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Flowers + Bubble Necklaces [My Closet]

Hello friends!
I haven't done an outfit post in so long. I've been decently busy with a lot of stuff! But I finally got around to taking some photos this afternoon and I forgot how much I missed it. I missed putting together outfits and wearing jewelry and doing my hair - everything!

I bought this dress two or so weeks ago, when I opened it out of the package, I was completely shocked. It was almost two or three times too big. I loved the dress and didn't want to go through the hassle of returning it (It's an online shop so theres no stores - anywhere). So, what's a girl to do? Talk to her mother. If I kept it I obviously couldn't wear it in public being that huge. She suggested a belt. Now, let me say this I'm not a big fan of belts, they scare me and I feel five times bigger, but I decided to try it. Mother is always right. I love, love, love it!

I also have some exciting news coming up about the future of my blog! All good things, all good things.

Dress: ASOS Curve

Watch: ASOS Curve

Necklace: Charming Charlie

Belt: Thrifted

Earrings: Kohls

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Tuesday Tea Time // Believing In Something Bigger

I thought I'd start a small little series called Tuesday Tea Time. Very original name, I know. But I thought it sounded super cute so I went for it. The point of the series is to get down to the nitty gritty. To talk about things that we maybe don't want to talk about or are scared to ask. I want this to be a conversation. I hope that after reading you walk away a little more curious about the world around you, what you believe, and learn more about yourself. 


Why do you believe in God?

There was a time when I was a new believer when I asked myself this question almost daily. Isn't it easier to just not believe? Isn't it easier to just go on with my life and not worry about having to please this unseen person somewhere up in the sky? Yes, to all. I struggled with it daily and I couldn't find the right answer the calmed this sense of confusion. Until I opened up to one of my friends about it. I asked him one night after church how he can believe in God and how he always has. He simply told me that there's too much beauty in the world not to. And he's so right. The world is the crazy, beautiful, wonderful place. Even as I type this, I realize that to some it may feel like I've sugar coated life with those pretty words. So here's the truth - life is messy, life is full of hardships and sometimes so much pain. So, again you ask, how can I still believe in a God that allows pain to come into our lives? For me, it's simple God isn't the one bringing me pain, He brings me the hope I need to make it through the pain. 

God gives us free will. The choices that people make are their own. Every human being makes their own choices. Some choices good, some bad. Some are based off of their own selfish wants or needs, or out of the selfless love in their hearts. The chain of events that then follow was an act of free will. God doesn't give out karma. God doesn't want revenge on people who have wronged him. God is faithful, God gives hope, God is every good and perfect thing in this world. 

I believe in God even though I don't see Him, but purely because I can always feel Him. I feel Him in the laughter of a child, I feel Him in the cool summer air, I feel Him when I'm hurting, I feel Him when I'm lonely. Just because I don't physically have Him with me doesn't mean that I can't believe in something so much bigger than myself. Your life begins to have purpose and meaning and joy and life and love when you begin to believe - when you begin to trust in your Creator. 

So here's the answer to your question: I believe in God because He brings me hope, joy and peace when I feel like I'll never have it. He is the peace that passes understanding. He is the reason I wake up each morning feeling like I have purpose and meaning. 


And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Phillippians 4:7


If you have questions about your faith in God, I encourage you to listen to the song I've linked below. It's helped me tremendously in my walk with God. Also, feel free to email me or comment below with comments, questions or anything else on your mind. 

Late Night Thoughts & Summer Plans

We change our minds. As humans that's what we do, we change. We grow older, we want different things. It's hard to accept that what we had wanted so bad before we may not want anymore. We feel like we owe it to ourselves to just do what we had wanted to do so bad. But that's not the case. And it's the most awful feeling ever. This is something I have been struggling with for weeks. Do I accept this new summer job that I've been praying to have the opportunity to do for months and months, or do I open up my summer to the possibilities that God may have in store? It's taken so much prayer and thought and I still can't seem to make up my mind, but then at the same time I feel as if I've made my decision. I'm making plans for summer that I couldn't if I decided to take this job.

God calls us to live a radical life. A life that shows His love to others. So here I am, possibly passing up the opportunity to do just that. Am I a bad Christian because I'm not taking this opportunity? Or am I listening to what He's telling me? What if it's just my thoughts that are telling me these things?

A couple months ago, something my youth pastor said really stuck with me, if you're not at peace with a decision then it's God telling you that you haven't made the right choice. Ever since then, I've taken that into my own life, every time I had to make a choice that didn't feel right, I would go towards the one that felt better. And I still do that, I truly believe what he said.

So this is what I'm doing, I'm going to follow what I believe God is telling me through prayer and the kind words I'm receiving from people around me.

Some Tidbits

I'm an open book, always have been, always will be. I enjoy telling my stories and I enjoy hearing about other people's stories. So I thought I'd share some little things about myself to keep the open book thing rolling. 

+ I love my job. I work with amazing, incredible, beautiful two year olds. They are my best friends. 

+ I'm a shopaholic. No surprise there.

+ I hate winter. Me and the cold do not go well together. Yuck.

+ I've never had a boyfriend. Not in all my eighteen years. But I want one. Hint hint. 

+ I've lived in the same city my entire life. I love it a lot. 

+ I've dreamed of being a writer since I was in Middle School and moving to New York.

+ I worked in retail for a year. It taught me a lot about the fashion industry and also made me hate socializing with strangers. 

+ I'm a leader for a group of 7th grade girls at my church. I adore every single one of them. 

+ My favorite book is Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates. 

+ I have an obsession with candles. 'Nuff said. 

+ I've been to Gatlinburg, Tennessee three times. 

+ I've never been to Disney World. (Please be good to me 2015, I want to go!)

+ My favorite show is New Girl

+ I've broken both of my arms - not at the same time. 

+ I've been through one major surgery and it was the scariest time in my life. 

+ I love Jesus. 

Those are fun! Everyone should try it at some point in your life. You get to learn a little bit more about yourself. 

Penguins + Sequins

The weather has been super crummy lately - snow, slush, rain, and ice all combined. Oh Michigan. So I thought I'd try out my new tripod and stay inside for the afternoon. This outfit was what I wore to a holiday party and I loved it. It's simple, comfortable, and just plain cute! Also, if anyone is an expert at some good indoor photos, shoot me an email! I'd love to hear some tips on how to create better photos indoors! I was quite thankful to have a small little space in my bedroom to take these pictures. Right next to my "Follow That Dream" picture. I just adore it, and it's quite fitting, don't you think? That's going to be my 2015 motto. Follow that dream.

And, a huge thank you to everyone giving me advice, tips, and messages. Your kind words make my heart full and I love each of you. Thank you, thank you!

Shirt: ASOS 

Skirt: DEB Shops (Plus sold out!)

2014.

This year was full of triumphs and defeats. It's been a crazy beautiful year. I've been through hell and back, and I've overcome some of the biggest challenges I've ever faced. Heartbreak. Hurt. Love. Joy. I've held on to my friends and family. I finally had the courage to create a blog. I was baptized. I graduated High School. Each and every struggle I've overcame and I've come out a stronger person because of it. I'm excited to see what 2015 has in store for me.

One of my best blog posts. + one of my favorites thus far. 

This blog has been the best part of 2014. I was finally brave enough to put myself out there and finally do. My entire life I've stuck on the sidelines and only watched other people be great and do great things. And I finally had to courage to take that first step to finally do something great. 

I graduated and decided on not going to college right away. I've enjoyed my time off from school and I'm excited about what the next couple months have in store for me still being off of school. 

There were so many awesome things about 2014 that I can't name them all, but one of the best parts of 2014 was growing closer to my best friend, Char. I met her almost two years ago and she's been my best friend ever since. (I'm hoping to do a post on her soon about what makes her so AWESOME!) 

 I've made a list of goals for myself for 2015,

+   Blog more and become a better blogger

+   Become healthier and stronger

+   Become a better daughter, sister, friend

+   Love more

+   Grow even stronger in my faith

+   Find more things that I'm passionate about

+   Travel more

+   Enjoy every single moment



I'm excited for what the year has to offer. I'm excited for Springhill, I'm excited for the friends I'll make, I'm excited about the possibility of finding love, I'm excited to see what direction my blog goes in, I'm excited to fully live this beautiful life I've been given.

Thank you to everyone who has shown and given me love, support and advice this year. Having surgery earlier this year was a big testimony as to who stood by me and who truly cared. Thank you to my parents for giving me nothing but kind words as I started this blog. Thank you to my best friend, Charlotte for showing me that there's such a thing as having a best friend when I used to believe there wasn't. Thank you to my sister for believing in me and everything I do. You guys have shown me endless love and support this year and I thank you so much for that.

A Letter to the Creator of the Universe

To the Creator of the Universe,

Such a big title everyone gives you, huh? I've always wondered if you like that title. Creator of the Universe. Seems like a big load to carry. Knowing that you created every single star in the sky and know every person in the world by name. I know I couldn't do it. I mean, I'm only human. But you're God. You're the air we breathe. You're the sound of my heart beating in my chest. You're the reason for everything good and perfect and pure in this world. You're the Creator of everything. Even little ol' me. So I think the title suits You well. 

You love me, for me. You don't care about what size jeans I wear, or what I ate for breakfast yesterday, or whether I'm going to college or not. You care about me. You care about my heart and my soul. You care about my wants and needs. You hear my prayers. You created me before I was even born. You knew me before there was time. That's always been the biggest challenge for me the more and more I learn about who You are - being able to wrap my head around such a big concept. That you know everything about me, and that there was time before the Universe. I can't fathom that thought. I suppose it's far ahead of what my mind can comprehend. But I still love knowing it. 

Yet sometimes I forget about You. Life gets busy and I get lazy. I forget to thank You that I'm alive and healthy. I forget to thank You that my car is parked safely in the mall parking lot and not somewhere in a ditch. I forget to thank You that I'm not spending my days in a hospital bed. Sometimes I forget to thank You that I'm unbelievably blessed. And for that I'm ashamed. I know, that's not something You want us to feel - it's something the devil puts in our heads. So maybe, I feel more like a hypocrite. I call you my Creator, yet I forget to thank you for simple things? How does that make me the strong Christian that I say I am? Why do I find myself judging someone who I'm not fond of? Why don't I pray more for the people around me instead of only saying that I will? 

And that's something I know I have to work on, something that you've called me to work on. I'm on this Earth to build up others, to love on others, to show them who You are and what you've done for every single person on the planet. 

I'm getting there. Each and every day I hear You more, I listen more, I study more. I'm realizing your presence more and more. 

And for that I thank you.

Christmas Day at the Beach

I cannot remember the last time we've had a green Christmas. It was really weird. Like I knew it was Christmas, but it didn't really feel like Christmas because there was no snow. So we spent the morning in our pajamas, opening gifts (I got a tripod for my camera! YES!), napping and relaxing. We didn't particularly want to stay home the entire day, so I, of course, suggested we visit the beach for the late afternoon. No one objected - which was a surprise.

We also spent our time away from home exploring downtown Holland + downtown Zeeland. Both have absolutely beautiful decorations for the holiday season. I've promised myself that at one point in my life I will live in Holland. It's full of young life and love and stories of the beautiful lives that the city holds. 

Christmas Eve At Grams

My family and I spent Christmas Eve with Grams + her boyfriend. Exactly like Thanksgiving. Except it was more low key than what Thanksgiving was. We ate off of blue plastic plates and jammed to Christmas music. It was full of laughs and love and joy - exactly what Christmas Eve should be. It was an absolute blast. Thanks again Grams for an awesome Christmas.

A Letter To My Future Husband

A new series of posts that I've begun to work on. Letters to the people who mean the most to me in my life - or in this situation not quite in my life yet. 


To my future husband,

As I was at church Sunday morning, I watched all the young married couples walking hand in hand, with their coffee and Bibles in the other. And I couldn't help but wish that I had what they did. Any moment spent with my parents and sister I treasure, but for once, I wanted to be the one with someone there next to me, holding my hand. It seems selfish, I know. To be at church and to be focused on the young, beautiful couple sitting in front of me instead of listening to what my pastor was saying. But in that moment it was so hard. They were so in love, so infatuated with each other. I couldn't help myself, that in that moment I thought of you. That part of my life that is a mystery - an unknown. 

I've always imagined myself getting married in a white dress outside just as the summer turns into fall, the leaves just beginning to change and the perfect time for pumpkins and mason jars to line the isle of chairs. I've always imagined you at the end of that isle smiling, maybe crying, but smiling. Excited to start our future together. I've always imagined my father giving me away, quietly saying a prayer over the both of us or whispering a blessing of some kind. I've always imagined a pastor at my church up there next to us giving us our vows and then us reading some of our own. I've always imagined one or both of us crying, and wiping each others tears. I've always imagined us praying right until the moment the ceremony is over. I've always imagined who I'd be spending the rest of my life with in that moment. 

Life is crazy and life is unpredictable. That's what makes it so beautiful. So maybe I'll meet you tomorrow, maybe I'll meet you next week, or next year. So for now, I'll continue dreaming, I'll continue writing, I'll continue to be the person God has made me to be until we meet. I'll be praying for you that you're the man that God has called you to be and that your heart is full of God's love through your love for Him. And I'll pray for a steady heart and that I become the woman that God has called me to be for you. 

We'll have trials and we'll have tribulations but I promise to be there. I promise to love you with everything that I have. I promise to lead you closer to God as I hope that you will do the same for me. 

I'm excited to meet you. 

A Whole Lot Of Jesus

If you don't know already I'm a big Jesus fan, well more like follower. So when I found this shirt on Etsy I fell in love. Unfortunately when I ordered the size I wanted they were out. After emailing the seller, he told me that they had it in a size down. Now, let me tell you something. If they're out of the size that you want, just wait until it's in stock again. But me being my super impatient self ordered it in a size down anyways. It's not like it's crazy tight or anything, but it's more snug that anything else. I'm still completely in love with the wording, the message and the feel of the shirt. But one size up would have helped. If you plan on ordering it, don't go a size down stick with the size you are. Also these shirts don't fit like mens shirts they just look like them. But besides that I love, love, love this shirt. Absolutely obsessed. You can buy it here.

Sweater: DEB Shops

T-Shirt: MichaelWTees

Leggings: Walmart

Shoes: Payless

Watch: Charming Charlie

Earrings: Kohls