Christ In Me

Lately, I've just been feeling so content with my life. Like, I look around me and see so much that I don't even deserve and, yet, the Lord has blessed me enough to allow those things to be abundantly present. My family blesses me immeasurably. Yes we have some really hard days now and then but, overall? I could NOT ask for more amazing children and a sweeter hubby to spend my days with.

How easy is it though, to glace past all that we already have sometimes and wish for more?.. There's a song that comes on the radio (we listen to Spirit FM and The Wind mostly) and I just love how it puts everything into perspective. I'd like to share some of the lyrics with you in hopes that it may inspire you to look at your own life. And count your MANY blessings, before even beginning to compare yourself to anyone else. Maybe, just maybe, you'll see your life for the treasure that it is and stop yourself right there. Why feel the need to constantly compare only to fall short of what you think you deserve or the world tells you that you need? 

You're playing a dangerous game when you're always on the search for more. Do yourself a favor, stop right where you are today and take note of all that fills your life. Does it make you happy? Do you feel fulfilled? Does your heart yearn for more? Maybe the one thing you're missing is the one thing we all need.

The One.

I'm learning, very slowly yet very quickly at the same time, that by spending more time in His word and in His presence, the more content and at peace I feel. The more I fill that empty space with Him and His promises, the less room there is for the world to make a home in my heart and that is so so satisfying in itself. 

We all have this inner thirst. To feel accepted, loved, provided for. Did you know that by knowing the One True God, you can have all of that and SO much more?!? I don't want to preach to you today, that's not what I do. I'm no motivational speaker. I'm just a mama that finds it hard sometimes to pinpoint just what it is that's stealing my joy. And, I think maybe it's not necessarily the presence of worldly things in my life but, the lack of His presence in my life. How do I place my priorities? Is He first? Even above my husband and my children? If not, He needs to be. Only when I am working hard to be the very best that I can be IN HIM can I be the very best that I can be FOR THEM..

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In this obsession with, the things the world says make us happy

Can't see the slaves we are, in all the searching all the grasping

Like we deserve much more, than all these blessings we're holding

So now I'm running free, into an ocean of mercy, unending

So come and empty me

So that it's you I breathe

I want my life to be

Only Christ in me

So I will fix my eyes

Cause you're my source of life

I need the world to see

That it's Christ in me

That it's Christ in me

Done with what holds me down, the things I once was chasing after

Throw off these heavy chains, that I have let become my master

So now I'm running free, into an ocean of mercy, unending

So come and empty me
So that it's you I breathe
I want my life to be
Only Christ in me
So I will fix my eyes
Cause you're my source of life
I need the world to see
That it's Christ in me
That it's Christ in me

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I pray today that your eyes would be opened and that you would be able to  f e e l  the love of Jesus surrounding you. Focus on that. And, I promise you, everything else will fall into place according to His perfect plan. 

Happy Tuesday friends!! Let's make it a great one! I'm starting mine by eating what's basically cake. So, off to a running start if you ask me! :)

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

UTILITY JACKET | Just Blu brand (bought at Factory Connection) (similar here + here)

SWEATER DRESS | DALIA brand - used here (thrifted, similar here + here)

BOOTIES | Old Navy (thrifted, also love these and these)

PURSE | Christmas Gift (super similar) (See this lady for this and many more gorgeous purses!)

EARRINGS |  Nickel & Suede

LIP COLOR | Burt's Bees Sunset Cruise

NAIL POLISH | OPI Aphrodite's Pink Nightie

Play Dates and Striped Skirts

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

Chunky Sweater | Verona (thrifted) similar here

Striped Skirt | Ann Taylor Loft

Ankle Booties | Walmart (ON SALE for 50% off!)

Bag | (thrifted) similar here

Earrings | Nickel + Suede 

Play dates are so, so good for my soul. I love getting together with my momma friends and chatting about life, motherhood, and marriage. I always gain so much encouragement and perspective from visiting with other women who have walked, or are walking, the same road I am. I know I've said it before, but, how IMPORTANT is it to have like-minded friends to lean on and share with. They're really such a blessing and the most inexpensive form of therapy. If you think about it, all it really costs you is a lunch meal and some time helping to tidy up. But, what you gain? Oh my, so much more.

I had the pleasure of having two sweet friends over this morning and we had such a great time. Chatting about life and how much we've changed over the years and comforting each other on all the sadness in the world. It was kind of last minute and I found myself in a tizzy yesterday evening while trying to get the house into a presentable state. I ended up completing my list, aside from a few things, and counting the rest as loss. As long as I had clean bathrooms, a clean enough kitchen to eat in and contained the piles (and piles and piles) of laundry to their drawers and closets, I didn't think they'd mind the layer of dust on the tv stand or clutter on the mud room counter.

I love that I have a group of ladies I feel comfortable enough around to be able to leave those few missed items in the back of my mind when they come over. I'm not stressing over them or trying to be sure they don't notice them or pointing them out so they know how badly I feel about not getting to them. None of that is necessary. They don't come over to inspect my house or check my laundry baskets. They're there to see me and my kiddos and to encourage and to gain encouragement and to share. The triumphs of the time since we last got together and the little failures we encountered along the way. And it is always so refreshing.

If you don't have a few close friends you can fellowship with every few weeks then I HIGHLY encourage you to find some! You don't even realize what you're missing out on. Don't worry about your toddler being the bully or your baby crying the whole time or your kids not eating whatever is fixed for lunch. Just show up, encourage one another and the kiddos will more often than not have a blast together. Sure there may be little quarrels to referee and a diaper blowout or two but, there will also be lots of good, good conversation (albeit with a few interruptions lol) and some serious relationship growth. If you want to know where all the big problems of the world are solved, go to a good play date sometime. ;)

About this outfit.. It's everryyythinnng. Soft and cozy, a little flirty (for the hubby only though) and complimented by some of my favorite accessories. Plus, these side zip ankle booties are on major sale right now! They're from Walmart but are seriously great quality and go with everything. I've gotten so much wear out of them these past few months. I love the mix of preppy and hipster here too. The chunky sweater with the fitted skirt and the ankle boots add a little something unexpected. Also, they're so comfortable! Basically you should go get yourself a pair right now. Happy Tuesday and have a blessed week mommas!

   

Bringing in Fall Tones w/ Eyelet + Lots of Texture

CHAMBRAY TOP (similar) // EYELET SKIRT (sold out but this one's similar)

SUEDE BOOTIES (similar here + here) // FAUX FUR CLUTCH (made by me)

This Sunday style look is from a couple of weeks ago but, I still love it. And that's how I know it's blog worthy (lol). Any outfit that includes eyelet, suede, a pretty necklace and some chambray definitely falls into my favorites category. Especially when I can wear it during my very favorite season of the year. Now that it's officially fall and the predicted temps next week are going to start feeling like it, I am ready to jump one hundred and fifty percent into all out autumn decorating, baking, dressing and plan making.

For our family, that will most likely mean lots of homemade applesauce, spending loads of time outside in the perfect weather, attending every fall festival we possibly can, picking pumpkins, teaching the boys how to rake (and jump into) leaf piles, hayrides, picnics, evening movies and game nights when the sun starts going down earlier than bedtime and so much more. I'll be looking at event pages the next few weeks and planning as many field trips and family days as I can, when the hubby and I aren't sitting in the deer stand. I'm so not kidding when I say that this really is my favorite season.

It's amazing to me how much style really changes with the end of summer and beginning of fall. We're hurrying away from sleeveless tops and swing dresses and running, full throttle, toward boots, leggings and those perfectly cozy sweaters. I love taking a few summer pieces with me in those early weeks of fall to help it seem more gradual a transition and something like this outfit works really well for that. A light and airy skirt that is a great length but still very breathable paired with a long sleeve top I would usually use to layer or tie around my waist in the summer, works for those in between days with the sleeves rolled and a necklace on top. (Tip: Although I usually would wear one, no undershirt or cami makes this an even cooler transition look. That way you're not roasting as the temps climb mid afternoon.) Just pair with your favorite neutral ankle booties and maybe a textured clutch or tassle bag and you'll be cool and comfy while going right along with the season.

I also love this skirt with a button up tied in the front instead of tucked in. I wore it like that yesterday with a pair of neutral sandals and my favorite tassle cross body and it was perfect. Fall, there are so many options! Look for A TON of outfit inspiration in the coming weeks that just scream fall and all things cozy. And, can we talk about the colors I've seen popping up the last few weeks?! The pantone color report has me starry eyed and I've been dreaming of sewing something (anything!) in Fireball (21 on the list below). Sandpiper, Patch of Sky, Peacock Feather, Star Anise and Glowing Embers are more of my favorites. But, really, I love them all. What are you loving and planning to style in the upcoming weeks for fall?!

Light Blue Ruffles

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

Ruffle Hem Tunic | (sold out) similar options here

White skinny jeans | thrifted but similar here

Faux Suede Booties

fringe bag | similar

earrings | old

So, the craziest thing happened. After getting my pieces from the instagram giveaway I won a few weeks back, I won ANOTHER giveaway!! I couldn't believe it because I hardly ever win anything! I was so grateful and excited though and couldn't wait to get shopping.

The first place I went was Magnolia Boutique because, I LOVE their shop and they have some of the cutest styles. I've been searching and searching for some taupe faux suede booties like these for what seems like forever. I've searched my local thrift shop over and over and never come up with any my size. But, by winning this giveaway, I was able to snag these gorgeous ones! They are so comfortable, the heel is the perfect height, the color matches my skin tone to a tee and the die cut outs are such a pretty detail. They are my new favorite shoes! I wear them with these invisible socks so they don't rub blisters on my feet. They're like hosiery and work great. Though a thicker style may work better for cooler months..

I saw this tunic through their insta account a few times and always loved it so, this was right at the top of my list as well. I was able to get it on final sale (sorry it's not available anymore) so I got a great price on it and I loooove it! I would seriously wear it everyday if I didn't think people would look at me a little funny. lol 

Since both pieces are fairly neutral colors, they paired perfectly with some white skinny jeans and a natural colored earring. I thrifted these Maurices brand skinnies and tailored them to fit better after baby boy got here. And these earrings have been my faves for years and especially since I got a short cut. I love them and they add a little extra something to any outfit without going overboard. This is such a great outfit for spring temps that don't always know what they're doing and it's definitely been on repeat the last couple of weeks. I'll be featuring the other items I scored through this giveaway in future posts also, so be looking for that! They're pretty great as well!!