Three Questions to Ask Yourself Today

Happy Wednesday, friends!

I know what you’re thinking (and praying for): the weekend, of course! So I want to do a quick mid-week check-in with you ladies to encourage you today. I know just how easily we can become wrapped up in the drudgery of schedules and errands. So instead, lets kickstart this Wednesday with more direction! While you reflect on the three questions below and answer these honestly, I hope you will remember just how valuable and important you are.

Who are you reaching for?

Each one of us carries the ability to reach out to a completely different set of people every day. One of my favorite quotes I’ve heard my pastor repeatedly say is: “You are the only Bible some people will ever read.” There are people that read your life and attitudes shown to them daily that may never be reached or affected by anyone else with truth. You can easily be a beam of light into the darkness they are living. Be the bright light you were called to be, and reach for them!

What do you represent?

Darling, I pray that you let them see far beyond the dress, heels, and hair — that they see more than just a girl who holds her head up high in the air. Let them see Jesus in you. Let your smile radiate God’s joy and peace each day! Allow your lips to speak words of kindness that are soothing to the aching hearts you are surrounded by. Proverbs 16:24 says, “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”

How can we become more effective in the kingdom?

I am often questioning how I can do more with the 24 hrs a day I have. I have come to find that it is not so much about doing more as it is about doing each thing effectively. Is what I am doing making a difference somewhere? Am I contributing, supporting, and cultivating growth in my church? How can I grow closer to God and in turn help those around me? My desire is to focus all of my efforts on what matters in the long run.

Feel free to answer these questions by journaling out the answers to yourself to reflect upon. I find that to be a good way to analyze my own reflections. If you would like to share some of these answers with us, please comment below!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

xoxo,

*This blog post first appeared on daintyjewellsblog.com * 

A Real Princess

Some time ago, I was reading an article about the newest duchess to join the royal family. As I read it, a certain excerpt stood out to me so much that I wrote it down and made note of it:

“Meghan Markle might not actually be a princess by definition: princesses are royal by blood; Markle is, therefore, a duchess.”

This sparked the question: What makes a real princess?

A real princess isn’t defined by a ballgown, her beauty, or the crown on her head. A real princess is one that is born through blood into the royal family. So, have you been born into God’s heavenly family by being baptized in Jesus’ name? 

1 PETER 2:9 — BUT YE ARE A CHOSEN GENERATION, A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, AN HOLY NATION, A PECULIAR PEOPLE; THAT YE SHOULD SHEW FORTH THE PRAISES OF HIM WHO HATH CALLED YOU OUT OF DARKNESS INTO HIS MARVELOUS LIGHT.

From the day a royal is born, they are taught that they are different from the rest. There are certain rules that must be followed in the ways they dress, their teachings, and their behavior. For they are not representing only themselves but their country at all times when they are in the public eye. How much the more do we need to carry ourselves with decorum and respect when we know that we are the daughters of the Almighty King and that we’re representing Jesus everywhere we go?

Being different is not a bad thing at all. Sometimes, as a teenager or young adult, you just want to blend in and be like everyone else. However, you are a vessel that is filled with the light of Jesus in this dark world, and girl, you need to let it shine! 

PHILIPPIANS 4:8 —8FINALLY, BRETHREN, WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE TRUE, WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE HONEST, WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE JUST, WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE PURE, WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE LOVELY, WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE OF GOOD REPORT; IF THERE BE ANY VIRTUE, AND IF THERE BE ANY PRAISE, THINK ON THESE THINGS.

xoxo,









*This blogpost first appeared on www.daintyjewellsblog.com*

Deeply Rooted

EPHESIANS 3:17-19 (KJV) 

17 THAT CHRIST MAY DWELL IN YOUR HEARTS BY FAITH; THAT YE, BEING ROOTED AND GROUNDED IN LOVE, 18 MAY BE ABLE TO COMPREHEND WITH ALL SAINTS WHAT IS THE BREADTH, AND LENGTH, AND DEPTH, AND HEIGHT; 19 AND TO KNOW THE LOVE OF CHRIST, WHICH PASSETH KNOWLEDGE, THAT YE MIGHT BE FILLED WITH ALL THE FULNESS OF GOD.

Ever since I can remember, I have been fascinated by old things and the stories they tell — whether it’s through antiquing and imagining the stories an old treasure can tell, or digging through old family photos and asking a million questions about them. I simply just want to know. I yearn to know the stories our ancestors could tell. I imagine what they could have experienced during the times they lived in and what the world was like back then.

It simply boils down to roots.

What can I trace my heritage back to? Where did I come from? What trials did my ancestors face? These roots mold us into who we are and how we live.

The Bible often compares us to trees or plants. Roots are essential to the life of plants, just like roots are essential to us.

Roots are absolutely necessary if we are to have life in the same way that a walk with God is vital to our spiritual life and growth in Him. The way in which we nurture and care for our walk with God is a direct result of the closeness we share with Him.

Our life is just like a garden, and Jesus is the head gardener. He must constantly weed out the impurities, the distractions, and the things that can take over our space and destroy us. Without good roots, we wither and die.

Roots also help to anchor a plant in the same way that God anchors our life in times of trouble. Through the pouring rain and howling wind, a tree is not concerned because it knows that it has deep and strong roots that can withstand the storm. In the same sense, we will not fear the storms that may come into our lives when we know and walk with the One who controls and has power over every storm.

I want to encourage each of you readers to take some time today and strengthen your roots. It is vital for us to have a strong and deep relationship with God daily.

Also, please feel free to leave a comment to share any of your favorite heritage or ancestry stories down below! I’d love to read them. 

XOXO,

*This blogpost first appeared on daintyjewellsblog.com *

An Original

“TO BE YOURSELF IN A WORLD THAT IS CONSTANTLY TRYING TO MAKE YOU SOMETHING ELSE IS THE GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT.” –RALPH WALDO EMERSON

Never before has a generation been bombarded on all sides with pressures more than today’s generation. That’s you and me, sister! There is a pressure surrounding everything we do — from what career path you choose, to how you dress, to what you stand for. There are pressures to conform who we really are, pressures to be politically correct, and pressures to bend here a little and there a little.

The accessibility of social media has only amplified the intensity of comparison and will sometimes magnify our focus on what we lack and what we are not. We can easily get caught up in the comparison game of those perfect squares before our eyes.

We truly have to fight against these pressures to keep what makes us true originals and not faded copies.

Romans 12:2 KJV: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

I am certain that we all have a God-given purpose, and you cannot allow your thoughts and your mind to get in the way of that being fulfilled. We have to renew our minds and keep God’s will fresh in our thoughts.

Over time, a copy will begin to disintegrate, fade, and eventually, crumble. It is after all just a copy, and not the real thing. A true original will hold its true colors and retain its shape even if it is battered, since it is made of a stronger substance.

Jesus has chosen you from the beginning to be the real deal, so don’t waste any time trying to be a copy of something else! If we focus on keeping God’s love readily available and are quick to share it with those around us, we will be showing the original love of Christ everywhere we go. 

XOXO,

Calendula Dress from Anthropologie  |  Alice Pink Suede Heels from Boden  |  Mustard Pullover Sweater Similar

* This blog first appeared on daintyjewellsblog.com *

Little Letters: Sarah P. Duke Gardens Edition

I am all for fun, easy, and FREE date ideas. A walk in the garden is about as romantic as it gets! (Hellooo Jane Austen) I love exploring beautiful winding paths in full bloom, birds chirping, the warm sun on your face and the rustling of the wind in the trees. Good company is obviously a must in this setting. 

This weekend Preston and I were able to visit Sarah P. Duke Gardens once again. The first time we visited the gardens we were a newly dating couple. This visit brought back a lot of nostalgic memories and made for a lovely afternoon. All of the beautiful flowers were in full bloom, and the weather you ask? Perfectly warm! The first glimpse that spring is really actually coming. 

If you have never visited Duke Gardens I do recommend a nice sunny spring day. The blooms are amazing, and everything is coming to life. The downside to this of course, is that it will most assuredly be crawling with people in every direction snapping baby shots, engagement shots, you name it. We actually witnessed a proposal AND a wedding. All in the short span of an hour and a half. 

If you would like to know any outfit details, I have added the links below. 

Enjoy the fun pictures!

XOXO,

Maeve Larkhill Swing Midi  |  Clare Cardigan in Black  |  Block Heel Sandal Option 1  |  Block Heel Sandal Option 2

Three Secrets to Success

2019 is the year I’m going to __________.

Fill in your blank.

Having just started a brand new year, most of us have some idea of what we want to change this year, accomplish, or improve upon. I am the first person to admit that I can come up with a dozen things I want to do every January 1st. Sticking with it in the long run is a very different story!

Failing to complete a personal goal can leave you feeling like . . . well . . . a failure. So I have put together a few tips to help you (and myself) reach our 2019 goals!

1. PLAN, PLAN, PLAN

Proverbs 15:22 NIV says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

So many times we jot down an idea in the back of a notebook or keep it in the back of our minds, and later despair that it hasn’t come to fruition all on its own yet!

What baby steps are you taking today to make sure that your goals become a reality tomorrow?

Draft up a detailed plan with step-by-step smaller accomplishments that all lead up to your big goal. And once you have that all completed, find a friend or trusted confidant that can review it with you and point out any holes you may have overlooked. They can help you fine-tune your plans and encourage you along the way!

2. SEEK GOD’S FAVOR

I really like the NIV version of Proverbs 3: 3-4: Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

If you have love and kindness always in you, you will win favor and a good name. If you strive to meet your goals with the shield of love and kindness always at the ready, you will have an easy victory over any obstacles. That includes love and kindness towards yourself when you come up short.

Allow yourself the same grace you would allow a good friend, and try it again! Love and kindness will win you favor upon your life, upon your goals. Psalms 5:12 KJV says, “Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.”

3. BE FAITHFUL

Being faithful to God in your time, in prayer, in your tithes and offerings, and in your life is the most important thing you can do! Proverbs 28:20 KJV says, “A faithful man shall abound with blessings.” God sees faithfulness and is a rewarder of it!

To anyone right now reading this blog thinking that you haven’t done anything noteworthy for God, I want to encourage you to know that God has great things in store for you!

God has never had anyone qualified enough to do His work. He qualifies the chosen. He simply wants you to do what He has called you to do with His abilities. Your faithfulness will be rewarded if you simply trust in Him!

SO WHAT WONDERFUL GOALS HAVE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF THIS 2019?

What was your blank? I would love to know! Comment down below if you would like to share, and be intentional in pursuing these goals, keeping these tips in mind!

XOXO,

* This blogpost first appeared on www.daintyjewells.com *

3 Things to Remember When You Doubt Your Purpose

In this walk, there are often times where we are left wondering, What is my purpose? Depending on who you pose this question to, you will receive a variety of answers. Some will answer that the purpose is to be happy; others will say it’s to love others, and some may say to be the best version of ourselves. But the Bible lets us know that we are created to glorify God. Oftentimes when we are faced with the desire to be a difference-maker, it stems from this place deep within us that has been placed there by God himself.

We know for sure that God has called us to spread the gospel to the lost and to give Him praise and worship!

And yet, doubt can creep in if we are not careful, and we can begin to think that surely we were mistaken. Surely, God cannot expect ME to do something so big and scary. We doubt our effectiveness in the positions we are placed. We doubt our abilities to do what He lays out before us. We doubt that we are capable to fulfill His perfect plans because we are imperfect.

SO WHAT CAN WE DO WHEN WE ARE DEALING WITH SELF-DOUBTS?

Here are three things to remember:

1. God created you. From the very beginning, God had a plan for you to be born, arrive here on earth, and do something only you can do for His kingdom. You are not an accident. “How amazing is it that that same God that created the mountains and oceans and galaxies looked at you and thought the world needed one of you, too?” Jesus wanted you to be His from the very start.
2. God has a plan for you to fulfill. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” This verse confirms that Jesus Christ created us with a plan in mind already. So let go of those doubts!
3. God is full of grace and mercy. For those moments where our shortcomings are evident, God is only a prayer away. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Do not be afraid to pray in those moments where you have failed God. His mercy and grace are new every day!

I pray that this reminds every reader that we are to be strong women of purpose. Letting go of our self-doubt and relying on Jesus to guide the way for the meshing of our imperfect lives and His perfect will.

xoxo,

*This blog post first appeared on daintyjewellsblog.com*

When All You Have is Just Enough

I want to start off by saying you don’t have to be perfect in order to be loved.

It’s true.

You are already so greatly loved by the wonderful and mighty God of this universe. God is searching for a heart just like yours. One that is desperately seeking Him and voraciously hungry. Jesus wants all of you and all you have to give. The bright side, the pained side, the pretty side, the fragmented side — He wants all of your heart.

The song “He Wants it All” comes to mind. The verse says:

          and He says, love me, love me with your whole heart
          He wants it all today
          serve me, serve me with your life now
          He wants it all today
          bow down, let go of your idols
          He wants it all today 

He wants it all today. Not tomorrow. Or next year. Today. Our God is a God of the present.

Sometimes we will hold off on surrendering our all to God because we feel that we don’t have anything left to give. This world has clipped our wings of potential and caged us up with sin. We are left to think we need to have everything in order before we can surrender complete control to God.

The truth is, if you have just enough faith to step out and make the first move, God will meet you there.

If you have just enough strength to hold on through the dark night, God will be your shelter and protect you through the storm.

If you have just enough boldness to act upon God’s word, He will be there right beside you every step of the way.

God is not seeking perfection; He is seeking your all.

Even now as you read this, some of you may be asking, Do we really have to give God everything? The simple answer to that is yes!

Revelation 3:16 says, “So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.“

God would prefer that you be against Him completely rather than for Him halfheartedly. You are either in or out, hot or cold, for or against Him. There is no middle ground with God.

“JESUS SAID UNTO HIM, THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART, AND WITH ALL THY SOUL, AND WITH ALL THY MIND” (MATTHEW 22:37). 

Think of the widow in I Kings 17:7-16 who had only a handful of meal and oil and was preparing to cook her last meal for herself and her son so that they could eat it and then die. She had just enough faith to hear the voice of the man of God. She had just enough strength to withstand her hunger a little bit longer as she cooked for the man of God. She had just enough boldness to act upon the word that was given to her and believe. In return, her son’s life and her own were saved, and she was greatly blessed!

What little bits are we holding onto today? — thinking they’re just enough to tide us over for a little while longer, but knowing that we cannot survive without God’s direction in our lives? God has so much planned out for you and your life!

Just give Him all of you. It will be just enough.

xoxo,

*This blogpost first appeared on www.daintyjewellsblog.com*

God's Approval

“GOD APPROVED OF YOU BEFORE ANYBODY ELSE GOT A CHANCE TO DISAPPROVE.”

I saw this quote online, and it struck a chord deep within me. As a woman living in the 21st century, there are many roles that one is expected to fulfill. The role of friend, wife, daughter, mom, sister, encourager, leader, student, praise singer, Sunday school teacher, and the list goes on and on. In today’s world, one must know how to juggle the daily tasks of these roles, along with the ones of work, school, church, and home, seamlessly. We often balance all of our roles precariously on the edge of being overwhelmed and end up feeling inadequate when we can’t. In doing so, we become our own toughest critic, forgetting to add in for ourselves a generous dose of grace. We hold ourselves to the expectation of perfection.

ap·prov·al noun

the action of officially agreeing to something or accepting something as satisfactory.

What we oftentimes forget is that Jesus has approved of us from the start. We forget that since day one of our existence, He is the one who formed us, created us, and knit us in our mother’s womb, as Psalms 139:13 reminds us. How beautiful it is that He knows us from the inside out, through and through, and still loves and approves of us! God does not approve of everything that you do or don’t do, but he approves of who you ARE.

PSALM 139:13 (ESV)

F O R  Y O U  F O R M E D  M Y  I N W A R D  P A R T S ;  Y O U  K N I T T E D  M E    T O G E T H E R  I N  M Y  M O T H E R ’ S  W O M B .

When did you decide you were not good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, or just enough in general? Rest today in knowing that Jesus approves of who you are. Being His means that He cares for you, He delights in you, simply because you are His child! Let’s be thankful today for Jesus’ love and share that with all those around us. 

xoxo,

Chic In Neutrals

This outfit came together when this non-springy spring dropped down too low for me and my sandals. After being at work a full day, I still felt so put-together at the end of the day (not the norm) that I headed out for some pictures. I absolutely love an outfit that fulfills the 3 Cs: chic, collected, and most importantly, comfortable!

We all know how I feel about that tiny piece of silky fabric called a scarf. It is such a tiny detail so often overlooked, but one that can make such an impact. As soon as you add it to the most basic outfit, you’ve just increased your put-together vibe by at least 10 points (oh so perfect for those dreary Mondays!). I chose this neutral-tone leopard-printed scarf because of the fun print and decided to extract the colors from it for the rest of my outfit.

The basic black pleated midi skirt has been a staple in my closet for quite some time. You can find them almost anywhere in various colors, lengths, and textures, and they are so versatile! I love tucking in a more casual knitted sweater for a casual feel. And let’s be honest here, nothing feels cozier than a nice lightweight sweater. I kept my tights a basic gray to match my booties and limit the mix of colors. For this look, I loved that my glasses gave the scarf print some continuity. It’s the little things, y’all!

I hope you all found some inspiration with today’s look!

xoxo,

*This blog post first appeared on daintyjewellsblog.com *

When God Becomes "Mine"

The love of Jesus is something we often hear of, talk about, and proclaim. The story of how He created this earth, so majestic, just for us. How He robed Himself in flesh to come and live among us. How He took the time to heal so many and to teach anyone who would listen during His ministry. How He died on a cross because He loved us so. He gave Himself so willingly as a sacrifice to cover our multitude of sins. Jesus’ love is a profound, deep, love that we cannot entirely understand. It is the greatest love story of all time.

A love story where He pursues us intentionally, and daily.

When we play hard-to-get with God, we are essentially rejecting God’s love. We pick and choose when we want Him to move, when we want to pray, and how we want to serve God. We take the mercy and grace that go with love and use them to wipe our tears, only to toss them aside the minute they get too heavy for us.

Love is a choice. We choose to love even when we don’t feel like it. We choose to serve God because we know He is the omnipotent Creator, and He deserves our praise. You have to choose to serve God and make Him “mine” daily, and the sooner you settle that into your heart, the easier your entire walk with God becomes.

When Jesus became mine, I was 14. I was in high school trying to decide who I really was. My whole life, I had been raised in the church; it was all I knew, but it wasn’t mine. We had a youth convention that spring that solidified me and my roots. I don’t recall the sermon exactly; I just remember the experience at the altar–where I felt overwhelmed with a love I had been ignoring for so long. Jesus was reaching for me, and I felt His presence so strongly, I wanted to stay there in that moment forever.

Jesus was mine.

Not my parents’, or my pastor’s, or my friend’s, but mine. I knew regardless of and through anything, He would be there for me. And He has never failed me.

When was the last time you felt God’s love so tenderly you could only weep? How long has it been since you’ve allowed Him to talk to you through His Word? How long since you’ve told Him your worries and concerns?

1 Peter 5:7 says, “Casting all your care upon Him; for he careth for you.”

Jesus wants to be there for you, so let Him! And choose today to make Jesus yours, too. ❤

xoxo,

*This blog post first appeared on daintyjewellsblog.com*

January 5th

  

On January 5th, 2018 I married my best friend.

BEST. DAY. EVER. 

I cannot even begin to explain the overwhelming happiness that just surged my heart that entire day. I was surrounded by all of my favorite humans, I wore the prettiest wedding dress any princess could want (yes, my mom is amazing and MADE it!), and I got to unite my life with the one that makes me the happiest girl alive. 

There were little moments that will forever remain etched in my memories. 

How I felt getting in the car with my wedding dress on. How I didn't even feel the cold (even though it was about 30 degrees at noon, and only went down from there). How easy it was to smile for all my pictures because I was just so over-the-moon happy. How I just couldn't wait to see Preston. The kind words our pastors imparted upon us. The hugs that swamped us after the ceremony. How cozy and adorable our tent reception was. The love that just permeated every inch of space at church. The sparklers effect on the night right before we left on our honeymoon.

Preston Pearson, I love you. 

XOXO,

Photography by Amanda Sutton Photography