Happy blogiversary!

{But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect}- 1 Peter 3:15

I can't believe it has already been a year since I started this little blog! I wanted to make this blog something special for not only myself, but for the viewers as well. In the first months, I was very apprehensive as to what readers would want, like, and become "repeat customers" to.  I knew right from the start that I wanted to include a verse that correlates with every post, but what else? As I began to write more and more, the keys pressing underneath my fingertips became more natural and I didn't have to think so hard about what I was going to write.  I've learned that this is blog is mine! I use it as a tool with my walk with Christ and it helps keep me on track during hard and joyous times. I can share anything with you lovely followers and I am so glad I can have the freedom to do so. Thank you for allowing me to spill my guts in times of need and talk about random gibberish whenever I feel lead.  I'm so glad I have found a way to impact others in my own way..in a way that pertains to my love of fashion. Thank you again lovelies!

Merry Christmas!!

{and she gave birth to her first born, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.} - Luke 2:7

It's finally here and it seems so unreal.  I can't believe that today is Jesus's birthday! I'm so thankful for God sending his son to be born in a manager...for allowing me to learn about the humbleness of Christ and seeing how  he endured more than I ever could bear.  I feel sometimes I take that powerful manger scene for granted. This new year, I hope I can make the feelings of Christmas last everyday and not just one season of the year. Christ is in Christmas, but he's also in my heart for me to enjoy all the time.

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I hope you have a blessed Christmas day!

Shirt: Ralph Lauren

Skirt: Mom's (chopped by my gma!)

Tights: Hue

Shoes: Nine West Outlet

Belt: Mom's

Jewelry: Rugged Warehouse/Premiere 

Praying Payton

{If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer} - Matthew 21:22

Prayer...yes, yes..it's something we do before we eat and sometimes we whisper words when we are in difficult situations, but honestly, is this what prayer means?

Lately, I've been struggling with not necessarily my faith, but my worship in Christ.  This past Sunday, our lesson was about submitting yourself fully during worship....this means not thinking about how hungry I am or how uncomfortable these shoes are...it means solely thinking about God during this time.  We also discussed the need to put God into our morning routines.  My teacher handed out a sheet that listed some common hygiene habits and things to get one spiritually ready in the morning. I noticed that I did just about everything on this list except for the important ones (reading scripture, praying, etc.)! Whoa...this was a wake-up call for the girl rolling through the motions.  I realized that in order to become closer to God, I have to actually try and work at this. This may be an obvious lesson to some, but for me, it was a great defeat in the struggles I have been undertaking lately.

{These were the treats I took to the gymnastics Christmas party}

Just another tid-bit:
A little boy named Payton was even more encouragement for me today. I went to work for a gymnastics center not too long ago and tonight we had our Christmas party.  He asked me to pray with him before he ate his snack. I loved leading him in "God is Great" and it truly blessed me. This showed me that no meal or matter is too small for Christ.

hot scotty dog!

{ But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin} - 1 John 1:7

Christmas time is my favorite season of the year because it means fellowship, laughter, and of course, food! Yesterday, I went to my youth's Progressive dinner where we go to four different houses for each meal.  We swerved our way through mountains of appetizers, to valleys of salads, onward to the desert of omelets, and finally to the arctic ice cream zone. We did have time to fit in a Rockband session and a "dirty Santa" game, which made the night fun and festive.  To say the least, it was scrumptious and I was overly stuffed by the end of the night. 

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I hope you attend a wonderful Christmas party this year!  

Sweater: Mom's

Skirt: French Connection via Belk

Flower: Walmart

Tights: Betsey Johnson

Shoes: Rugged Warehouse

ding, dong, ding, dong

{..The sound of the bells will be heard when he enters the Holy Place before the LORD and when he comes out..} - Exodus 28:35

Soft, brass bells ringing in the cold winter air brings me the feeling of Christmas during this time of year.  Because of my love for this majestic music, I was ecstatic when I had the opportunity to learn how to play hand bells this year.  For our youth Christmas play, we were able to play two songs and I have to say, we sounded good! The whole purpose of our ceremony was to "deck the halls", or window seals rather, with candles and garland.  Each year, it is a great reminder of what we celebrate the Christmas season for - Jesus Christ.  The hand bells added the perfect umph!

Dress: Dillard's Clearance Center

Sweater: DKNY Outlet

Beads: Mom's

Life is a roller coaster

{God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.} - Psalm 46:1

Life seems to keep taking lightning speed turns toward mountain high inclines. My roller coaster doesn't have stops nor does it give time for you to breath between one heart throbbing moment to the next. It seems like I chug to the top and then I just plummet right back down. My nice, shiny paint looks great to spectators marveling at the ride, but really, do they know what is happening inside? The weariness that I might lose traction or go to fast to realize where I'm headed.  It's all scary. It's all fun and games for them, but  it's pressure, pounding me to be better. When the llights go out and everyone escapes the carnival life, I'm left there...alone, solitary, confined. Nightime only brings thoughts to mind, but then the sun begins to beam upon my tracks, and the monotonous cycle continues. Twist, turn, think..

Shirt dress: not sure?
Sweater: Forever 21
Leggings: Forever 21
Rainboots: Rack Room Shoes
Belt: Chaps via Khols
Jewelry: necklace-beach store   ring/earings-christmas

Happy Turkey Day!

{always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ}

 - Ephesians 5:20

I hope everyone gets stuffed with scrumtious food and family talk this blessed Thanksgiving!

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Contemplation

{“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD.“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. }

- Isaiah 1:18

Burning, passionate love for a seemingly innocent night can seem harmless between two youngsters. Howevever, it can lead to heart break, heard feelings and sometimes an accident resulting in 9 months of reminicing that "small" mistake.

Abstinence.  Its a powerful word to some, but to others its a praised religious term that is regarded no more than garbage.  My question to those who allow themselves sexual freedom is "why?"  Why does one let their gaurd down and become vulnerable to such sin in an ungodly manner?

Recently,  one of my family's very close friends, about my sister's age, became pregnant.  This newsflash was a complete shock that left us completely speechless.  She had been raised in a loving, christian home and her parents were my parents best friends.  Not to mention that her older sister had undergone the same circumstance about 3 years prior to this.  Our only conclusion was that everyone makes mistakes...and then this brought on the question of "who are we to judge?"

I felt as her struggle could be a lesson and a story of comfort for others.  It shows that no one is perfect and we all make mistakes. No matter how big or small, God will forgive our sins and cast them into the sea of forgiveness.  It also shows us that we have a choice..A or B. To be free of sexual sin or to partake in premarital sex is one's decision. What will you chose?

{15} unbalanced comfort

{All a person’s ways seem pure to them,
but motives are weighed by the Lord.
Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans.}

- Proverbs 16: 2-3

I wanted to include the explanation that came with the verse above: 
There are different ways to fail to commit whatever we do to the Lord. Some people commit their work only superficially. They say the project is being done for the Lord, but in reality, they are doing it for themselves. Others give God temporary control of their interests, only to take control back the moment things stop going the way they expect. Still others commit a task fully to the Lord, but put forth no effort themselves, and then they wonder why they do not succeed. We must maintain a delicate balance — trusting God as if everything depended on him, while working as if everything depended on us.    {via}

Sometimes I want to just drop everything and go soak up the sun.  Today was beautiful and I had the opportunity to do more shots than normal.  The sun's rays warmed my face as the gusting wind chilled my bare legs.  People kept asking me if I was cold today, but I actually wasn't.  The soft, cozy material of this sweater dress was perfect for today unbalanced weather situation.  With an added scarf, my neck was toasty and wedges boosted my legs a little closer to the sun!  Even though this outfit is one of my more "normal" ones, I'd have to say I like how it turned out.  I definitly can't wait to dress up "comfy"...it is going to be on repeat this week!

Dress: Forever 21

Scarf: Forever 21

Flower Pin: Thirty One

Shoes: sister's

{14} playful proportions

{For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.}

- Matthew 6:14-15

Ive been saving this picture for a while now and couldn't decide what to say about it.  This is one of those outfits that you want to love, but somehow hate.  I initally loved the color combo and the adding of neutral tones.  I pulled the hue of peach from the chiffon ruffle shirt I'm wearing.  I thought the bright punchy skirt was playful, but still put together.  One of the things that troubled me all day was the elastic waistband of the shirt....when pulled down and tucked in, it created an eyesoar of a line across my hiney!  To fix this problem, I added the cardigan.  Before I left my house, I threw it on and took it off no telling how many times because I couldn't decide if the length was ok.  This is why I added the wedge..to pull in the color one more time and add height.   

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Do you think the proportions are right with this outfit? 

Top: Forever 21

Skirt: Loft via Goodwill

Cardigan: American Eagle

Shoes: Nine West via Belk

{13} awkward, tight, and a little pinch of fat

{If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness} - 1 John 1:9

You are probably wondering what in the world the title of this post means!  I chose this outfit to go eat lunch with a friend, who happens to be my previous boyfriend.{This is where the awkward part comes in!}  Eating lunch and reconnecting again was actually not as nerve racking as I had imagined, but it did have its awkward moments.  On to the tight part...have you noticed my pants? Whew! I felt like my butt was melted into them.  Normally my pants take a little sucking in to get on, but these...these were the jump up and down, lay on the bed, and pray that the button stays intact kind!  I scored these Delia's jeans at Goodwill about a year ago and I think the previous owner might of added a bit of elastic or something like that.  Finally, I felt like all of my pictures today made me look fat...maybe I just am getting a little chunkier {this would explain the pants}.  If I could of just pinched off a fat thigh or taken a bit off of my hips, I think these pictures would have been much more appealing! 

That's enough about self image though..I apolgize for my rant!  

Shirt: J Crew Outlet

Pants: Delia's via Goodwill

Shoes: Nine West Outlet

Jewelry: Betsey Johnson necklace/Premiere ring

Belt: mom's

{12} creative disaster

{For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.} 

 - Hebrews 4:12

Let me just say..my mom hated this outfit!  Personally, I love the contrast of different colors and the black/brown combo.  I've never been a fan of the 2 opposites together, but I think I'm finally coming around!  My mom, however, is not.  She was like a broken record that wouldn't stop skipping on "What are you wearing?"  According to her style advice, you don't wear those kind of shoes with that kind of skirt.  What do you think?  Do I need to get Stacy and Clinton to help me on my next brown and black combo?

Sweater: Forever 21
Skirt: Evan Picone via Goodwill
Belt: Goodwill
Necklace: a little shop where my sis goes to school
Shoes: Nine West Outlet

{11} the heart that matters

{In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith — of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.}   - 1 Peter 1:6-7

Lately, I have really been struggling with my walk as Christ's disciple.  This past week, our church went through a time of "refresh" (like revival).  The guest speaker was so powerful and I gained so much understanding of the power of our Almighty God.  Throughout the series of sermons this week, I  felt a a tugging at my heart that couldn't resist examining.  Yesterday (Wed.), we had a youth service that allowed me to do just this.  The whole service was dedicated to singing praise and worshiping through scripture verses. At the very end, if we felt lead, we were allowed to write something burdening us or something that we felt God had laid on our hearts this week on a bulletin board.  All I could think during this time was, "Catherine, you need to serve God in the way you say you do...not lead a double life, not just read the bible for your own pleasures, not pray when its convienent...you need to become a disciple and get down on your knees and worship!"  When the service closed, I rushed to my car and began weeping with pain and sorrow.  I had confessed to everyone on the bulletin board my struggles and now they were out...now they were real. On my drive home, I cryed out to the Lord and told him my agony.  I told him what I wanted to be on fire for him and that he could have complete control of my life again.  I will never forget this night when the Lord was ever-so present to me.  Now, I must give it all to Christ today, tomorrow, and in the future.

Dress: Delia's

Cardigan: Goodwill

Shoes: Candie's via Khols

Belt: Mom's

Necklace/Ring: Lucky Brand/F21

petition, poem, prayer

{Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.} - Philippians 4:6-7

God,

The power within you

is dragging my knees from the pew. 

I will sell out,

shout your name so loud.

God I pray that I can be a witness,

 I want to listen.

Your voice is my guide,

please cleanse me of my lies.

I am here for you now,

I will plant the seeds in the soil you plow.

The power within you,

all I need is your almighty que.

By: Catherine

{10} ruffles and relationships

{But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner}  -  Luke 18:13

Finally, cooler weather has come to town!  I can't wait to pull out wool-y sweaters and soft scarves.  The thought of transitioning into fall seems wonderful, but also terrifying in the same instance.  Just yesterday, it seems the beach balls and shorts were being unpacked from the depths of my closet.  I can't fathom how all of a sudden I am going to have to go from shorts and silky tanks to warm, cozy, sweaters...not that I am complaining!    

Church was very enlighting today as usual.  This week we are going through a time of refreshing as a church.  To me, I comprehend it as a way to "get right with God."  Today, the guest speaker's sermon was based on the essence of a close relationship with Jesus Christ.  Nothing can come between God and yourself when you have surrendered your life to his service.  I really connected with the examples he gave...Luke 18:9-14.  He used this parable to describe how we are like the Pharisee when we out to be like the tax collector.  The Pharisee only praised himself and told God great HE was.  The tax collector, on the other hand, showed humility and asked for God to show mercy upon him.  One of the major statements throughout the service was "Will you be dignified or justified?"  Examine your hearts and I encourage you to read Luke 18:9-14.  I hope you choose being justified through God! 

Top: Candies via Khols

Sweater: DKNY Outlet

Jeans: Ann Loft via Goodwill

Shoes: Nine West Outlet

Jewelry: Forever 21