Floral // It's Not Me!


   Hello dearest of readers! What are you up to this fine second day of June? I have been babysitting, photographing flowers and birds, making coconut milk ice cream, and blogging it up.

   



  Last Sunday's church ensemble was decidedly eclectic. That morning, I combined my floral midi skirt with a delicate lace-trimmed blouse, Persian orange jacket, and brown heeled oxfords. A dainty wooden pendant and ribbon necklace accessorized my look. The icing on the cake was my milkmaid braid updo. Altogether it was a quite a feminine look.

Outfit Details: Blouse ~ Thrifted via friends; Skirt ~ Yard Sale; Jacket ~ Hand-me-down from Mom; Necklace ~ Gift; Shoes ~ Payless

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   I have come to realize that, as a Christian, most of my faith actually has nothing to do with me. Yesterday I was going through the armor of God passage in Ephesians (verses 11-17) when it struck me that everything was actually from God. My loins are to be girt about with truth - the truth is God's truth. I am to have on the breastplate of righteousness - this is Christ's righteousness, not mine. My feet are to be shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace - the gospel is all about what Jesus did. The list goes on. None of the armor of God is about me suiting up in my own efforts! 
 
  You and I don't have to somehow muster up all the virtues and qualities of the Christian life. Our flesh has no power to do this. Galatians 2:20 says " I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Christ lives in us and we have the power of God in us to obey Him. 
   
  Now, I'm not saying that we don't have any choice in the matter. We can resist the Holy Spirit. We can decide not to do what God has laid out for us in scripture. We struggle against our flesh. However, our lives can become so much more peaceful when we realize that it is God who works in us both to will and to do His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13), not our own weak efforts. After all, Ephesians 2:8 says our very faith is a gift of God!

   Take courage and comfort with me in these words today! Surrender to the Lord and let Him work through you. Don't do it on your own -you and I CAN'T live the Christian life in our own strength. Let's remember to instead live our life in Christ and cast all our cares upon Him. 


Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Ephesians 6:10

Comments

  1. I'm loving that milkmaid braid!

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  2. Love the skirt! That is a beautiful outfit! Coconut milk ice cream definitely sounds interesting--something I should try one day!

    Good message! We are weak, but He is strong!

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    1. Thanks Bethany! :) You should! This recipe ended up freezing rock hard, so I would recommend giving it time to thaw out before eating.
      Indeed! :)

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    2. Our freezer is so cold that all our ice cream ends up nearly rock hard. It takes some carving to get any out! We have to try to remember to bring out the ice cream either right before or halfway through the meal so that it's servable by the time we're ready for dessert! So, that would definitely be a good suggestion for us!

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    3. Haha, oh dear! Well I guess you're used to it then. :)

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  3. Amen, dear Paige! Thank you for this timely encouragement! How true that it is NOT us, but rather He who lives in us...more and more I realise I can't do anything in my own strength. It is only by the grace of God and the strength that only He can give, that I can succeed at anything...

    Oh! And your milkmaid braid is so adorable and totally 'you'!
    I love your shoes...they really finish off this gorgeous outfit beautifully!

    Have a beautiful rest of the week, and as I haven't wished you a happy month of June yet, let me take this opportunity to do so:)

    Hugs and much dear love!
    Joyfully in Christ!
    Kelly-Anne

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    1. True, true! :) I'm glad you were encouraged.
      Thank you muchly!
      Happy June to you too! Thanks and enjoy your own week. :)

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  4. Lovely outfit! :)
    Ephesians 9:11-17 are some of my favourite verses! Thank you for posting about it!

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    1. Whoops, I meant Ephesian 6:11-17 :)

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    2. Thank you! :) Yes, it's a great passage.

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  5. I love those shoes! Absolutely the cutest!
    -Margaret
    http://happyinheels.blogspot.com/

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    1. Thanks Margaret! :) Yes, I like heeled oxfords!

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  6. Super cute shoes Paige! And great thoughts! Thanks for sharing!

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  7. Really fun outfit!
    Becca and I have tagged you for an award: http://cleverbunnies.blogspot.com/2015/06/sisterhood-blogger-award.html

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    1. Thanks Bethany! The award looks like fun. :)

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  8. Beautiful outfit, and great message! Thanks for sharing, Paige! :-)

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    1. Thank you Cryslyn. I'm glad you were blessed. :)

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  9. This is such a cute and fun outfit! Love your blog & you're stunning by the way :-))

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    1. Thanks Arushee - you're quite kind! :)

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  10. Paige, this outfit is the cutest! So classic, vintage, bright and perfect for spring! As much as I am loving my short hair, your hairdo is making me miss having long hair! Annd...I love the shoes. They make the whole look come together perfectly.

    Thank you for sharing those encouraging verses. I so easily get caught up with what I'm supposed to do and then I become discouraged because I fail to measure up. Half the time I just need to remind myself, go back to God's Word, and remember everything He does for me and all the ways He equips and encourages us.

    Thank you again!!

    Dani

    a vapor in the wind

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    1. Thank you Dani! You are so sweet! :)
      I'm glad that you were encouraged. Yes, we so need to remind ourselves of how the Lord equips us. <3

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  11. Oh I LOVE this look! So cute. Great post- so true. :)
    Grace

    theshortendofthings.blogspot.com

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  12. That outfit is very cute. I love it!

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