Tie-Dye For

 

Free Spirit. 

A description that has been given to me by others and I readily embrace it. 

The idea of not be wrangled down by societal norms, rules or the mundane.  

By definition, Free Spirit means "one who is not restrained, as by convention or obligation; a nonconformist." But in this there is much danger. What this really means is someone

who wants to stand out and be different- usually for selfish reasons. 

If you have known me for the past year, I'm sure you have heard me talk about one of the following: starting a fashion blog, creating a jewelry line, opening an Etsy shop, moving to Colorado, becoming an art teacher, getting yoga certified, designing cards, India mission trip, my desire to adopt, joining the World Race…the list goes on. I always have a new idea, some new venture or obsession. Oddly enough, finding "God's will" for my life has been the biggest obstruction to actually living out God's will. Tuesday night, Jonathan Pokluda's message at The Porch hit home. Our life mission is to be and make disciples. It sounds so simple and is something I can easily grasp but the "how" is what always trips me up.

Out of the items I listed above, two of them have recently come to fruition- a blog and mission trip to India. Why is that? Simply because these were the only two that were purely based on bringing glory to God. The right question was asked in advance. "God, how can I use this desire to honor and glorify you?" We have God-given skills, talents and passions. What I'm still in the process of learning is how to decipher if a desire is of my flesh or of God. In Romans 12:11, it says "Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord." This girl has got some zeal. The issue of my heart is shifting that zealous focus from myself and putting it all in for God. God's word says, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you" (Psalm 32:8). In order to receive God's purpose for you be IN the WORD; constantly be IN PRAYER; go ALL IN. 

We were given a purpose to share this love, and thankfully we weren't left alone- "Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20).

We need to stop worrying about the "how", and focus on the "now". 

Wherever God has you now, be all in.

I call this my "Moon Goddess" dress. I purchased it at Poe & Arrows in Rockwall.

The gorgeous jewelry I found at Melissa Benge Collection of Henderson in Dallas. 

Dress (here), Bracelet (similar style here), Necklace (here), 
Ring Vince Camuto (similar here)

photography by Justin James Photography