Outfit: Spillway

Hello dolls! I have a set of photos taken a couple of weeks ago when I visited my hometown to spend some time with my mother and one of my sisters for the weekend. We went on a little Sunday drive after church as my mom thought this would be the perfect location for outfit photos! There is this park in my hometown where a lot of community events and such are held, which holds a spillway for the park's man made lake. I always thought it was magical when I was a kid and quite terrifying too, but it is quite a lovely sight if you catch it on the right day.
It was also extremely windy on this day, so it was quite a blustery photoshoot!
I made my sister stand out in the cold with me while I directed her...boy family is awesome amiright?

Wind is the destroyer of all skirts...sigh. This skirt has one of the loveliest flowing a-line shapes, but of course all you can see is that it is sucked to my legs as if I were caught in a parachute or something. What a coincidence! Just the look I was going for ;)

Thanks Jeni for taking my photos :D

Did you all have a splendid weekend? Mine swept my so quickly I'm not sure it even happened! Oh bother when that happens...

God Bless!
KJA

Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.


Wearing:
Coat, Sweater, Gloves-Grandmother's
Earrings, Bag, Jacket, Skirt, Shoes- Vintage, Thrifted
Sunglasses- Bought on a visit to Seattle
Lipstick- Revlon Cream Lipstick in Black Cherry

Devotional: Combating Lies 8

Good morning all! It's time again for a Sunday Devotional. My series right now is looking at different lies that we may believe about ourselves, and how to combat those lies using scripture. Here are number one, number two,  number three ,  number four,  number five,  number 6,  and number 7 if you are interested!


The eight lie is this: I don't have enough

The truth is: I have no lack. 

Key Scriptures:

Philippians 4:19
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 23:1
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

I'm going to be honest with you and lay it out there that this is something I struggle with on a daily basis. I feel as though I have no excuse for this. I was brought up in middle class America with plenty of food and shelter, etc. However no matter how well cared for I am now there will always be someone who has more than me. Bloggers who have more clothes/accessories than I do, neighbors that have nicer houses/cars, people with more friends, the list could go on. 
Humans have this mentality for some reason that we get up, go to work, and make money so that we can buy things for ourselves to fill an empty house with more possessions that we could ever need, to what? Feel secure? 
Beyond monetary examples there are many ways humans feel they lack emotionally as well. Growing up many girls around me felt like they weren't special unless they had a boyfriend to tell them so. The adult version of this is The Bachelor/ette. We feel like we're not good enough unless we have a significant other to tell us we are. But the truth is that GOD is that someone for us! He will always provide for our needs, emotionally and otherwise. Why put your whole trust in a human who will ultimately break that trust (even unintentionally), when you can put your faith in someone who will be a constant, never ending source of love in your life?

I've been feeling this lie a lot lately. Sean and I have been talking about so many of the things we 'need' for the house, things I 'need' for hobbies like running and photography. It gets overwhelming at times to think of all the things a person needs to spend their hard earned money on. Dr. bills is a big one for me. I often times don't even put God in the equation when it comes to this issue. Sean and I work so that we can provide for ourselves and use on things we deem necessary. I am often surprised though to think of how little a human being can actually survive on, and yet still feel lacking sometimes, not necessarily lacking of stuff, but lacking in feeling fulfilled.

 I am so glad that God gives me all the reassurance I need that HE will always meet my needs no matter what and that I truly lack nothing when I put my trust in Him. As long as I remember that, I will never be wanting. 

What's your take on this week's lie?

God Bless, 
KJA

 

Remix: Grandpa's Red Coat

 I've got one or two more coat remixes for you all until the cold weather ends. Here is my grandfather's red peacoat. I find it funny that I am able to wear my 6 foot tall grandfather's coat from when he was a young man, but I absolutely love it. The breastpockets, fantastic collar, and stripes make me as giddy as a grasshopper. Not to mention it is lined in this fantastic soft (cotton?) lining that makes this one of the warmest coats I own.  I can't believe I've only photographed it five times! I've gotta work on that next year :)

I have a full day ahead of me my little chickadees, the students have an early release day which means that I have to work two extra hours, which is always appreciated on a Friday :) I assure you.
Nevertheless I hope you have a wonderful Friday and a fantastic weekend!

God Bless,
KJA


1 Timothy 2:1-4
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Outfit: Black Cape

Well happy Thursday to all of you precious things out there! I've been getting positively blown about the past few days by the little windy streak we've been having. Let's just say my little kiddos have been swept away like little leaves on the playground this week. As have I!
But on to other things-like this little ditty I wore to church this past Sunday! The sweater set came from my grandmother, but I'm honestly not sure if she wore it, or if it belonged to my great grandmother. Either way it's pretty special, and also (unfortunately) full of tiny little moth holes. I've tried to stitch most of them up, but aw this poor suit! The details on the sweater are my favorite though-the design down the front and the collar make something oatmeal into something a bit more interesting.
This cape I received from an aunt of mine who was so kind to think of me when she no longer wanted it! It is a gorgeous piece which almost (ALMOST) makes me a tad sad that winter is ending so I'll have to wait a few months to get much use out of it. A basic cape (other than my super extravagant fur cape) is something I don't have in my closet so I was all the more giddy to add one to my collection. Thank you Annie! :)
I felt so wonderfully 1930's in this get-up, an era I certainly wish I could emulate more often.

 Have a pleasant day!
God Bless,
KJA

Psalm 62:7
My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.


Wearing:
Everything is vintage, and was either thrifted or given to me by a family member :)

eShakti Dress Review

Why hello there you visions of loveliness! Today I am showcasing a beautiful dress courtesy of eShakti If you haven't heard of them before, well, where have you been hiding? You need to know about this wonderful company! eShakti is a customizable clothing website where you can find vintage inspired dresses, skirts, tops, and jackets. These pieces are truly special-I would wear every single item on their website! The real treat is, though, that you can customize nearly all of the items you buy by neckline, skirt length, sleeve length, and general measurements. This means that you get an item which truly fits you perfectly instead of taking a gamble on a random internet purchase which may be too big or too small when you receive it in the mail. There is a fee to customize some areas, but if you have ever experienced a garment being way too short/long, etc. you know how worth it it is, especially if you value modesty as I do. 
The quality of eShakti garments is truly exceptional as well. The fabrics used are not the cheap, disposable kind you find at your local retail store. They are made of sturdy cotton and jersey knit fabrics.
Take this red dress that I received for example. My experience with jersey fabrics has not been a good one. They are usually very clingy, unflattering, and all around of cheap quality. I chose a jersey knit dress from eShakti because I was curious how their fabric would compare to the alternatives. I was so pleasantly surprised! The fabric is thick and soft and all around super comfortable, without being extremely casual which was my fear. I can even wear a petticoat under the generous skirt of this beauty!
If I had one critique with the dress (and I'm being nit picky), it would be that perhaps the knit and cotton fabrics fit differently even though they are the same size? I have a cotton poplin dress from eShakti as well and it fits perfectly according to my measurements. I ordered this same size in this red dress and it seems to actually be a bit loose around the waist and bust. Perhaps this is because it is a bit stretchy, and the cotton is not. Just something to be aware of if you decide to peruse the site.

In complete truth, I had the most difficult time deciding which item I should review from eShakti. Every single item is beautiful, and will last ages. Check them out! Just don't blame me if you want to buy every single piece, ok?
Oh, and did I mention nearly every dress is made with pockets? Yep, pretty perfect. 

Have you had any experience with eShakti? What did you think?

Have a great day all!

God Bless,
KJA


Wearing:
Dress- eShakti
Belt, Gloves- Vintage
Bracelet- Gift from my sister
Shoes- Target (old)

This post was sponsored by eShakti. This indicates I received a product in exchange for review, although the opinions and ideas expressed are my own.