Only a Moment

A number of years ago I read "It's Not About Me" by Max Lucado.  I would definitely recommend it, if you're looking for a good read.  One part of it has resonated with me for years.  He tell this story about how he's walking with his four year old son, and his son stops to look at something. Lucado is trying to hurry him along (I can totally relate, by the way). His son responds to him, "It's only a moment." This hit Lucado hard and it's stuck with me since.

You can really look at this phrase two very different ways: First, we are only given some much time here on earth, only a moment in comparison to eternity, yet so often we're like the Lucado, trying to pull our child along (metaphorically or literally).  Rush, rush, rush. "I just want this day to be over."  But this is the only January 28, 2015 we'll ever have. Why do we want the day to end so badly? We have been put on this earth for a purpose...for a reason. We really should make the best of the time we are given, after all, it's only a moment.

The second way to look at this is remembering that whatever difficult thing we are going through is only a moments in comparison to eternity...and an eternity in heaven once you've accepted Jesus as your Savior. Sometimes things can just feel so bad..so difficult..and so hard to overcome. But Jesus says in John 16:33 that we will have tribulation in the world, but to take heart because he has overcome the world. We have Him on our side. We can get through anything, as difficult as it is, with Him. 

I hope you're encouraged by this today, our lives here are only a moment, let's make the best of them!

A few weeks ago J.Crew factory put this vest on sale for $35 and I snagged it up and bought it with a gift card from my mom.  I've already worn it a few times, but wanted to try it using this pin as inspiration.  I really do love the open button-up trend this year and I think the dotted chambray makes for fun pattern mixing here too. Also, let's talk about these  leggings, they're a super thick knit I scored on sale.  I bought one, then went back for another.  I have been wearing them non-stop!

Vest: J.Crew factory (sold out but check ebay)

Chambray: Old Navy similar

Shirt: Target

Necklace: Stella and Dot same

Bracelets: Stella and Dot same chloe + isabel same 

Pants: Target same

Boots: Born similar

Linking up with:

What I Wore Wednesday

Random Wednesday

Season Favorites

I feel like I've gotten in the groove of dressing for winter and am also realizing there are certain pieces in my closet I'm constantly wearing.  I thought I'd put them together in a set to show you today, only to realize they make a pretty cute outfit. Of course the pieces I love the most would go together. ;)

First is my fur vest, I've been wearing it at minimum weekly (often more than that). Yes, my students always want to touch it and guys always ask if it's real, but it has been my favorite piece this season. Chic Wish still has a cute one available!

Next is my buffalo check button-down. I would never have realized how versatile it would be.  Mine is from Old Navy, but I love this option and it's boyfriend style just like mine.

I also scored these ponte leggings at Target on sale and can't take them off. They are thick like pants but feel like pajamas. Score!

I picked up black booties at Target (now sold out) but these are similar and I love them with my ponte leggings. I love black boots, but sometimes don't like the bulk of my riding ones, so these are a great option.

I'm also loving all pendant necklaces out this year, and this option has caught my eye. Don't get me wrong, I still love a good statement necklace, but I find myself wearing my pendant necklaces constantly!

So, how about you, what are you loving this winter?

flannel shirt / Chicwish brown vest / Stella Dot necklace / A2 by Aerosoles Women's Ride By Boot : Target / leggings

Being Present

Mindless surfing. Check Facebook...check Instagram....check email...repeat.  Urg, this is the worst and I find myself doing it. All. The. Time. I find myself being so concerned about what's going on within the world of Social Media I forget what really matters.  Please tell me you can at least relate a bit?

Once I get home from school all Grant want's to do is play with me. I'll be busy emptying the dishwasher, starting dinner and starting laundry, which are all valid reasons for him to entertain himself, but once that's caught up it's time for me to put down my phone and truly be present. I could use the excuse of winding down and being tired, but there will come a time when Grant quits asking me to play. I need to soak up the time I have.

The same thing goes for my husband.  Once Grant is finally to bed Brian and I have only about an hour, maybe hour and a half together before bed.  Should I really spend it on my phone??? I think the obvious answer is no. 

I know there needs to be a balance between "me time" and family time, but I'm really trying to make an effort to be present with the ones I love.  Because, you know what? God is always present, always there for us, always available. He has an endless supply of time to listen to the details of our day, our hopes, our fears.  I really want to work to be more like him and unplug from the things that don't matter. 

I never thought I'd get so much wear out of a piece as I have this vest! Today I decided to try it with my striped dress and boots, and I really like how it came together. The flurries had just begun when I snapped these pictures quickly. Luckily, it didn't stick around! Spring can't come soon enough!

Dress: Gap almost exact

Vest: Target same 

Necklace: Edith Marie Jewelry c/o similar

Bracelets: chloe + isabel c/o same, same 

Boots: Born similar

Love

Recently I was reading about Jesus' final evening with his disciples in John 13:1-38.  Jesus rose from supper began washing each of the disciples feet. Now, this is an act that is usually assigned to the servants of the house to do, not the savior of the world. Peter specifically had a hard time with the idea of Jesus doing this, but the meaning is deeper than just a simple washing of feet. I think it symbolically shows how with Jesus we are cleansed from the sin we have in our life.  He makes us new. 

I think there is another perspective we can take on this act as well. Prior to washing their feet Jesus knew Peter would later deny him and that Judas would sell him out for 30 pieces of silver....and he still showed himself as a servant to them by washing their feet, even though they would betray him. Too me this is one of the greatest examples of how we should treat others, not just the people we like.

It's so easy for me to take the easy way out and try to avoid those I'm not crazy about, but what good does that do? What if I chose to act kind and metaphorically "wash their feet."  Think of the good that could come from that, from choosing to love on them even when we don't think they deserve it...by the world's standards anyway.  

We have such a great example in Jesus, just as he washed his disciples feet to symbolically show how their sin has been washed away, ours has too once we accept Jesus into our lives.  The old is gone and the new has come.  When we chose to "wash someone's feet" we can choose to forgive, to forget, to more on, and to love. There is tremendous power in that. It frees us from the hurt they might have caused and it shows God's unconditional love. 

I want to keep this as a reminder when things get tough with people. I want to work to not run from  hurt, pain and people I could call "difficult," but to look to them as Jesus looked at Peter and Judas. I hope his example encourages you to do the same.

I feel like winter has been making the idea of skirts just seem painful, but I don't want to see my dress clothes forgotten in my closet.  Other than the shoes, I've had all these pieces for at least a year. I feel like I can have a tendency to show my new things, as there are still links to buy them, but want you all to see I do wear the old too, and I think they should make an appearance on here too. Oh, and don't mind the Beagle hair on my blazer...that's really life.

Blazer: H&M similar

Blouse: Express same

Skirt: JCPsimilar

Necklace: Purple Peridot same

Bracelets: Stella and Dot and chloe + isabel same

Heels: Merona same

Linking up with:

What I Wore to Work Link-up

Start a Fire

  The song "Start a Fire" has been playing in my head constantly. Take a look at the video below:

          

Here are the lyrics for you to take a look at:

"This world can be cold and bitter

Feels like we're in the dead of winter

Waiting on something better

But am I really gonna hide forever?

Over and over again

I hear Your voice in my head

Let Your light shine, let Your light shine for all to see

(Chorus)

Start a fire in my soul

Fan the flame and make it grow

So there's no doubt or denying

Let it burn so brightly

That everyone around can see

That it's You, that it's You that we need

Start a fire in me

You only need a spark to start a whole blaze

It only takes a little faith

Let it start right here in this city

So these old walls will never be the same

Over and over again

I hear Your voice in my head

They need to know

I need to go

Spirit won't you fall on my heart now

(Chorus)

You are the fire You are the flame

You are the light on the darkest day

We have the hope we bear Your name

We carry the news that

You have come to save

Only You can save"

If feel like there is a lot of power in these lyrics and it reminds me of Mathew 28: 19-20, which states: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

As a Christian, it's my job to share who God is with everyone....yes everyone.  This thought can be pretty scary, especially with the people who are closest to me. There's the fear of rejection, offending, seeming pushy; all of these can cause me to keep my mouth closed, when instead it should be open and sharing God's truth.

But 2 Timothy 1:7 says "For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." God is on my side, and yours, that should be enough to help us "start a fire in our souls" What's to keep us from sharing the good news of Jesus and his death on the cross. I want those I love with me in heaven, what if God uses my words to help get them there?  

I think it's important to consider that sharing God's love and truth doesn't mean we need to stand on a soapbox handing out  "Jesus Saves" fliers, we can show God's love and truth through being kind to others, being patient (even when it's tough), and through being a friends to someone others have pushed aside. After all, that's what Jesus did.

I really want to be working to "let my light shine" and I hope this inspires those of you who are Christians too.

This sweater from thredUP (use link for $10 off) has turned out to be one of my most versatile pieces this season.  I decided to pair it here with my navy vest and plaid scarf.  I wore this over Christmas break, but I'm sure it'll be on repeat.  Easy + cozy = winning look.

Sweater: Ann Taylor similar

Vest: Sear same 

Scarf: JCP similar

Jeans: Old Navy

Boots: Wanted similar 

Linking up with:

What I Wore Wednesday

Random Wednesday

When No One is Waching

Self-control is a big thing we're working on here with Grant, and I think he's really getting better at it, but it takes practice.  Grant had been making some noise (I can't even explain it) and wouldn't stop...lack of self-control and listening. We got it under control in front of us, but when he went to bed he started up again.  I didn't go in and tell him to stop, but the next morning we talked with him about respecting us and having self-control.

I also talked with him about how we need to try to do our best all the time and not just when other people are watching, because God sees us all the time and knows our hearts.  Grant was very surprised I could hear the noises in his bedroom, and that God could hear him too. It got me thinking though, am I always the same person when no one is watching? I don't think this necessarily has to apply to my actions, but to my thoughts too.

The greatest commandment from God is to: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all  your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is not commandment greater than these." (Mark 12: 30-31) 

I'd like to say that I'm always transparent, but my thoughts aren't always a great example of "loving my neighbor" when I'm annoyed, upset, or mad.  God knows my thoughts and I can't metaphorically lock myself in my room and think what I want.  I really want to be practicing what I'm preaching with Grant. I want to have self-control and know that Jesus' death on the cross has freed me from the power sin has in my life, and that includes my thoughts.

 Our thoughts can influence our day so much too. If I let negative thoughts invade my head, I can tell you right now my outward attitude will definitely reflect that, but if I work to love my neighbor, all the time, it will definitley change my day for the better. If I work to see things others' way and their perspective it really is loving my neighbor and showing God's love through me too. I hope this perspective encourages you today too.

I decided to give my blanket scarf another try and tie it a bit differently too. I got the inspiration from this pin and tied it like this.  I'm a big fan of this combo and think the scarf adds some great interest.

Dress: Gap almost exact

Jacket: JCP similar

Scarf: Style This Life (look on etsy)

Bracelets: Stella and Dot

Booties: Wanted similar

Power to Change

Since starting to do daily devotions again this summer I've felt a change in myself, my thoughts, and my attitude.  I think I'm (generally) more patient, less judgmental, and a better wife and mom. However, I am still far from perfect.

Recently my husband and I had a "conversation" about t.v. We recently got Netflix, which has been really nice, however, I'll admit t.v. can be a total vise of mine.  Given the time I'll binge watch entire seasons of shows.  In general I watch a lot less t.v. than I used to simply because I don't have time as a mom, but I can easily spend all of Grant's nap time on the weekends planted on the couch.

Now, I don't think t.v. in it of it's self is bad, but I've got the power to chose what I watch.  After hearing the buzz about "Orange is the the Black" I decided to "give it a try," and by that I mean I was sucked in.  I'm not saying this to judge anyone who watches it and I hope you won't judge me.  I like the idea of the show, I think seeing what prison life is like is really interesting, but it's definitely not a show I'd discuss during our Sunday morning Bible Study.  And that's were the problem lays for me.  If I don't feel comfortable talking about it in church, I probably shouldn't watch it.  Unfortunately I didn't come to this decision on my own, it took my husband to point it out, and honestly I'm grateful for that.

Recently at church our pastor said that salvation frees us from the power of sin.  I will never be perfect, but with God I am able to be a better person and use the time I'm given more wisely.  I'm sure my issues with t.v. are just one of many hurtles I'll have to get through in my life, but I know with God I can.

The same goes for you, whatever your vise, whatever your challenge, God is with you.  Our pastor also said to "Pray not that God gives you what you want, but so that your wants line up with God's." He has the power to change our 'want to's" and I'm encouraged by that.

This dress I scored from thredUP (use link for $10 off) has to be hands down one of my favorite pieces in my closet. I thought it would be fun to pair it with teal today for work.  I also adore that it has pockets in the front, it's such a fun touch!

blazer: Kohl's similar

dress: J.Crew via thredUP (use link for $10 off) similar

necklace: Mariposa Medley c/o similar

 bracelets: chloe + isabel c/o same, same 

heels: Merona similar

Linking up with:

What I Wore to Work Link-up