I don’t know why, but part of my tears at the Allume conference were over the types of posts I post here. I want to impart my love for God but I also really like to talk fashion and TV. But then I post about something surface-y and I feel so entirely superficial. Sometimes I feel like I’m trying to represent the whole me with each post and when pushed to choose, Jesus always wins.
But that’s not being true to me either.
After Summer of 7, I’ve looked at my clothes and makeup differently. On the outside, I might dress the same but on the inside, I see now that I truly do it because I believe it’s an expression of the creativity that God gave me, not a vie for attention.
Ann Voskamp said it best this weekend that “creativity is good theology”. Sarah Markley said we separate the secular and spiritual too much.
I agree.
All good and beautiful things come from God.
When I see pretty fashion, I’m inspired to beauty and that reminds me of God’s beautiful creations, NOT the cover of Vogue.
Source: indulgy.com via Amy on Pinterest
Jen, who I met at the airport on the way to Allume, had a wonderful post yesterday on (in)courage about Christian women sharing their beauty tips and it was so timely for me. She says “We are fearfully and wonderfully made just exactly as we are, but do we convey that? Do we carry ourselves in such a way that others would believe that about us?”
Source: etoday.ru via Amy on Pinterest
My friend Dani and I have gone in circles talking about this and I’m more convinced than ever that we are free to express our creativity in our clothes.
Source: google.com via Amy on Pinterest
HOWEVER, I still desire to be responsible with my money.
Dani was amazing and offered pieces of her wardrobe for me to borrow and wear for the conference. Dani and her very creative self helped me put these outfits together using many of her clothes so I didn’t spend hundreds of dollars on new clothes just for the conference. Isn’t she awesome? Thank you, friend!
Source: danweinrich.com via Amy on Pinterest
So with all that in mind, I share these outfits from Allume WITH the inspiration it evokes in me. I really do come to appreciate God’s creations when I see fashion expressed with color and pattern in the same way.
Source: google.com via Amy on Pinterest
I can’t think of a better way than to end the 31 Days of Wisdom with these verses from our final chapter in Proverbs.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
Be sure to check out the SmileBooth photos over on the Facebook page. Kicking myself for not taking more!
This post is part of The Nester’s 31 Days Series
This post is linked to WIWW
Amy,
Another wonderful post! I too know that God loves beautiful things all you have to do is look around. I too struggle at times with balance in this area because in my world of design I feel like God’s gift to me is to make things beautiful. It still comes down to putting God first and our purity of heart and recognizing he will supply and his supply is bountiful and beautiful. I have so much in my heart to say, but unlike you I do not have the gift of words so I at least just wanted to confirm to you what a wonderful post again!
Love you,
Mom
Thanks for confirming how I was feeling. Means a lot!
What great words. Thank you for your enlightenment. It really struck home and is making sense now. You are dead on right, find the beauty and express your God given beauty in everyday, everyway!
Thank you!
Happy Halloween! Stopping by from the link ups!
Clare
Understated Classics
Clare recently posted…WIWW 0.7-Roar! Halloween Fun!
You are welcome! Thanks for visiting! Will head over to your place soon!
Ahh, this is truly beautiful! My 31 Days Series was on maternity fashion, encouraging pregnant mommas to dress WELL and nicely! But I lost momentum, got confused, and was sure it was NOT what I should be pursuing..however, this post has planted some good seeds in my mind, about encouraging beauty in others! I really appreciate this, I wish we had had a chance to meet and talk at Allume! I am wrapping up my 31 days today, though I quit, and would absolutely LOVE to link to this post! Thank you for encouraging us to see beauty, in God’s creation and in how we dress. You expressed where my heart was when I started my series, though I lost it along the way. Lotsa love!
Aw, thanks! I actually visited your 31 days a few times even though I’m not pregnant. Please feel free to link to this :). Thanks for visiting and I’ll be anxious to read your wrap-up.
Amy,
I know we are just getting to know each other but everything I read on here makes me think we would be really good friends! I LOVE fashion and often times feel guilty for loving putting outfits together, etc. Thanks for helping me shift my perspective today and helping me view putting clothes together as a form of my God given creativity!
Jenny
Me too! I’ve been enjoying getting to know you guys. Let’s plan for a coffee date soon!
I’m going to share something that might make me sound horrible. But when I’m reading blogs, I don’t want All Jesus, All the time. I want to know the blogger is real. You can love Jesus AND love TV (I know because I do.) You can love Jesus AND love clothes (I know because YOU do…lol)
People who only talk about Jesus are a turn off for me and it’s not because I don’t love Jesus. But I want REAL people. And the most spiritual people I know don’t talk about Jesus 24/7.
So be you.
Heather {Desperately Seeking Sanity} recently posted…Monday Morning Random: 10.29.2012
Heather, I totally get what you mean and LOVE to read all kinds of posts. I’ve never given it a second thought when I read WIWW posts on others and often it’s my favorite post of the week. Why do I feel so self-conscious about posting though? I don’t know! Thanks for the encouragement!
So many wonderful things in this post! Great outfits… I especially love the grey sweater and cobalt blue flats. And that purple bird is absolutely stunning!
Stephanie recently posted…Happy Halloween
Thank you! I *love* that grey sweater too. It’s my friend Dani’s. Wish they were still selling it.
So cute! I love that grey jacket!
Thank you! The grey sweater was my favorite too!
I love that first outfit!!! And the bird is so pretty 🙂
your are rocking some awesome fashions!
Luna Ex recently posted…Finding Time for Love
I love that – creativity is good theology. Love all the colors!
Corrie Anne recently posted…Pre-Christmas Gift Guide 2012
Thanks, Corrie Anne! Yes, Ann Voskamp had a ton of great insight!
Also – Ecclesiastes 3:11 “He has made everything beautiful in its time.”
Carrie recently posted…Celebrate Your Successes
Ooh, that is a good one! Thank you!
Amy recently posted…Five Minute Friday: Roots
Oh law, this really makes me want to start blogging again:) All in His time. It will come.
I hope so! If you ever feel like guest-blogging, the door is always open!
Please get different shoes – every outfit is so cute except the shoes don’t match anything?!?!