4:23 + Blogger Closet Sale!

Happy Wednesday!

Hope the middle of the week brings good vibes your way. 

Remember when I told you for my birthday month, I was going to focus on 4:23 scriptures throughout the different books of the bible? (If you missed it, read here)

Well, anywho. This weekend my pastor was saying that He was going to talk on Guarding Your Heart soon. When I got home, I looked up the scripture and found that it was a 4:23 verse! How cool is that?

Above all else, Guard Your Heart, for everything you do flows from it. 

-Proverbs 4:23

I have been asking God to give me a word to speak on regarding guarding my heart and this morning I heard "patience." Now, most people will think about guarding their heart as relating to relationships, but it also relates to pretty much anything in your life. Anything that you have passion, desires, or place in your midst. 

God calls us to be patient for many different reasons. 

But patience is definitely a key in guarding your heart. 

If we are not patient for what God has and wills for us, we can end up making a mess in our own lives. 

We can birth issues into our lives.

My pastor used the example of Abraham. Do you know the story of Abraham wanting a son, but Sarah was unable to have kids? God promised Abraham that He would give them a son, Isaac, but they had to wait. In their waiting period, they became anxious, Abraham ended up with a child from the maidservant, Hagar, and he was called Ishmael. Ishmael came with unwanted issues. Things that God did not promise them. Ishmael was from their own doing. Because they were not patient in what God willed for them, they birthed more issues into their life.

Have you ever done this? 

Maybe you were waiting for the right man that you know God has out there for you, but instead decided to settle for the one with issues because you could not be patient? Or maybe you have been promised a job, and instead of holding on to patience you just settle for whatever you can get your hands on?

I've been there. 

Just settling for my own work instead of God's. Along with my choices of leaving patience in the dust, I got more problems. I was unhappy and not content. I found myself still looking for what I was promised. Never satisfied with what I myself had done.

Patience has a perfect work. 

In guarding our hearts, we must be patient to what God has in store for us - or else we can let some really big issues or "Ishmael's" in. I know it seems hard to just keep being persistent, but think of how many headaches could be avoided! Jesus' word is our guide in life - to understand that if we do things with His guide, we will always get the best results. We will keep our hearts positioned on Him, and in Him all things are possible, everything has its purpose, and we can rest!

Polka Dot Blouse - Nordstrom Rack?

White Distressed Crop Denim - Thrifted

Blue Bow Flats - Gap

Heart Necklace - Forever 21

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

-James 1:4

I know that having patience will get me the best result! I thought that was a pretty cool 4:23 verse :)

Before you go, I have an exciting event coming up on May10th!

Save the Date!

We are hosting a Blogger Closet Sale on May 10th!
So come out and check out our closets if you are in the Minneapolis area, plus we will be having some sweet treats for all who are in attendance! Don't miss out :)
I'm hauling like half of my closet over... And here's an idea of what I'll be bringing - Here.

That's it for now!
Hope you all have a great day! :)

linking up: Funday Monday,  Monday Bloom, Style Sessions , Trend Spin, I feel pretty, What I Wore, Tucker Up, Your Whims Weds,  Totally Posted Tuesday,, Three for Thursday, Fav Fashion Friday, Look what I got, Tre Chic, Working Girl Working Style,, *All about you, Simply Lulu Style, Weekend Wind Down, Weekend Blog Hop, Stylish Saturday, Mix it Mondays, Monday Musthaves,I am Mrs K; Her & Nicole, Hump Day, Whit Nic James, Manic Monday, Manic Monday, Stylish Tuesdays, Transatlantic Blonde, Fashion Informant, What I wore to work, Stylin in St Louis,Sunday Style , adored life

Sunday's Best - Baby Sis

Happy Monday!!

I'm kickstarting the week with a new feature on the blog. Sunday's best! I think it might be cool to feature some of the fun looks from Sunday services at my church. This week I am featuring someone who is near and dear to me, my baby sister Loryn. 

Love her smile :) 

A little background on this beauty... 

Her initials are LAMB. As the youngest, she was spoiled, which I think is basically a rule of the youngest of the family. She has grown into a pretty cool, sweet, young lady!

She is 19 and is starting a dessert & pastry business! 

How inspiring! 

Her stuff is great and beautiful.

 Do you remember the beautiful cupcakes, cookies, and treats from my baby shower, here?

Makes me want to eat them all over again :)

AND 

She has promised to make me a strawberry cheesecake in celebration for my recent birthday! 

WOO HOO!

Can't wait! 

She's always dresses fab, and she can switch up her style to pull off any look.

I love how she played up the leopard to add some sass to this look. It was perfect as the weather was windy and rainy! I will be trying to feature some of her baking secrets and recipes from time to time, so stay tuned! 

Anywho, hope you all had an amazing weekend. If you follow me on Instagram you would have seen that I definitely got that fried icecream! Haha! Also, me and A went out for a dinner date which was relaxing and really cool. Just being able to relax and chill was a nice change - thanks to my sis B for being our sitter! But we only stayed away for like 2 hours, just had to get home to our love bug!

How was your weekend?

Have a great day!

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Linking Up:

Little Miss Monday. Manic Monday, MIMM, Personal Style Monday, Monday Morning Gossip, Mix It Monday, Monday Bloom, Watch What I'm Wearing, Creative Mondays, 

5 on Friday.

Happy Friday!

Hope everyone is ending the work week on good foot! 

I know I am :) I am going to get in on the Five on Friday link-up this week. 

one. I've been so up and down in my feelings this week. But today I am declaring to choose Joy. 

What will you choose?

two. I am excited to hang out with my mom and sisters tonight for my birthday dinner! We will be living it up at our fave Mexican restaurant. Cool, edgy, dive type of place - Lil' Tijuanas. Enchiladas here I come. Um, can someone say fried icecream as well? That's definitely got my name written all over it. 

source

three. I'm obsessed with my new cell phone case. Yes, if you read my birthday wishlist, here, you would see I need a new case. My girlfriend, Aisha, got me one for my bday.  

How can you not love teal or sparkles!?

four. This little peanut. She melts my heart on a daily basis. 

Never knew motherhood could feel so good :)

five. Happy that its spring! But can we get some spring weather with this time of year? I just want to go outside - smell the fresh flowers and be carried away for a minute! 

Is that too much to ask for?

I'll settle for this photo instead... 

source

Ahhhh, that was refreshing! 

Have a good weekend!

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Mountains (Free Printable!) + Let Your Light Shine Link-Up #7

Happy Thursday!

Have you ever been in the middle of a thunderstorm? 

Most people love the sound of rain. It makes them want to curl up and stay in bed all day! As a little girl, I hated storms. The rumbling of the thunder and and rain pounding down on the house would always make me want to hide under the blankets until it was over. What I think is so amazing is that after a really bad storm the sky tends to clear up and shows us a beautiful mix of colors that we don't usually get to see. Signaling, everything is okay! It's a new beginning!

We can relate this to life's storms. 

Sometimes the thunder and rain sounds so bad, and we just don't see the sun on the other side. But if we hold on and keep the faith, those problems that look like mountains can be moved. We can get through life's storms. We can accomplish anything. We have to hold on, believe, and have faith in God's word to see us through. 

And it doesn't take much faith to do that...

And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

-Matthew 17:20

We have to remember that faith can and will move mountains.
To inspire you all - I've created my first FREE printable.

Who doesn't like FREE?
Well, What are you waiting for?

Download Me

Today is 

Let Your Light Shine Thursdays!

Thanks so much for all of you that linked up last week!
Me and Aisha over at True Soul & Spirit loved seeing all of your posts!

Our favorite from last week's link-up was from Oby @ I Spy Oby and her printed Nike leggings!

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://lovelyladyjb.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>

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linking up: Funday Monday, Creative Monday, Monday Bloom, Style Sessions , Trend Spin, I feel pretty, What I Wore, Tucker Up, Your Whims Weds,  Totally Posted Tuesday,, Three for Thursday, Fav Fashion Friday, Look what I got, Tre Chic, Working Girl Working Style,, *All about you, Simply Lulu Style, Weekend Wind Down, Weekend Blog Hop, Stylish Saturday, Mix it Mondays, Monday Musthaves,I am Mrs K; Her & Nicole, Hump Day, Whit Nic James, Manic Monday, Manic Monday, Stylish Tuesdays, Transatlantic Blonde, Fashion Informant, What I wore to work, Stylin in St Louis,Sunday Style 

An InLinkz Link-up

t w e n t y - s e v e n + h e a l e d.

Happiest of Hump Days to you! 

Why am I so joyous?
Because today marks another year for me,
its my birthday! 

I am celebrating 27 years of life!
Oh, it has definitely been an adventure...

I've had my share of good times and hard times, bad boys (hence the shirt) and good guys, happy-fests and sad moments. But through it all God has kept me, and I am so thankful to see another year of life.

Yesterday, I ran across a pretty cool link-up, "Hello, my name is.." over at Kerrie's space, Life on a mission. The purpose of the link-up is to rid ourselves of the labels we get in today's world and replace them with who God says we are to Him.

Today the label I am tossing out is broken and I am reclaiming what God says I am. 

Hello, my name is healed. 

Can I tell you an amazing testimony? 

10 years ago my father almost lost his life. He was so close to death, it was so scary. He was a pretty big man at the time, weighing in at over 300lbs. Then, he started dropping weight suddenly. I remember, I was a junior in high school and one night after dinner I was talking to him and his words didn't make sense. The fact that he was talking about things that I couldn't understand, made me so scared. I told my mom and I could see the worry in her eyes. I remember going into my room and crying because I didn't understand what was going on with him. His mind was starting to leave him. But my dad has always been a man of faith in Jesus. He held onto God's word no matter what it looked like to us. We made him go to the hospital, and you would not believe what we were told... 

If you know anything about blood sugar, then you may know what a normal reading is. We were told a normal reading should stay under 200. My father had a blood glucose reading of 1400. Yes, you read right. The doctors were astonished that he was not in a coma or dead. His body even started to shut down. Through it all my father held on to his faith in God's word. He continued to quote, "I shall live and not die." (Ps 118:17) And a miracle happened, over the next few days they were able to lower his levels safely, his body started to began functioning normal, and my father survived death. It was a medical mystery. The doctors could not believe what had happened right before their eyes. It would have been 10 years that my father would have been dead, but my Jesus said not so.

The past 8 years I have been told that my body doesn't work properly. That it doesn't produce blood cells that it is supposed to produce, that the fatigue, aches, and pains, inflammation, blood tests, MRI's, scans, and medicine will always be apart of my identity. That Lupus is here to stay. 

But, again God says not so.

"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.
 All we like sheep have gone astray;We have turned, every one, to his own way;And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all."

-Isaiah:53:5-6

White - "I love bad boys tank" - H&M

Printed Pants - Len

Gold Bracelet - Thrifted

Black/Gold Bag - Thrifted

Black/tan sandals - I can't remember (bought these a few years ago)

I know that it is God's will for me to be healthy and whole. I praise the Lord and thank Him for healing all of me - the physical, spiritual, and mental parts of me. Only with Him, can I be whole!
The gift of life is so amazing and I am beyond excited to have another year that God has graced me to see. I am excited for what this new year and journey will encompass and know that by faith all things are possible!

Hope you have a great day!

Linked up: Hello, My Name is, Funday Monday, Creative Monday, Monday Bloom, Style Sessions , Trend Spin, I feel pretty, What I Wore, Tucker Up, Your Whims Weds,  Totally Posted Tuesday,, Three for Thursday, Fav Fashion Friday, Look what I got, Tre Chic, Working Girl Working Style,, *All about you, Simply Lulu Style, Weekend Wind Down, Weekend Blog Hop, Stylish Saturday, Mix it Mondays, Monday Musthaves,I am Mrs K;Her & Nicole, Hump Day, Whit Nic James, Manic Monday, Manic Monday, Stylish Tuesdays, Transatlantic Blonde, Fashion Informant, What I wore to work, Stylin in St Louis,Sunday Style, Lena B, transatlantic blonde, Stylish Saturday

Easter Weekend + Eshakti Spring 2014 Review

*I received this dress c/o eShakti. All opinions are my own.

Happy Tuesday!

Today I am sporting a fabulous dress from eShakti.com. 

I must tell you that I absolutely adore this piece.

My favorite part is the detail of the bows across the chest.

I am a sucker for the feminine details in fashion. 

It adds a touch of sexy to the mix.

I wore this dress to a friend's wedding, and it was perfect for the occasion.

The hem is the perfect length, it was breathable, and allowed room for food and dancing.

I added the leopard heels to spice things up!

Black Bow Dress - c/o eShakti

Leopard Pumps - Anne Michelle

Clutch - Thrifted

Gold Bracelet - Gift from my mom! ;)

I would totally recommend this shop to you all. The great thing about them is that you can also get custom sizing and add details or take them away to your liking. I added the cap sleeve to this dress. I actually went with my normal dress size and it fit like a gem!

I feel like it's the perfect shop for a dress for a special occasion or if you just like to look super fab everyday - like we all do! ;) They offer sizes 0-36W, which is really cool. They also have some very pretty floral prints right now that are perfect for spring. 

Get a dress made your way! Visit them for more info:

eShakti || Facebook || Pinterest || Twitter


On another note...

This past weekend was full of fun with my friends and family. Saturday night I had a much needed girls night to celebrate me and my close friend's upcoming birthdays! Then Sunday all of my family got together for church and Easter dinner at my parents house. It's always a blast to spend time with family - especially my family. They are loud, crazy, and full of energy like me! Haha!

one. Baby LG with her first Easter basket! For now, me and daddy get to eat all of her candy :)
two. yummy sugar cookies that my baby sis made. Super cute!
three. family pic at church
four. Baby LG with her big cousin. He really wanted to hold his baby cousin. So cute :)

Hope you have a great day!

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+ Linking Up: Little Miss Monday. Manic Monday, MIMM, Personal Style Monday, Monday Morning Gossip, Mix It Monday, Stylish Tuesday, Monday Bloom, Watch What I'm Wearing, Monday Must Haves, Creative Mondays, Style Sessions, Funday Monday, Creative Monday, Monday Bloom, Style Sessions , Trend Spin, I feel pretty, What I Wore, Tucker Up, Your Whims Weds,  Totally Posted Tuesday,, Three for Thursday, Fav Fashion Friday, Look what I got, Tre Chic, Working Girl Working Style,, *All about you, Simply Lulu Style, Weekend Wind Down, Weekend Blog Hop, Stylish Saturday, Mix it Mondays, Monday Musthaves,I am Mrs K;Her & Nicole, Hump Day, Whit Nic James, Manic Monday, Manic Monday, Stylish Tuesdays, Transatlantic Blonde, Fashion Informant, What I wore to work, Stylin in St Louis,Sunday Style, Lena B, transatlantic blonde

Wish Upon A Star

Happy Friday!

TGIF. 

It's been awhile since I've said that and meant it in its full entirety. 

Finished my first full week back to work. My brain has been on hiatus for so long that I am just starting to feel like I know what I am doing again. And yet, I am still having some complete blank moments. So in those moments, I have been anticipating what I want for my birthday this year.

(What better way to waste spend my time, eh?)

My birthday is coming up next week (see this post)

I am going to be 27! 

Ahhhh! I am getting closer to the big 3-0! 

For all you who have reached 30, do not laugh at me. I'm sure you remember the days when you thought 25 was old! Cut me some slack. 

Anyways, to kick us into the weekend I've decided to give you my wishlist. Now this is not your average run of the mill list - this is truly what I want - not specifically but just an idea for any of you who are looking to send me something ;)

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

one. I want a floral blazer. Its super on trend right now, but none the less I still want it. Would totally rock with a pair of cute shorts or a flowy short skirt.

two. I need a new cell phone case. Like I've had the one that's been on my phone since I bought the iPhone 5. That's pretty bad. I've just never been one to change it out often unless the case was gifted to me. So here's my chance for my b-day :)

three. Ahhh! I really want new workout gear. I've got to kick it into high gear so that when July strolls around I can strut my stuff down the aisle. New workout clothes always motivate me to work harder. Can you agree? New running shoes, new yoga pants, bright colored tanks? Love it.

four. vacation. I am in desperate need of a vacation and while this will likely not be coming my way this year for my birthday - I still can put it on my wish list right? I'd kill for a trip anywhere out of this snowy cold place. Yes I said snow, it snowed this week. I'll trade for beaches, sunshine, and a margarita on the sand!

five. New heels. I once had an obsession with new shoes. My closet is currently filled with super cut strappy sandals, heels, and the like - but my flats get the most wear nowadays. I've still got a super soft spot for a perty pair of heels and I'd sure love them for my 27th birthday. Why not?

six. Salted caramel icecream. I've been obsessing over caramel ice cream for the past month 1/2. Me and A have been eating it much more recently, and I am just going to say that we never should have started this bad habit. However, I get a pass for my birthday, right? Either way I'm taking it. 

I am so thankful to be embarking on another year. 

It seems each year just keeps getting sweeter and sweeter and I know it is nothing but God in my life!

So, what do you think? Anything you are eyeing anything right now that can't wait until your birthday? 

Have a great Easter weekend!

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4:23 + Let Your Light Shine #6

Happy Thursday!

This week is flying by. I am back to the working world and although it has been hard, it feels good to be back in the swing of things. 

Three things that I have noticed since going back to work:

 1) I talk to a baby too much, I find myself wanting to coo and make random noises at work. This can make other adults uncomfortable. LOL. 

2) My priorities have definitely shifted, I am checking up on my girl a few times during the day. I'd rather look at pictures or videos of her than go on Instagram. Who am I? LOL. 

3) Work is becoming is my new "me time," super weird but its my new Jena time! I can now partially understand why mothers are eager to go to work some days. Its like designated time to be you. I can listen to music all day and enjoy reading a magazine - with no interruptions. Well, except maybe a meeting. 

For my latest 4:23 post I have chosen the book of Mark. If you are wondering what I am referring to check out my recent post here. 

"If any man has ears to hear, let him hear." 

-Mark 4:23

Now most people have ears. 

But, do we really listen? 

Do we really hear when God is trying to tell us something or talking to us? 

Or when He is trying to guide us? 

Are we willing to receive and do we comprehend our answer?

Hearing and understanding go hand in hand. 

Sometimes we are so caught up in our problems or worries that as we pray and ask God to show us a sign or show us something - we are not listening to His answer! 

I truly believe that God uses many different ways to get our attention or give us His answers to things. He could send a friend to tell us something, He could point it out in something we are reading, He can bring it into our mind/spirit; maybe in the nature around us, or even our favorite TV show. He can do it however He wants to show it to us. However He knows it will reach us.

Often times we don't understand the importance of it, or we miss the meaning because we are just listening naturally and not listening with our spirit man.

I have been guilty of this before! 

Have you ever not liked the answer you've received?

 What I have learned about God is that sometimes you will not understand why, but He is giving you the absolute best answer and route to go. He's already weighed the pros/cons; done the research; figured it out. Your destination is already written with Him.

 I have also learned be careful what you ask for! 

God will sometimes make you do a lot of things your flesh will not want to do because you have asked Him for it. But there is often sacrifice to gain good things in the long run. That's why it is so important to put our selfish desires to the wayside. 

Brown Button Up - Heartbreaker

White distressed cut offs - American Eagle

Teal Necklace - Persunmall

Gold/Ivory Bangles - Gift from Mom

Brown Bangle - Thrifted

Brown Wedges - Shopreflection.com - (I am selling these for $15 in my Poshmark closet!)

Sometimes He says I will give 'ABC' to you, but you are technically not mature enough - so I will take you through this way so that when you receive 'ABC' you will be spiritually and mentally more mature and ready to have and receive it. 

So, have you ever had a problem with listening?  

In what ways did you get better in this area?

Here's a quick recap of this month's style remix

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today is 

Let Your Light Shine Thursdays!

Thanks so much for all of you that linked up last week!
Me and Aisha over at True Soul & Spirit loved seeing all of your posts!

Our favorite from last week's link-up was from Lindsey @ High Heels & Training Wheels
and her DIY post on trying a honey based "No Poo" Shampoo :)

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://lovelyladyjb.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>

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

linking up: Funday Monday, Creative Monday, Monday Bloom, Style Sessions , Trend Spin, I feel pretty, What I Wore, Tucker Up, Your Whims Weds,  Totally Posted Tuesday,, Three for Thursday, Fav Fashion Friday, Look what I got, Tre Chic, Working Girl Working Style,, *All about you, Simply Lulu Style, Weekend Wind Down, Weekend Blog Hop, Stylish Saturday, Mix it Mondays, Monday Musthaves,I am Mrs K; Her & Nicole, Hump Day, Whit Nic James, Manic Monday, Manic Monday, Stylish Tuesdays, Transatlantic Blonde, Fashion Informant, What I wore to work, Stylin in St Louis,Sunday Style 

An InLinkz Link-up