Vintage Verses

join us.

{I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.} - Psalm 119:30

Fellow fashionistas:

For the past month I have been anxiously planning for this weekend and awaiting for it arrive. Now with only four days left (eek!) until the doors open, I wanted to cordially invite y'all to Genesis3:21's pop-up shop.

Join us for two days of upscale consignment shopping, refreshments, and fellowship. Women's sizes 0-12 will be available, as well as accessories, shoes, and jewelry. Some children's clothing and back-to-school room decor will be on sale as well.

All prices are under $20, some discounts may be given for larger purchases, and bargain bins will offer great deals on essentials. Cash, credit or check will be taken!

I thank you ladies so much for your overwhelming support and I hope to see you there!

Freedom.

{You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."} - Galatians 5:13-14

The sermon today stressed just how free we truly are.

To pray, to go to school, to chase our dreams; we have the leisure to pursue anything we desire. Our right to worship allows us to thrive by having a personal relationship with Christ. This unfathomable freedom that we have in America brings to life just how blessed we are as not only a country, but also as Christians.

{if you would like to know outfit details, please comment below!}

Treat.

{But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’"} - Matthew 4:4

{Shirt: MSRP via Goodwill // Capris: New York & Co. via Goodwill // Necklace: Flea Market // Shoes: Unionbay // Ring: Gifted}

Boy, do I have a treat for you ladies! This past week, I tried a new pinterest recipe that is to DIE for!

I was able to get 3 batches out of this one recipe, allowing me to take them to a party, give them to a friend for her birthday, comfort a friend whose grandmother passed away, and even leave samples for my family to try! I hope you sweet gals enjoy this delicious recipe just as much as we did!

{Oatmeal Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies}

For the cookies:

1 cup butter softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ cup brown sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 ½ cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup oats

For the filling:

¼ cup butter softened
¾ cup peanut butter
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 cup flour
5 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup mini chocolate chips

{Instructions}

Preheat oven to 375.
In a large bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Slowly add in dry ingredients ending with oats. Stir until combined. Shape dough into 1 in balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet 2 inches apart. Bake for 7-8 minutes or until golden. Remove to cooking wracks.
To prepare filling, cream together butter, peanut butter and both sugar until blended. Stir in flour until combined. Carefully mix in milk a little at a time until you reach a good spreading consistency. Stir in chips. Filling will be thick.
Carefully spread about a tablespoon of dough onto flat side of one cookie, top with another cookie. Store in an airtight container.
Makes 24 sandwich cookies

Comparison.

{But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.}

- Galatians 6:4

Ok, admit it. How many times have you checked your Facebook page today or scrolled through your Instagram feed? Two, three, or maybe even four times.

Honestly, are we really that interested in what others are doing or do we simply reach for the phone when we're bored? Or digging deeper, is this a sign that we beg for fulfillment through social media and a half-hearted "like?"

Who or what are you comparing yourself to today?

{Shirt: Gap // Skirt: Banana Republic // Shoes: Ross // Necklace: Fossil // Earrings: Vera Wang via Khols}

Home makeover.

{Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself} - 1 Corinthians 16:9

Many times throughout the New Testament, the Bible refers to light versus dark and asleep versus awake. For example, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 & 5:1-11 talks about the difference between these two referencing the end of time and a believer versus a non believer.

The sermon on Old fashioned Sunday begged for a revival in our hearts based off of this topic, questioning whether you might be "asleep" even though you claimed to be a christian.

Personally this struck me.

Since I began college, I feel like my relationship with Christ has been dormant. I'm definitely not at the same spiritual level that I was when I stepped onto campus for the first time in August and quite honestly, I haven't wanted to put the time or effort into a relationship with God until now. All this time, I've been asleep and waiting for someone else to "turn on the lights and wake me up!"

But then this message hit me.......Here's your sign Catherine!

My all-time favorite verse is James 4:8 {Come near to God and he will come near to you}. What more of a perfect reminder that I have to dedicate my life to my Savior and constantly pursue him? None I tell ya!

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So this temporary body, that I call home, is in desperate need of a makeover. A few worn places, scratches and dents happened all in God's timing, but I now realize that they all played a significant part in the building process. The time, energy, and effort that goes into the upkeep and repair of a home is symbolic of what God and I need to accomplish together over the next few weeks, months, or even years.

Out with the old and in with the new.

{Tank: Khols // Skirt: from when Mom was young // Boots: Rack Room // Hat: Forever 21 // Jewels: Betsey Johnson}

Over.

{Sanctify them bythe truth; your word is truth.} - John 17:17

{Dress: Kensie // Blazer: H&M // Shoes: Betsey Johnson // Jewelery: Ross}

It's over.

My freshman year of college is already done with.

It seems as if yesterday, I were just going through interviews, applying for scholarships, and finally getting acceptance letters after much anticipation. This year flew by so fast, but when I look back, I am astounded by the knowledge I've gained and the wonderful "family" that my major has become. Through the all-nighters, how-many-page english papers, and volleyball (which is surprisingly hard!), I can honestly say that I am in the right place.

This year, I constantly struggled with whether I was meant for this major, this college, and this new lifestyle. I doubted what seemed as a "divine experience" when getting into the college of my dreams because I couldn't understand that my worth was not dependent on my works, others opinions, or my comparison to them. Slowly, I have begun to realize that God has put me here for a reason. Even though I may not be as successful in some of my design attempts or be able to envision the most innovative garment as the other girls in my major, the fact that I try my hardest is enough to please God. Accepting this fact is something, that as you can tell, I'm still unsure of, but isn't that what faith is? To believe because you know God and that he is a gracious father who never fails.

So, even though this year may be over, my growth spiritually and intellectually is just beginning. The future is unclear and honestly, scary, but to know that God will never leave my side brings that stability to this crazy life.

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Whatever season you're in, whether beginning or ending, I hope that the next chapter of your life can be planted in Christ and the truths that we can hold on to.

With much love // Catherine