Leopard Print Dress

Happy Friday, Empresses! I hope you had a great week and are still staying committed to your resolutions! 😉 I’m kicking off the first fashion post of 2017 with my favorite print ever…leopard! I am seriously obsessed with all things leopard print and when I saw this leopard print dress it of course, had to have a place in my closet! It is bold, and with its feminine details, makes this a flirty little number that screams confidence! It immediately makes me think of the Bible verse “She is clothed in strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25  Which leads me to talking more about resolutions, or in my case a revolution! The three biggest things I want to work on this year are getting my priorities straight. I thought I had them in order, but after watching myself gain 20 lbs. and digging deep into my faith, I need to have more trust in my God and less fear of the future.   I thought I was doing a great job at that whole, “God’s got this” but then, like an onion, when the layers were peeled off and I was standing vulnerable, I saw that I was still holding on tightly to things out of my control. One of those things is very valuable and a treasure to me and that is, of course, Knox. I’ve said it before and I have to continuously remind myself that he is a gift from God and His child that is on loan to Fred and I to raise in His image. We are doing that, and God has a beautiful plan for His life, whatever that may be. However, sometimes I get scared of what {may} happen and cripple myself with fear. I’ve had this conversation with so many close friends that I do Bible Study with, and we are in awe of the mom’s we know who truly have no fear and rest assured in God’s faithfulness for her children. It’s a beautiful and freeing feeling, when you allow God and His grace to take the place of fear and anxiety (although harder to do than actually saying it)!  Another space that I have tried to own is work. I started this journey and had no idea the places it would take me. I have had some exciting opportunities, but then God shut that door or I realized that it wasn’t the path I was supposed to be on. So many times this past year, I’ve had to pray for guidance and direction. And when it wasn’t the answer that I wanted, which was yes, I was disappointed, but respected and thanked Him for the redirection. I started focusing on blogging 100% and that’s when the question that I kept asking myself started, “is Crockpot Empire really what I’m supposed to be doing”? I’m still not sure yet, but He keeps bringing me back to this little corner of the internet.   So, until he calls me elsewhere, this is where I belong! I will keep my eyes on looking up and glorifying Him for the great gifts He has given to us, including Knox’s health, growing my relationship with Him, and keep trying to have fearless confidence as strong as a leopard in His promise to us. And every time I see this dress, or leopard print, it be a constant reminder to stand firm in the face of fear, remember the God who blesses us and laugh without fear of the future!