It's Not Over Yet

Most of y'all probably know about the terrorist attacks in Brussels since it all happened last Tuesday. As I was researching and reading all about the attacks, I was extremely saddened for the families of those who were killed and injured, and for those who did plant bombs and such. 

Soon after I had been reading, I was in the car going home. The radio was turned to one of our local Christian stations. It's Not Over Yet by For King and Country was playing on the radio. One who loves For King and Country, I knew the song and sang along. Then, I noticed it. The thing that flipped my day from despair to hope. The guy in the car in front of me. I saw him through the window dancing and singing along to the same song.

Your thinking, "So what?", right? Well, the reason why it turned my day upside down, in a good way, was because it reminded me that there are still good people in the world. It's not over yet. God is still on the throne and He is still working in the lives of people.

I believe that God is trying to remind me again and again of the fact that it's not over yet. On Easter Sunday, the message that was preached was on John 21. This particular passage is right after the resurrection of Christ when He meets the disciples in the middle of the lake. 

The point of the text was that even when we fail, it is not over yet. When the disciples fell away at the Crucifixion, they thought that they would no longer be Jesus's disciples and they went back to their day job, fishing. But, when Jesus met them on the lake, they discovered that failure isn't final. Jesus never stopped loving them. And He loves us more than we will ever know.

God had better things for them than fishing. He planned for them to shape the entire Christian church. They were sort of like the founders of it. There is life after failure because it is not over yet, God is not done yet. He has still get things to do. His love is more powerful than any of our failures or fears.

In the second section of John 21, Jesus tells Peter to feed His sheep. He tells Peter that following Him may mean a cross. But, as Matthew 6:24 says, anyone who wants to become a follower of Christ must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Him. 

Jesus reminded each of them, especially Peter that life is not easy. In the same way, life as a Christian is difficult. Sometimes we as followers of God have to do hard and uncomfortable things for God and His glory.

The point of this post was for me to reflect on what God is teaching me and to remind you that even if it seems like it's all over, it's absolutely not. God is still moving, working, and saving. It's not over yet.

Go listen to It's Not Over Yet by For King and Country and read John 21. I promise you will be better for it.

Linking up here.

Pantone's Colors of the Year- 3 Outfits With Both Rose Quartz + Serenity

Happy Monday! How was your Easter? Mine was so great and full of Christ, family, and food. I am starting a two or more (we'll see if I want to add another edition or not) series on Pantone's colors of the year. Today, I have 3 adorable outfits all using BOTH of Pantone's colors of the year, Rose Quartz and Serenity.

1. Rose Quartz, Serenity, and Navy

top, jeans, sweater, bracelets, necklace

Always loving Old Navy, I knew that I would like at least some of their pieces in their spring line, but it far exceeded my expectations. Everything is so beautiful! The top and the jeans in this particular outfit are from Old Navy.

Wearing both colors isn't super tricky, but I think that I am drawn to outfits more like the one above in which one of the two colors is a texture; in this case it is the jeans.

2. A Dress + White

dress, wedges, purse, necklace

Isn't this dress so beautiful?! I love it so much! The style matches so perfectly with the colors. Since the dress is detailed and deserves to be the center of attention, I added simple accessories and shoes to the look. 

3. Rose Quartz Pants

top, jeans, wedges, necklace set

This outfit is my favorite of all of these outfits. I love how the brown of the wedges pairs so well with the Rose Quartz of the pants and the Serenity of the top.

Which outfit is your favorite? What are your thoughts?

Don't forget to enter my giveaway!! Or, you can use the 20% off coupon code "BOWSANDCLOTHES20" to get a discount on your custom phone case or laptop skin.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

See where I link up here.

High Five for Friday + Five Minute Friday: Alive

Happy Friday! I hope your week was fabulous! Mine was super great! Read on to get a taste of how my week went:

1. As stated in the title, the prompt for Five Minute Friday is alive.

Alive. When I think of alive, I obviously think of Christ who is alive, who has risen from the grave. But I have a feeling that everyone else participating in FMF is going to write on that, so I am going to write something different.

When I think of alive, I typically don't just think of the state of breathing and being physically alive. No, I think of being alive. Really being alive. Not merely living, but living. Doing the crazy awesome things, taking risks, being happy and really enjoying your life and where it is going.

The only way that we can experience that... that truly living, is through Christ, who took our sin and shame, died a sinner's death on the cross, and rose again ALIVE. Only He who is truly alive can help us truly live. 

"But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us ALIVE with Christ even when we were dead in our transgressions-- it is by grace you have been saved." -Ephesians 2:4-5 emphasis mine.

2. Over the weekend, my family and I went on a quick, not-even-48-hour vacation. Even though it was super short, I had a great time and it was nice and relaxing. It's always great to get away for a little while and unwind. 

3.  This week, I have really worked at being a better runner. Over the past few months, I got in a running rut where I would run the exact same route at the exact same speed (give or take a bit) for the exact same time. So, God has reminded me to step out of my comfort zone and try running more and better and smarter. 

Here are snapshots of the two runs that I completed this week:

4. I always run a few errands on Tuesday's. The past two weeks, I have highlighted the outfit that I wore in my H54F posts, and I think that I am going to make it a weekly thing. Here is what I wore on this Tuesday:

5. The posts from this week are below just in case you missed them:

3 Beautiful Easter Outfits Perfect for Easter Sunday

A CaseApp Review: My Custom iPhone Case + a Giveaway AND a Coupon Code

What are your thoughts? How was your week?

Linking up here.

A CaseApp Review: My Custom iPhone Case + a Giveaway AND a Coupon Code!

Happy Thursday! A few weeks ago, I was contacted by CaseApp to review their services. CaseApp is a website where you can create custom phone cases and laptop skins. Read on for a giveaway for $40 to their website and 20% off coupon code!

CaseApp extremely easy and so simple to use. For my phone case, I uploaded a photo that I had of floral print. With CaseApp, you can upload your own images, or you can use some of their gorgeous backgrounds. Also, you can use their stickers and you can add text which is a super great feature.

You also have a few options for what kind of case you would like. Mine is the tough case. The cases are super affordable as well! Here is how I designed my custom iPhone case:

I so enjoyed creating my own custom phone case! I have not one, but TWO gifts for you! Number one: a 20% off coupon code to CaseApp! It is only valid until April 31st, so you better create a case soon! The code is: "BOWSANDCLOTHES20". Number two: a $40 gift code giveaway! Enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a $40 gift code to CaseApp. The giveaway ends on April 1st!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

How would you design a phone case with CaseApp?

See where I link up here.

3 Beautiful Outfits Perfect for Easter Sunday

So many women struggle with finding the perfect Easter dress. And then, they have to find the right accessories and shoes to complete the look. So, today, I am going to share with you 3 beautiful outfits that are perfect for Easter Sunday:

1. Floral Dreams

dress, heels, bracelet, bag

For look number one, I chose to go with a floral maxi dress because Easter and Spring means flowers. I am so in love with these floral cut-out heels! They come in blue, gold, nude, and black as well. Also, how neat is that bracelet?! 

2. Lace and Blue

dress, heels, bangles, purse

The main aspect that I like about this outfit is the unexpected color. Dark blue really isn't technically and Easter color, but it looks so great! 

For Easter, I am going to wear a white lace dress, so I thought that I would make an outfit with one. These shoes will work so well for Spring and will carry you all the way through Summer.

3. Blushing

dress, purse, ring, sandals

Just like outfit two, this look isn't your typical Easter outfit either. That being said, it is so adorable and the color combination of blush, gold, and brown looks super amazing! 

The cut-out detail on this dress adds so much femininity to the look. Once again, I love these shoes! The heel height is perfect in that it is not too high and also not flat. 

Which Easter look is your favorite? What are your thoughts? 

Linking up here.

High Five for Friday + Five Minute Friday 3.18.16

Happy Friday! I hope that your week has been the best! Keep on reading to get a taste of how my week was.

1. The topic for Five Minute Friday this week is surprise:

I love surprises. If you ever want to do something nice for me, just surprise me with something. Anything, just as long as it's a surprise. 

God likes surprises too. Take Mary for instance: God said to her, "Surprise! You're going to have a baby." He said to Moses, "Surprise! You are going to lead My people out of slavery." And He says to us,"Surprise! I've got a perfect plan for you that far exceeds your expectations and imaginations."

What do you think about surprises? Have you been surprised by God lately?

2. On Monday, I received a phone case from CaseApp. I was contacted by CaseApp and they asked me to make a a custom case in exchange for a review. Be on the lookout for the review next week with a 20% off coupon code AND a $40 giveaway! Here is a sneak peek of my case:

3. On Tuesday, we had glorious weather. Actually, the weather has been amazing this whole week! This is what I wore on Tuesday:

4. I am super excited because I am gearing up for a blog redesign! It will be a little while until it actually happens, but I am working on inspiration and what I want it to look like. 

Also, this is a side-note: Some people have commented and said how pretty and curly my hair is. Usually, put my hair up to take pictures for the blog, but lately I haven't. Would y'all be interested in curly hair tutorials and tips?

5. Just in case you missed them, here are this weeks's posts:

2 Bright Ways to Wear a Military Jacket for Spring

February Birchbox Review

What are your thoughts? How was your week?

Don't forget you can get free shipping on any order of one of these skirts from now until April 30th! The code is: SPRINGFREE. Help Monique celebrate her 100th sale by purchasing a skirt today!

See where I link up here.

February Birchbox Review

Happy Wednesday! Today, I bring you my February Birchbox Review:

2 Bright Ways to Wear a Military Jacket for Spring

Happy Monday, y'all! I hope y'all had a super great weekend! Mine was lovely! Today I have for you guys two ways to wear a military jacket for Spring:

H54F + FMF: Great Weather and New Clothes

Happy Friday! Even though I have been a little under the weather lately, my week has been amazing! How was yours? I'd love to know! Get a taste of just how great my week was below!

1. The theme for Five Minute Friday is share:

I am one of those people who tend to want to look good. I want people to think that I am perfect, even though we all know that I am not because no one is. 

Even though I don't like people to know my failures, I still realize how imperative it is that we, as women and Christians, share our stories. It is super important that we do because it could help someone that is going through the same thing that you once were.

We should share our stories, and our hardships and struggles as well because not only will it help ourselves, but it will help others also.

STOP

2. Remember a few months back when I asked y'all's advice on what to wear with a tulle maxi skirt? Well, thanks to all of your help, you can see what I ended up wearing below:

3. On Saturday, I went shopping for fun and ended up finding a few good deals. I got this grey top, this pink purse for only $7.00, and those sandals were full price but I really needed them. Also, I got some super great hand-me-downs from a friend of mine on Sunday. Who doesn't love hand-me-downs?! :) You can see one of them in #5.

4.  So, I have been bullet journaling lately, and I just have to say that it is super great! I'm loving it. One of my favorite things about bullet journaling is that you can customize it and that it doesn't have to be perfect. Speaking of perfection, late Wednesday night (and by late, I mean 8:30) I was working on my yearly calendar and I was just writing in the months. It went like this: January, February, March, May. Wait a minute, I FORGOT APRIL! Hahaha! I have a way to fix it, but I mean come on. How can you forget April?!

5. We have had some amazing weather lately. It's been sunny and in the 70's. I can't get enough of it! On Tuesday, I was really feeling the Spring weather, and this is what I wore. Side note: the kimono was one of the hand-me-downs mentioned above.

The posts from this week are:

Two Ways to Wear a Black & White Pencil Skirt + a Coupon Code!

A Letter to My Past Self

What do you think? How was your week?

Linking up here.

A Letter to My Past Self

Happy Wednesday! Today, I decided to write a letter to my past self:

Dear Sarah,

This is not a letter of regret or of reliving past failures and mistakes. This is a letter to remind myself where I have come from and how far I have come.

You are loved. Period. The end. End of story. 

You are SO loved. More than you will ever know. Not only by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, but also by the beautifully amazing people that He has placed in your life. 

You have been called to such an extraordinary purpose, even if you don't know exactly what it is yet. Because you will never know exactly what your purpose is until your right in the middle of it. Don't worry about it. Just trust God with your whole heart. And your whole mind. And your whole self.

Don't let what other people think get in the way of how you live. Never ever let what people say dictate what you do or how you respond to a situation. Forget what people think, say, or do. Just live your life the way that God wants you to.

Stop being afraid. Please don't not do something just because you are scared. Try new things. Be adventurous. Take risks. Grow and learn and think even if it frightens you to death. Listen to Nike and JUST DO IT.

Never waste your time on stupid things like worrying, watching TV, or being caught up in fleeting things. But, always remember to take time for yourself. Less is always best. Don't overload your schedule. You will not become a better person by doing more things. You will only become super duper stressed.

Always choose kindness. Buy flowers and hand them out to strangers. Compliment the cashier at Wal-Mart. Smile at everyone you make eye contact with. Just be kind.

Dream stinking big. Always dream, dream, dream. Don't let the hardness of this world callous you and make you think that dreams don't come true. Because they do. They really do.

Finally, always hold tightly to God and never forget the people He has graciously gifted you with.

Love, Me.

What do you think? What would you tell your past self?

See where I link up here.

Two Ways to Wear a Black & White Pencil Skirt + A Coupon Code!

Happy Monday! I hope that y'all had a really great weekend! Mine was super nice!

On Friday, I mentioned that I won a giveaway from byBMG. Well, today, I wanted to show y'all two ways that I have styled the skirt that I won:

Top: c/o Brandzaffair

Skirt: Sweetly Made by MJ

Flats: Target (similar, similar)

Watch: Charming Charlie (similar, similar)

This outfit is super, super comfy. A lot of people don't know how to properly mix patterns. This outfit is a great example of a really easy trick that I use for pattern mixing: Make sure that the patterned pieces have at least one color in common. Your outfit will look more put-together when the patterned pieces share a color or two.

Top: Old Navy (similar, similar)
Skirt: Sweetly Made by MJ
Shoes: Target (similar, similar)
Jacket: Old Navy (similar, similar)
Purse: Ross (similar, similar)

Both of these looks are outfits that I would wear (and most of the time have worn) because I try as best as I can to keep this blog real. That being said, I feel most comfortable in outfits like the one above that are more casual and relaxed. 

Can I just say how amazing this skirt is?! Firstly, it is handmade which is always a plus. Secondly, it is super comfortable and has a good bit of stretch. And lastly, the print and fit is oh-so-amazing. I could go on and on about this skirt! 

Guess what?! I have great news for you! You can get free shipping on any order from now until April 30th! The code is: SPRINGFREE. Help Monique celebrate her 100th sale by purchasing a skirt today!

What are your thoughts?

Linking up here.

High Five for Friday + Five Minute Friday 3.4.16

Happy Friday, you guys! I am so excited that it is the weekend! We made it! Check out the five high points of my week:

1. The prompt for Five Minute Friday is news.

To be completely honest with y'all, I hate watching the new. Like, i never watch it. I don't like watching it because of all the bad news. It seems like there is never any good news.

There is a quote that I love that says: "Be the change you want to see in the world." So, what does that have to do with news? 

It has everything to do with news. If the whole reason that I don't watch the news is because I do not like what I see, then why don't I just change that.

I challenge you to come alongside me in being the good news we want to see on the news. Let's be the good in the world. Let's do random acts of kindness. Let's smile at strangers. Let's be the change.

2. I have been thinking about what to add to my wardrobe to spruce it up for Spring. I remembered this post, and have been since looking at duster cardigans. I really want one and it will add so much to my closet. Here are a few affordable options that I have been looking at: one, two, three, four, five.

3. On Monday, I received a skirt that I won from a giveaway that Becky was running on her blog. The skirt was from Sweetly Made by MJ. I love it and am so excited to style it!

4. This week was a really great one for me package-wise. On Tuesday, I got Even If Not by Kaitlyn Bouchillon in he mail. I had seen the book on a few blogs and I also discovered Kaitlyn's blog, so after those two occurrences, I decided to purchase it. Also, I received my Leuchtturm 1917 notebook for my bullet journal! I haven't started either yet, but I will keep y'all updated. :)

5. Here are this week's posts just in case you missed them:

Mix It Monday: Blanket Scarf + Outfit

Currently: March

What have you been up to this week?

Linking up here.

Currently: March

Happy Wednesday! Can you believe that we are already two days into March?! I can't either! Today, I have a Currently post for you. I am pretty proud of myself for actually remembering that today is the day for Currently. Haha! :)

Wishing
Currently, I am wishing for more Spring weather. We have had some warm weather, but it hasn't lasted.  I just can't wait until those warm, sunny days come! Also, these roses are really calling my name. For some reason, I have really just wanted a bouquet a flowers. It's weird and I just can't shake it.

Craving
Like almost every other person on the planet, I have been craving all of the junk foods. I just want chips, crackers, chocolate, ice cream, and milkshakes. 

Going
I have been going this place and that. I have been SUPER busy. I am really looking forward to going to the Mall to shop soon as well.

Wearing
I usually put away some of my Spring and Summer clothes into the attic because I have limited closet space. So, I am looking forward to wearing more Spring clothes once I get those boxes down from the attic. For now, I am brightening up my winter looks with floral prints and vibrant colors.

Learning
There are few things that I have been learning about lately:

1. I have been learning the in's and out's of bullet journaling
2. I have been learning about some more blogging things to improve my little space.
3. God has been teaching me about having raw trust. A trust that is unrelenting. He is also teaching me about having crazy faith. And being all in.

What about you?

See where I link up here. Also linking with Anne and Jenna.