For the Love of Jesus, Jeans & Cabernet

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For the love of Jesus, jeans and cabernet highlights three of my favorite things this month!  Not only will I show you a favorite pair of jeans but a new wine to try and a book that will have you laughing and loving. 
 
I recently finished For the Love and have determined Jen Hatmaker is my spirit animal!  I seriously want to go hang out with this woman and just soak up every word.  I found myself relating to her over and over again regarding how I feel about life since gracefully growing into my own in my 40’s. 
I love this outfit but I have yet to have the courage to wear this hat aside from taking pictures at my house.  Safe right?  Why in the world would I even be worried about what other people think about me wearing a hat?
 
Isn’t it true sometimes we are a little more self-conscious because we find ourselves judging others for what they are wearing (doing, saying, etc)?
 
“When Jesus said to “love your neighbors as yourself,” I don’t think He meant judgmentally; but that is exactly how we treat our own souls, so it bleeds out to others.  Folks who thrive in God’s grace give grace easily, but the self-critical person becomes others-critical.  We “love” people the way we “love” ourselves, and if we are not good enough then no one is.”   – Jen Hatmaker
I love clothes and always have but I do not believe I am particularly fashionable.  I know what I like and I try to pull things together that I feel good in and I’m always shocked when someone actually says they think I’m “fashionable”.  What I do know is pulling these looks together for me is fun! I really love seeing an outfit come together and I really love hearing from others they found some inspiration from what they saw me wear!  
 
Here’s what Jen says and I think it is definitely something I’ve embraced in my 40’s that I definitely would not have had the courage for 10 years ago.
 
“You get a decent handle on who you are, what you are good at, what you love, what you value and how you want to live.   I know what I am good at now and I do it.  I’m not apologetic and uncertain and aw-shucks about running my race.  I no longer tiptoe through my own life, doubting my gifts and my place to scared to go for it, seize it, pray for it, dream it.  When you’re forty you no longer wait for permission to live.”  – Jen Hatmaker
A great outfit always has some balance.  Aren’t we always searching for balance in every area of our lives?  I know I seem to be.  
 
“Balance.  It’s like a unicorn; we’ve heard about it, everyone talks about it and makes airbrushed T-shirts celebrating it, it seems super rad, but we haven’t actually seen one.  I’m beginning to think it isn’t a thing.”  – Jen Hatmaker
Not everyone is going to agree that this outfit was pulled together well.  I get that.  I don’t always love everyone else’s style and that’s okay.  Having a different style does not mean I cannot still have respect for another person.

 

“Let’s lay down our junk, our wonky junk that messes up relationships and community and togetherness.  We won’t let our own crazy stop us from affirming each other and banging the drum for our sisters.  There is enough for every woman to live beautifully.  When one woman rises, we all rise. Let’s open our hands and give it all away….esteem, honor, attention, love. What’s good for one is good for all.”  – Jen Hatmaker

Of course there are always going to be those few that just don’t get that and to that situation I give you one of my favorite lines from the book.

“Don’t try to win over the haters; you’re not the jackass whisperer.”  – Jen Hatmaker

I picked up this bottle of Cabernet because it was close to Halloween and the name seemed appropriate and if I’m truly being honest because it was a screw top!  It has a nice balance and is slightly fruity and very smooth.  You should totally grab a bottle and invite a girlfriend over for a chat.  Jen would totally approve.

“I’ve left a friend’s table as sanctified and renewed as any church service.  If you have a porch, then you have an altar to gather around.”  – Jen Hatmaker

I hope this gave you a little taste of what this book has to offer but know this is just a small, small sampling.  Jen also talks about marriage and parenting and really just has some chapters full of belly aching laughter. This book is a great read for all women so grab it for all the girls you know! Every wise woman is reading it.  

“We need to quit trying to be awesome and instead be wise.  Wise women know what to hold onto and what to release, and how to walk confidently in their choices – no regrets, no apologies, no guilt.”  – Jen Hatmaker

 

25 Comments

  1. This book is SO good – like more words were highlighted than not! And, I couldn't agree more: "Don’t try to win over the haters; you’re not the jackass whisperer."

    Reply

  5. I've wasted time trying to be the jackass whisperer and now wish I had it back. If someone is going to hate on me, fine, your time you're wasting.

    Super cute outfit and love the giveaway!

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  6. First of all you look amazing and you always always always do dear lady! Second of all, her words and yours are just spot on.It is really how we all feel and how we should all embrace life, people, and ourselves in general. Absolutely love this post! I hope you're having a wonderful day

    Reply

  8. We thought alike this month. Wine and books, minus the hat on my part. I don't do hats. Can't pull it off. You on the other hand, can! Truly loved your expression of thoughts here about being your own person. It gets even better Shelly as you head into your 50's. You don't give a damn what others think. You just be! At least I can say that now.

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  9. I need to add Jen Hatmaker's book to my list because i've seen it on blogger's pages everywhere!! Thank you so much for linking up 🙂

    Reply

  11. Oh Shelly, this hat it adorable. The camel color and belted detail make it so pretty and you look great with it so please wear it IRL. I love your cardigan and floral top too. Such a great outfit. I am a huge fan of red wine so thanks for recommending a nice cabernet.

    P.S. Stop by the blog today and link up with me. Thanks. =)

    Reply

  14. Right? I wish I had all the time back I've spent trying to convince people to like me as well as trying to force myself to like someone else who is perfectly nice but who I have no reason to want to be with. Hope you are having a great week.

    Reply

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