When God Wrecks Your Plans

July 7, 2021July 7, 2021 Leah1 Comment

If you would have asked me a year ago if this is where my life would be, I would have said “Absolutely not!”. I had the next few years planned out, or at least as much of a plan as you can have with the military.

Sometimes God wrecks our plans before they can wreck us, and that’s exactly what He did with mine.

John 13:7 says, “You do not understand what I am doing now, but someday you will.”

I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve cried out to God asking all the questions; Why is this happening? What can I do to stop it? Will this ever end? How am I going to make it through? The biggest question of all has remained though; What now?

Now that certain things have happened and the plan I had for life is no longer an option, what now?

You see, in my mind I had two options; let myself be thrown all around or I could choose to get off the ride and walk away. If you know me you know thatI am loyal to a fault! If I’m being honest, there are still times I struggle so hard to find the strength to keep walking.

I can’t control others, but I can control myself. Right now, in this season of life, walking away is the best thing I can do not only for myself but also for Kaz.

2 Kings 4:1-7 tells of a woman that found herself in the darkest valley she’d ever encountered. She wasn’t sure how she was going to make it out.

If I learned anything from this woman and her story, it’s to keep pouring and have faith, especially when it seems like you’re running on fumes.

God always provides, even if its not in the way we were praying or hoping for. No matter how little I think I have left to offer, God is making a way.

He needed to wreck my plans now because as badly as it hurts now, it would have been worse had things kept going the way they were.

I know I haven’t been brought this far to only have been brought this far!

Share the Love: Top Shelf Organizing

June 14, 2021June 13, 2021 LeahLeave a comment

Top Shelf Organizing helps bring all of your organizational goals to life and even some you might not have known you had. Jenna Nelson is the brains and real life person behind it all! From services for your home, to staging homes to sell, unpacking after a move, and a little bit of everything in between, Jenna is your girl (and mine)!

I’ve known Jenna for as long as I can remember and even before then! She’s been a family friend and is like a sister to me. Jenna is currently based out of Tennessee, but also offers remote services!

When we first moved into our home, I was in full nesting mode and wanted to get everything organized and put away ASAP! Not only was our little one a few shorts months away from making his debut, but we were hosting both of our families. Needless to say, I was in full on go mode. This is where Jenna was a serious God send in helping me conquer my what seemed like a huge a daunting task. Her guidance and expertise were so helpful to me so I didn’t just run out and buy everything that looked good!

Jenna had me send her lots of pictures, dimensions, and what I was wanting to do with the spaces. From there we talked about how my husband and I live and how we wanted to be able to make the space work for us. All of the bins and containers in the world are no good, no matter how pretty they look, if they don’t help make the space functional!

One of the best parts of working with Jenna is that she genuinely cared that we were happy with the outcome. It wasn’t and never is her just trying to get you to buy buy buy! In the end, we did end up getting a few of the products she recommended, but I honestly can’t imagine our home without them now! They help us make the most of the spaces they’re in and give us systems for easy organization!

Our sink caddy helps keep clutter off of the counters. I love that the rack allows things like brushes and sponges to dry as well! https://rstyle.me/+6ZP5yeQejP0NVrH-X3sRJw

We have these sink organizers under all three of our sinks; kitchen and both bathrooms! Neither bathroom is huge, so making the most of the space was a must! These allow us to take advantage of every last inch. https://rstyle.me/+QQxwScV9L7RDEnW-sqMYnw

We cook a ton in our house; everything from good old midwestern comfort food to Indian inspired and a little of everything in between. This means, we have so many different kinds of spices and seasonings! This spice stack organizer helps us keep them all in one place and not having to dig in the cabinet trying to find them. We paired them with these glass spice jars since we like being able to reuse them since we buy from bulk bins! Spice stack: https://rstyle.me/+aJWtk103VLz5av0mjGc8-A Spice jars: https://rstyle.me/+CWH0a64m0G6Ou6CBKJet8A

You can get in touch with Jenna and see her amazing work on her website: https://topshelforganizing.com or via her email jenna@topshelforganizing.com

Follow along with her and the jobs she’s worked and working on https://www.instagram.com/topshelforganizing/ or on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/tntopshelforganizing/

When God Knows What You Never Will

May 29, 2021May 28, 2021 LeahLeave a comment

Jeremiah 29:11 says “For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 says “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

To say that God has been fighting so fiercely for me in this season of life I’ve found myself in is an understatement. There have been days when the choices and actions of others have seemed like a weight too heavy to bear and it took everything in me to get up and do the things I needed to do that were going to be best for me and Kaz in the long run.

You see, God never promises us an easy life free from suffering or the trials of this world. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. We are told in John 16:33 “I have said these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Somedays I still struggle to fully let go and trust in the plan God already has for my life. It is so easy to get caught up in the world and what others say when it comes to how we should feel, act, and/or behave. It’s easy to get caught up in the lies and to be tempted by the path that does everything but bring glory to God and only draws us farther away from Him.

Right now, very few people would blame me for going down that path. While it may seem like a much easier option and one that offers me a momentary feeling of justice or satisfaction, at the end of the day those actions or words said don’t reflect anyone else but me and who I am in Christ (as cheesy as that sounds).

Everyday is a struggle to remind myself that I am a daughter of the Lord most high. Who He tells me I am will always count for more than what anyone else could ever say about me. In Him I am loved, cherished, redeemed, created in His perfect image. The same God that created Heaven, earth, and the mountains created me.

While I don’t understand now why this trial is in God’s plan for my life, I take comfort in knowing that He sees the things I can’t. He hears the conversations I never will. He knows everything about what’s going on, and I don’t. I take comfort in know that God is using all the things (the good, the bad, the happy, and the sad) to work together for my good.

Things of this world fail me on a daily basis, but I rest assured that God never will!

XOXO,
Leah

Valentine’s Day Books for Your Little One

February 8, 2021February 1, 2021 LeahLeave a comment

Ever since I was little, I remember having access to as many books as I wanted! My parents instilled the importance and a love of reading, and my husband and I are hoping to pass this on to Kaz.

At any given time, we probably have at least fifteen books out and on rotation; everything from silly ones that rhyme to touch and feel.

When Kaz was born, we didn’t set out saying we were going to buy tons of seasonal and holiday themed books, but here we are!

New Year, Best You Giveaway

January 11, 2021January 11, 2021 LeahLeave a comment

Happy Monday and Happy New Year, y’all!

2020 was the year of figuring out how to do it all from home; work, school, Zoom, home workouts, etc.

It was a year that really showed just how strong we are and revealed exactly what we’re made of. It wasn’t always rainbows and butterflies, but then again, no year ever is.

It was filled with new trials and obstacles to overcome that we never even thought would be in our path, but if you’re reading this, you made it to the other side of 2020!

That deserves to be celebrated for the accomplishment it truly is!

To kick of and celebrate the start of a new year, I put together this giveaway with some of my favorite things that I’m bringing into 2021 from 2020!

GIVEAWAY PRIZE: (1) three month subscription to Beachbody on Demand, (1) 32 oz water bottle, (1) daily gratitude/joy journal, and (1) $25 Target gift card!

Head in over to my Instagram (@alongftride) to see how you can enter!

XOXO,
Leah

United Monogram Pieces to Put You in the Holiday Spirit

November 18, 2020November 18, 2020 LeahLeave a comment

Happy Wednesday, ya’ll! We are officially halfway through the week, and another day closer to the weekend!

If you’re like me, you love being comfy and cozy during the holiday season but also want to look good and put together.

I’ve been buying pieces from United Monogram for about a year now, and let me just tell you I did a little happy dance when they dropped their Holiday Collection!

It’s full of the things we know and associate with the holidays; snow, snowmen, candy canes, cute little red trucks, and all the stops! Did I mention they added glitter designs this year too?? *insert heart eye emoji here*

Today, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite pieces from this collection that are giving me all the merry and bright and festive vibes! These are great “treat your self” pieces or great gifts to give to someone else! Did I mention that they’re all on sale too?!

What piece(s) will you be rocking this holiday season?

XOXO,
Leah

Your Perfect Cup of Hot Chocolate

November 17, 2020November 17, 2020 LeahLeave a comment

These cooler temps and all things holiday season have really been getting me in a festive mood!

Growing up, my mom’s homemade hot chocolate mix was always something I looked forward to. Now that I have a home of my own, I love finding ways to incorporate that tradition into my little family!

This year, we opted to add out hot chocolate to our coffee bar! From now until the end of winter, if you stop by we’ll have all the options for your hot chocolate drinking pleasure!

Every good hot chocolate bar starts with good hot chocolate! Three of my favorites from Target are the Swiss Miss packets, Good & Gather Double Hot Chocolate, and since I’m slightly lactose intolerant, I always like to have a dairy free option on hand like this Swiss Miss Non-Dairy mix!

In my mind, the perfect cup of hot chocolate has lots of marshmallows. The more the better! I found these vanilla star and Christmas tree shaped ones along with the peppermint flavored ones on the Holiday section at my local Target. Both are by Wondershop and so yummy! I may have eaten a few of the peppermint ones just by themselves…

Before I found the peppermint marshmallows, I used to sometimes stir my hot chocolate with a candy cane to get that pepperminty flavor. Something about the chocolate and mint combination just gets me! This crushed peppermint shaker is perfect and so cute to sprinkle on top of a peak of whipped cream.

If you’re looking to have single serve and individually wrapped options on hand, these Hot Cocoa Stir Spoons from Wondershop are perfect for you! I picked up a few for my hot chocolate bar as well as to give along with gifts at Christmas!

What are you hot chocolate must haves?

XOXO,
Leah

Holiday Giveaway

November 16, 2020November 16, 2020 LeahLeave a comment

Happy Monday, y’all!

2020 sure has been a year for the history books, and I’m pretty sure none of us could have even dreamed that this year would turn out like it has.

With all of the chaos and uncertainty, I’ve been trying to focus more on the moments of joy in my everyday life and on actively choosing joy! It can be found in something as small as a hot cup of coffee or something as big as a new home. The ways joy can show up are endless!

In honor of the holiday season and hoping to spread a little joy to someone, I’m hosting my first ever giveaway over on my Instagram (https://instagram.com/alongftride?r=nametag)!

Entering is super simple too!! All you have to do is give me a follow over on Instagram and like and comment on all of my posts until this Saturday (11/21). You also get a bonus entry if you subscribe to my blog!

The winner will be announced on my Instagram in stories and on the original post with the winner getting a gift card to my favorite monogram store (United Monograms) a Rae Dunn mug, and a Target gift card to buy something to fill your new mug with!

XOXO,
Leah

My Favorite Pieces from Vici for Fall

September 28, 2020September 28, 2020 LeahLeave a comment

It’s fall, y’all!

In honor of the cooler temps and my favorite season of the year, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite pieces from Vici for fall to share with y’all!

For sizing reference my measurements are as follows: 5’00” tall, 25″ waist, 34″ hips, 32″ bust.

First up we have two of my favorite basic tank tops; the Physique Racerback Tank. I have this style in black and white, and pair them with everything from workout shorts to cute skirts! They’re so perfect to dress up or down. Wearing a size small

If you’ve read any of my other fashion posts, you’ll know I’m kind of picky when it comes to jeans. I’m a leggings and athleisure girl through and through. I’ve had the Universal Distressed Frayed Skinny Jeans for several years now, and they’re honestly one of my favorite pairs! I love that the distressing has held up so well. There’s some stretch to them, which I love. Wearing a size 1

Another favorite of mine is the From A Dream Lace Top! The lace detail is so pretty and adds the perfect touch. I’ve worn this to just run errands or for date nights out with my husband. It does have a black cami lining underneath, but can be removed if you’d rather wear something else. This top definitely gives me all the moody fall vibes! Wearing a size small

Now, it wouldn’t be fall without cute and cozy sweaters! I’m all about getting to look cute while simultaneously feeling like I’m wrapped in a blanket. These two sweaters are my absolute favorites; The Coziest Yet Pocketed Cardigan in taupe and the Moraga Pocketed Aztec Cardigan. Both are perfect to pair with a plain t-shirt or tank and a pair of leggings for a comfy and super casual day. I’ve also paired them both with dresses before for a little more of a dressed up look!

When it comes to fall, I love pieces that are going to last me years to come and are perfect even with a busy toddler! These days, if it can’t stand up to the toddler test, it’s probably not in my wardrobe. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve gotten spit up, food, etc. on each of these and they clean up like a dream. Not only are they cute and so versatile, but they’re also great for whatever life throws your way!

What pieces are you loving for fall?

XOXO,
Leah