New

I was just sitting thinking of all the new things that are entering my life just in the next month alone. It's overwhelming and I found myself saddened by this change last night. However, when I remember that I serve a mighty God that is sovereign & just, I get excited by the new things and am eagerly awaiting what God has in store for me. As I shop for & buy new material things, I'm reminded of the old Amy that, at times, got too caught in the things of this world. I just expressed to a friend last night that I never want to be that girl again and I struggle to enjoy new material things now b/c I fear making them too important in my life. This morning God placed this on my heart, "He makes all things new." As I started to dig into that further I came across this verse -

Revelation 21:1-5
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.


I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying , "Look God's home is now among his people! He will live with them and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.


And the one sitting on the throne said, "Look I am making everything new!" And then he said to me, "Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true".

WOW - I never cease to be amazed by God's goodness. I don't think He could have shown me a more appropriate scripture than this one today!!

He also reminded me of this scripture -
Isaiah 43:18-19
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."

I am beyond grateful for the new life God has given me, for His promises and His faithfulness to make all things new and that His mercies begin anew each day!

And since I am excited about my new purchases, I thought I'd share a peak with you.

First, I am the proud owner of a new sofa! I'm also having fab-o pillows made that will look much cuter than what you'll see pictured here. :)



And I'm hoping this sofa will look awesome in my new apartment that I'll move into in just over 1 month!
But before all of that, my new ring is scheduled to arrive tomorrow!! Of course it's not preferred, but I'm so grateful to have the most incredible husband in my Heavenly Father, Lord & Savior!



But the sassiest of all are my new pink converse hi-tops that I plan to journey around Italy in. For months I've been searching for the perfect blend of sporty, yet cute & comfy, for the long days seeing this amazing country.

...it's been a long while...

Well, it's been quite a while & I'm sitting down not quite knowing what I'll write.  In the last few months God has been bringing my true self back.  Praise praise praise!  For about 10 months God has been stripping me of all HE knew should be done & the change wasn't comfortable, but through it HE is shaping/molding me into the woman HE intended.  Having surrendered all, I'm now learning that shopping, travel, fun and anything else I used to love is not bad - it just should never be an idol....but it is part of who HE made me.  Joyfully, I'm accepting these things back into my life & it's so exciting.  I suppose I'll use this blog to touch on randomness that comes to mind & that my mind is on tonight-

1.  This weather is making me crave spring, sundresses and flip flops.  I went jogging tonight & just felt amazing looking at the pink cotton candy clouds God made just for me!

2.  I haven't traveled abroad in several years & I'm grateful to God for the opportunity to go to Italy in a couple of months with a great friend!!!  I plan to rejoice in HIM the entire time I'm touring that beautiful country!

3.  I registered for my 1st triathlon - the Aflac Irongirl - I'm nervous and excited but it's not until June so plenty of time to figure out how to breathe while swimming properly. :)  God has taught me about endurance in the last year so I finally truly understand this verse Paul wrote - I can do ALL things through Christ Jesus Who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)

4.  I bought 2 new songs on iTunes tonight.  Those songs, paired with a devotional a sweet, sweet friend mailed me, have led to a great mood & the desire to rejoice in all things tonight.  Loving the songs..."For the Good" by Shane & Shane and the praise song "How Deep the Father's Love for Us".

5.  I'm focusing on blessings tonight & am SO very grateful for the girlfriends God has touched my life with...from home in Columbus and across the ocean to Norway to Oklahoma to Colorado to all over the Southeastern U.S...these are women I hope to always do life with. I am not deserving at all, but I am incredibly thankful!!!

6.  Clothes-I'm still a little out of touch with the latest & greatest, but I know I can still put together a rockin' ensemble at an even better price any day!...and I still love doing that!  I did make an online purchase last night that I'm tickled about.  A sweater dress...or two.  I don't know what it is about sweater dresses, but I just think everyone needs at least one.  My rationalization was this - 1. they were on sale!!!  2.  they are classics that I can wear for many years to come 3.  they are just perfect for the role of tourist in Italy!!

I think I've run out of things to talk about without going into the detail of how my sweet kitties are just adorable little flufflestiltskins!!

On another note....how are some things I think are purrrrecious at the moment!

cute red top

blue jacket

dress & orange cardi

bow top

fab dress

These Boots Were Made for Walking

So lately I’ve had boots on the mind…more specifically, red cowboy boots. Up until about a month ago, I was on the fence regarding my feelings towards cowboy boots & especially bold, colorful ones. I have no idea why, but suddenly I got a small obsession on the brain to own a pair of beautiful RED cowboy boots. As of yet, it’s not something I’ve acted on and more than likely won’t unless they are amazingly gorgeous & the deal of a lifetime. Meanwhile, I’ll just dream of walking in fierce boots through this journey God has me on.

Dreaming about boots led me to thinking about walking. Do you know how many times the word “walk” is used in the Bible? A LOT! I don’t even want to throw my guesstimate (from research) out there because a Biblical scholar will certainly prove me wrong. Let’s just say lots of walking & commands to walk take place. I read most all of the verses that mention walking & pulled out a few that really speak to me right now. It seems that this “walking” mentioned in so many of the verses is not just a challenge to us, but it is an expectation. We are called to walk with God and follow in HIS ways. We are called to walk through difficult trials while trusting & believing that HE will bring us through them. We are promised that our Heavenly Father has already gone before us & walks ahead of us – we only need to follow Him. Why is that so hard for us to do? Why do we want to plan out our own route & try to walk alone? He holds the perfect roadmap & will even show us the way - doesn’t that sound a lot better than traveling alone?

Job 29:3 - when his lamp shone upon my head and by his light I walked through darkness!

Psalm 23:4 - Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Proverbs 4:12 - When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble.

Isaiah 40:31- but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 43:2 - When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Isaiah 50:10 - Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.

1 John 2:6 - Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.

1 John 2:11 - But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him.

shout outs:

boots

clothed in grace

Where to begin?  

It's been many months since my last blog.  It's funny how God will re-arrange our priorities quickly when they're not in the right order.  I have always had a love for fashion & an obsession with shopping.  Thankfully, God decided to step in & completely dissolve this interest for several months until I could realize where it should fall on my list of importance.  

For someone who lived to shop, the feeling of now walking into amazing stores and being so uninterested & unable to find even one thing to buy has been quite the change.  It's actually very refreshing to now have my priorities in order (as ordered by my Heavenly Father) and to no longer crave H&M, NY shopping sprees and the latest trends.  It's only been in the last few weeks that He's given me back a hint of interest in fashion and now I just enjoy occasionally browsing the latest trends (usually online since Columbus leaves a lot to be desired in the retail arena) but no longer have to have them.  It's quite liberating if I do say so myself.  When God swoops into your life, picks you up and tells you to put your eyes on HIM and Him alone - you do just that & the change that comes with that is a welcome one.

So...I must say that I don't have any trends that I will cheer lead or any late, breaking news of what's coming for fall.  I do know that I'm still a great fan of ruffles, color and rain boots.  I'm sad that summer comes to an end this week, but I'm excited to bring back my boots, chunky sweaters and tights - not all paired together, obviously.

Here are a few things in fashion that I would enjoy seeing a lot of this fall - 

-flowing blouses with beautiful details and sleeves

-sweater dresses

-boots

- red  (go dawgs!)

-bows (always so sweet)

-more ruffles

-chunky sweaters

shout outs-

sweater dress

black skirt

blouse

red boot

ruffle top

sweater

scarf-tastic

The accessory that holds the place of a close 2nd in my wardrobe is the scarf.  For many, scarves are too often associated with cold weather.  It's time for that mindset to change & for people to understand that scarves are magical no matter what the season!  And so you ask, how is a scarf magic?  Well, in my opinion, a scarf is the one accessory that anyone can wear no matter what hair color or cut, body shape or size.  My favorite way to wear this  fabric o' fun is wrapped around my neck;  however, if you're a little more daring then a scarf around your head can also be tres presh!  Of course I love the basic cashmere scarf for winter, but wearing a scarf really gets fresh when you play with all the great designs & bright colors for spring & summer.  If you prefer a more simple style & tend to wear classics like black, brown or gray, then a fun scarf is meant for you!!  I tend to make reference to my Mom often, but she's the one person that allows me to influence her fashion the most.  That being said, I've been teaching her how to give some *POP* to more simple ensembles by adding a scarf.  You can usually find fab-o ones at places like H&M, Forever 21, Marshalls & of course the high end spots, but I prefer the budget ones myself.  Once you have said scarf in hand, then wrap that baby around your neck & admire the results!  There's nothing else that can do the magic of a scarf to jeans & a simple t-shirt.  So...grab one, decide on your favorite way to wear it & get yo scarf on! 

shout outs:

color block scarf

turq. head scarf

coral dress w/ scarf

gray dress/green & white scarf

black tee/multi color scarf

the beltway

if i had to identify one item of clothing, an accessory or a look that is my signature, i would say it's belts. i love belts.  they are just my thing.  i don't care if it's a skinny belt or fat belt. heck, i don't even care if they're in style. i just dig belts.  i think they gussy up a dress, top or outfit -  almost every time.  

belts are especially perfect for accentuating a tiny waist.  even if the waist isn't so tiny, it gives that appearance & looks fantastic!  i think just about any age can don a belt & add a little something-something to an outfit.  for instance, i was shopping with my mom several weeks ago and she tried on a cute black/white striped short sleeved button-up with a few ruffles down the front.  we added a simple black belt around her waist (she was hesitant) and voilà, instant transformation to style & sass!

i'm a fan of throwing on a cardigan  over a tank or dress & running out the door.  i'm a bigger fan of cinching the waist of that cardigan with a little belt.  it's effortless, but makes quite a difference.

so, for those friends that don't have a closet full of belts & are on the more "classic" side, just pick up a belt or two at the store & give it a try.  you may find you actually like the beltway.

shoutouts

sweater dress/cardi

blush tank dress

blue dress

brown cardi/yellow skirt

charcoal print dress/cardi

back in black....again

my blog is strictly personal opinion & never intended to offend anyone.  that being said, i'm so over black being equated with formal.  i know that every girl has at least one little black dress in her closet.  i'm just as guilty and have at least 3.  i don't regret those purchases one bit & i love them each and every one.  however, i L-O-V-E color!  it seems that every party, wedding or formal event i attend is drenched in little black dresses.  

sometimes i think women lean towards black because of it's slimming effect or because it's a "safe" choice.  an issue with this time of year is that so many people associate winter with dark colors.  i completely disagree.  wearing something bright & colorful instead of black makes you forget about the dreary weather outside (even if it is a hot 70 degrees in january).  as long as the fabric is right for winter you can dress happy with a burst of color.  

with all of that being said, maybe i'm just bitter because black isn't really "my color".   i just think there are so many wonderful alternatives to a little black dress.  i'm always a huge fan of wearing colors that "work".  for instance, i always try to determine what someone's best color options are by checking out their eye color and then hair color and skin tone.  there's nothing better than someone wearing a rich green or striking blue and seeing their eyes just pop.  i'm partial to vibrant colors & taking chances.  however, if you're hesitant to go bold, why not change it up a little with grey, brown or even navy?  

either way, wouldn't it be fantastic to add even the teensiest rainbow of color to everyone's wardrobe?!

shout outs:

teal ruffle dress

red bow dress

charcoal rosette dress

magenta strapless dress

metallic silver dress