Life Updates and this Jacket I made months ago... Simplicity 1688

*taps mic* Is anybody here?!?! -- Oh! hey! Nice to see that you stuck around lol

Life gets busy and things happen and reasons and stuff. You know the narrative. So let's skip all of that and talk about some of the things I missed! 3 milestones were hit while I was gone so we can have one big 'ol celebration for all of them :-)

1. My blog turned 3! June 9th marked 3 years of blogging and sometime here in July will mark 3 years of sewing! It still amazes me how this blog has connected me to so many interersting, exciting and inspiring people all over the world. And they like... know me too! It's crazy and awesome at the same time. This addicting hobby has given me skills and friends I never thought I'd have. It also gave me a closet full of fabric that my mom would've never thought I'd have either (but that's besides the point lol). Thank you to everyone that has been following my journey from the beginning and shoutout to everyone who just joined. I'm honored that you want to see what I have to say :-)

And thank you to the people who checked in on me while I've been MIA. <3

2. June 25th marked 5 YEARS since my last relaxer! Being natural has been a long hard road but it definitely gets easier.... but it kinda stays hard lol Ya'll know what I'm saying ;-) I was hoping to have waist-length hair by this time but that hasn't quite worked out with all of the unplanned set backs and my inconsistency in care. I'm trying to be more deliberate in keeping it healthy now so hopefully by this time next year, I'll be at waist-length :-)

my hair right now at full bra strap length

3. MY BIRTHDAYYYYYY! I turned 26 on July 10th! It was a quieter than usual celebration but I absolutely enjoyed it. I love being around my family and my friends make it even more special. I'm grateful to have made it to another year and I pray that I continue to grow in God's purpose for me. Shameless plug for my birthday wishlist on Amazon. I was able to get a lot of the things I wanted thanks to folks' generosity! There are a few sewing things on there that I'm still wanting. I hope to do like.. a birthday sewing haul at the end of this month. I'm so excited to share some of the things I got!

 Alrightyyyy now that we're all excited from celebrating lol There has been very little sewing going on around here lol. And this jacket ain't even a part of that group. lol I have a couple more pieces to put up here soon though so I'm not going to just disappear ;-)

I made this jacket, Simplicity 1688 to wear with my Easter dress. I really wanted something easy that didn't take a lot of fabric because I was stealing a yard (and some change) of my mom's fabric lol. I needed something that had yellow in it and the tweed she got from Hancock's more than a year ago was perfect. I cut a size 14 so that I could have a little bit of wearing ease.

How to Read the Bible Without Falling Asleep

I've been going to church for at least 20 years. I have believed that Jesus died on the cross for me for 18 of those years.

For 14 of those 20 years, I can't recall if I'd actually read the bible outside of church and on my own. It's not that I didn't know that I was supposed to read the bible. It's just that, when I tried, I would get two sentences in and start to yawn and my eyelids would get heavy. Not really sure WHAT to read, I would pull the "I'll just open it up and wherever it lands, that's what I'm supposed to read" card. And when that plan didn't provide me with anything that made sense at the moment, I kind of lost interest. I'd just wait for Sunday mornings or when I went to bible studies for someone to pick the passage and explain to me what things meant. For many years, I did not understand the depth of importance there was to read and know the bible for myself (And I thank God for His grace throughout all of that time!).

I knew all of the common old testament bible stories (or so I thought lol) and of course I knew about the gospel story. I think I tried doing that whole "Bible In a Year" plan, but, honestly, all of that jumping around was confusing and I really wasn't comprehending nor retaining the things I'd read. I'd rather just wait for Sundays.... Someone else would pick the scripture to read and then explain it.

I can't tell you what happened, or even when it happened, but at some point after those confusing 14 first years, I started reading the different letters of the New Testament. Most likely a desire to search for practical instruction and application, I found interest in the things Paul was saying to the different churches. I came to LOVE the New Testament over the years. Reading and re-reading different books like John and Romans, really understanding what Jesus did and how I have a brand new life, and learning how to live my new life through books like James and 1&2 Peter. I had really discovered a whole new world! The New Testament had opened up my eyes but the Old Testament still did a good job of making them close and making me snore lol.

The New Testament provided so much illumination and revelation for me, and still does. In contrast, the books of the Old Testament, namely the Historical books and the Prophets, were BORING to me. And because I thought they were so boring, I stopped trying to read them. I felt like, if I'm not under the law anymore ANYWAY I could really just focus my studying on the New Testament and be good. These days I see how flawed and flat out wrong that logic is lol (Thank God for grace!).

A little before the start of 2016, I really started to have a desire to KNOW what the Word of God says. I've sat in many sermons and classes where the teacher or preacher would link events from the New Testament to ones that happened in the Old Testament and would provide more illumination of who God is or why "this and that" is so important. And even though the Holy Spirit has graciously gave me revelation about things in the New Testament, I couldn't imagine how much I was missing out on just because I didn't KNOW what happened in the past. Being that the entire bible is about Jesus, to me, knowing Him really means knowing what happened throughout the whole thing.

When 2016 hit I decided that I was/am going to read what happened in the Old Testament. Surprisingly, it's been MUCH easier and more edifying this time around. I wanted to share some things that I did differently that could probably help someone who also feels the same way.

Happy New Year! - McCall's 7051

Ever since I was a child, I have spent New Year's Eve night in a church. I didn't even know that it was called Watch Night Service until I got older. It was just what my family did. Long story shorty, when I went off to college, a got exposure to the parties and got a taste of freedom that I had never experienced before. So on the breaks, when NYE would be around the corner, I started considering ideas of going out to the club or going to parties at peoples' houses to drink..... but I never did. Even though really I wanted to, and sometimes made plans to, I would decide against it at the last minute and go to church and spend time with my family after. 

My desire to do something "different" for NYE was always trumped by my fear I would do something or be somewhere/in a situation that I would truly regret. My decision to go to church instead and stay in with my family always brought me peace and I never regretted it. But, if I'm honest, I always wanted to know what it felt like on the "other" side. 

Fast forward a bit... remember last year when I talked about the new friends that I'd made? Yea, a few of these friends run a group called Culture-New Norm. One of the things that the group does is throw Christian parties every month. I know, I know. Every time I tell people they look at me like "Huh?!" lol Well yea, they play music by different Christian Rappers and singers that get you just as hype as music that plays on the regular radio, the messages are just different. It's a "Party without Compromise". Wellll they were throwing one for NYE! Right in the heart of DC nightlife.

I wasn't just going to NOT go to church though. I do serve and am usually part of the service in one way or another. Plus, I would feel like something was missing if I didn't go. Conveniently, they set the time of the party at midnight so that people would be able to attend Watch Night services at their churches and come to the party after! So perfect. I had such a fun time at the party and I definitely satisfied my wanting to have MORE fun bringing in the New Year. I got to enjoy myself in an environment that wouldn't have my mom worried, I got to dance and party along to music that points back to Christ, and I didn't have to pretend to be someone I'm not. That may be my favorite part.

Once I knew that I was going to the party, I knew that I wanted to make something to wear. At first I considered different dresses but I realized I wouldn't have enough time to dedicate to a full dress. After combing through my fabric options, I found a couple more yards of  "Black Corded Light Weight Suiting" from Fabric Mart that I used to make one of my favorite skirts from earlier in 2015. I figured I would just make a top out of the same fabric that I could tuck in and have an outfit that LOOKED like a dress.

A Testament to Faithfulness

This past weekend I went to Ocean City with 13 other people in a 15 passenger van.

That almost sounds like a recipe for disaster lol but it was the complete opposite. Let me start by saying, a few months ago I began praying to God for friends. Not just any kind of friends, I actually have a good number of friends. I specifically have been asking God for friends that will push me toward Him. Friends I won't feel judged or insecure around. Friends who don't always have other people on their lips. Friends I can have a good time with where I don't leave feeling guilty about anything I've done. Friends who have a heart for Him.

Don't get me wrong, I do have a few friends like that. I guess at this point in our lives, everyone is so busy with their relationships and getting married and having the chirrens that we don't really have time for each other anymore. And at my church there aren't very many people in the 20-30 range. Most of the "young adults" are in their mid-thirties now, and then there is a big gap that goes straight down to the teens. And seeing as I'm not about to just leave my church because there aren't many people my age around me, I decided to pray for some lol.

I'm not going to go through a novel, but long-story short, God answered my prayers. Through a good friend of mine from college, I was introduced to a number of young people in the DMV area that pretty much just hang together lol. Going to different churches and living in different parts of the tri-state area, these people have become each other's family. Well this past weekend, I was invited to their family beach trip to celebrate a few people's birthdays. Just thinking over that entire day has still left me extremely full and thankful. It started something like this:

My friend and I got to the meet up spot (on time; ha!) and were waiting for other people to arrive. While waiting with another early-comer we somehow randomly started talking about different people in the bible and how they are characterized by some people. While talking about it, we just got confused and decided "Let's just read it!". Next thing you know, we have our bible apps open, reading books of scripture trying to get some kind of understanding. By the time a few more people had come, they joined in the discussion and the thing that had us confused in the first place is the EXACT thing that someone else had been studying about and they had answer that we had been looking for! 

I'm not going to recap the entire trip but I just want to say "Thank you" to each and every person that was in that van. I can honestly say that I've never been around so many young people that are down to have bible study at the drop of a hat. We had about 3 of them that day alone lol. People wanting to pray constantly. People able to have serious discussions about the Lord with the ability to learn from and admonish each other without any condemnation. People that know how to turn up to music that has a tight beat but glorifies God at the same time. People that share. People that are patient and slow to anger or offense. People with humble, quiet spirits. People with humble, loud spirits lol. People that make me want to go home and open my bible. People that lovingly check one another. People that excitedly take the attention off of themselves and place it on Jesus for the world to hear. Godly MEN taking control without being asked whether it be to drive 13 other VERY outspoken people or handling a 14 person bill at a restaurant. Men who don't objectify women. Men who pray. Gentlemen. Godly CONFIDENT women who wear their heart for God on their sleeve and let it constantly pour from their lips. Women that inspire me in their bold visions, modesty, and love toward one another. Women who get just as excited as new bride-to-be (a stranger at that) and have it in their spirit to go over and pray for her.

I didn't get home til 4am Sunday morning and I had to be at church, IN the choir stand, at 9am. I thought I was going to be so tired. Most times I get home anything CLOSE to that late and have to be in church early, I either don't go, or my mind is not all there. I can honestly say that I was in church, wide awake and so ready to receive whatever the Spirit wanted to tell me. It's like I never left His presence. (I know He doesn't leave but I know what I'm trying to say lol) 

I'm pretty much saying all of this to say that it is people like YOU all who are going to change this generation. You're already changing the culture ( ;-) ). Thanks for having me and confirming that what I have been asking God for isn't unattainable. Thank you for letting Jesus shine through each and every one of you.

Love, Tasha.

Let Me See Your Heart - McCall's 6745

" 'Cause with my family we know where home is. So instead of sendin' flowers, we the roses."

This isn't the easiest post I've ever written.

I dedicate this dress to my uncle, Richard Thompson, Sr., who we lost on May 7, 2014.

I lost my sewing mojo for a while after that day but once I started getting it back, I knew that this dress would be for him.

Building Faith

"You can know all the scriptures you want but if it doesn't ever come up against anything, you will never know that word is true"

-Leonard B. Lacey

Reasonable Resolutions

Hello, lovely people!

Happy New Year!

 

I hope 2014 for you will be as amazing as you expect it to be :-)

 

I saw my fellow blogger, Morgan, yesterday and she said that she had been looking for some encouraging words from me lol

So what better way to start of the New Year but with some TRUTH!

California Dreamin'

Sorry for being so absent!

I went to California for about a week and when I got back I was all jet lagged and stuff and too tired to write lol

Here are a few pics of my trip!
And a little bit of truth at the end! :-D

Chicago Recap

I went to Chi- town for the first time this weekend!

And I took my new camera with me to document!

Still haven't gotten a chance to read the manual so I was definitely still working on the auto setting lol

I went to sing at a concert with the mass choir from my church.

But when we got there, we got sooo much more than we expected.

23 with 1 day experience

Yesterday I turned 23 years old!

*bows*

I was looking at facebook about a week or so ago and a friend of mine, Camesha, had a very interesting status.

She was talking about how someone had asked her what she wanted for her birthday (which is ACTUALLY the same day as mine! #twinsies!) and her reply was:

"To see it."

When I read that, it wrecked my perspective on life so hard.

Remember when I said that my church is on a campaign for Life, Love, and Liberty?

We still are.

And at 23 years of age, I am going to share with you what I've learned about 

LIFE.

Fulfilling the Law Through Love

Romans 13: 8-14 ESV

8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet," and any other commandment are summed up in this word: "You shall love your  neighbor as yourself." 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

 At my church, we are on a CAMPAIGN for Life, Love, and Liberty.

Today, I want to speak a little bit about

LOVE.

The scripture plainly tells us that we don't owe anything to anyone except that we love them.

Love doesn't cheat.

Love doesn't hurt.

Love doesn't steal.

Love is not envious.

Love doesn't lie.

So as long as we are showing love to people, we are following every other commandment in the bible by default. 

I haven't said anything that's not in the scripture ^^

One thing that I feel people don't mention much, though, is how flawed the love we give away is, if we don't properly love OURSELVES.  We can't exclude ourselves from love.

When we come into the grace and knowledge of Christ's love for US and start to realize who we are, we begin to understand our worth and to love and appreciate ourselves and everyone else we come into contact with.

Galatians 2:20 ESV - "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Christ loved us so much that he didn't just die, but he GAVE himself up for me.

A man who lived a perfect life decided that my life was worth His own.

*praise break*

John 15:12-13 ESV - "12 This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."

And, of course, majority of us aren't at that place yet lol

All we can do is to continually get to know more and more about God. And because

*God = Love*

We inadvertently learn more about love.

See you in the next post!

comment and share! *hug*

xoxo, Tasha