I'm a born and raised Texan. I may not speak with a thick accent or ride a horse to work every day, unlike the stereotypes, but I do own three pairs of cowboy boots and love to two-step. Living here influences more than just my style and my hobbies though. Like all good Texans, I love this state and feel a sense of pride to be from here. This got me thinking about identity and how much our "home" impacts who we are.
The Bible tells us that this world is not our home. As believers, we live in the world but are not of the world. We should feel like aliens here because our hope is not in the American Dream but in eternity in Heaven. "The hope of future pleasures helps us resist fleeting pleasures of this world."* If we truly believe that, we won't waste time building up treasures and a comfortable life here. We'll understand the mission God has invited us to be a part of which is sharing the gospel and loving others (1 Peter 2:9). "When we see people in light of eternity we prioritize relationships accordingly."* Living with eternity in mind reminds us that our treasures will be in Heaven where we spend a whole lot more time than a mere lifetime here on Earth (Ecclesiastes 3:11). "Every pleasure here is either counterfeit or a commercial for what's to come."* Because we aren't from here, the problems of this world affect us much differently than someone whose hope is found in this lifetime. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 says, "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
I'm a Christ follower (Colossians 3:1-4). This is my identity. This is what shapes the way I live my life. My prayer is that we would all take a good, hard look at our lives and evaluate where "home" is for us. As we've all heard many times, actions speak louder than words. Are you more concerned about stability and comfortability in this life than about eternity? I want to encourage us all to take note of how we spend our resources and ask the Lord to reveal any areas of our lives that need to change. If home is where your heart is, what is your heart set on?
In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
- John 14:2-3
*Quotes are from Jonathan Pokluda, "See Who Again" sermon: http://www.watermark.org/media/see-who-again/3543/
The Bible tells us that this world is not our home. As believers, we live in the world but are not of the world. We should feel like aliens here because our hope is not in the American Dream but in eternity in Heaven. "The hope of future pleasures helps us resist fleeting pleasures of this world."* If we truly believe that, we won't waste time building up treasures and a comfortable life here. We'll understand the mission God has invited us to be a part of which is sharing the gospel and loving others (1 Peter 2:9). "When we see people in light of eternity we prioritize relationships accordingly."* Living with eternity in mind reminds us that our treasures will be in Heaven where we spend a whole lot more time than a mere lifetime here on Earth (Ecclesiastes 3:11). "Every pleasure here is either counterfeit or a commercial for what's to come."* Because we aren't from here, the problems of this world affect us much differently than someone whose hope is found in this lifetime. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 says, "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
I'm a Christ follower (Colossians 3:1-4). This is my identity. This is what shapes the way I live my life. My prayer is that we would all take a good, hard look at our lives and evaluate where "home" is for us. As we've all heard many times, actions speak louder than words. Are you more concerned about stability and comfortability in this life than about eternity? I want to encourage us all to take note of how we spend our resources and ask the Lord to reveal any areas of our lives that need to change. If home is where your heart is, what is your heart set on?
In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
- John 14:2-3
*Quotes are from Jonathan Pokluda, "See Who Again" sermon: http://www.watermark.org/media/see-who-again/3543/
Photography by Justin James
Like I said, I'm a Texas girl through and through (while here on this earth), and I had so much fun shooting out on my grandparents' land! My outfit inspo was "country chic" so I took basics and dressed them up with accessories that remind me of Texas. We are embracing the bandana trend this summer big time (Trend Alert: The Bandana), which is a fun, lightweight and cheap alternative to a silk scarf! I am also loving my vintage belt I scored at the Dallas Flea. What are some of your favorite pieces that remind you of your hometown?
Earrings: The Gyspy Wagon
Belt: Dallas Flea Market
Shop my look here:
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