Friday Favorites

Happy Friday and it's always Friday Favorites around here!

Linking up with Erika, Narci, & Andrea!

First up.....

Wednesday I poured my heart & soul into a post that is on my heart. 

I bought my Bombay Hair curling wand back in January and I am still loving it!

It's by far the easiest thing I've used on my hair to give it that volume :). 

Coffee is the mornings is my favorite!

Necklace / Favorite Skinny Jeans / Short sleeve tee / Chucks

Put a little lipstick on and enjoy life! 

This outfit was by far the comfiest for a workday!

Currently reading Emily Giffin :).

My tank here is less than $5. It's currently out of stock but the stores may have more selection. For $5 you really can't beat it. These tanks are perfect for summer (like now) when it's hot but they will also go great with cardigans this fall (yay!)

Shorts are from Old Navy a few summers ago / Sandals / Necklace

There are so many things I absolutely love about this picture. First our home. It's the place where we get to do life and it's just my favorite! The dirt.....it's a reminder that we will eventually get landscaping (next Spring?). And lastly, my love for fashion....call me crazy but I love throwing things together. 

I have lots of fun things planned for later today....think Stella & Dot :). 

Have a great weekend!

Anything: The Prayer That Unlocked My God and My Soul

A few weeks ago More like a month ago, I finished Anything by Jennie Allen and boy was it good!

I've read books like this one and done bible studies before, but this book truly moved me. 

I don't want to give everything away but I want other people to know about Jennie as an author and about this book as well. 

I heard Jennie speak at a women's conference a few years ago and instantly loved hearing her speak. I follow her on Instagram and enjoy her humor :). 

So join along with me :). 

The book has 3 parts and 20 chapters. After the book portion there is a bible study guide you are more than welcome to use. I opted not to use it this time because I just wanted to read the material.

Next time I read this book I may do the bible study as I go. 

I also decided to highlight and underline everything that jumped out at me. 

"God builds our lives whether we give him permission or not."

Well God is telling us who's boss, right?

I know I struggle with wanting to do BIG things and go out to do this or that. But God is found and formed in our everyday and ordinary. Maybe I'm not paying attention and he is doing something BIG right in front of me. 

Is this something you struggle with as well?

Change. Oh man change is hard and funny as Jennie says. 

Physically we can't see God but we have to risk everything for our God that is invisible. 

It is really hard for me to put into words what I'm thinking or what I mean sometimes. This blog is an outlet for me to say what I'm thinking and how I feel. God is so powerful and He instantly gives me tears knowing what He's done for us & how much He loves us.  

How true is this? I know this may sound silly to others but I have to open up about my story (so far.)

I dated a guy in college and thought I would marry him (obviously I didn't.)

Becoming closer with God made me realize that I was not going down the path He intended for me. We went our separate ways and I truly found myself after that. I immersed myself in helping at our church and having a relationship with Christ.

Half a year later Noah & I met and I felt God's hand in every step of my relationship with him. 

What I'm getting at is Jennie's quote, "The story is just not over yet."

In college I thought my story was over. But God had other plans.....they are much better :).

I also realize my story now still isn't over.

We build for him. 

The top left quote is my favorite from the book.

"We have become such a pragmatic society with our pros and cons and schedules that when we get to matters of radical obedience, it's easy for us to talk ourselves out of it."

Jennie stopped me right there. I couldn't get past this. It's true....so true. I am so guilty and I don't want to be like that. Invest in that co-worker who needs a Christian in their life, make a meal for someone who is on your heart, or get involved in your church. We are the people of this world and if we aren't bringing people to Christ then who is?? I want to be known through God that I did exactly what He asked of me! Do you??

I had to share this book with you. It's life-changing :). 

If you ever have any questions about faith please email me: blakewalke93@gmail.com

I would love to chat and help someone. 

Weekend Wrap-Up: Class Reunion

Friday was a short workday and I headed to Evansville to prepare for......Whole 30 again!

We were able to wear jeans to work Friday so my Anniversary Sale jeans were perfect. 

Excuse my face in the right picture but I tried getting pictures in better lighting. 

Target shopping and an iced drink :). 

I ran into Bath & Body for my aunt and look what I came out with!

I decided to wait until today to post since it's August now...call me crazy ;).

Friday night some of our friends were having a block party. We had such a good time I forgot to take pictures. 

Saturday morning our class reunion started with a golf scramble. Noah ran to get some things and grabbed me a coffee. I played two holes and then chatted with my girlfriends. 

In his happy place. 

Proof I played. 

Golf scramblers.....

They didn't play but we had a good time anyway :). 

It was warm out but we made the best of it!

How gorgeous is the sky???

I had made monster cookies that morning and decided to indulge in them that afternoon. We had about 3 hours before dinner where more classmates were coming. A book and coffee to relax :). 

He was the best about helping with everything!

We finished the evening out at a local campground with pizza, chips, & dessert. It was our 5 year class reunion and we didn't take a group picture. I am now wishing we would have. 

We rounded out the evening with their fireworks (they were cancelled from the 4th because of rain) and called it a night. It was nice seeing everyone and catching up :). 

Sunday morning Noah worked in the yard before church and I decided to take my reading outside. 

I started this July 1st and am loving it!

Tons of leftover pizza from the night before meant my parents & Noah's parents coming over for lunch :).

Mom & I headed to catch some rays and then to the store for fresh produce!

My sister is now our roommate (more on that later) and we used every pot, pan, knife, & cutting board in our home last night! It was a fun night prepping for the week!

I've taken 2 weeks off from running due to my hip (which isn't any better) and I am back at it today. 

I am holding myself accountable. 

I hope you all have a great week :).