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Moving Forward
Recently, I have been learning a lot about the idea of moving forward. We all logistically do this considering the fact that it is impossible to live life backwards, but I have been thinking about this in an emotional sense, and it is easier said than done (yikes!). Our past circumstances are so positive because they make up our story, have developed our character, and have shaped who we are. However, they can simultaneously create so much bondage and shame. It is so easy to get caught up in our prior mistakes, past relationships, the old person we used to be, or the fear of the opinions other's have on us based on past circumstances.
None of that is pretty or productive, and the past can tend to creep up on us sometimes when our awareness dwindles. The question to really dig into is, why do we let the past hang around? Jase and I discuss this a lot and try our best to help each other step out of the bondage of the past. We celebrate how we continue to shift, heal and grow individually and together as a couple, and we rarely let the past enter into an argument because it has come and gone + it doesn't help the present! The following words are so important and powerful, but we can't fully dive into these nuggets of joy until we have released what holds us back. PROGRESS. PRESENT. DREAMS.
Is there anything that you are holding on to from the past that keeps you from living abundantly? Learning from the past is such a gift, but letting it bring us down has no purpose. How can we be intentional in moving forward?We would love to hear from you in the comments below.
This post is in collaboration with The Refined Collective Series.
THE OUTFIT (c/o)
[show_shopthepost_widget id="2814200"]Photos by Kat Harris
Taking The Time To Journal
We always feel so renewed after a great conversation with someone that we love and trust. Our souls are made to take part in deep, connecting conversations with one another. It is such a blessing to be able to talk through challenging times, reflect upon happy times, praise the Lord for what He is up to in your lives, and share wisdom. In addition to talking through life with loved ones, we are also big believers in taking the time to journal.
Taking the time to journal is such a beautiful way to develop your inner self and become the person who you were designed to be. With the help and guidance of Jesus, journaling can be such a private and beautiful time to connect with Him and be led by Him! One of our favorite things to do is to get still (and comfy), turn on worship music, open up His Word, and grab our journal and pen.
Journaling is a personal experience and will look different for everyone. The best part is that your journal is completely yours. Journal about anything you want. Just start writing, reflecting, rejoicing, thanking, wondering, praying and see what happens. The more you do it, the more freeing it will become!
My journal is a mix of personal thoughts, verses from Scripture, prayers, inspirational quotes from authors/bloggers, poems, wisdom from others, and more. But again, everyone's journal will be unique, which is another reason why journaling is such a beautiful work of written art. We also love the idea of a gratitude journal, especially this one from Papyrus. A gratitude journal is a wonderful way to actively express our gratitude for everyday things, which leads to a greater sense of overall happiness and peace.
Here are a few journals that we love: one | two | three | four | five
+ outfit details: romper | shoes | bandana | sunnies (c/o)| bag
Leave comments below and we will be praying with you along your journaling journey! xoimages: felicia lasala
The Power and Joy of Worship Music
Worship music is such a beautiful gift and lately we have been in awe of its power and the joy that it brings. There are so many talented artists in the worship music community and we are so thankful for their artistry! Listening to worship music is a big part of our lives and we hope to share just how transforming and heart-filling listening to worship music is.We were inspired to write this post after reading this blog post from Hope Houser. She shared her playlist and it inspired us to share our favorite worship songs. From Hillsong United to Elevation Worship, We Are Messengers, Lauren Daigle, United Pursuit, MercyMe, Mandisa and so many more, there are truly so many artists who are sharing their God-given talents with the world. It is overwhelming in the best way!Whether you are going through a particularly challenging season or not, listening to worship music will fill your heart with courage, hope, and faith. We have found that by listening to these positive, praising songs our minds become saturated with beautiful words of truth as we focus on Jesus and His amazing nature. My favorite thing is to turn on worship music first thing in the morning while I open up His Word and spend time in it. I also love to have worship music on while driving, doing chores, and cooking. It makes for the sweetest atmosphere.We hope you enjoy our playlist! Let us know your favorite songs in the comment section below. Thank you, Hope, for the inspiration! xo M
THE OUTFIT: top (similar)| jeans (under $100!) | sunnies | shoes
images by Felicia Lasala
Isaiah David by Hannah Burton
You know those moments when you meet someone and you immediately click and feel like you have known that person for a lifetime? Enter Hannah Burton. She has a true heart of gold for Jesus and for other people, is full of adventure, and intentionally lives out her vision like I have never seen before in the most fearless of ways. What a special time we had photo-snapping on Mulholland in the middle of the beautiful LA canyons - her internal confidence and the nature of her heart made me feel more comfortable in my skin than I ever had before + it was a deep, magical experience I will never forget. What a gem she is, and not to mention, loads of fun!Today is such a special day on LSK. Meet our dear friend, amazing photographer, and beautiful soul, Hannah Burton. Hannah is the creative heart and brilliant mind behind Isaiah David, a collection of scripture-inspired photographs. The collection consists of eleven bespoke, limited edition art prints that all have bespoke concepts based on Psalm 23. The images are beyond powerful and Hannah's inspiration for the collection is heartfelt and deeply meaningful. Learn more about Isaiah David and get to know Hannah by reading our q&a with her below. Enjoy! xo
Hey Han! Tell us a little bit about yourself. Such as, what do you love most in life and where did you grow up?I love my friends and family. I am blessed with incredible leadership and am thankful for the gifts I have been given to steward. I love what I do and am so passionate about making Jesus famous through photography.I have been fortunate enough to grow up in the countryside of England and the city of London; I loved having the best of both worlds. It has helped me appreciate both environments and has influenced my work greatly!Tell us how you and Lo met!I reached out to Lo when I was in LA last year and had the privilege of working with her. I was challenged and inspired by her courage, her work ethic, her bravery, and her contagious joy. What do you love most about being a photographer?I LOVE what I get to do. I love that everyone I photograph has become a friend, and I love that every shoot is unique. I love that I get to show people the way God sees them, that I get to concept and research and create with no limitation. I love that I am able to travel the world, too! 
When you think about your favorite photography memory, what comes to mind?There are a few:The most humbling memory was a trip to Uganda, where I was able to capture beautiful stories of restoration. It impacted me so much personally, and I left changed and challenged.The most inspiring memory creatively was with Isaiah David; it has been so rewarding as I get to study the Word so intimately.The most bizarre memories range from shooting with Katy Perry, throwing paint on a man, shooting with tigers, and holding a bond girls bra.Did you always want to be a photographer/ how did you discover your love for photography?I wanted to be an interior designer from the age of 14, and I studied it and really did not enjoy it. I fell into photography and fell in love. I trained with amazing people and was blessed to learn from the best. I loved being around people, and I loved getting to know new people. I don’t believe you can be a photographer without having a relationship with your subject, expecting great results. You need to have fun and build trust in order to really show a true reflection of who they are. 
Tell us about the inspiration behind Isaiah David. What is the mission of the photography project?For some time, I had struggled to understand the Bible for myself. For many years, my prayer was to know God’s word deeper and more intimately. I struggled to understand Him for myself. One day I remember reading about Gethsemane and was able to see visually in my mind what that could look like. As a visual person, I struggled to comprehend the Word of God just as text. I have always admired the adaption of the word as visuals so people like me could see it better. I wondered if others had struggled too. I wondered if I could create Scriptures as visual mandates - creating reminders of the faithfulness of God's Word. I also thought that this could be an amazing talking point. Knowing that specific Scriptures have carried you enables easy conversation to others that don't know Jesus. What inspired the philanthropic component of Isaiah David?I have been inspired by Lo, her courage and bravery, and her tenacity to help others. I love that through her story, she is able to help walk others through their own story. Something that we take for granted every day is the use of our limbs. I love that she is helping restore dignity and ignite faith in others. I can't imagine walking through what Lo and these women have walked through, so I knew I had to support in any and every way I can! I am behind LSKF 100%.
The photographs are incredible and beyond beautiful. What was the creative process like when creating the photographs?I have LOVED this creative process. I get to read, study and dissect the Word and within that, grow deeper with God. I pray and ask God for direction in what He want me to create. I want the images to speak power and gentleness to people; I want the photographs to have a timeless simplicity. Once I feel like I had a strong concept to each picture of Scripture, I bounce each of them off of a few strong theologians and pastors.I would then start to bring a team together briefing elements of the shoot. This collection was shot over a year in NY and LA with different teams. My heart for this is to build a creative community, to inspire others and work together to build the Kingdom creatively.It has been a labor of love. The next collection is going to be shot in London, and it will be easier now considering there is a structure to the process.The scripture verses for each photograph are so powerful. How did you decide on the verses to include?I wanted to start with Scriptures that were well known whether someone is Christian or not. I want to give the viewer the option to appreciate either the image first or the Scripture first because it is so well known.The alignment of the Scriptures has also been very prophetic for me personally, and I am so pumped to see how God uses the images to reveal things to others.
What is your hope when it comes to the impact that Isaiah David photographs have on individuals that purchase them?My prayer is that questions are asked, hearts are softened, salvations are made, conversations happen, faith is strengthened, and that people will know the faithfulness of God through His word and are visually reminded of that through these images. I am so passionate about Isaiah David. I have vision to see exhibitions, books, testimonies, more donations to LSKF, visual bibles, and the formation of a creative community. I hope to inspire others to create and communicate the Word in a new way.
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The Beauty and Power of Transparency
Thanks to a recommendation from a friend, I recently listened to this incredible TED talk from Brene Brown and it has impacted me so much. Her books Rising Strong, Daring Greatly, and The Gifts of Imperfection are now on my list to read ASAP. I am definitely late to the party, as her books have been out for a while (same with her TED talk) but better late than never. I am so thankful that I have discovered Brene Brown and her message about vulnerability. Thinking about vulnerability has led us to thinking about transparency and the beauty of being completely transparent in relationships and in life in general.
It might be scary and feel uncomfortable, but what better way to live than completely honestly, openly, authentically, and truthfully? We have all had seasons where we go into our shell, put up walls, or paint a pretty picture. Doing this is a way to inform the world that: all is well here, no need to know more, I am fine! Sometimes we do this without even knowing that we are doing it! It becomes a natural reaction to discomfort. However, in the long run, that sort of behavior won’t help us. It might feel safe in the moment, but it actually robs us of true joy that comes from living full lives as our real, genuine, 100% selves. We will grow more if we let our true selves be exposed. There is nothing more real or more beautiful than that! 
Jesus want us so desperately to cling to Him instead of feeling the need to hide. He created us just the way we are, so of course He wants our inner beauty to shine completely to the world. Step into the place of being vulnerable with a real, raw, “this is me, world!” kind of way! Quirks, messes, insecurities, fears, mistakes, oops’, lessons, and whatever else can easily lure us into a mindset of uh oh, I gotta cover this one up, but I pray for all of us that we won’t fall for that trap. Instead, pray about it, own it, repent of it, forgive yourself for it, or whatever the case may be. We are not designed to hide. We are designed to live in His light and experience joy!!
What are your thoughts on transparency and living genuine lives? We would love to hear in the comment section below. Xo
THE OUTFIT: shorts and top set | sunnies | shoes
[show_shopthepost_widget id="2764741"]images by felicia lasala
The Gift of Grace
Oh, sweet grace. The gift of grace is the best kind of gift. We have been thinking lately about how thankful we are for grace and the freedom that it brings, even when we don't deserve it. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you aren't particularly pleased with a situation or person? These situations can bring about hurtful feelings of disappointment, critical feelings of judgement, heartbroken feelings of confusion, or heavy feelings of bitterness and resentment. However, there is a sweet way to avoid these negative, soul-weakening feelings! The answer is grace.
Give the gift of grace to others freely, abundantly, and always. Even when your mind might be raging, tap into your heart and give grace to someone. This will not only be so good for them, but it will be so good for you as well! You will feel light and unburdened and will be able to carry on, instead of being stuck in an unforgiving rut. It is harder said than done, and it takes patience, so we encourage all of us to praise the Lord for the sweet grace He gives us and pray for Him to give us the strength and the tenderness to give grace to others constantly.
Here is a quote from the daily devotional, Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young that really spoke to me: 'When someone mistreats you, try to view it as an opportunity to grow in grace. See how quickly you can forgive the one who has wounded you." I love the picture that this quote creates; each hurtful situation is an opportunity for us to grow! It is a challenge because we have two choices: to feel hurt, angry, and hold on to negative feelings, or to release the negative by forgiving, giving grace, and in return we will grow in grace.
Lysa Terkeurst has an amazing quote on grace: When to give grace? I'd rather stand before God knowing I loved others too much than regretting that I judged too harshly. Amen to that. Loving others by showing them grace in every opportunity that you have is the sweetest display of love. May we all keep this quote in mind as we live and interact with others, giving grace and loving people even when they let us down or hurt us. xo
SHOP THE OUTFIT:
dress (c/o) | shoes (c/o) similar, similar
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Red: The Color of Confidence
Red: the color of confidence. There is something about this magnificent color that brings about so much joy, freedom, energy, creativity, and confidence. Whenever we wear something red, it is as though we can conquer the world! Being ladies that love neutrals (all shades of grey, black, white, cream, ivory, and everything in-between), red is a pretty big statement, but we always feel confidently pleased with the choice when we do decide to rock the color with with confidence.Red + denim has such an Americana vibe about it, red + black is totally cool in an edgy, rock n' roll way, and red + white takes us back to the 50's. We are so inspired by this look on Pinterest, as well as this one, and this one. Bohemian-inspired outfits featuring the color red are so dreamy and always make for the best street style moments; they inspire us to explore new cities or re-explore our own. The boldness that red outfits exude is exciting and refreshing, especially in the summer, a season defined by adventure and sun-filled memories.What color do you love to wear for an extra dose of self-confidence? Let us know in the comments section and shop our favorite red pieces below. XO
THE OUTFIT
maxi set | shoes (c/o) | sunnies (c/o) | clutch (c/o)
images: felicia lasala
SHOP RED FAVORITES
Creating Space
I used to be the epitome of saying yes to everything. Can anyone relate to this struggle? I remember being in high school chatting casually with a good friend or an acquaintance, and suddenly the weekend ahead of me was completely booked. I remember going to my mom with stressful tears running down my face asking her how to back out of plans that I scheduled all for the same night. I will never forget what she said to me; it was so simple, yet so profound. Before making a decision, step back and pause. Give yourself time to process if you really want to spend time with that person. Think about if it works with your schedule. Take time to think through it.
I have learned to ask myself why I am agreeing to something. Do I want to fit in? Do I feel bad? Am I scared to disappoint someone? Is there an unnecessary obligation? #realtalk
Over the years, I have become very aware that I used to walk in the pattern of relying on the acceptance of others. Disappointing someone else was my nightmare. Saying no was an even greater sense of the term. I started learning to create space after I exhausted myself time and time again by saying yes too often. My instantaneous plan-making was wearing me down, and I needed to make a change. The real shift started happening after counseling through my problematic people pleasing tendencies, and as I gained more self awareness and confidence in who God created me to be, the need to be accepted by others dwindled.
I read the book Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequiest, and that book turned my life upside down in the sweetest of ways. It talked about the necessity of boundaries, the importance of saying no, and the joy that comes from a balanced life. BUT it takes practice. It stings at first to let down someone's expectations. Not to mention, it isn't always fun to say no, especially to something that seems pleasurable and lovely. But what freedom it creates! I love this quote from the book: Just because you have the capacity to do something doesn't mean you have to do it. Management, organization, speaking and traveling: you must ask not only what fruit they bring to the world, but what fruit they yield on the inside of your life and your heart...be careful how much of yourself you give away, even with the best intentions.
I consistently review this wisdom from Shauna when I practice creating space:Do you know what it's like to be rested? Truly rested? I didn't, for about two decades.Do you know what it's like to feel connected, in deep and lovely ways, to the people you love most?Do you know the sweetness of working hard and then stopping the working hard, realizing that your body and your spirit have carried you far enough and now they need to be tended to? I feel like a newborn in all this, blissful and delighted each time I take care of myself, like a new skill or a present. What I am leaving behind doesn't leave me empty: it leaves me full, and powerful, purposed and stronger than I've ever been.
Creating space. It's something I have always desired but never knew how to create, and never had the confidence to create. I didn't have the confidence to say no. I didn't have the self-awareness to know fitting boundaries for my own life. Speaking of creating space, I didn't create the space to think through my decisions. Oh the irony. I must admit, once you get into this mentality of saying no when necessary, your yeses are so life-giving and certain. Your commitments don't falter and time spent is so meaningful!Where are you in this journey? We would love to hear from you below!
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OUTFIT DETAILS
shirt (c/o) | denim (c/o)| shoes (similar, similar) | sunnies (c/o)
images: felicia lasala
The Influencer Podcast: My Career Path
I was so honored to chat with the lovely Julie Solomon on her recently launched podcast, The Influencer Podcast. It is an innovative behind-the-scenes community with successful influencers, bloggers and industry elites in conversation to share how they engage, persuade and grow their unique influence. Each episode is filled with so much insight - I have already learned so much.
Julie is such a dear friend and was the key component to my re-brand, which led to the launch of LSK, so it was extra special chatting with her about my career journey + important tips and tricks I have learned in the blogging industry from the beginning to the present. I also share how to create healthy business boundaries. Easier said than done, right? Listen here and check out the show notes here!