The Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How Of Life: A lesson in Love Part 3

Happy Sunday!

Baby Layla.

Today, we start into a new week. An exciting week for many as we are traveling to and fro and get to gather together with family and friends towards the end of the week to eat turkey! If you haven't figured it out, I am talking about Thanksgiving! :)

I love Thanksgiving, and not only because of all of the great dishes that the family whips up! I love it because its a time that all of my family can get together and just spend time being a family together. Its a time where I can truly count my blessings and this year I am going to do something I have never done on Thanksgiving. I am going to make it a point to start the day off by thanking Jesus for what He is and what He has done for me this year. 

My family.

I have so much to be thankful for, and so does each and everyone of you. Even through the good and bad times, you are still alive! You have been able to see another beautiful day in a land that God has given us authority and dominion over :) It is our choice to choose happiness, and I choose happiness and thankfulness today and everyday! No matter what life throws at you, you can declare to think positive and be happy through it all. I am thankful for that refreshed outlook on life. 

There was a time when I was depressed, 

and did not want to continue my life. I felt like if I left this earth it wouldn't matter. 

My problems and thoughts were drowning me. 

I felt anxiety, hurt, pain and self loathing. I felt that no matter if I took a step ahead, I was always taking so many steps backwards. I felt that nothing would ever change, so what was the point. I didn't know what to do or where to turn. I was so focused on myself and my problems that I did not see what Jesus had in store for me. 

He had a better life for me, a plan to take me from the lowest of lows and put me right on top. A plan to show me that he could be the 

WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY, and HOW in my life. 

That if I ever had a question or wanted to know the direction to go - that He could show me. 

Oh how I am thankful that He chose me. 

I now understand that I have the choice to take control of my life and situations. I do not have to dwell in negative situations or continue in darkness. 

I can do great things with Jesus. He has shown me that by showing His true and divine love to others, I can be the light in this dark world. 

By taking the focus off of me and my struggles, and lending a hand to a friend, family member, or stranger I can prosper. By allowing this life I live to not be about Jena and her plans and about Jesus and His plans - I can see everlasting life. I can show truth to others, and even when things look hard I can still continue to be a bright shining light to others. 

How many of you enjoy when someone tells you that they love you? 

Or someone does something nice and special for you, just because? 

Or in a time of need someone can have the right words to say to you, to make you feel uplifted and hopeful? 

That is what Jesus is to me. And He is showing me how to take the focus off of me and be that to others! 

Your challenge: 

I challenge each and everyone of you readers to take this challenge. 

Every time when you are feeling negative, and anxious about your problems and struggles. Every time when you find yourself getting angry or upset, or dwelling on the bad things. 

Take the focus off of you for a moment and do something nice or special for someone else. Help out that friend in need, or give of yourself or time to someone. Lend a shoulder to lean on or an ear to listen. 

I promise you, it will make you realize that there is more to this life than what you see in front of you. There is a bigger picture and it all starts with love. 

Hope this is inspiring you and preparing you for a great week!

Have a good day!

-Jena

[T]ransitions.

Happy Sunday! 

I am up late posting, because I feel like I have neglected you all for the past week.. My apologies. I had a great week starting in my new position, met up with some old and new coworkers, and hung out with family for my Mom's birthday! I will update you with photos shortly.

In other news, while it's still fairly nice out I find it hard to not fantasize about the fall in Minnesota. I mean don't get me wrong, we dream of the summer when we are stuck here in a foot of snow... But the fall months are absolutely gorgeous here. Not to mention, I just love throwing on a pair of flats or boots, jeans, t-shirt and scarf and feeling cute with no effort. Outfits that generate that type of success are usually a must, although at a minimum sometimes. 

Here's a few pieces that will help anyone transition into the fall season...

Vero Moda button front shirt, $36 / H&M top, $62 / H&M skinny fit jeans, $31 / Joie navy blue flat shoes / The Leather Satchel Co. brown satchel / Forever 21 ring / J.Crew tortoise glasses / 

[1.] Sweater Cardigan. Nice and warm, in fall tone can be thrown over a T-shirt and you feel fab. I am going to live in these this fall because they don't have to close and my belly won't allow for it anyways ;)
[2.] Neutral Blouse. I am all about mid sleeve blouses, these can be worn alone or with a cute cardigan over. It's good to dress in layers due to the ever changing weather here in MN.
[3.] Skinny Denim. Classic staple, I lean toward skinnies because they are easier to tuck into your knee high boots if needed and always look great with a pair of flats.
[4.] Cute but classic sunnies. I tend to go with round frames because of the shape of my head, remember I have a BIG head... I think a more cateye frame would also be a perfect match.
[5.] Satchel. Everyone needs a good over the shoulder bag. Invest if you haven't already, they are so much more friendly to carry than my huge bag (200 lb LV neverfull) and soo much cute to look at. Once the baby is here I'll be sporting a diaper bag, so I'm taking full advantage of the small bag this fall.
[6.] Couldn't say no to the cat ring. No words needed for this cutie.
[7.] Top it all off with a pair of fun flats. Plaids are definitely in this fall, with accessories such as scarves, shoes, and even jackets. Go for it.

Have a good day!