Waiting Well

Happy Tuesday! 

I hope you all are having a great start to your week. 

Before I get started, I want to remind everyone of our $340 ASOS giveaway we are having currently! Make sure to check it out here!

This weekend was such a blessing. I got to spend time with my mom, sister and nephew and I also got to cook some of my favorite persian food with them. A weekend like that was much needed. 

My mom and I also went to church together- we haven't been to church together in years! It was such a blessing to introduce my mom to a church I love and have her like it, also. I have been praying for that and it was beautiful to see it happen this last weekend. My mom is a church goer- but there is something great about getting a good Word with your loved ones.

In church on Sunday, my pastor preached about Waiting Well. Now some of you may not know what that means (yet) but it was so good I want to share it with you.

Have you ever felt like your dream is never going to happen? Or your goals are taking longer to accomplish? How about comparing yourself to others and others lives seem to be going so much smoother than yours?

I can definitely say yes to all the above. 

I have been learning that when we compare ourselves to other people, we are not looking at the full picture.

Have you every heard of the expression when you compare, you despair? 

Comparing yourself to someone else is hardly ever comparing apples to apples. We often see other people's lives through a filter- not the full picture. We all have filter's on our lives when it comes to showing other people, and that is why it is crucial to not compare ourselves to others- but instead trust that our time will come. Our dreams will come true.

Take Moses for example in Exodus 2:11-15

Moses was destined for greatness since he was a child. He was taken in by the pharaoh of Egypt (even though he was a hebrew), was the prince, and was in royalty. 

He came to a point where he knew his dream of delivering his people from Egypt- but it took time. Moses spent 40 years (!!!) in the wilderness before his moment came with the burning bush where God spoke to him about how he was going to deliver His people. He was 80 years old when his time came! When his dreams were coming into fruition. 

God knew when Moses was ready. He wasn't ready until he was 80! There were many trials Moses went through, a lot of emotions and a lot of triumph- but his time finally came. 

We often get so caught up in comparing our situation to others and false timelines that we end up lengthening the process! 

Although sometimes our timelines are different, there are things we can do to wait well and enjoy the journey.

A  couple things I have learned to wait well:

1] Don't compromise values trying to make my dreams happen prematurely. There are so many short cuts in life, that can cause us to do things we otherwise wouldn't. But one thing I have learned is that when I don't give in to those short cuts, I end up wasting less times with no regrets.

2] Don't get seduced by false & arbitrary timelines for my life. What if God's time for me doesn't come until 80? When it does happen, it will be better than I could ever imagine. So in the meantime, I will consider waiting not wasting. 

3] Work on my spiritual resume, not just my natural resume. I realize the more I focus on God's dream the more He advocates my dream. How can I really get God's dream come true for me if I have no focus on my spiritual resume? What I mean by spiritual resume is what I do in line with God's will, what I do to build my relationship with God, and what I do to build my experience as a ambassador and servant of Christ. My first job on earth is to do God's will, not my own. But I know He will give me the desires of my heart. That is why it's so important to focus on my spiritual resume.

Fun Finding: Studies have shown that it takes 10,000 logged hours to become an expert in something. When a test was done, people never got to 10,000 hours because they changed what they were focusing on due to discouragement, impatience, and insecurity. 

Imagine if they were more patient and logged the hours! 

We must not get impatient or discouraged because your day will come if you keep focusing on God's dream and your spiritual resume. 

"The favor of God is available when you pay attention to His timeline."

Ever since learning these things, I have focused more on being promotable than the promotion, having a character of a leader instead of focusing on how to get to leadership. It has helped me enjoy what is happening in the moment and be patient to what God wants for my life. It has taught me to wait well!

 Make sure you enter into the $340 ASOS giveaway & have a great Tuesday!

-A

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$340 ASOS Fall Giveaway

Happy Monday!

We have officially entered into the fall season! 

To welcome the fall season, the change of colors, and the great fashion,  I've teamed up with 25 other bloggers to bring you a chance to win $340 to ASOS for your fall must haves!

What can you get with all that cash?

Here are some things from ASOS that could definitely spruce up this year's summer wardrobe :)

I am so into the long coats again this year. You can find this jacket and more at  ASOS' Coats and Jackets!

                             Made with Zeal  ||  I'm Perfectly Human ||  Jasmin Daily                           

        An Alli Event || Rasberry Glow || Red Reticule || My Inner Fabulous || My Rose Colored Shades

 Fashionably Employed || Reese & Coco || Red Closet Diary || Haircut & General Attitude || See What Katie Wears

 Regally Soled || Simply Just Lovely || The Parlor Girl || Rachel's Lookbook || The Mrs. & The Momma

 I Do DeClaire || Thirty Seven Four || Whitney Nic James || Fashions on the Fly || Sweet Tea & Sass

           Sprinkles & Sequins || Sheer Neon || Northern Lights Southern Belles

Now that you've taken a look at my ASOS favorites for fall, enter the rafflecopter below for your chance at winning this awesome giveaway! Plus, don't forget to check out these other lovely bloggers!

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He Calls Me..

It's Friday!!

I am thanking Jesus that the weekend is here and that I had a great week. 

God has been giving me reminder after reminder of His love for me and it is just what I have been needing.

Do you ever start feeling like God is mad at you? Or the situation you are in makes you feel distant from Him?

I think we could all answer that we have felt that way at one time or another. 

Sometimes what I think I forget is that not only am I not the first person who has ever messed up and that Jesus was tempted by everything there was so He could understand what I am going through. 

What is so amazing to me with my relationship with Christ is that when I feel guilty or am going through a rough patch, that is when I feel His embrace more powerful. I have a vision and feeling of Him pulling me closer and hugging me tighter- because He loves me so much and knows that when I am not in the best place is when I need His love the most. 

No matter where you are in your journey, Christ is concerned with every area of your life. Sometimes I feel we forget who Christ is and to what extent He went to show His love and give us freedom from sin and death. 

We are blameless.

He calls us holy.

We have been forgiven.

He calls us righteous.

We are free. 

He calls us chosen.

We are spotless.

He calls us worthy. 

We are His.

All because of the love He has for us.

If you are feeling vulnerable and defenseless right now, imagine Jesus commanding His angels, “Watch over this one who belongs to Me. Make sure he is treated with respect and not put to shame because he is someone I love and someone whom I died for.”

God’s Word tells us that if God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31) No one who has set himself against us can prevail because when God is for us, His protection is upon us.  No matter what it is you are facing or going through, you are in marvelous hands. Even if you have made a mistake, Jesus is waiting for you to turn to Him so He can embrace you with His love and grace. He is so wonderful! I love him so much!

Have a great weekend!

-A

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#LYLS Thursday Linkup// Let Me Pray For You!!

Happy Thursday Everyone!

I have been starting to dive into doing my own artwork for my home/ office/etc. I am still just learning the ropes but I made my first one above! I am excited to print it off at hang it up in a cute picture frame!

There is a song I LOVE that I want to share with you today, too (it inspired me to do my artwork!). It is my favorite song right now. I love the meaning of the song, the lyrics.. well pretty much everything about it. 

The lyrics of the chorus are:

I'd love like I'm not scared

Give when it's not fair 

Live life for another

Take time for a brother

Fight for the week ones

Speak out for freedom

Find faith in the battle

Stand tall but above it all

Fix my eyes on You

I love it because they are a true definition of how we can be ambassadors for Christ. In the song, it talks about how if they could turn back time knowing what they know now, they would do all of the above. Isn't that the truth??!

It also says:

It take a soldier who knows his orders

to walk the walk I'm supposed to walk

I love that because a life following Christ isn't always easy, but there is so much honor and reward. It takes a lot of strength, compassion and willingness to not only to be a soldier for Christ, but also doing all the above chorus says. 

This song is such a great reminder of who Christ is and how we are supposed to be. The things of this world dim when Christ is the center of your attention. 

It makes me want to jump for joy and thank the Lord for all He is and has done and also pray that He continue to help me do all of the above. 

I also want to pray for you! 

I am going to say a quick prayer for you but if you are desiring prayer, 

please email me at alcstyling.com. 

It would be an honor and privilege to pray for you.

Dear Heavenly Father, 

What an honor and privilege it is to serve you! I thank you, Lord, for being the perfect example for us and for your ultimate sacrifice so we can live in freedom and in peace. I pray Jesus that you help us be better ambassadors for you- help us with our struggles, and forgive us for missteps we have taken in our journey. I pray Lord that you give us strength to love without fear, give freely, fight for the weak ones, speak out for freedom, and take time for our brothers and sisters. But above it all, help us continue to keep our eyes on you Lord as you direct our paths. I pray that you place your healing hands on those who are hurting and need healing- fill them with your love Jesus so they may know you are always with them- no matter what comes their way. Help them fix their eyes on you and build their faith so they can have peace and know who holds their life and future. I thank you, Lord, for always fighting for us and keeping us during tribulation. You are a glorious Savior. I thank you for your precious mercy and never ending grace.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

I hope you have a wonderful Thursday! 

Today is Let Your Light Shine Thursday!

You know what time it is, let that beautiful light shine!
Each week we appreciate those of you who come by to share your posts on fashion, beauty, faith, love, and all the in between.

Our feature for this week is Elizabeth at Oaks and Oats!

Last week Elizabeth posted about a great site called Stitch Fix that helps style your wardrobe and sends you the clothes to try and buy that they believe you will like! It's a great way to build a wardrobe!

Thanks again for all of you who participated! Now it's time to link up again :)

RULES: 
1. Link up your favorite post this week - It can be related to faith, fashion, food, family, or whatever else you would like to share that helped you shine your light from the week!
Don't worry if you don't have a blog to link up - just leave a comment with how you let your light shine this week!

2. Follow I'm Perfectly Human & True Soul & Spirit on Bloglovin, or any other social media outlet (FB, Twitter, Instagram, or GFC)

3. Link back by using the button above or your own link.

4. Visit other blogs and meet new blogger friends!

Each week we will be choosing our favorite posts to feature and share with you all!

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<a href="http://truesoulandspirit.blogspot.com/shine" title="Let Your Light Shine"><img src="http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l63/AishaLeuthardt/LetYourLightShine.png" alt="Let Your Light Shine" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

An InLinkz Link-up

-A

Follow me: Facebook || Instagram || Twitter || Pinterest || Bloglovin 

Linking up: WIWT, Treasure Tromp, Week's End

#OOTD: Leopard Flare on a Budget

Happy Hump Day!

Like I always say, we are halfway there! I can start feeling the weekend within my reach.

This outfit is awesome because believe it or not, I bought every piece of clothing for under $60! 

Who said you can't feel and look like a million bucks on a budget? I often say "I am ballin' on a budget" (Ha! Ha!) So I am always scoping out deals.

The most expensive piece of clothing was the blazer for $30 at Nordstrom (yes, Nordstrom!). It is the best fitting blazer I have.

The jeans and shoes? Both from Target. Shoes I got on clearance for $9 (& they are comforable) and the jeans I got for I believe  $14.99. 

The last piece, the tank top, I got at Nordstrom rack for $6.

You can look good and feel good, even on a budget. The greatest thing about this outfit, it is versatile and you can wear it in different ways. The jeans and black tank are staples and you can change the blazer out for a cardigan, jacket, or another blazer- or even wear it alone! So it's money well spent in my eyes!

Have a great day everyone!

-A

God's Dreams Are Bigger

Happy Monday, Everyone!

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Per usual, the weekend was much needed for me. I thank God for weekends with no "must do" plans. It allows me to sleep in,  take my time, and go with the flow! 

It was a great weekend spending time with loved ones. It was an all together great weekend. 

One thing that stuck with me this weekend was from something I heard at church. The pastor said "God's dreams are bigger than our dreams."

I sometimes forget about that. I often look at my situation and lose sight of the fact that whatever my dreams are, God's dreams for me are far above that. 

" Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think."- Ephesians 3:20

As often as I hear that scripture, I often don't apply it to my everyday life! I look at where I am, get discouraged if I feel I am not where I am supposed to be, and just get into a negative thought spiral instead of keeping my eyes on Jesus knowing He can do above anything I can imagine, in His perfect timing.

I have been down and out about work- it has been stressing me out- but this weekend at church reminded me that God's dreams for me are bigger than my own, He is concerned with every part of my life, and He sure didn't bring me this far to fail me. 

The enemy will try to discourage us with anything he can. Whether if it's to tell us we will never be as good as others, we will never get promoted, or we won't reach our goals- we have to remember they are ALL LIES! 

He has really been trying to get me to believe that I am incapable of being good at my job. But being reminded of God's dreams for me helped me remember that I can do all things through Christ! I have a secret weapon- & that's the creator of ALL things!

By knowing what God's will is for me, it keeps peace in my heart, my eyes on Him, and helps me stay confident in who I am and what my purpose is. 

I am so thankful for Him because He always knows what we need when we need it.

He will never give us more than we can take. It's such a blessing to know we have a Father that will never leave us or forsake us.

I start my week feeling comforted, renewed, and at peace. I am so happy to be in the hands of My Mighty Savior. With Him is where I feel absolutely safe.

God told me to meditate on scripture that reminds me of His will for us. So I decided I want to share it with you, too, so you can be reminded on how much God loves you, how much He cares about every little thing in your life, and how there is no need to worry because we are all in good hands!

Download Now

Have a great Monday!

-A

Adjusting to the Season

The Weekend! 

It's just around the corner :) I love the feeling of getting off work on Friday knowing I have 2 days to myself! Such a good feeling. 

While my fashion has been adjusting to this fall weather (see here), so have I personally! Here are a few things I have enjoyed this week while transitioning into fall.

The trees are already changing! I saw this one while on a walk with W on Tuesday and it was so beautiful I had to take a picture! I love how it is so green outside still but the leaves are changing color. It adds such beauty!

I captured this awesome sunset on a walk this week as well. I love sunsets. They are one of my favorite things. They are not only beautiful to look at, but I was telling W that to me, they are a great reminder of where are focus should be. On beauty, purity, and the One who made it all. Sunset's warmth wraps around you, like God's love for us. It offers us light, as Jesus does. They help us focus on above and to forget about any life care for even a moment. May sound sappy- but that is why they are just soooo beautiful to me!

Even in the midst of chaos in my life, there is always one place I can be guaranteed to find peace, stillness, wisdom and love. It's the Word. I have felt compelled to just get into it lately because it is truly my source of strength. (see Addie sleeping in the backgroud?? Pure bliss!)

I saw this the other day and it made me chuckle because it's true! I often times can still get worked up- but when I finally give it to the Lord- I realize there is nothing to worry about and I can just CHILL! No sense in getting worked up about things when you can give it to the One who created ALL things!

I have had the itch to take it to the next level with designing my home. I saw this on pinterest and really want to replicate it! I love gold (it's my favorite color besides purple) and it would be perfect in my bedroom- with the accent of teal?? Okay now I am getting excited. 

This makes me want to ask- does anyone know of an online website that helps you create printables or word art? I want to put some up in my home instead of buying premade ones that are like 40 dollars- but I don't know a place that I can make them! If you know of any good sites or tools, please pass it on!

Have a great weekend everyone!

-A

LYLS Thursday Link- Up!

Today is Let Your Light Shine Thursday!

You know what time it is, let that beautiful light shine!
Each week we appreciate those of you who come by to share your posts on fashion, beauty, faith, love, and all the in between.

Our feature for this week is Heather at ThriftStories!

Last week Heather posted 10 top staples for fall and styled them out so beautifully.

Visit her to get the details on each piece! 

Thanks again for all of you who participated! Now it's time to link up again :)

RULES: 
1. Link up your favorite post this week - It can be related to faith, fashion, food, family, or whatever else you would like to share that helped you shine your light from the week!
Don't worry if you don't have a blog to link up - just leave a comment with how you let your light shine this week!

2. Follow I'm Perfectly Human & True Soul & Spirit on Bloglovin, or any other social media outlet (FB, Twitter, Instagram, or GFC)

3. Link back by using the button above or your own link.

4. Visit other blogs and meet new blogger friends!

Each week we will be choosing our favorite posts to feature and share with you all!

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<a href="http://truesoulandspirit.blogspot.com/shine" title="Let Your Light Shine"><img src="http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l63/AishaLeuthardt/LetYourLightShine.png" alt="Let Your Light Shine" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

-A

Follow me: Facebook || Instagram || Twitter || Pinterest || Bloglovin 

Linking up: WIWT, Treasure Tromp, Week's End

An InLinkz Link-up

Street Style: Adjusting to the Weather

Adjusting to the Weather

We are there! It's hump day. Half way through the week! This week has been fun because I have slowly been easing into my sweaters and long sleeves. It's not cold enough yet that I have to wear stockings, so I paired a skirt with a long sleeve and cardigan! Comfy but still looks professional :)

Carigan: Marshalls, I believe?

Shirt: Mango

Skirt: Windsor

Necklace: Forever 21

Shoes: Target

Purse: Italy

Testimony Tuesday: My Cup Overflows

Happy Tuesday!

I hope your week is off to a great start. If it isn't, I hope that starting right now your week starts looking up :)

Sometimes as I sit on my couch reading, writing this post, or watching TV, I often quick look around and every part of my house there is a gift from someone, a memory, or something I was able to purchase on my own. Although they are just "things"- I see God's protection, blessings, love and favor. 

When looking at the things that are gifts, I see the people that love me. The people that wanted to make my house a home. To take one more stress off my shoulders. One less worry out of my mind.

When looking at things that bring back memories or looking at the pictures that have captured a moment, I see how God has blessed me with wonderful people and the ability to have joyous memories that will stay in my heart and mind forever. How he has blessed me with so much good. It's amazing that one memory can bring chuckles back for a lifetime or can make your heart melt all over again.  

Like when I look at pictures of my dogs that have passed away ( I loved them so dearly) I laugh and cry at the same time because they brought such laughter, they melted my heart daily, but I miss them all the time. I love continually keeping them in remembrance.

When looking at the things I was able to purchase on my own, I am reminded of how much God has blessed me financially- enough to supply what I need and what I desire. How He has blessed me abundantly. I think of the people that do not have as much as me and how grateful I am for all God has given me. It keeps my heart humble in knowing that since I am blessed, I am called to bless others. 

It's such a blessing to open up the cupboards and be able to choose what glass I want to use. Or to be able to turn the facet on to warm water that never stops. It's such a blessing to have a home that stays at 72 degrees. It's such a blessing to have a working full fridge and a pantry filled with food. It's such a blessing to have light all around my house, blinds to keep the night outside, and a roof to keep me safe. It's such a blessing to have a bed with freshly washed sheets and a fluffy pillow. To have different versions of the Bible that I can choose to read from. It's a blessing that I get to share my home with my friends and family. It's a blessing to be able to choose when I want quiet time and when I want my house to be filled with noise. It's such a blessing to sit on my couch and hear the words "I love you" from a loved one. 

I am so blessed. I am blessed to be able to bless and to continue to bless. 

God's blessings are everywhere I look. Yet another blessing. Constant reminders of His love, His mercy, His grace and His faithfulness. His protection, His patience, and His helping hand. 

I serve a mighty God. I find no fault in Him. He is my ultimate blessing.

"My cup overflows with your blessings." Psalm 23:5

"Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven. Whose sin is covered."

-A

#OOTD//A New Season

Happy Monday, Everyone!

I hope everyone had a great weekend. I sure did! It was relaxing, which is always nice. I was able to make it out to the farmer's market again, catch up on a couple shows, and spend time with friends and family.

With fall fast approaching, it makes me so excited for a new season. Not just a new season weather speaking, but a new season personally. 

Lately, I have been getting the urge to "branch out" and discover new areas that I can place my seed.

I have always been interested in fashion, & with God continually pushing me to break out of my shell and show my talents, I am excited for the things I am dipping into to expand my interests and passions. I have set a big goal and am eager to accomplish it!

A new season brings new goals, new opportunities. I have already made some goals for myself this season that I am excited to challenge myself with. 

1] Take 10,000 steps a day. Seems odd, but I just got a fitbit and want to set a goal that helps ensure I am moving my body an appropriate amount and making sure my body stays active. I think 10,000 steps a day is a good start :)

2] Pray more. I often say that I have a constant relationship with the Lord, where I am talking to Him and Him talking to me. But I have found that I do not often set aside time for formal prayer. Not that I think there is any right way to pray, but I want to set aside time for prayer with just the Lord and I. So I can pray for those who need prayer, pray for myself, and pray for other things I may not "pray" about when I am just talking to Him.

3] Do not get easily offended. I am very sensitive person. Everyone who knows me can testify for me. But the Bible says that love is not easily offended. I really want to practice that part of love. To practice letting things roll of my back. 

4] Be loyal with my savings account. I have a savings, but I want a savings account that is one I don't ever touch. There is a plan where the rules are for whatever week of the year it is, place that amount of money in your bank account. For example, if it is week 1 of the year, that week you put in one dollar. The most you ever put in the bank account is 52 dollars (52 weeks in a year) but at the end of the year you have saved over $1,700. I want to start that so this time next year I will have saved that much. It may not seem like much, but knowing I have christmas present money already saved by this time next year would be a plus. ;)

I don't want to create too many goals where it's not manageable so I think I will stop there :) There are so many things I want to do but like I often say, one step at a time! 

I think my goals focus on key things: Health, Jesus, Love and Finances. Big things in my life! 

I heard a quote last week that said "Your dreams stop being dreams when you make them goals". I can agree with that! So I want to set goals for myself to continue to hold a standard for myself, challenge my abilities and keep achieving things I may have thought I never could. 

What are some goals you want to accomplish this season? 

I hope you have a great week!

-A

Friday Flare

Happy Friday, Loves!

The fall breeze is in the air and although I don't like cold, I love fall fashion. Taking out the scarves, boots and hats while storing away the sandals and shorts.. feels so good!

Its a windy, cloudy day in the city, but that doesn't stop fashion. 

A couple things I have done with this change of weather:

1] Embraced my curly hair. Fall is one of the best times for fashion (in my opinion) and I don't mean just clothing. I like to experiment with hair as well. So- I am bringing out my natural curls- although I end up putting it in a pony tail to avoid too much fluff.

2] I have brought out the jeans and booties.

I am a total fanatic when it comes to boots and booties. There are so many ways you can wear them and so many styles. I always get a size bigger so I can wear two pairs of socks :)

3] Started looking for coats! 

Three things I love: shoes, watches and coats!! I think those three things can make a signature outfit. So I have started a style board of my top picks :)

I reallly want a trench this year. I always psych myself out of getting one but I think I may go for it this year.

I also want an open long coat. They are heavy, big and stylish.

One other piece I added that I can't wait to get are hats. I love hats and am excited to update my closet!

What items are on the top of your Fall Must Have List?? 

I always love ideas on what I could add to mine :)

Have a great weekend!!!

-A