Purposefully Created

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Psalm 139:14

This verse is used everywhere for everything you could imagine. It is my favorite but lately the constant use of it has worn me out. I have stopped hearing the meanings of the words and the true weight they carry for me. I have struggled for some time with my self-confidence and being comfortable in my own skin. Mirrors were places to criticize and perfect what was already perfected. Throughout high school, I compared myself to the other girls and always found myself lacking. Even today, I catch myself fighting to be content with how I look. Old habits die hard. Since starting college, I have learned that this comparison has been the thief of  my joy. I was making myself unhappy because of things I thought I didn't have. Truth is, I already have everything I could ever need. Jesus took care of everything, forever. 

This verse reminds me that even on the days I still feel like I'm not enough, I am still loved by the KING of KINGS. Isn't that awesome? The Heavenly Father has created me with a purpose. He has a great plan for my life, one beyond my wildest dreams. He knows the innermost workings of my heart. He knows my prayers even before I pray them. He knows exactly how I feel when I am unhappy or angry or overwhelmed. He loves me that much, so much I can't explain it. He loves you that much too.

"So lay down your hurt

Lay down your heart

Come as you are"

Come As You Are - Crowder

This song reminds me that there is no feeling I can feel that my Heavenly Father doesn't understand. He knows just what I need. "Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can't cure." The things we feel everyday are no comparison to the joy of Heaven. I have been blessed beyond measure in this season of my life. I have been given the encouragement to change this blog into a work for the Kingdom. I have the opportunity to reach people on my campus in ways I never had before. None of these things I could have planned for myself. All these things are gifts from God; all part of His great plan. 

I want to encourage you all that God has a great plan for your life. It's hard to understand sometimes but I promise, if you look closely, you will see Him moving in your life. 

With love,

Emily

Unashamed because of Mercy

First, I'd like to say thank you to those of you who have read my blog over this past year and stuck around in my dormant periods. My journey has changed dramatically since I started this blog. I have graduated high school and gone to college; my life has never been more unpredictable, but it has truly been one of the best years of my young life. 

College has taught me so many things that I never knew about myself. Like, the longest I can be away from my family is about a month. I never would have imagined that I would love Bryan so much. This school is truly amazing and God is doing a great work on our campus. In my first year there, I have met people I know will be in my life for a long time and I have grown in my faith and walk with Christ. I feel confident enough to share my faith with you who read this blog and with my closest friends. God has given me countless opportunities to learn and grow and for that I am amazed and overwhelmed. There is not a day that I don't see the hand of God moving in my life and the lives of people I love. 

"I hear the sound of Your Voice
All at once it's a gentle and thundering noise oh God
All that You are is so overwhelming"
Overwhelmed - Big Daddy Weave

This song is how it feels to be surrounded by people who are seeking God's plans in their lives. That song is the song of my last year. I have been down and felt unworthy to sing in chapel. I have also felt right at home in the midst of worship. Through all those times, good and bad, God has been there, holding my hand. He never wavers. 

With all this said, I want this blog to look a little different. I want not only  to continue with fashion, but I want this to be a place of encouragement. I want you to feel loved and uplifted. I want to create a place where we can share our struggles and give encouragement to others as well. My prayer is that I can help those of you who are believers and together we can lead the lost to the Lord. I also want to urge you all to read a blog by my dear cousin Anna (https://uncatching.wordpress.com/). She is a kind soul and very brave and she has been a huge encouragement to me through her blog and her story. Anna, if you read this, I am truly thankful for everything you are doing. I'm glad you have shared so much with me and I love you dearly. 

I want to thank you all for your support and I hope to see you again real soon.