Vintage Verses

"hold up, wait a minute, put a little love in it"

{ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.}

- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love. It's a powerful word. It could be some of the last words from someone dying or the next step in a relationship. But what is this love? Webster's Dictionary defines it: a) unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another b) the fatherly concern of God for humankind c) brotherly concern for others.

Love is something intangible, but can be felt, heard, and cherished. We all have love for one another, but most of the time, this so-called love is just a conditional state. Like when we love our significant other for doing the dishes, or telling us we look nice. But, when they leave the dirty dishes in the sink for a week or are honest and tell you they don't like our outfit, do you still have the same affection for them? True love withstands all of these circumstances.

Love is about cherishing all moments, not those you choose to like. Love doesn't withstand commitment, but commitment withstands love. This valentine's day, choose to appreciate all the little mishaps in life as well as the triumphs.

Dress: Express via Rugged Wearhouse

Sweater: DKNY Outlet

Shoes: Betsey Johnson

Belt: Papaya

Simple.

{For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him will have everlasting life.}

Yes it is this simple...Jesus loves you.

Dress/Belt: Gifted

Tights: Hue

Boots: Rack Room Shoes

Earrings: Forever 21

Ring: Khol's

Orange you glad God saved us?

{Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is my body." And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."} - Matthew 26:26-28

I am so, so sorry for the lack of posts the past 2 weeks...to say the least it has been quite hectic and stressful! I've wanted to do a post on communion since last Sunday and now it's finally finished..enjoy!

Last Sunday, we had communion and our preacher spoke about the remembrance of Christ. Not just chewing the bread and swallowing the "wine", but actually commemorating the purpose of them. He spoke to us about the meaning of the cross and how powerful it was. Christ died a horrible death entirely for his love for us. So why do we just go through the motions during communion?

As I sat in the pew last Sunday, I came to this realization for the first time and I'll be honest, I am guilty of doing this too many times. It's easy to pass the plate and go along with what others are doing, but why did I take part in this "thanks giving" if I wasn't experiencing the true power of God's grace?

I have decided that from now on, I will not conform to the mediocre person I was in that pew. I will truly experience Christ's suffering and pain that he bore on the cross and remember that he gave his all for me...why shouldn't I do the same for he?

So I challenge you....the next time your church has communion, don't take the bread because it's a snack before lunch, take it to commemorate the body that God sacrificed for each and every one of us!

Blazer: Goodwill
Shirt: DKNY Outlet
Pants: Gap via Goodwill
Belt: Ralph Lauren
Shoes: Rampage
Bracelet: Pandora

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.