Broken Hallelujah - SOTW

Song: Broken Hallelujah

Artist: The Afters

Hurricane - SOTW

Song: Hurricane

Artist: Samestate

Trending - Black & White

It's "Look of the Day" time again and this time it's black and white outfit time! One of the hottest spring trends is also the easiest to pull off. Try pairing a shirt with horizontal and vertical black and white stripes with classic staples - white shorts and black sandals. Or go for all white with only a few touches of black in the accessories. It's easy; pretty much everything works together with this trend and you can use pieces that you already have in your closet! What are you waiting for? Try it out!

Grace

When I read this quote on my Facebook news feed it blew me away. I hope you find it as powerful and thought-provoking as I did!

A Different Question

As I listened to my pastor read from Romans 5 this past Sunday, I thought through why I really like this verse. I mean, rejoicing in suffering? It doesn't seem like the greatest verse... It assumes that we will suffer, and suffering sucks. But I've been learning a lot about different perspectives lately and I think that's why this verse really sticks in my heart right now.

"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us" (Romans 5:3-5 ESV). 

When we are faced with hard situations, I think that, as humans, the first thing that we ask is "where are You, God?" I don't think this is necessarily a bad thing, but I think that it can diminish the idea of what suffering is. Metal needs to be put into the fire before it can be bent into a beautiful shape, and we need suffering to be shaped into who God wants us to be. I think that a better question when we are faced with hard times is "God, what are You teaching me through this?" 

Having a different perspective on your situation can make all the difference. Instead of seeing suffering as a place where God has deserted you, try looking into the heart of the matter. God is in the business of changing hearts. As the famous saying goes, "God loves you just as you are, and too much to keep you that way." 

I love the way the Message portrays these same verses in Romans:

"There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!"

This week, take a moment to see your situation through a different set of eyes. God will never leave you or forsake you, and He has a purpose for every breath you take. 

All the Poor and Powerless

Beautiful lyrics and a beautiful message. 

Song: All the Poor and Powerless

Artist: All Sons & Daughters

stay tuned for a Lady Antebellum CD review!

Peace, Patience and Prayer

"Peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of Christ." - Sheila Walsh

"Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting." - Joyce Meyer

"Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?" - Corrie Ten Boom

Look of the Day - May Days

I've been seeing neon pop up all over the fashion blogger world lately and another trend is lace skirts, so why not combine them both in one item? Add a cute, patterned blouse on top and keep your accessories to the basics - neutral sunglasses and neutral sandals - so that your shirt and skirt are the stars. Maybe even add a cute french manicure with a pop of colour instead of the traditional white tip for a fun twist on a classic! 

As we breeze through May don't be afraid to play with bright colours and fun patterns. You'll get even more wear out of your favorite pieces and maybe even come up with a few new favorite outfit combinations!

Through My Father's Eyes v. 2

I've shared this song before but the wonderfully talented Holly Starr just released the music video for it today! It's a phenomenal video!

Song: Through My Father's Eyes

Artist: Holly Starr

3 Spring into Summertime Products

Here are three of my favorite products to keep in a summery mood through this rainy spring weather!

1. Tea Tree Skin Clearing Lotion {Body Shop}
Perfect for dabbing onto blemishes, with a fresh scent. It works wonders for your skin!

2. Grapefruit Body Butter {Body Shop}
Slather this on your dry skin for intense moisture and an amazing fresh scent!

3. Fresh Picked Tangerines Hand Soap {Bath & Body Works}
This fresh scented soap will keep you smelling nice all day and moisturize all at the same time!