He's Not Petty

A friend of mine recently brought this to my attention when talking about blessings and lessons we encounter in our respective journies. I asked my friend if he believed God dealt with us according to what our sins deserved. My sweet friend paused at my question and replied, "Joy...God is not petty..."

I had to stop for a quick praise break! That really hit home for me. God is not a man that He should treat us as our actions indicate. He is not out to "give us a taste of our own medicine." Rather, He aims to love us (while rebuking us), and shower us with the very best of blessings.

The reality is, when God takes something away from us, it hurts. We bargain with God. We ponder the what ifs, the shoulds, woulds, and coulds. But what we fail to take joy in is the fact that something great might just possibly be en route. We loathe being patient (lol..well let me speak for myself..the waiting is seriously my least favourite in this journey called life).

God is great at giving and taking away....But when He takes something away He'll never fail to slide through with an upgrade. Imagine what you had, but bigger and better. Imagine what you had, but gifted to you when you are actually ready. He's not petty and not trying to play us, so just wait on it! :D

What I'm Wearing:

I had the pleasure of shooting this look with Will, an extremely talented LA based photographer!

Insta: @Will_CPhotos

Web: WillCharlesMedia.com

T-Shirt Dress: Forever 21

Distressed Denim Jeans: New Look (London)

Orange Pumps: Aldo

Blush Watch: River Island (London)

Gold Choker: Aldo

White Backpack: Zara

UNBOTHERED

Like many of us (well at least a majority of my friends and family), I was awakened by recent political events here in the States. I won't spend too much time discussing election results here on my blog, but I will say this:

I found solace in the fact that God cares for each and every one of us. He knows the desires of our hearts. He yearns to protect us. He promises to provide for us and could only ever want what is the very best for us. He promises to give us hope, a future, and an expected end (Jer 29:11). So please keep trusting and believing in Him no matter the turn of [any] events or circumstances. (We know God likes to show up and show out when we need Him the most! *Insert dancing girl emoji* Lol).

I'll leave you with this:
"And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose."

Romans 8:28

So keep shining. Keep doing what you love. Keep being a light. Keep smiling, loved ones!
In the words of Kendrick Lamar, "We gon' be alright!" :D

What I'm Wearing:

(This was worn as a simple movie-night ensemble)

Top (body suit): Forever 21

Black jeans: Topshop Joni Jeans

Purple bomber: Topshop

Lipwear: Tulle by Colour Pop

Watch: River Island (London)
Sunnies: Amazon

Photos by Melissa C. Olguin | @melcolguin

RENEWAL

Hi beauties!

My intention for this blog post was to be absolutely real with you all...but I decided to tone the realness down and sugar coat some things (for now lol).

To be very honest, these past few months have been remarkably out of the ordinary...and painful to be woefully honest.
God has thrown a few curve-balls my way that I was not at all expecting. I mean, can we have honesty hour? Sometimes things in life happen to you, and they just suck. Like absolutely suck. There's no sugar coating here. Yes, all things work together for our good, but sometimes it takes a while to see the good. But I am expectant, hopeful, and soooo ready to see the good because I know God is working it out for me :)
Writing and publishing this post was extremely difficult because like so many of us, I'm used to showcasing the good in life...Over the past few months, I've experienced hurt and felt confusion (in regards to so many things pertaining to career, business, relationships..car problems (ha)..you name it). My experiences have made me eager for a fresh start, change, and renewal. 
I've decided to take charge and let the whole 'new year, new me' (lol) cliche start now. I'm taking a leap of faith in my business, committing myself more to writing (and my blog..yay!), and being more intentional about letting God plan my life, while I focus on my growth.

I'm ready for a fresh start. I'm ready to move. I'm ready for a new environment, and I'm ready for new joy (pun not intended..but it worked!! haha).

I hope 2016 ends with a plot twist that is uplifting, refreshing, and absolutely needed for all of you..and I trust 2017 will be even more uplifting!

& with that, be prepared to see more blog posts from me :D

What I'm Wearing:

I had an amazing opportunity to speak at Loyola Marymount University's Fashion Society panel last week.

It was such a new experience and wonderful opportunity. I'm usually the one behind the scenes planning fashion events or hosting a panel discussion, so being on the opposite side was very different.

If you know me, you'll know I am absolutely AWKWARD and actually a bit shy when it comes speaking and letting my voice be heard. But I did it! I was super excited to have accomplished this feat especially because "Get Loud" (aka public speaking) was on my 2016 vision board.

I got to work with my friend from high school, Melissa C. Olguin on these shots. She is absolutely amazing!

Black Jumpsuit: Forever 21 (LA)

White Jumper: Zara (London)

Pink Coat: Primark (London)