Spring

Because, as usual, it's been too long. :)

And more adventures to come, that I can always be sure of.

I read a simple expression just now that dissolved the smidgen of tension that I unknowingly had between my shoulders: "Let things happen". Isn't is funny (and whenever I say that, I really mean peculiar) that such few words could make such sense, and remind me of the faithful, freedom-giving ways of God?

So often I think we are (or at least I am) afraid to take risks, and just engage with what comes our way. There's this expectation our society has that we need to be safe and responsible to our means, but I'm now reminded that I'm actually responsible to God's means-- what he can provide from me, not what I can provide for me! 

Living our lives like our own means determine what is possible, is a shortsighted power trip. Not only is it giving ourselves way too much credit (and responsibility), it allows us only to be, do, or become what is within our human scope of reason.

Not me, friends. I would so much rather stand up in the power and ability of my Maker, surrendering self sufficiency, but also embracing the resources of the creator of the universe. 

I'm sure I'll need to return to this post in the coming months and years, to be reminded of this-- but I suppose that's exactly why I write.

Snakes & Polka Dots

This is week is flying already!  Since Friday I have been working on an exciting 20's themed project that a friend asked me to consult on-- mostly including research and styling, two of my favorite things!  Velvet, beading, finger waves, and pearly hues are definitely on the brain lately.  I'll probably post some 20's know-how here in the coming weeks.

In general I've felt overwhelmingly blessed of late, even in the midst of some financial stress in my family God is providing left and right for me in other ways: creatively, relationally and spiritually.  Most of all with the ability to really, truly release my expectation for life.  The more I let go of my preconceived notions, the more God can surprise and delight me with His plans.

Seems crazy, but it's so much better that way.

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{turquoise dress} - ModCloth

{snake tee} - Lucky Brand (a looong time ago)

{gladiators} - Sam Edelman

{beaded bracelet} - gift

{silver watch} - vintage, Grandmother's

False Expectations

I don't know about you but I have a very vivid imagination.  Whenever I read a book, I flesh out the characters, landscapes and scenes fully in my mind's eye.  This can be a wonderful thing, but can also trip me up in life sometimes.  

I've found that I tend to imagine my day, or specific interactions the way I want or expect to see them happen.  This can be dangerous because those false expectations set me up for dissapointment, frustration and sometmes hurt.  It's stupid really, but something I struggle with none the less.  I've been learning to stop trying to control the details, so I can fully experience what does happen and take it in stride.

I'm currently reading the daily devotional Jesus Calling, and one of the entries this week touched on this topic (so I had to share).

I'm about a week behind in this book (it's a year long one), but God has allowed each day to bless, challenge or reassure me none-the-less-- more proof that Jesus likes messy people. :)

I've had to remind myself several times this week to change my train of thought (take it captive), and just go with the flow.  I'm actually amazed at how much more peace it's given me to not consider the details before they happen, and fully give God control.

Lyrics from Control by JJ Heller

Question: Do you struggle with planning the details of your life, or setting false expectations?  I'd love to hear other examples of this, and how you fight that tendancy to control.