kisses for all

{Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right} - Acts 10:34-35

This week, remember that everyone is loved and cherished my God.  He has no favorites! Maybe try telling someone considered an "outsider" that they look beautiful or try paying for someone's lunch.  A good deed goes a long way :)

Sweater: Calvin Klein via TJ Maxx

Shirt: New York & Co. via Goodwill

Jeans: Forever 21

Leg Warmers: Wet Seal

Boots: Rack Room Shoes

Blue Bird

{but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.} - Romans 5:8

Happy Wednesday!  Today I joined Lookbook and posted my first photo.  Below is a link...go check it out!

Dress: Lucky Brand via Belk
Blazer: Goodwill
Tights: Hue
Belt: Mom's
Shoes: Sister's via Ross

superwoman!

{Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you} 

- Psalm 9:10

Who said I couldn't save the world all in a day's time?

Sometimes I feel like I couldn't cram another single thing into my schedule. From the clubs, sports, and school activities that i'm involved in, it just never ends! I get so overwhelmed and stressed in times like these and it makes me wonder if I just try to do too much.  I also think I put all of this on myself subconsciously sometimes, thinking that the more I do, the better I appear to others and the less I have to fill my time with. I know I care about what others think too much and I think I'm afraid of not having things to do...like I have to have my time consumed.

However, all of this pity party doesn't help me! It just makes me realize that I need to turn to God in trials and learn to trust in him...not my peer's opinions.  And I need to fill my spare time with reading God's word and praising him, rather than joining new extra curricular activities!

Dress: via Ross

Belt: Mom's

Shoes: Betseyville

Tights: Hue

Necklace: Betseyville

shine for you

{Faith is the bird that sings when the dawn is still dark.  ~Rabindranath Tagore}

   From the time I began high school, I made a promise to myself and to the Lord that I would become a more outspoken Christian and live out my faith.  I decided that I was going to reinvent myself from the showy, worldly, girl that felt she was all that and a bag of chips (not to try and make myself sound cocky because I was not showy about my personality). I was still a bashful person as I am today, but I realized I had "assets" that could be used for attention.  I used texting the other sex, getting on the computer, and other means of communication as a way to get said attention. My actions were sneaking by my friends because I seemed like a Christian...going to church, praying, etc. But the sin eating me from the inside out couldn't hid from my schemes. I was going through the motions, living how I wanted, and glorifying my own faults. What was I doing and where was I going? I was doing sin and I was going nowhere. This is when my revelation happened. As said before, I reinvented myself, bit by bit.
   Normally when one begins high school, they have the challenge of finding the right friends, getting involved with the right crowd, finding the perfect guy, etc. This all started to overwhelm me as a small freshman who barely knew how to get from class to class.  But I began to rely on God for answers to these worldly advances. He answered my friends question by bringing two great godly influences into my life, who I am best friends with as of now.  He allowed me to become involved with different clubs and sports so I would occupy my time with those concerns instead of lusting after the opposite sex. Finally, he brought a wonderful guy into my life that made a huge impact on me by teaching me about loving the Lord and not being afraid to stand for what I believe in.  God delivered in my time of need and I am slowly learning that he continues today.
   Today, I still go through trials and tribulations, struggle with feeling God's presence, and living the way I should.  But I always know that God is my maker and my savior.  He will forgive me for all of my sinful deeds that I commit today and the rest of my life. I am forgiven and I will shine for you.

Blouse: Apt. 9 via Goodwill

Poncho: Papaya

Jeans: Delia's

Necklace: JCPenny

Boots: Rack Room Shoes

"hold my heart" because "I can't get over you"

{Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp} 

- Psalm 149:3

Over the New Year weekend, I went to an amazing Christian concert at Liberty University called Winterfest.  I was uber excited because this was my first year going and I have heard such great things about it.  To say the least, it was everything I hoped for and more.  From the speakers to the inspiring music, it was definitely god inspired.

There were two concerts with about 5-6 bands for each night including major artists like Switchfoot and Skillet! My youth group happened to get amazing seats and we even got to stand beside the stage. It was indescribable...to experience my favorite bands up close, singing my favorite songs, feeling the presence in the room...ahhh is all I can say!

As one can tell by the title, my two favorite songs of the night were "hold my heart" and "can't get over you."  Both of these were so touching and made God seem attainable again.

Overall, the experience was great and I can't wait to enjoy time with my youth group at this event next year!

{Top 2: Anthem Lights; Bottom left: Tenth Avenue North; Bottom Right: Switchfoot}