Be Above It.

The righteous will never be uprooted, but the wicked will not remain in the land. 

Proverbs 10:30

Lately, I've been working on trust. I've always been the kind of person who trusts when it's convenient, but as soon as things get rough I just want to dig myself a hole to hide in. But that's not what faith is about. Faith is trusting no matter the circumstances. And it's even better with Christ, we have so much reason to trust in Him. He saved us when He knew all our sin, all our mistakes. Why not trust Him?

My current obsession is fun socks peeking out beneath cuffed jeans and tucked-in button-downs. I have to catch myself some days, making sure I at least add a little variety. Do you ever love a look so much that you don't want to wear anything else?  

vest-- J. Crew (old)

button-down-- J. Crew

jeans-- Marc Jacobs

socks-- Free People

boots-- Dolce Vita

Mustard.

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline. 

2 Timothy 1:7

What a wonderful God we have. He is the driving force in our lives. 

 This jacket is one of my favorites and it's surprising that I haven't posted about it yet. I am obsessed with mustard colored pieces this winter. It's such a beautiful and versatile color. 

photos by Shelby McIntosh

jacket-- BB Dakota

white blouse-- Mom's

black pants-- Hudson (old) 

boots-- Matisse

necklace-- Mamie Ruth 

Boyfriend Jeans.

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.

Colossians 1:16

Today I began reading Rick Warren's The Purpose-Driven Life. I've owned it for a while, but was always reading another plan. Today, I decided it was time to begin this famous book and see what all the hoopla is about. I've only read the first day and I'm hooked. So much truth is packed into four pages. He reiterates points that I've heard before but hadn't quite resonated with me. Today I realized, with the help of this book, that I cannot find my purpose in life without Him. Without Him I have no purpose. But I am so thankful that my Creator gives me purpose! He created me for His glory and there's truly no other way to live.  

Another quick thought: Last night at Midtown we were discussing Galatians 1:13 and Paul's "previous" or "former" life. If you have accepted Jesus, think about how your life would be different right now without Him. It was mind boggling for me to think about. I would be consumed with what others think of me, my failures would surely define me, I wouldn't be in Kappa, and I would DEFINITELY find it very difficult to love those with different views or opinions than me. It's terrifying to think of what I would be seeking to give me value, but we are ALL invited to have a FORMER life. What a beautiful thing! Listen to the sermon HERE. 

I have been searching for a good pair of loose, "boyfriend" jeans. Who knew I would find this awesome pair in Mom's closet. I'm obsessed. 

Photos by Shelby McIntosh

oversized thermal--from Bohemian in Columbia, SC

jeans--Seven for All Mankind (old)

boots--Dolce Vita

scarf--Grandma's 

Have a great day!

Inspiration Saturday.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:13

Very convicting this morning. I've been fretting about what I'm doing this summer, this week, and every day. How silly of me. He is in control. I should be seeking Him and only Him and then everything will fall into place. Much easier said than done, but I am thankful for this verse and His perfection this morning. 

Here's a long overdue inspiration post for y'all. I rekindled my relationship with Tumblr last night. It was good to be back. Here are some wonderful images I found. All sources can be found on my Tumblr. 

Today I'm really feeling the 50s, fall layers, fabulous people like Karlie Kloss, Anna Wintour, and Alexa Chung, and, of course, John and James. 

Also, a very happy birthday to my beautiful friend, Katy! Have fun living it up in NYC, Miss 21 year-old! 

Update.

The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it. 

1 Corinthians 10:26

Sorry for not blogging this week, guys. I've been getting back into the swing of things. I returned to Columbia and classes and Kappa. It's been wonderful, but very busy and actually quite confusing. Thankfully it's the weekend and I have some time to breathe. I hope to have an outfit post up soon! But until then, here is a picture of the parking lot in front of my house in the middle of the storms that hit last night. The sunset was breathtaking with all the clouds and breaks in clouds. I loved the reflection of the pink, purple, and blue on the pavement. I walked outside to leave for the gym and immediately ran back upstairs and grabbed my camera. This doesn't do it justice, but I thought it a pretty cool photo. Enjoy. And have a great weekend. 

Pinehurst: Banquet

He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray. 

Proverbs 10:17

A picture of my sister and me at the banquet Saturday night in Pinehurst. It was loads of fun seeing all the horse show people I never get to see anymore. 

My dress is from Francesca's 

I hope you all have had a great day! 

Pinehurst: Day 2

For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.

Romans 7:18

I was so relieved when I read this verse this morning. I feel such an inability to do God's will so often. I am so caught up in my sinful nature. I am incredibly thankful for this verse, for Paul's wisdom, and to know that I'm not alone. There is good news that follows, however. Jesus' grace is sufficient. He knows that we are sinful by nature, and He still loved us enough to die for us on the cross. He did the good that we cannot. And for this, I am thankful and wanting to glorify Him all the more. 

Photo by my sister, Olivia

Day 2 in Pinehurst, feeling very furry. I'll admit it, I found myself petting my shoulder more times than once. It's a great stress reliever. 

sweater-- J. Crew

vest-- Mom's 

sunglasses-- Jimmy Choo (old)

Have a great day, everyone! 

Pinehurst: Day 1

The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still. 

Exodus 14:14

The #shereadstruth memory verse for the week. And a great one to remember, at that. He's on our side. 

Here is the outfit I wore the first day I was in Pinehurst this weekend. 

Notice anything different? ;) 

Jacket-- Barbour

Scarf-- from Zest in Raleigh, NC

Jeans-- Levi's

Boots-- Matisse

What do you think of my new haircut? I was so tired of long hair and ready for a different look.

Have a great Monday, everyone. I am savoring this last week until I have to go back to school! 

Weekend Getaway.

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

1 Corinthians 10:13

He will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear and He ALWAYS provides a way out. Our God is great! 

source: The Sartorialist

Hello all. Just a little post for today. I saw this image on The Sartorialist and felt so inspired. Such a beautiful Fall/Winter color palette. And I love the oxfords. And her hair! Ah, love it all. I hope this inspires you as much as it does me. 

I am off to Pinehurst for the weekend for the NCHJA Banquet. I hope to take lots of pictures to show you! Until then, have a wonderful weekend! Make the most of it. 

Oh yeah, and keep up with all my adventures on instagram! 

@makenagranger

2013 Resolutions.

There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD. 

Proverbs 21:30

So appropriate for New Years resolutions. If He wants you to succeed, you WILL. And He ONLY wants what's BEST for us. I find comfort here today. 

I've found it's very easy to visualize me doing things better in the future, but most of the time when the future actually rolls around, I just want to keep doing the same old thing. This year I want to change that. I want to ACTUALLY do the things I intend to do. Including this post. In the past I haven't voiced my New Years resolutions, or even come up with any, because of the reason I just mentioned. In the hopes that I will follow through with these resolutions, I am going to post them here, as a way of holding myself accountable.

*take note: as I was writing these, I began to feel as if I was writing more of a bucket list than resolutions, I guess it's a little of both* 

Resolution #1(most important): Pray More 
I've been in a little faith rut (I think that's the best term for it) over the past few months. Thinking about myself too much and Jesus not enough. I want to change this, but I can't do it all in my own power. Prayer and walking with the Holy Spirit are the only ways I can change this. Consider this a prayer in itself. A prayer to pray more.

Resolution #2: Fashion-wise, focus on Classic, not Trendy
It's so easy to get caught up in the silly fashion trends, especially when you're like me and you read multiple fashion blogs a day. Some are great, don't get me wrong. But then there are some that I just follow because everyone else seems to. It's time I focus on the classic pieces, the ones that will last forever, and the ones that truly resonate with me.

Resolution #3: Eat Healthier
This won't be an easy one for me. When it comes to food, my will-power is very low. When I crave a burger and fries, I go get a burger and fries. It's time to change that. Time to eat my veggies, healthier snacks, and make an effort to cut down on the sweets and fatty foods. If I want to feel healthier, this is the way to go.

Resolution #4: Run A 5k
I am not a runner, but I want to be. Last semester I was running 2+ miles at least 3 times a week. I want to mentally and physically prepare myself to run longer and hopefully, one day this year, run a 5k. If you have any advice on mental preparation (my weakest point as I don't do well with an idle mind), PLEASE let me know.

That's all, folks. 4 is plenty in my book. What are your resolutions for 2013?