Tis the season.

{An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,  "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.}

- Luke 2:9-14

{Dress: Marshall's / Sweater: Forever 21 / Shoes: Staccato / Tights: Hue}

Difficult.

{Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.  It is shameful even to
 mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—

and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.} 

- Ephesians 5:11-13

Difficult. 

These past few weeks, well months, have been simply this and it's time to be honest, time to be real. 

Let me break it down for you beginning with this past summer. 

As you all know, I fell hard for fella which led to an unhealthy obsession and heartache. Funny it seems, that as soon as I let him go, Mr. M was brought into my life. 

 At a mission project called Impact, I met this charming guy. After about two weeks of "talking" as some folks say, he drove me up to stone mountain and asked to begin a relationship. Considering I had college starting in the next two weeks, he knew that we were moving fast, but he wanted to "plant the seed," so to speak. 

Overall, our relationship has been oh so wonderful. We can talk about God and our struggles, build each other up, encourage each other to live in Christ daily, and just simply be ourselves together. However, there is one part of our relationship that is just, well, difficult. 

As much as he and I both want to honor each other and for this relationship to be Christ-centered, we still struggle with our sexual desires. No, we haven't done the deed, a version of the deed, or taken clothes off, but still the actions were intentional and the mind set I believe wasn't to honor one another. We both lost control and that's scary because think of where it could have gone if either one of us hadn't stopped.

I am honestly ashamed. So embarrassed because I am one of those girls who said "that will NEVER happen to me because I will NEVER let it go that far or let someone take advantage of me like that." But ladies, and gents, listen. I was wrong about that. This sin was a temptation that God knows I am not "good enough" to overcome by myself. 

To take action, we have bought a devotion to complete together, are sending each other verses, and are talking about it openly with one another to try and break the habit/issue at hand. We also are praying that this temptation be taken from us because this kind of sexual immortality is lust that will not lead to love. 

I am asking you lovely readers to help by praying for this struggle of ours. I thank you so much for allowing me to be honest and truthful. I am NOT perfect by any means and we all have our struggles in different areas/dealing with different sins. I would love to pray for any issues you are going through (please comment below with your email address!)

Thank you again gals xoxo

Heavenly.

{The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst^. The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.} 

- Revelation 21:18-21

{Romper: Goodwill / Shirt: Jones New York (Sport) / Shoes: Toms / Scarf: I made! / Tights: Hue}

I went wandering around my dorm today and found some wonderful spots in the woods. It amazes me how 30 minutes to myself in God's creation can absolutely change my attitude. Escaping from the hustle and bustle and experiencing the quiet serenity of the wilderness is something I miss most about home and my neck of the woods. What I realized today is that when you think that you can't handle it all and you're becoming too busy, just remember to take a deep breath and explore. The exploration  in his majesty of this earthly world is just a reminder that this is only just a taste of what his kingdom will be like.

Every moment

{Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.} 

- Psalm 105:2-4

 

{Dress: gifted / Jacket: Delia's via Rugged Wearhouse/ Shoes: Nine West / Tights: Hue}

In every moment, I will seek your face. I will let you take control because you know what is good, and pure, and holy, for me. 

You are good God, oh so good.

Cling to God.

{The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.} - Psalm 29:11

{Sweater: Kim Rogers / Skirt: Talbots via Goodwill / Shoes: Rocketdog / Jewelry: Belk}

Just wanted to share my devotion from this past week with you lovely ladies:

"Sit quietly with me. Let all your worries and fears bubble up into your mind. In My Presence, those bubbles simply pop. But there are some fears that bubble up again and again. Often they are future things that you are worried about. You're thinking about the next day, week, month, and year. And you're trying to figure out what you'll do. But you are forgetting to include Me in your future. Remember: I am with you at all times - including the future. When worries about the future attack you, say to yourself, 'Jesus will be with me then and there. With his help, I can handle anything!' Then get back to living in the Peace of my Presence - today."   

From Jesus Calling (Kids Edition)

Overall, this week has been more than an overwhelming one. From the papers to the numerous projects, and not to mention the end of semester assignments that are being piled on, its been hard not to become consumed with worry. This devotional and several from the past two weeks have been centered around comfort and putting one's trust in God. I am finding that so difficult to do right now. I know that I should be running to him with my worries, but most of the time I catch myself trying to sort everything out on my own. I just want happiness and to restore that relationship with God. 

What should I cling to? God, I should cling to you.

First project

{You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.}

- Genesis 3:4-5

This past week has been a complete whirlwind. I completed my first project, pulled my first college all-nighter (or actually a couple), and am just now coming off a coffee-high. I wanted to share with ya'll my project to get some honest feedback and see what you all thought! So without further ah-do.......here is what I like to call Genesis.

The snake represents the serpent in the Garden of Eden while the severe lines represent Eve's converging beliefs. If you would like to know more of the symbolism behind this piece just let me know!

the road less traveled

{The lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they wull never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.} 

- Psalm 37:23-24

Have you ever been so focused on the destination that you've looked over the journey that took you there? Sometimes, we as Christians think that we have to participate in a huge outreach project or travel to Haiti in order to make an impact, but really, what if on your daily walk to class or drive to work you impacted someone just as much as you would in another country? Our focus of living a godly life should never be separated from our school time and church time, but rather it should take place ALL the time. When you're traveling to your next destination, slow down, take a minute, notice what and who are around you. You might be suprised at just who is watching and who you're impacting.

{Vest: Ralph Lauren, Shirt: Forever 21, Shorts: Delia's, Shoes: Candies, Jewelry: Forever 21 & gifts}

good news

{Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.} - Psalm 37:7

Good news in these new parts! 

Yesterday, my roommate and I attended a church right across from our dorm called The Point. When we arrived, we were greeted with friendly smiles, krispy kreme doughnuts, and a homey atmosphere. What could be better?! The church was in a local movie theater, with the room only about a third full (Which we both loved because it was so small & felt like a family). The preacher had a great sermon about the beatitudes in Matthew 5 and the contemporary music was touching. After church, we headed over to Sammie's to grab a free lunch hosted by the church! We met some sweet ladies who were both NCSU & community college students. Later on in the day, we hung around with a couple gals from church and went to Recfest, which displayed all of the intermural sports clubs. Then we grabbed pizza and went on a late night Target run to get a couple last minute items.

It was just overall a wonderful day. I can definitely say that this is a new experience and I'm looking forward to the many memories to come. All I know is that this college thing is different, but I'm ready to see what God has in store.

{Dress:TJmaxx, Necklace: Forever21, Shoes: Burke's Outlet}

college.

{For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.}

 - Ephesians 3:14-19

So, this is it. My first night in college. 

What do I do? Where do I go?

So many emotions. Scared. Excited. Nervous.

I just wonder where this journey is going to take me.

Fashion Designer? Magazine Editor? World Traveler?

The possibilities are endless (or at least I like to think so).

I just pray that I will stay focused, in God's will. 

Trust. Believe. Succeed. 

No need to worry. He's got this.

- Listen to "Help Me Find It" by Sidewalk Prophets -   

{Shirt: Chelsea & Violet, Shorts: Lucky Brand, Boots: Rack Room}

thankful

{You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.}

 - Psalm 30:11-12

Those days when you stare into the sunset, feel the soft breeze, smell the sweet hydrangeas, and just sit back to take it all in. Those are the days I enjoy the most. Those are the days I remember how great of a God we serve and how magnificent, powerful, and artistic he is. This world we call home can't even compare to the eternity our Father promises us. I can't even imagine how majestic its going to be.  Breathtaking.

{Dress: Ross, Vest: Pinky via Ross, Shoes: Madden Girl}

details

{There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a young woman.} - Proverbs 30:18-19

A couple weeks ago, my sister booked her wedding venue at a local restaurant that has rustic features including animal hides, lanterns, and barrels for tables. She will be having her wedding outside on the patio with the reception following inside. Now that this detail has been decided, hopefully the rest of the wedding plans will fall into place just as easily! 

{Shirt: Ralph Lauren, Skirt: TJmaxx, Shoes: Gianni Bini, Belt: NY & Co.}


Check out some other lovely ladies of faith by clicking below!