Hats Off // Tradition!

   Hello all! It's October! Can you believe it? When we were doing this photo shoot today it was cold and windy enough to really seem like fall. If I had been out there much longer, I would have wanted a jacket. ;)

   Well ladies, I made a beret! How could I resist trying this chic Parisian look? I must say, that I am quite pleased with wearing this little hat.

   I planned the rest of the outfit around my new piece. A chambray tunic and blue jeans made a simple base, while a magenta cardigan tied in with the beret's color. Black flats were my shoe of choice, while low ponytails was my hairstyle for the day. Altogether, I had a simple and chic look.

Outfit Details: Shirt ~ Consignment Store; Cardigan ~ Gift; Jeans ~ Consignment Store;

 Hat ~ Made by me

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   Tradition. The word may bring to mind thoughts of Christmas Eve and birthday cake, but for a Christian it can be a little more complicated. Traditions can be both good and bad for us. When push comes to shove, we need to make sure that the Bible is more important than our like or dislike of traditions.

   One thing I've noticed as a young adult is that young people who have gone to church and been raised in a "Christian" home are straying from the traditional Christian lifestyle. Values like "don't swear", "don't watch risque movies", and "don't go to bars" may seem old-fashioned and silly to them.

   However, many of these traditions are good things.When they are based in God's word, they are more than just traditions - they are the Lord's instructions. Sure, they might be old-fashioned, but the Ancient of Days (God) and His word are always relevant! The Bible also speaks of the aged teaching the younger (Titus 2: 4); Older Christians often have a good deal of wisdom.

   At the same time, some traditions are not helpful. Colossians 2:7 tells us to beware of being spoiled through philosophy and vain deceit after the tradition of men. Traditions particularly in the church may have begun out of good intentions, but instead put people in chains of doubt and fear. We ought to listen to and learn from our Christian leaders, but not to let man-made ideas contrary to scripture put us in bonds.

   In conclusion, we make sure our beliefs are based on the Bible. We should not be afraid to question why certain things are done or not done in our churches and homes. We should dig into the Word and respectfully ask our elders about traditions. Meanwhile, may the Lord give us the strength to be free from any man-made bonds and to diligently obey His words.

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.

Colossians 2:6-7