down, I know that isn’t true. Tons of writers publish their first book as mothers. Tons of people transition into brand new careers as parents. My dreams are only multiplying, not dividing.
 
What areas of your life do you need to approach with a new heart? Where do you need to listen to Him more? I hope you will take a moment today to open your heart to a little more tenderness and lot less stubbornness in hopes that you may be able to more clearly see His plan for your life. 

Running Forward

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson 

Outfit: Lululemon || Shoes are old,  similar styles here & here

Can I just tell you how pumped I was to have recently had the opportunity to work with lululemon?! I am #obsessed with all things lulu, so the fact that I got to shoot some of their amazing clothes was like a dream come true. These Inspire Tight II pants are super comfortable, and I love the mesh detail. And how adorable is this workout top? It’s perfect for a trip to the gym or grocery store (because we all know that lululemon isn’t just for working out!).
 
In this new chapter of life, I am not doing much running. If I am being completely honest, I am thrilled about it. Since I wasn’t a “true runner” before I got pregnant, it isn’t wise for me to run now. I really hate running. Like. Hate it. It was just something I did because I knew it was good for me. So, I am fine with this non-running stage of life. Give me an elliptical all-day, and I’ll be one happy girl. Well, maybe for like 30 minutes, not actually all-day. 

But I am still running in other areas of my life. I think it is something we all tend to do in our relationship with Christ from time to time. And I realized the other day that I was running from Him when it came to learning more about Him.
 
I go through stages where I am 100% committed to learning all I can about Jesus by indulging in books, sermons, podcasts, and anything else to help me grow in my walk with Him. But I haven’t been in that stage in a long time. Rather, I am in a stage of knowing He is there but not taking the time to KNOW Him more. And to find that I’m in that stage has taken a while, even though I’ve known deep down what is causing the separation.
 
Sometimes we start to run from something and it isn’t until we are miles away that we recognize that we are lost. Sometimes, it is one small moment that pulls us back to reality, while other times it takes a lot of small moments (or even one big one) to turn us back around. I want you to know that it’s okay. God isn’t going anywhere, and He will patiently wait for you to turn back towards His grace and love. And that in itself should make the jog back a little easier. Right?
 
Now that I am aware of what will happen, it is easy for me to say that I need to turn around. But I know it’s going to be hard to get back into my routine of learning and growing my relationship with Him. It’s mostly because I am still not healed from what was causing the distance in the first place. I know that once I start the journey back, I will also start the healing process. It will be more like a marathon, or possibly a triathlon, to get back to where I want to be. But I know that God has paved the way for it to happen. And I can’t wait to cross the finish line. 

"Be sure of this; I am with you always, even to the end of age." - Matthew 28:20