Faith & Fashion by Ruthie Ridley

 

Ruthie and I are more excited about this collaboration than you’ll ever know…like, if 2017 wasn’t off to such a full throttle start, I maaaay not have been able to sleep last night for sheer first-day-of-school-feels. Good thing I’m living for my next sleep already, so that wasn’t a problem! :) Needless to say, I’m thrilled to have Ruthie share her heart full of faith and fashion on today’s post. We’re trading spaces, so head here to read my perspective!

Shop the post:

RUTHIE'S LOOK - Dress: Charlotte Russe | Boots: ASOS (30% off) | Bag: Marshall's

JESSICA'S LOOK - Sequin Top: ASOS | Shift Dress: similar here | Tights: ASOS | Over-the-knee Boots: Nordstrom Rack (60% off) | Lip Color: Tarte Moody

What is faith?! This Scripture sums it up so well for me and I have to remind myself of my core beliefs through this verse often: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1) So many times in my life, I’ve had to rely on my faith to get me through difficult seasons, provide me hope even when I don’t have an answer. Countless times I’ve not seen the fruit of what I’m believing for or needing right away, but then I remember… “The evidence of things not seen.” God is faithful.

A person's belief system is built off of experience. My experience with God is this: He will always come through for me. It is almost NEVER the way I anticipate or expect, but He comes through in His way and in His timing. A Scripture that reminds me of this truth is this one: "My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the Lord. "And My ways are far beyond anything you could imagine." (Isaiah 55:8) My relationship with God has become an issue of trust. Every day, every hour, and every season, I have to ask myself these questions honestly: "Do I believe that you are good? Do I believe that you are going to do what you say you will in your Word? Do I believe that you are faithful?" I have not mastered the art of zero fear, anxiety and restlessness, but I know that I am not looking back…I continue to choose Him even when I don't understand and I can't see two feet in front of me! Faith is a choice and a daily decision. It is what enlarges our hearts toward God and causes us to believe more and more.

On to a lighter topic, shall we?! Fashion. Fashion makes me happy…it brings me joy. I know that sounds totally crazy, but I get excited when I see a beautiful piece, gorgeous design, a nice print, cool shoes, outlandish tights and so on! Just about anything in the fashion world gets my wheels turning. I think what I love the most about fashion is that there are really no rules. What you think is cool is cool! What you don't think works doesn't have to work for you! Fashion has become a form of expression to me. I know that when I put something on, I am making a statement…I am saying something. Sometimes what I'm saying with what I wear is loud and sometimes it's quiet…but it’s a statement either way. You can make a statement in something as simple and as small as a pair of earrings or a lipstick shade, and the rest your outfit could be completely "plain."

Fashion is an art and it is a form of creativity that is always changing and evolving. It is a space where people can learn from one another and appreciate each other's tastes. I love that. Here are a few fashion bloggers that I look up to you quite a bit! You will notice that each of their styles are very different from one another but I still love their sense of style.

Happily Grey, www.happilygrey.com

Sincerely Jules, http://sincerelyjules.com

Amberfillerup, http://www.barefootblonde.com

The Pin from our Pinterest board that drove our inspiration for these looks: http://patterncurator.org

Thank you for letting me hang out in Jessica's space today! We had such a great time shooting these looks and planning it all out! We spent a few months on Pinterest adding pins to a board to get our creative juices flowing! Here you see the final product!

Stay tuned, because Jessica and I have one more really fun look coming next week that is all about the pantone colors for 2017! You do not want to miss this post! Until then, I would love to hear YOUR thoughts on faith and fashion!

Happy Monday and have an amazing week!

Ruthie

In ,

Happy 1st Birthday, jessicasheppard.com!

 

Insert streamers, jazz hands and all of the boomerangs, cause we’re celebrating jessicasheppard.com’s 1st birthday! Wow, what a whirlwind. Leading up to the New Year, I always love reviewing, remembering and recounting my steps. 2016 is especially significant since my baby blog is turning ONE. I don’t have giant gold foil balloons that spell the word “one,” but I do have one million steps and windblown hair, symbolizing my year (mmmkk), this Chicwish blazer and a $500 gift card (enter to win below).

Anyway, I was thinking no better time to take you back to my roots! Since you've only known me for one year (some of you less, some of you more?), I'm cliff-noting my 26 years with you, because we have a lot of catching up to do. Wearing my heart on my Chicwish sleeve in 3, 2, 1...

With each season of my life, I’ve seemed to discover new creative expressions and over time, I’ve developed a little collection…it’s like a jewelry box inside of me. It’s probably blush pink on the outside with a ballerina on the inside. She twirls as the tinker toy music plays in the background. It’s filled with the things I love doing and the ways I love expressing myself…the things that keep my ballerina spinning. Each piece of jewelry is an individual, unique expression of the multifaceted work I put my hands to…each one represents a different part of my personality, my abilities, my character…my flair. But cumulatively, that jewelry collection is the expression of my life. (Have I lost anyone yet?)

I tend to wonder, has each jewel always been there?...just hiding away waiting for the perfect moment to reveal itself? Or was I actually given one piece of jewelry to start with?...and the jewels somehow multiplied? That’s far too deep a subject for now, but it’s a wonder worth wondering, that’s for sure.

Anyway, to square one.

My dad has been in the Christian music industry for nearly 40 years now, so I grew up surrounded by music. I started traveling with my parents at six weeks old and grew up taking classical piano lessons. 5-year-old Jessica highly resisted practicing, while 26-year-old Jessica owes her parents her salary for not letting her quit.

Grandma Verna (Dad’s mom) was a cook, painter and seamstress. I seem to have her artistry in my blood (except I’m not too sure about the cooking part—time will tell). My parents used to have a trunk full of her fabric scraps upstairs in our loft. I would dig through the textures and patterns, safety pin, chip bag buckle, bow tie, knot and ultimately makeshift pieces of fabric together to create my look (I seriously need to find the pictures). I’d add glittery blue eyeshadow, shiny pink lipgloss and clear mascara for the full effect. Next, I’d line several beach towels out in a row at the bottom of our staircase to create a runway, get the boombox ready for action and head down the steps for the fashion show. (I guess you could say not much has changed since then.)

Fast forward to the teen years…I started playing piano at Gateway Church at age 14, developed an interest in photography through middle school, began shooting professionally in high school, graduated as a homeschooler (shout out to the cool kids club), attended Christ For The Nations Institute, discovered a love for designing jewelry (which turned into a fundraiser for a summer mission trip at CFNI), majored in art at Dallas Baptist University (which is where I discovered my love for drawing, painting and mixed media)—all the while continued to play piano at church, which is where I now serve full time as an Associate Worship Pastor at Gateway Church—the music director/pianist at our Southlake campus. I travel with various music artists, take lifestyle/portrait photographs (see a bit of my portfolio here), and when I’m not playing music or taking pictures, I’m pictured in front of the camera as a blogger (happy one year, blogosphere). So over time, my platform has grown through the variety of these creative expressions and my blog is where they all come together as one expression.

So as you can gather, faith is the foundation of my life, music is the rhythm, travel is the routine and fashion is the personality. Pictures are the gift by which I capture my life and the blog is the vehicle by which I share it.

Instead of living from a step-by-step life plan that I’ve tediously estimated and humanly calculated, I dream outlandish dreams, surrender my days to God and am obedient to what He’s asked me to do…that’s it. Everyone craves thrill and adventure, but many don’t seem to realize living a life for God is truly the riskiest life you could ever dare to live. I don’t know what the future holds, but I know today…and I do my best not to worry about tomorrow. God has always been faithful to me and I confidently stand on the fact that He’ll continue to do so. All I can do is be faithful in return with what’s in my hands…today.

With each decision I make to honor God, He seems to light up the next step at just the right time…never late, never early…one day at a time, one step at a time (I seriously wish sometimes He gave me more heads up). I picture the Dance Dance Revolution arcade game…my life is less like a dance floor and more like a path, but it looks like Dance Dance Revolution squares. A neon light illuminates the next square, and I step on it—and again—a neon light illuminates the next square, and I step on it.

This life is a story God is writing and this is where I open the pages of my God story…the blog. This is-out-of-control surrender. This is a risk worth taking. This is adventure at its finest. This is a fun chapter for us to enjoy together. And so we dance. This path is LIT.

Shop the Post:

Double Breasted Longline Blazer in Beige: c/o Chicwish (under $60) | Pants: Hudson Jeans | Booties: Sam Edelman (similar here) | Crossbody: Old Navy (similar here) | Hand Charm: Kendra Scott c/o Rocksbox (read more about Rocksbox here)

I love this blazer more than I ever would've imagined having seen it only online! Throw a black tee on, add blazer and GO! Perfect modern, minimalistic feel (complete with shoulder pads), but I added the floral chiffon underneath to keep the romantic eclectic vibe alive.

Happy 1st Birthday, jessicasheppard.com, and here's to many more. I'm excited as I continue taking the steps I know to take...one day at a time. Thanks for riding shotgun on this wild ride with me! I'm celebrating because of you. To show you my love, enter to win a $500 gift card to Lululemon! It'll be the best party favor ever to one special reader. :)

Now…it’s time for a fabulous giveaway! I’ve teamed up with an amazing group of bloggers to give YOU a chance to win: a $500 Lululemon Gift Card, just in time for the first of the year!

Simply enter below by completing the rafflecopter. You’ll receive one entry per completion. This giveaway is open internationally and runs until 12/28. Winner will be announced here. Good Luck!

$500 Lululemon Gift Card a Rafflecopter giveaway

In ,

Mint Condition Transition | FAITH + FASHION

I've been thinking a lot lately about transition and how uncomfortable it can be to move from one season of life to the next. Whether it's high school to college, job to new job, single to married, married to new mom, city to another city—or if you’re paused (or seemingly stuck) somewhere in between—it can feel like a rather ungraceful process of moving through life's chapters.

If you're very familiar with Dallas weather, you'll understand the struggle: just when you think fall has arrived, don’t go pumpkin spice latte CRA, cause you might need A/C the next day. Needless to say, our region has an awkward way of moving from season to season. Many years feel as though we experience no fall at all. I’ve surprisingly enjoyed some light jacket weather this time around, but even still…fall is halfway gone and we’re continuing to hit (almost) 90° weather.

I've typically thought about the word “transition” as it relates to life’s big changes. But meanwhile in the fashion world, I see the word “transition” in a style context on a daily basis. Whether it’s a great “transitional piece,” or a versatile “transitional look,” it’s an item of clothing that serves as an aid to shift your wardrobe from one season to the next with comfort and ease.

Wow, that must be nice! What if we had that for our life transitions? Because let’s be honest…while some big life changes feel as natural as turning a crispy page in a book, others take several chapters of space, dragging on and on before any progress or advancement seems to arrive. So…are there transitional pieces suited for life's seasons? What can I “put on” to help carry me from one season to the next? (Continued below...)

Put on a teachable spirit.

Learn what you need to learn from your current season and circumstances so you can continue moving forward. I know I don’t want to be the cause of any extra delays in my life!

Put on contentment.

Don’t miss out on today looking for tomorrow. “The life of faith is lived one day at a time, and it has to be lived—not always looked forward to as though the ‘real’ living were around the corner. It is today for which we are responsible. God still owns tomorrow.” – Elisabeth Elliot

Put on gratitude.

Watch your grumbles carefully, for they could be among your neighbor's greatest desires. I’ve often observed conversations where one friend is complaining about being up all night with her baby, while the other friend has experienced multiple miscarriages …she’d love to be up all night with a baby. Perspective is everything and a thankful heart is key!

Put on adaptability.

If you’re a planner, life might getcha real good! :) There are some things that simply cannot be anticipated (what a bummer, right?). It might look different than you expected. It might come at an odd time. But not to worry…God is never early and He’s never late. His timing is always perfect even when we don’t understand.

Put on a smile.

Enjoy the ride! :)

Top: ASOS | Pants: Old Navy | Boots: similar here | Watch: Daniel Wellington (use my code SHEPPARD for 15% off your purchase) | Lip Color: Sephora + Buxom

Similar over-the-knee looks:

If you’re not currently experiencing a transition in life, maybe you just came out of one or are headed into one. I’ve included some Scriptures below that I find particularly encouraging when I’m in a season of transition. Leave me a comment and tell me what you find helpful through a time of change, uncertainty, or waiting! I'd love to hear what you think.

Happy transitioning! – said no one ever. :)

Much love,

Jess

“If God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” – Matthew 6:30-34

“Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” – Psalm 37:3-4

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:12-13

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” – Romans 12:15

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” – Proverbs 31:25

"Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

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We are custom-made people to praise God. He's doing something new, so forget about what's happened...don't keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. He's doing something BRAND NEW! [paraphrased from Isaiah 43:16-21, today's JAM] Lots of lov
This week was MINT to be...going down in history!!! In other news, this dress on severe discount and I can't not tell you! Shopping link here: http://liketk.it/2prlm . . . #dallasblogger #dallasfashion #styleblog #fashionblog #blogger #fblogger #curr
Buggy Only parking 🚫 | Exploring Amish country with the British kids . . . #dallasblogger #dallasfashion #fromwhereistand #styleblog #style #fashionblog #blogger #fblogger #styleblogger #lookbook #flashesofdelight #adventure #explore #mystyle #wande
"Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am." [Philippians‬ ‭4:10-14‬ ‭MSG‬] . . . #dallasblogger #dallasfashion #styleblog #fashionblog #blogger #fblogger #currentlywearing #styleblogger
Going with the flow...🌸 [Linking my $57 pleated maxi skirt and favorite floral bell sleeves here: http://liketk.it/2pq9M] . . . #dallasblogger #dallasfashion @liketoknow.it #liketkit #styleblog #fashionblog #blogger #fblogger #currentlywearing #styl
Don't miss out! If you haven't joined yet, check my gallery for the same photo for a chance to win this prize package!
Turning up to be quite a "smashing" week with my new friends, @martinsmithtv and crew 👍🏼 I might even gain a liking for coffee, followed by a British accent?? . . . #dallasblogger #dallasfashion #styleblog #picoftheday #fashionblog #blogg
Don't miss out! If you haven't joined yet, check my gallery for the same photo for a chance to win this prize package!
Go to next --> @sugarrose.co GIVEAWAY TIME! One lucky follower will win this prize package which consists of a brand new iPad mini, Kate Spade tote bag, Kate Spade wallet, Kate Spade iPad mini case, Kate Spade sunglasses, Urban Decay NAKED palett
Keeping time with @danielwellington and charging up with my new luggage! USB station FTW 🔋 DFW > PHL today! Up up and @AWAY! #ad #sponsored . . . #dallasblogger #dallasfashion #travelaway #fashion #styleblog #fashionblog #blogger #fblogger #curre
BLOGGED ✔️ Styling this $32 velvet cardigan 3 different ways! LINK IN BIO >> . . . #dallasblogger #dallasfashion #wiwt #styleblog #style #fashionblog #blogger #fblogger #styleblogger #flashesofdelight #mystyle #pursuepretty #todaysoutfit #blogg
"There is never a wrong time for a polka dot." - Mark Jacobs [BACK IN STOCK! Shop with this link: http://liketk.it/2poiP] . . . #dallasblogger #dallasfashion @liketoknow.it #liketkit #wiwt #styleblog #style #fashionblog #blogger #fblogger #
"How do I find the right photographer?" 🤔 3 tips in your search for the when looking the perfect picture-taker #ontheblog (plus photos from my most recent shoot)! Link in bio>> . . . #dallasblogger #dallasfashion #takeportraits #styl
101316 inspo: “God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and b
Frills and fringe, the jam for every season (but especially when your dress goes on sale 💃🏻)! Link to shop: http://liketk.it/2pn4o | And if you love @kendrascott like me, get a free month of designer jewelry from @Rocksbox with my code: JESSICASHEP
Coming soon to the blog! ✌🏼️Shop this $32 velvet duster EARLY here: http://liketk.it/2pmzu @liketoknow.it #liketkit . . . #dallasblogger #dallasfashion #onlineshopping #wiwt #styleblog #style #fashionblog #blogger #fblogger #currentlywearing #styleb
In , ,

On the Road with Martin Smith | FAITH + TRAVEL

To say Martin Smith is a forerunner in worship music would be an understatement (cue I Could Sing of Your Love Forever, Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble?, Emmanuel, God’s Great Dance Floor, etc.). He’s been a leader, innovator, influencer and model for the church world for 25 years, and he’s made a significant impact on my world recently.

On August 18, 2016, I played keyboards for Martin at Gateway Church for a special night of worship. You may recall my Snapchat from that night...included below. :) This was a “once in a lifetime” experience for me personally, considering the fact that his distinguished and recognizable sound was the soundtrack to my earlier years.

Two weeks later, I received a text asking if I’d be interested in playing at a conference in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with Martin and his band. Would I be interested??? My “once in a lifetime” was transforming before my eyes (insert all of the emojis here).

I really didn’t know what to expect. I love Martin Smith’s musicianship and leadership, but I’d only spent about 5 hours with him to this point. Those 5 hours turned into a 5-day ministry trip, which left me feeling like family with a group of people I’d never met.

I arrived at the Philly airport around the same time as 3 Brits arrived from London Heathrow. We met up and drove 2 hours together to Lancaster. Needless to say, we had some good ole’ quality time right off the bat! My roommate for the week was Elle, who arrived late that evening…just as I was jumping into bed. Nothing like first impressions!

Here come the photo diaries, along with some continued #fangirling, but I'll do my best to keep it to a minimum. :)

VIDEO RECAP | CLICK HERE!

COFFEE MATES

Coffee is a MUST for this crew, so a walk to the local coffee shop became our morning routine.

DELIRIOUS? MATES

Martin and Stu G were in a band called Delirious? for two decades together, but they haven’t properly played together since then. The legends reunited on this trip...what a special occasion!!!

*Note to self: leave your camera sitting around more often...^^*

LANCASTER MATES

AMISH MATES

Our trip to Lancaster wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Amish country! That afternoon included following a guided tour bus around town, exploring a local gift shop and blasting tunes with the windows down…until we accidentally got behind the wrong truck.

BAND MATES

The musicianship is unmatched…I mean, seriously. What am I doing here and how am I playing with Martin Smith and Stu G?! But more importantly, the genuine care, encouragement and FUN I experienced was more than words could ever say. This was one of the best weeks of my life musically, spiritually, creatively and personally—and I don’t say that lightly. I came home inspired and motivated on every level.

*Side note: Martin has a new band called ARMY OF BONES! I used their song “Break Away” in my recap video…be sure to check them out!*

Live event photos by Tom Limebear | Travel photos by Jessica Sheppard | Edits by Jessica Sheppard

This experience has stirred my faith. 3 months ago, I could hardly fathom playing with Martin at Gateway. It never crossed my mind that anything else would come of it. What a God surprise! Life's circumstances can look entirely different in a moment's time. Anything and everything is possible. Overwhelmingly humbled. Overwhelmingly grateful.

Thank you Martin and friends for a week to remember.

Much love,

Jess

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We are custom-made people to praise God. He's doing something new, so forget about what's happened...don't keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. He's doing something BRAND NEW! [paraphrased from Isaiah 43:16-21, today's JAM] Lots of lov
This week was MINT to be...going down in history!!! In other news, this dress on severe discount and I can't not tell you! Shopping link here: http://liketk.it/2prlm . . . #dallasblogger #dallasfashion #styleblog #fashionblog #blogger #fblogger #curr
Buggy Only parking 🚫 | Exploring Amish country with the British kids . . . #dallasblogger #dallasfashion #fromwhereistand #styleblog #style #fashionblog #blogger #fblogger #styleblogger #lookbook #flashesofdelight #adventure #explore #mystyle #wande
"Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am." [Philippians‬ ‭4:10-14‬ ‭MSG‬] . . . #dallasblogger #dallasfashion #styleblog #fashionblog #blogger #fblogger #currentlywearing #styleblogger
Going with the flow...🌸 [Linking my $57 pleated maxi skirt and favorite floral bell sleeves here: http://liketk.it/2pq9M] . . . #dallasblogger #dallasfashion @liketoknow.it #liketkit #styleblog #fashionblog #blogger #fblogger #currentlywearing #styl
Don't miss out! If you haven't joined yet, check my gallery for the same photo for a chance to win this prize package!
Turning up to be quite a "smashing" week with my new friends, @martinsmithtv and crew 👍🏼 I might even gain a liking for coffee, followed by a British accent?? . . . #dallasblogger #dallasfashion #styleblog #picoftheday #fashionblog #blogg
Don't miss out! If you haven't joined yet, check my gallery for the same photo for a chance to win this prize package!
Go to next --> @sugarrose.co GIVEAWAY TIME! One lucky follower will win this prize package which consists of a brand new iPad mini, Kate Spade tote bag, Kate Spade wallet, Kate Spade iPad mini case, Kate Spade sunglasses, Urban Decay NAKED palett
Keeping time with @danielwellington and charging up with my new luggage! USB station FTW 🔋 DFW > PHL today! Up up and @AWAY! #ad #sponsored . . . #dallasblogger #dallasfashion #travelaway #fashion #styleblog #fashionblog #blogger #fblogger #curre
BLOGGED ✔️ Styling this $32 velvet cardigan 3 different ways! LINK IN BIO >> . . . #dallasblogger #dallasfashion #wiwt #styleblog #style #fashionblog #blogger #fblogger #styleblogger #flashesofdelight #mystyle #pursuepretty #todaysoutfit #blogg
"There is never a wrong time for a polka dot." - Mark Jacobs [BACK IN STOCK! Shop with this link: http://liketk.it/2poiP] . . . #dallasblogger #dallasfashion @liketoknow.it #liketkit #wiwt #styleblog #style #fashionblog #blogger #fblogger #
"How do I find the right photographer?" 🤔 3 tips in your search for the when looking the perfect picture-taker #ontheblog (plus photos from my most recent shoot)! Link in bio>> . . . #dallasblogger #dallasfashion #takeportraits #styl
101316 inspo: “God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and b
Frills and fringe, the jam for every season (but especially when your dress goes on sale 💃🏻)! Link to shop: http://liketk.it/2pn4o | And if you love @kendrascott like me, get a free month of designer jewelry from @Rocksbox with my code: JESSICASHEP
Coming soon to the blog! ✌🏼️Shop this $32 velvet duster EARLY here: http://liketk.it/2pmzu @liketoknow.it #liketkit . . . #dallasblogger #dallasfashion #onlineshopping #wiwt #styleblog #style #fashionblog #blogger #fblogger #currentlywearing #styleb

In ,

Step Up + Step Out | FAITH + FASHION

I'm thinking PINK today, can you tell?! I'm so excited to share this look and even more excited to share the inspiration behind it. Looking back on the photos, I couldn't shake the thought of boldness and what it's taken to get to more of a place of BOLD. 

I've always considered myself to be a creative and over the years, I've heard people say, "creativity is risky." That statement has just never resonated with me...creativity has never been risky...it's been natural. But I get it now. Blogging was my "risky" move. It's a courageous out-of-the-box step. It's different. It's vulnerable. Insert all of the emotions that follow. It was an idea living at the back side of my brain for more than 5 years, but how do I move what's in my heart into my hands?

Do you have a dream tugging at your heart, but feel hesitant? Maybe you have more questions than answers. Many of my friends are currently going back to square one and asking, "What do I want to do with my life?" Are you re-evaluating too? Re-prioritizing? Re-strategizing? It's time to do the things that are in your heart. Here's some food for thought as you consider your coming days.

Step up:

  • Is the timing right?

  • Are you fearful of failing?

  • Are you fearful of people's opinions? What will they think?

  • Are YOU stopping you? Do you think you're not good enough? Do you actually believe anything is possible?

Get practical:

  • What's stopping you?
  • Do you have the resources you need?
  • Do you have people in your life who can help?...people you can learn and grow from as you take your first steps and walk it out?
  • Do you have time? If you add this to your life, will something need to be taken off your plate as a result? 
  • Is what you're starting sustainable long-term? Can you commit with diligence, on a consistent basis?

Get real:

  • Be patient with the process.
  • Be gentle with yourself.
  • Be open to input.
  • Be obedient as you trust God.

Step out:

  • Be bold.
  • Be strong.
  • Be courageous.

"Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

On to the bold statement look I referred to. :) This swing top is on sale for $20.50 and the sheer bomber is only $36! Great prices and I loved styling the pinks together like this. The fringe flatform sneakers have been on repeat, if you haven't noticed. I linked them below too!

Swing Top: ASOS | Cropped Mesh Bomber: ASOS | Prescription Glasses: c/o Coastal

Okay, it's time to be bold! Believe that God can do great things through you. As you step up and step out, He will be faithful to open the right doors in His perfect timing.

Jess

Jessica Sheppard's blog is part of an affiliate advertising program. If you click and/or make a purchase through certain links on this site or any related social media platforms, I may make a commission from that purchase. All opinions are my own and gifted items are disclosed with c/o.

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