"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}

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.

                                    ------------------------------------------------------------

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. 

-----------------------------------------------

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