Psalms of Gratitude

(Photo taken from the She Reads Truth store)

As we head into the holiday season, I feel like we tend to forget about Thanksgiving. We’ve taken on the same attitude as retailers, who skip straight to Christmas after Halloween, I’m sure because there isn’t as much money in celebrating thankfulness. I know I have to be really intentional in not overlooking Thanksgiving, which makes me a little sad. I have so many things to be grateful for year-round, so remembering to stop and celebrate a holiday that encourages gratefulness shouldn’t be so hard.

The SRT Psalms of Gratitude reading plan has been really good at helping me cultivate an attitude of thanksgiving as we get closer to one of the busiest times of the year. If I had to choose an absolute favorite book of the Bible, it would probably be Psalms. I love how honest and emotional they are, and I can always find one that speaks to me, no matter what kind of mood I’m in. This plan is different than ones I’ve done in the past, but I love how it’s making me think outside of the box. Every day, we read a different Psalm (here are the ones we’ve done so far—Psalm 100, Psalm 19, Psalm 34, Psalm 40, Psalm 66, Psalm 98, Psalm 103, and Psalm 118). After each reading, there’s some kind of response prompt instead of a “typical” devotion. Sometimes I have to write my own psalm. Sometimes I have to answer questions about things going on in my life that are similar to whatever the psalmist had written about. Whatever the prompt is, it points me back to my Heavenly Father and everything He’s done for me. I love this plan–it’s made me slow down and just be in the moment, appreciating everything that’s going on and everything I’ve been given.

The prompt I wanted to share with you actually wasn’t inspired by a Psalm, but by 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18—“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” I was asked to create a gratitude list of things I could be thankful for in different circumstances, and let me tell you, it was challenging. But it was also good; my gratefulness and joy in Christ shouldn’t be limited by my circumstances. He is good, all the time. Period. My attitude of thanksgiving should reflect that simple truth. I encourage you to take the time to fill out your own gratitude list using the prompt below. I’d love to hear how this exercise went for you.

Gratitude List (from She Reads Truth): I will give thanks in…
1. this joyful thing:
2. this suffering:
3. this certainty:
4. this stress:
5. this injustice:
6. this sorrow:
7. this plenty:
8: this want:
9. this wandering:
10: this waiting:

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and I pray that you are reminded of just how much each of us has to be thankful for.

Stitch Fix Review #2

It’s time for my second Stitch Fix review! I waited (somewhat) patiently for almost six weeks before I got this happy box on my doorstep.

In case you missed my first review or still aren’t sure what Stitch Fix is, read this post for more information. In simple terms, you fill out a Style Profile about your body type, style/fit preferences, and likes/dislikes, pay $20, and get sent five items that a stylist picked out specifically for you. If you keep any of the items, your $20 goes to pay for them. You also get a 25% discount if you keep everything.

I once again stuck with Kathryn as my stylist, and I really enjoy what she picks out for me. My requests for this box were this shirt I’d seen on Stitch Fix’s Instagram and a dress for  my upcoming birthday. It was really hard not to peek at my box once I got the shipping information, but I’m glad I didn’t. I love opening it up and seeing the colors and patterns before taking everything out.

I wish I could show you my reactions to everything as I pulled them out. I was so excited by the colors (burgundy! gray! black and white!), and everything looked so cute. Here’s what I got, in the order I tried them on the first time.

Item #1: 41Hawthorn Adlis Dress (RETURNED)

It might be hard to tell in this picture with the weird light situation going on, but this dress was a really pretty pinkish-burgundy color. The classy style is very me, but it was too small and short. Plus, I didn’t really want to buy a short-sleeved dress in November.

Item #2: Staccato Aleia Mixed Material Pullover Sweater (KEPT)
Item #3: Liverpool Anita Skinny Pant (KEPT)

I love both of these pieces so much that I don’t know what to talk about first! Ha. I think Kathryn sent me this shirt as kind of a “replacement” for the black gingham one that I’d requested because they’re both a mixed media style. I already have a lot of navy/dark blue tops, so obviously I like that color, and I think plaid is so cute for fall and winter. This shirt is definitely unique–I did some searching online and on the Stitch Fix Facebook group for others who’d gotten it, and a lot of people didn’t like it. I didn’t let that deter me, though, because it made me happy every time I tried it on.

Here’s a back view so you can see the interesting side detail and ruffle hem. Now, about the pants. I actually didn’t realize this at first, but I have an outfit saved from Stitch Fix’s Pinterest board that has a pair of burgundy-colored pants. Getting these in my box further illustrates that Kathryn pays attention to my Style board, which of course I love. These pants, which aren’t jeans but are heavier than normal leggings, are so soft and comfortable. They’re a little long on me (notice the bunching around my ankles), but I read a lot of reviews that said they’ll shrink up a bit. Hopefully they won’t shrink too much! I love this outfit and am already planning on wearing it on my birthday next week. 🙂

Item #4: Collective Concepts Herzel Faux Wrap Blouse (RETURNED)

I really liked the pattern and style of this shirt. It’s one I could get a lot of wear out of between work and church. However, I had the same problem with this shirt as I had with the pretty blue one from my last Fix. It was too tight on the bottom instead of flowing away from my body, which I knew was a deal-breaker for me.

Item #5: Market & Spruce Alan French Asymmetrical Zip Cardigan (RETURNED)

This cardigan was super soft, but that was about the only positive thing it had going for me. I didn’t mind how it looked when it was open, but it was too small when I zipped it. Plus, the whole asymmetrical/motocross style isn’t really my thing.

So, after keeping one thing from my first two Fixes, I kept two this go-around. As silly as it may sound, I really feel like I’m developing a relationship with Kathryn, and she continues to send me things that fit my style that I might not have picked out for myself. I look forward to continuing to use her as my stylist. I’m not sure when I’m going to schedule another Fix, but I’ll probably wait until after the holidays. That way I can see if I get any clothes as gifts and if I have any needs for my winter wardrobe.

Let me know what you thought of my Fix! If you’re still on the fence about trying it, now would be the time to tell any family members about getting you a gift card. 😉 If you do sign up, I’d love if you used my referral link. Thanks for reading!

 

#OOTD: Dolman This

As you may remember from my first Stitch Fix review, the one item I kept from that box was a burgundy Market & Spruce dolman top. Did you know that the origin of “dolman” is Turkish? Well, now you do. I think dolman tops can be tricky, depending on how wide the sleeves are and just where exactly the sleeves are connected to the body of the shirt. Plus, those two factors are going to look different on different body types. I’ve had a couple of dolman/kimono-sleeve shirts in the past and have steered clear of them in recent years because I felt like they made me look wider (definitely not something I’m going for). However, the length and hem of this dolman top elongates my torso, which I think makes me look slimmer. Dolman for the win!

Please excuse my mirror selfies. Ha. The color of this top goes perfectly with both dark skinny jeans (what I’m wearing here) and black jeggings. I’m definitely going to try it with some lighter-colored pants, too.

Okay, I apologize for this awkward “model” pose, but I wanted to show you the dolman part of this top. Hopefully you can tell where that is…

I really love the pattern of this shirt and how easy it is to dress up or down. Also, these inside looks at my closet totally show off my love of stripes.

A note about my skinny jeans: I never thought I’d like skinny jeans, much less wear several variations and colors of them. These are from American Eagle, which is maybe my favorite place to get skinny jeans. They’re super stretchy and have held up really well through countless wears and washes. Even if you don’t think you’re the skinny jeans-type, you should try on a pair from AE. I’ll even go shopping with you!

If you like this outfit, here are some similar items to check out:

   
Forever 21 Textured Knit Dolman Top              Splendid Space Dye Dolman

American Eagle Dark Rinse Skinny Jean

Let me know if you’re thinking about adding a dolman top to your wardrobe!

Through Christ

As some of you may have seen on my About Me page, the most important thing in my life is my relationship with Jesus. At the end of the day, He is Who makes me who I am—I find my identity in Him. I haven’t shared anything specifically faith-related on the blog yet, but today I read something in my morning devotion that stuck out with me so much that I wanted to tell you all about it.

I follow daily devotional reading plans to help me read my Bible every morning. I’ve found that I have trouble staying focused if I don’t have a plan laid out with what to read/respond to every day. I like plans with Scripture and a corresponding devotion that expands on what I read in the verses. My favorite place for reading plans is She Reads Truth; I have their app and can easily follow along with the daily readings. I have learned so much from those ladies and plans over the years. Sometimes I use the YouVersion Bible app to find reading plans when there isn’t anything on SRT that I’d like to do. I just started a plan that uses songs from All Sons and Daughters as templates for each reading. If you’ve never heard of or listened to All Sons and Daughters, you should go check them out right now!

The Scripture focus for today was 1 Corinthians 8:6: “But for us, there is one God, the Father, by Whom all things were created, and for Whom we live. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through Whom all things were created, and through Whom we live.” The devotion focused on what it means to live and exist “through” Christ. As a self-proclaimed English/word nerd, I LOVE when I get a better understanding of Scripture through specific words and explication. Let me share what the devotion said:

“What does it mean to live or exist ‘through’ Christ? We must ask HIM to become the lens through which we view our daily lives. We must rely on HIM to be the filter through which we hear criticism from our boss or heartache from our friends or longing from our children. We must reach for HIM as the cloak we wear, shielding ourselves from doubt or pessimism or fear or anxiety or wounding. We must receive HIM as the fuel that steadies our hands as we serve, strengthens our legs as we run, sharpens our minds as we speak, and satisfies our hearts until all things are made right.”

Isn’t that just awesome? Seeing Christ as my lens, my filter, my cloak, and my fuel just emphasizes how I need to be completely yielded and live a life THROUGH Him. Let me know if this devotion spoke to you, too!