Author Archives: thewaywardwisteria

Advent Day 5

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What I’m listening to: Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee
Welcome to Day 5 of our Advent series! If you’re up to speed, congrats(!), if not, be sure to check out the previous posts. The first one explains a little more about the series. Now, let’s go back to where we last left off in Luke. 

 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”

                        Luke 1:38 (NIV) 

Have you ever felt yourself wanting to shirk your God-given responsibilities? Whether that be not wanting to read your Bible, or go on a mission trip, it’s often feels like it would be “better” to just not do something. Here, Mary has been told that she, a girl who isn’t married yet, in ancient times, will become pregnant. She doesn’t tell God that she’ll have to think about it. She doesn’t ask “why me?”. She simply accepts her responsibility. Sometimes when things seem hard, it can be easy to want to give up. However, we must remember that God never gives us more than we can handle. Even if something seems impossible, God will find a way for his will to come to fruition. 

Prayer Prompt: Pray for guidance from the Lord with a responsibility that is weighing on your heart. Remember that you are storing up treasures in Heaven, even if it may seem difficult to do so on Earth. 

Gyeongbokgung Palace

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What I’m Listening to: Froot by Marina and the Diamonds 

If you follow me on Instagram, you probably know that I’m currently in Seoul, South Korea. Korea has been awesome! I have seen some incredible places, and eaten some amazing things. One of the places that I have been fortunate enough to get to visit is Gyeongbokgung Palace. (Don’t worry, I won’t detail the whole history of the Palace here, I’ll just link to their Wikipedia page instead.) (And yes, it was snowing.)  

    
     
    
     

   

    
 Annyonghi Kasayo! 

KJ

Advent Day 4

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What I’m listening to: Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! by Dean Martin

Welcome to day four of our Advent series! If you’re up to speed, congrats! If not, be sure to check out my previous posts for more information. Now, onto today’s post! 

 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin? The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”

                   Luke 1:34-37 (NIV)

Sometimes, it’s easy to give up on God. We feel like since what we thought he wanted us to do isn’t working out, he must not be paying attention. Here in Luke however, the Bible tells us that “no word from God will ever fail“. If something isn’t working out the way you thought it would, take the time to step back and really pray about it. If God meant for you to do it, it’ll still be there when you get back. If not, that’s okay, he has a plan for you and your life. Just because it’s not what you might have originally thought of, doesn’t mean it’s not what God originally thought of. 

 Prayer Prompt: Pray that you might discover where the Lord is truly leading your heart.  

Advent Day 3

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What I’m Listening To: Jingle Bells by Frank Sinatra 

Today is Day 3 of our continuing Advent Reading series! If you missed the first two posts, go ahead and check them out, the first one also explains a little more. If you’re all up to speed already, welcome back! Now for today’s devotional. 

 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

                             Luke 1:29-33 (NIV)

As we get closer to Christmas, it’s easy to lose focus of the true meaning. Whether we get caught up in trying to impress Christmas guests, or distracted by desire for all the things we want, it can be easy to forget the true importance of the season. We are reminded here in Luke of the true awesomeness of Jesus. We celebrate his birth, not just for the worldly things we receive, but to remember the humble way that the Son of God entered this world. This Christmas season, instead of focusing on yourself and the things you want, focus instead on the things that Jesus can provide in your life. While you may know your wants, Jesus knows your needs. 

Prayer Prompt: Ask Jesus to guide you towards the things you need, instead of those things that you don’t. 

Advent Day 2

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What I’m listening to: Sleigh Ride by Ella Fitzgerald 

Today is Day 2 of our continuing Advent Reading series! If you missed the first post, go ahead and check it out, it also explains a little more. If you’re all up to speed already, welcome back! Without further ado, let’s dive in. 

 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 

                        Luke 1:26-28 (NIV)

Have you ever received a suprise reminder that God loves you? It could be something small, like a beautiful evening outside after a stressful day; or it could be something huge, like the joy in finding out a family member has recovered after a long bout with an illness. In these verses from Luke, she is told by an angel of God’s favor for her. At this point, unlike most of us reading the Christmas story, she has no idea what the Angel is about to tell her. What many of us don’t realize is that we are also favored in God’s sight. He sent his son to die for each and every one of us. You find favor in his sight even at your lowest point. These verses encourage us to trust in God’s unfailing love and favor for us. 

Prayer Prompt: Pray for guidance from the Lord to show you the plan that He has prepared for you, His loved and favored child. 

Advent Day 1

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What I’m listening to: A Marshmallow World by Dean Martin

It’s day one of our Advent Reading Plan! For those of you who don’t follow me on Instagram or Facebook, here’s what’s going on. 

For the next 24 days, I’ll be posting daily devotionals leading up to Christmas. They will use verses that tell the Christmas story from Matthew, Luke, John, and Isaiah. 

So now let’s get started! 

 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

                                   John 1:1-5 (NIV) 

Sometimes it’s hard to believe that the Lord anticipates all things. We think that a break-up, hurtful word, or mistake has come out of left field. However, we have to remember that just because we didn’t see it coming, doesn’t mean God didn’t. In the these verses from John, he makes the point that since the beginning of time, God knew that he would send his son to die for our sins. It wasn’t a last minute decision  by a God out of options, it was the carefully  crafted plan of an omniscient Creator. Is it possible to have a more encouraging thought to kick off the Christmas season than knowing that we have an all-powerful God who has loved us so fiercely since the beginning? 

Prayer prompt: Today turn something that has been weighing on your heart over to the Lord and ask Him to show you the path and solution that he has created.

Lipstick + Plaid

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What I’m listening to: Limetown, Episode 3: Napoleon 

Well, it’s for reals the “Holiday Season” now. Which means pie, gingerbread, and those weird ribbon candies no one who doesn’t remember when California wasn’t a state likes (September 9, 1850 btw). So what’s a better coat for the season than the ever-flattering swing coat? Especially this one in such a cheery plaid! (Did that sound appropriately fashion blogger-y? I feel like yes.) The other thing I’m loving is this nude Yves Saint Laurent lipstick (this one is #22). It works great, especially in the cold, because it hydrates and protects your lips. Kind of like a grown up version of my favorite lip balm of all time Baby Lips. Alas, I must now wrap this post up, somewhere in the world someone is unwittingly purchasing ribbon candy and I must warn them before it’s too late. 

     
      
 

Peace, 

KJ 

Jacket: ChicWish 

Jeans: Blank NYC

Ankle boots: Nine West

That 70’s Vibe

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What I’m Listening to: Fire and Rain by James Taylor

It’s official. The 1970’s are back. Well, not the terrible parts (looking to you weird orange margarine). Just the fashion. Hellooooo jeans with flare! (I’m sorry. Not really, but still.) 

    
    
  

 Stay Groovy

KJ
Jeans: American Eagle

Turtleneck: Victoria’s Secret

Earrings: Kate Spade

Gloss: Urban Decay

Purse: Kate Spade

Shoes: Born

October is for Hunters (and LJ)

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 What I’m listening to: Music to Watch Boys To by Lana Del Rey
It’s October already?! I can’t believe this year is mostly over! Still, it’s nice to feel a chill in the air once more. Time for sweaters, apple cider, and football season. (And yes I’ll use an Oxford comma if I want to, you can’t stop me) Grammar fights aside, it’s also time for Hunter boots and LJ long sleeves. 
    

    
    
 This shirt is so soft, it feels like your favorite shirt on the first wear. Ditto on my absolute favorite jeans. Deets on my look are listed under my sign-off. (Yes I use slang that hasn’t been relevant in 20 years it’s called being hipster.) 

Pumpkin Spice Latte,

KJ✌🏻️
Shirt: Lauren James

Jeans: Hudson Jeans

Boots/boot socks: Hunter Boots

Labor Day Weekend Collaboration ft. Faith from The Petite Pearl!!

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 What I’m Listening to: Message Man by Twenty One Pilots

Happy Labor Day Weekend everybody! Today my blog is being taken over by one of my favorite bloggers, Faith, who runs the blog The Petite Pearl. Over the last few weeks, we have put together a collaboration. We answered all kinds of questions on all kinds of topics (from our favorite bloggers to our dream vacation) and now you can read our answers! Faith’s half is right here and you can find my half on her blog here. Be sure to check it out!! Happy reading!

 

1. Is there anything you wished would come back into fashion?

I definitely wish 1950s style would come back! I love the look of long, A-Line skirts with a button down and cardigan, or the ever-popular letter sweater or varsity jacket seen in movies!

2. Who is your all time favorite artist?

This is such a hard question for me. I really love a variety of art: Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Salvador Dali, Georgia O’Keeffe, Frida Kahlo, Gustav Klimt, Paul Klee, and Mary Delany. I could spend hours and hours in art museums, so I couldn’t possibly pin down a favorite.

3. If you had a warning label what would yours say?

Probably something like: “Will drive you completely crazy with over-planning, too many lists, and generally has Type A, perfectionist, crazy person abnormalities.” Something like that, maybe…

4. What celebrity would you want to meet at Starbucks for a cup of coffee?

Taylor Swift. I have been a huge T-Swift fan since day one. She is just such a fun person and seems so grounded and real despite the crazy fame she has gained. I would definitely want to meet Meredith, her adorable cat, too. And her bff Karlie Kloss. What a fun circle of friends that would be!

5. What do you do to stay in shape?

I love taking fitness classes! Sometimes I have a hard time motivating myself when I’m alone, so I definitely feel the pressure to try my hardest when I’m around others! I love taking dance classes, yoga, and Pilates.

6. How many pairs of shoes do you own?

23. Just counted. Oops…

7. If you could travel anywhere today where would you go?

Right now I’m feeling the whole Mediterranean, sailing, beach-y vibe, so probably Majorca, Spain, with a detour to Sicily and finishing it off on the island of Santorini. Sigh.

  8. Who is your favorite author?

Again, a hard one. You’re asking someone who has more books than hairs on her head. I adore the work of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, though, particularly One Hundred Years of Solitude and Love in the Time of Cholera. His work has such a magical, whimsical flair, but portrays a spectrum of human emotions and actions. Simply put: he’s a genius.

9. Favorite singer?

Gosh, I can’t choose favorites! I’ve always loved Justin Timberlake, Florence and the Machine, and, on the other end of the spectrum, Nat King Cole. I’ve been listening to a lot of Mumford and Sons recently however as I will be seeing them in concert in August! I really listen to everything and anyone, though.

10. Do you collect anything?

Books. I have so many, from current books to memoirs to nonfiction to classics. I particularly love collecting the classics; I have many very old books my grandmother gave me, including one of the first editions of Little Women. 

  

11. What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?

I’m not a very daring person, but one memory comes to mind. When I was out sailing in Florida and spotted a pod of wild dolphins swimming nearby. They started moving in really close to the boat, so without hesitation I just jumped in and swam with them. It was incredible, and felt sort of daring for me. I saw a mountain lion whilst hiking once, and have made some pretty daring driving moves, but I don’t know if that really counts, haha.

12. Favorite big-time blogger?

Carly from The College Prepster initially inspired me to start my own blog, but I also love Bows and Sequins, and Classy Girls Wear Pearls.