Hello 60! A Woman of Faith

Out of everything in my life that is important, my faith in Jesus Christ is at the top. I was raised in a Christian home, attending a small Bible church from the time I was small. My mother still has pictures of her and I going to church in matching dresses that she made for us. It wasn’t until I was twelve that I truly committed my life to Jesus. I always felt a pull toward Him, from the time I was very small, but at twelve, the same age I began to write, I finally understood He wanted my whole heart, and He wanted me to commit to believing in Him.

I honestly believe God’s hand was on me, and it was Him who kept me from going down a much different path. Just as with most junior and senior high schools there were plenty of opportunities to get involved in activities that weren’t glorifying to Him, but for some reason, I didn’t want that. I didn’t want to party. I didn’t want to drink, smoke, or do drugs. I was boy crazy, but most of it was worship from afar. It wasn’t until I had graduated from high school and was looking to go to Bible college that I got involved with a guy who didn’t know Jesus. I met him at the grocery store I was working at in my home town. If it was a test, I was going to fail, but God. He protected me from going too far physically, and helped me to break up with him. I was going to Bible college. I was going to be a missionary, because I couldn’t outrun the burning flame of His love.

I would not trade my three years at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL for anything. All of the learning, and experiences are part of who I am today. I grew in my knowledge and understanding of His word and of Biblical history. I participated in ministries, and mission trips that stretched my ability to get along with others, and die to my own selfish desires. It was during my time there on one of those trips that I met my husband Mark. I never did end up on the mission field, other than a summer trip to Africa where I almost died from Malaria. Mark and I married after I graduated in 1987.

Becoming a wife, and eventually a mom, and now a grandmother has brought about growth in my Christian life that I may never have experienced on the mission field. There are certainly other struggles and challenges for missionaries in addition to marriage and family. Perhaps God saw that I would not have been able to handle it. Perhaps, I would not have been a good fit in an intense ministry situation. The only thing that matters is trusting that He has it all figured out, and that He knows what is best.

I continue to grow in my faith, and God is amazing. He daily meets me right where I am and I try to remember to invite Him in to whatever I am doing, and feeling. He is certainly capable of handling my “issues”, and He gives me the strength and help to handle them as well.

Today’s outfit is truly a tribute to what I deem important in my day to day outfits: comfort, warmth (in the winter), texture, and modesty.

My pullover, Fair Isle type sweater was a Maurice’s piece from a few years ago. I love the colors. I found the Chevron print scarf at a thrift store this past year. I thought the colors very similar to those in the sweater, so I thought a bit of print mixing might be fun. I also added the flower medallion pendant necklace as another nod to the 70’s decade.

Style Tip: Choose similar colors in prints for print mixing ease.

This lovely thrifted denim midi skirt is so roomy and versatile. I used it for my Murder Mystery birthday party when I dressed up as Jessica Fletcher. This is a piece I will be able to use all year round. Right now it is perfect to pair with tall boots, for a fun dressy casual vibe.

Style Tip: Basics always stay in style. A denim skirt is essential for any wardrobe, but you don’t have to have a voluminous circle skirt. Go for a simple a-line or even a pencil shape for a more narrow silhouette.

This Liz Claiborne bag was another thrift treasure. I love the rich green color and the brown trim. I may just fill this up in the next few days and use it for a while. It isn’t there just to look at. Although with all the bags I have you would think that is the case. Ha, ha.

Style Tip: Purses are expensive, even the ones that aren’t leather. Try shopping second hand, or wait for end of season sales to help take the hit out of your pocket book.

These brown faux suede Sonoma boots were on clearance at Kohl’s, again from a few years ago. These are one of my favorite pairs of boots. I like the color, the strap and buckle and the slouch. I think this skirt would also look cute with ankle boots and cute tights or knee highs.

What do you think of this outfit? Would you wear something like this? What is your go to style? I’d love to hear your thoughts so leave me a comment or two.

I’m including a few shopping links for you to look over. I hope you enjoyed this post.

Having Fun with Layers - Plaid Skirt

I have been trying to get back to more of a regular posting schedule, but I am still struggling, so bear with me for a little while longer. Everything takes time, which is often the thing I am not really good at managing. Just when I am on the cusp of making changes and doing better, something seems to happen to throw me off. Last night I hardly got any sleep due to a sore neck. I have no idea what happened. I didn’t twist it or jerk it, but during the day I got a bad headache and by evening, my neck on one side felt like it was cramping up. Ugg. Now I have a big lump back there. Like many people, I carry my stress in my neck and shoulders. Yes, we carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. Ha. ha. Anyway, thank the Lord for ibuprofen, heating pads and frozen bags of corn and peas!

Having fun with layers - plaid skirt

Today’s outfit revolves around a thrifted plaid skirt. I have styled this Michelle brand skirt on the blog before. You can see how I styled it with a gingham shirt. It is a simple a-line piece with a fair amount of stretch, but still enough structure. The plaid pattern is embellished with an embroidered floral arrangement in the lower front corner of the skirt.

Having fun with layers - plaid skirt

Because I love when things have some continuity I chose to wear a sweater that matches the blue in the flowers. This is a thrifted Croft & Barrow cable knit piece. As you can tell, I like these types of sweaters and have a number of them in various colors.

I have been looking for an excuse to wear this thrifted HSZ Studio wide wale corduroy jacket and this seemed to be the perfect look to combine it with. The lighter color says spring, yet the material is still plenty warm for the chilly days still to come. I almost got rid of this piece, because after I got it I never wore it. The sleeves are a little short and for a time, I thought about cutting off the sleeves and making it into a vest. However, I hung it back in closet and now I am glad I did. I think it will work well, even with the shorter sleeves as then I can have other colors peeking out by my wrists with long sleeve tees, sweaters, or button downs.

Having fun with layers - plaid skirt

Once again I used my heavier sweater tights to keep my legs warm. I chose my thrifted, Nine West, black, buckle loafers instead of boots and my green Axcess bag.

Having fun with layers - plaid skirt
Having fun with layers - plaid skirt

I like the length of this skirt. Do you like your skirts shorter, longer or in between. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section down below. Since so much of this outfit is thrifted, what the best piece you have found thrifting?

Having fun with layers - plaid skirt

I am including a few shopping links for you to look over. These are affiliate links, but are brought to you at no cost. If you click on the link, I get a few cents, but every penny counts.

I hope you are having a great first week of March!