My New Thing//LYLS Thursday Link- Up!

My New Thing

Cardigan: Groupon! 
Shoes: Aldo
Jeans: Target
Tank: Don't remember
Bracelet: Gift
Watch: Nordstrom

My New Thing: Long Cardigans!

They are so fun to style and can be styled in so many ways. They are so fun to style during any season but especially fall and winter. I also like to wear it as a dress with a belt around my waist. I get so many compliments on that.

Do you have any new "things" that you started doing this year?

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Lets welcome today with 

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.

Today we are featuring this mommy to be! She always has such great style and that doesn't stop with a baby on the way.  Make sure to check out Ashley from Raspberry Glow to get great style inspiration!

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 Rooted in Salt & Made with Zeal 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! So link up for your chance to be featured!!

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

-A

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

An InLinkz Link-up

Firmoo Glasses Product Review

Good afternoon, Everyone!

I hope everyone is having a great start to the week! It's been kind of hard for me to get back into the groove of things- I am tired! Good thing I get free refills of coffee at my job :)

I posted the picture above because it was the first day I tried glasses! I have never been a "glasses" person but I have always thought the big frame glasses are always so cute. So I ordered these glasses from Firmoo.com and am so glad I did! I love them! 

I got so many compliments about them that now they have become part of my regular wardrobe. They are comfortable to wear, stylish, and have great lenses.

They made me feel good, look good, and feel smarter! Ha! Ha! 

A couple of my friends have ordered the same pair that I am wearing- you can, too! 

Here is the link: 

http://www.firmoo.com/eyeglasses-p-2600.html

I have the black pear but the ones above are so cute- I think I am going to order that pair, too :)

I am so happy with my Firmoo glasses! 

What do you think?

-A

Just Take a Step

Happy Tuesday Everyone! 

Well, with the giveaways now over, I am excited to start writing again on the blog! The 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways are so fun to do! I am so excited to have been a part of it again. Thanks to all who participated! 

Gosh, so much has happened in two weeks! Where to start?

1] I bought a new pair of shoes. Always a good thing :)

2] I got some really great news at my job- which I will share on my blog at a later time (definitely a testimony post!)

3] I have met some amazing new people at my church. It has been so fulfilling to share the Lord with friends :)

4] Christmas tree up (check!). 

5] I changed gyms! And started Zumba! Love it so far for all you Zumbateers out there. Definitely brings out my Beyonce side, ha ha!

6] I made a major step in my life- which I am going to talk about today!

So, about 3 months ago, God took me through a very hard season. It made me question my abilities, my faith, and really how and where my feet were planted. During the season, I didn't really see all God was trying to teach me and show me. I am still realizing things to this day!

One thing personally that had been going on with me is that I wasn't fulfilled in certain areas of my life. I was not content with things that were going on. I felt my heart desiring more and really asking the question "is this really how it's supposed to be?" and not being happy if that answer was yes. 

I looked over through the past and realized there were many times that I  should have taken a step forward and left certain things behind, but didn't because I couldn't see what was in front of me. It was like I was okay being unhappy because of the fear of the unknown. It reminds me of the story in the Bible when Moses was leading the Jews to the Promise Land and away from slavery but when they got to the red sea and the pharaoh's soldiers were behind them, they cried and said they wanted to go back to being slaves because they didn't want to die. But then Moses split the red sea! 

The point of that is we often don't want to take the step that is needed because we do not see the outcome of doing that. We don't want to take that leap of faith. The Jews rather had gone back to slaves than trust that God was going to save them and bring them through to a much better place. In fact, when Moses cried out to God asking for His help, God said " Why are you crying out to me? Get moving!" Exodus 14:15

I think many of us wait for this big sign to move on or take that leap of faith (guilty!) when in reality if you have the feeling to take that step it could very well be for a reason. I think we often let one negative thought or feeling really dictate what we should do when it comes to taking that step. 

So instead of waiting for a huge sign, I took a step with my faith in tact. I need trust that God has better things to come for me. I am starting to see there were signs all around me- I just chose to be blind to them because of different thoughts or emotions. I totally get what the Bible means when it said the heart will deceive you. Gosh heart- not cool! 

But that's why no matter what, I know I need to put my trust in Jesus. I may not get things right away, but I know if I am trusting Him, He will continue to lead me to better things. 

I hope this has helped you today. God bless!

-A

His Word Brought Me Through

Hey Everyone

Sorry I have been MIA the last few days. With Black Friday just around the corner, it's definitely scramble time here at work. You can say my life has been hectic!

This time of year is always great for me and bad for me. 

Its great because of the obvious reasons, you get to spend quality time with your family, take off some work, and reflect on what you are thankful for. 

But for me, it's a little different. Around this time a couple years ago, something tragic happened in my life. It is way too personal to discuss but this time every year, I can't help but think about it. I find myself getting in this mood around this time every year because it's in the back of my mind pretty much throughout November and December. Just a sensitive time, I guess. 

My close family will tell me thinking about it won't do anything but I feel it's my way of coping with it. Because it doesn't just remind me of what happened, it also reminds me how God brought me through it.

I remember I hung onto God's word like never before and eventually, I saw His word coming to pass it my life. When for a long time I thought I went through something tragic alone and afraid, I realized I was never alone, God was there with me.

People will make jokes to me and say "you are a bible thumper" or "you are such a Jesus freak" but I am because Jesus was there for me when no one else was. I am addicted to Him because He is the reason I got through it- I truly believe that. He was the one who healed my pain- and is still healing my pain. He comforted me when others didn't, or couldn't. It was after going through this that I realized Jesus deserved my all. 

When no one understood it, or understands it- Jesus does. 

& that is why I love Him with all of my heart. He paid the price for me and shows His love to me like no one else can. His Word brought me through. His promises and love is what kept me going and keeps me going. 

So this time of year can be tough, but it brings me back to remember of the time I met Jesus for the first time. And for that, I am truly thankful.

No matter what you go through, God is there with you. Hold onto His promises. 

-A

What is the Definition of Being Successful?

Jeans: Target
Boots: Michael Kors
Tank: Nordstrom
Cardigan: Target
Necklace: Forever 21

I hope everyone had an awesome weekend!

I did. 

A couple friend bloggers and I went on a thrifting together and it was so fun! (I will post pictures this week and tell you more about it!)

I was able so spend some quality time with W on Saturday night and continue to find new ways to cook good, healthy meals for my challenge (see here). I need to post a recipe on what I cooked!

Sunday I started my first day on the coffee committee at church! I am so excited about it. I love church and I love coffee.. such a great pair! :) 

What is the definition of success being successful?

I think a lot of people get stuck into thinking there is a specific path to success: having a dream job, getting married within your "appropriate" timeline, having kids, getting promoted, being a positive role model in the community, retire comfortably, etc. 

I think people get a false perception that there is a specific timeline for their life and which events need to occur in their life and specific things that need to happen in order to be successful.

But when really thinking about being successful, is there really one true definition for it? 

I don't think so. 

Why dont I think so? 

All people start from different places, have different things happen to them, believe different things, want different things. How can there be one true definition of success when no everyone has the same starting point? Or even the same desired ending point?

For example, success for my dad was getting out of Iran, getting an US education, making a life for himself in a foreign country, learning the language and continuing to grow in wealth. 

Success for me? Being happy, having the ability to help others, serving for Christ,  Jesus being pleased with me and more. 

Success is having a positive attitude even when you have some doubt

Success is keeping your hope alive in your illness

Success is putting another meal on the table for your family

Success is being able to give a little more than you were able to before

Success is being able to give at all

Success is making it from home to work and back again safely

Success is not giving up even when you didn't get the interview

There is not one definition for being successful, but many.

No matter where you are in your life, there are so many successes. You are successful. It's so freeing to know you don't have to be chained down to the mainstream idea of success. 

What is being successful to you?

Do you believe you are a success? I do. :)

xoxo,

-A

Let me pray for you.

Lord, help remind us to not be conformed by this world but focused on the things of the kingdom and of the Spirit. Help us remember that we all have unique journeys that you have planned for us and that your dreams are far better and bigger than we could imagine. I pray for health, healing and prosperity for all of you today. 

In Jesus name, Amen.

One Goal At a Time: Nov/Dec Goal

Happy Friday Everyone!

I hope everyone is having a great end of the week. 

Sweater: Target
Boots: Target
Leggings: Nordstrom
Necklace: Forever 21

I have decided I want to one large goal for the months of Nov and Dec and that is to incorporate working out into my life again.

I used to work out almost everyday! But slowly I stopped because I had a lot of other things going on or I was just exhausted from work.

Exhausted or not- I need to do this for myself.

My goal is to workout atleast 4 times a week until the end of December.

I am setting a goal to lose 10 lbs by Dec 31st but it's hard to say what your weight will be after building muscle.

I will be posting a workout calendar everyday so you guys will have to help me stay accountable!!

Thanks for coming along on my journey.. wish me luck! :)

xoxo,

A

Making Hand Me Downs Fit To My Style

Happy Tuesday!

I am a big thrifter- I absolutely love it! Another thing I love is hand me downs! As you can see here.

I love to find ways to have someone else's style work with my own- even if I end up just wearing the clothes for lazy "around the house" clothes.

My mom recently asked me if I wanted a cardigan of hers that she no longer wanted. It was over sized, but I knew I could make it work.

It has a vintage look but I love a vintage look every now and then. I paired it with some sassy heals from DSW and a basic black tank. 

Cardigans are always my favorite for fall :) 

What hand me downs do you love??

xoxo,

A

Style Your Boyfriend's Clothes

I sometimes like to wear stuff out of my boyfriends collection because it's more comfortable and I like oversized things :)

I took his button up and made it more feminine by tying the front and pairing it with boots. Normally, I would pair it with black boots or brown boots but I thought these beige boots were cute... who says you always have to match?!

Perfect for a 'lax day running errand or just around the house. :)

How do you dress your boyfriends clothes? Or what in his closet do you secretly want to take?

xoxo,

-A

Making the old, new!

Happy Hump Day!

The week is halfway over! I hope this week has brought you much joy and happiness!

This post is dear to me for a couple reasons. 

First, the trench coat is actually a coat passed down from my grandmother when we was my age! So this coat is from the 1960's! I remember when she first gave it to me, I thought to myself "I will never wear this, but its from my grandma so I have to take it." She took care of it and so did I, and now that I am in my 20's, I have found to love it! 

It's amazing how you can make any old thing new again through TLC and pairing it with something new.

For example, I paired the coat with some of my newer clothes and it made the coat look like I got it to go with the outfit! It definitely doesn't look like its 50 years old!

May sounds cheesy, but that's how it is when we become new in Christ. He takes the old us, the worn out us- & makes us new by pouring in His love, His care, His mercy and living in us! 

I was dead in my transgressions and He made me new. He takes care of me and cleanses me when I become dirty. 

"That even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!)"- Ephesians 2:5

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"- 2 Corinthians 5:17

Just as my grandma and I made this jacket new by cleaning it, restoring it, and mixing it with our own style, Jesus has cleansed you, restored you and made you new through Christ! Hallelujah!

I hope you have a great day. 

If you are desiring prayer, please email me at alcstyling@gmail.com and I would love to pray for you. Let's get uplifted, together! :)

Also, when leaving comments, please leave your website URL so I can comment back! 

xoxo,

-A

Psalm 23: I Need A Shepherd

Shirt: Target

Scarf: Target

Pants: Zara

Shoes: Target

Happy Start of the Week!

How are you? 

This week was very eventful. I attended some blogger events including the MN Blogger Conference this weekend! It was great meeting other bloggers and also meeting some in person that I have been communicating online with for awhile! 

Church service was awesome (as always) and then I was able to spend time with a couple girlfriends. I always have such a great time with them. I thank God for blessing me with the time to spend with them because sometimes time just slips away from us.

I am going to word vomit a little bit today but this is something that I have needed to hear and learn and think it could help maybe you, too! :)

Psalm 23.

That's the title of my post today. 

Partly is because it's one of my favorite chapters. 

But the meaning is what fills me. 

Why would God liken us as sheep? 

He could've picked anything (like my favorite animal- a tiger!) but why did He choose sheep?

Because sheep desperately need a Shepherd!

"If God is your shepherd, we no longer have to chase the right situation. We just have to chase the shepherd." - Carl Lentz

John 10

"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd."

Why studying being a sheep and following the shepherd intrigues me so much is because the beauty of the relationship.

The sheep completely trust the shepherd. The Shepherd knows everything the sheep needs. They know how to make them stay in the flock, the know how to lead the flock, they know everything about their sheep. It's the Shepherd job to protect the flock and to lead them.

The sheep do not worry because they are in full trust of their shepherd. They have full security in the shepherd.

I am a sheep because I need a shepherd. I need Jesus. I need to be led. He is my Good Shepherd. What does the Good Shepherd do?

The Good Shepherd will always do two things:

1. The shepherd always corrects

We don't always like to be corrected or disciplined. But one thing God does for us is disciplines to correct us. It's a way of Him showing His love! 

I used to think sometimes that when something bad was happening, God was punishing me. It wasn't until I starting knowing God more that I started to be able to recognize His correction. I used to think that if God was correcting me, He was mad at me. Truth be told, He isn't mad. He is teaching. What a great love that is. He corrects us without being mad- He simply knows what is best for us. So don't take God's discipline as punishment, but as correction so you can get put on your right path and go down the road to prosperity!

It makes me think how much I have missed because I didn't want to listen to God's correction! How many miracles that I passed up or postponed because I couldn't simply follow God's correction. It takes putting pride aside and humbling one's self to be able to truly learn how to follow and accept correction.

Hebrews 12

"My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.  No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."

2. The shepherd always protects

Whatever you do or wherever you go, God's protection will always, always, ALWAYS be over you. He is a protector! No matter what you do, His hand of protection will be all over you.

He will protect you from things that you don't even know you need protection from. That's how good our God is! When you truly know how protecting God is, you live a life of faith, not fear. & it's a process. I am still learning- but what a beautiful thing it is to wake up in the morning and know I am protected by the Almighty One!

Can you think of a time where something happened and when you think about it, it could've and/or should've gone totally bad? I can think of many. How now that I am a sheep, I can see God's protection over certain situations in my life. 

Even when I did not know Him, He knew me. & He was protecting me because He knew His plan for me. I thank Him for His protection, His love, His plan, His Grace!

"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk

through the darkest valley,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me

 n the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

Surely your goodness and love will follow me

all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord

forever."

Make sure to highlight those scriptures in your Bibles! :) 

I hope learning about our Good Shepherd has uplifted you today. It sure has uplifted me.

I hope you have a great rest of your day!

xoxo,

-A