Goodbye-To Everything There Is A Season

I have to be honest, this post is hard to write. As you've probably already noticed, I've been writing posts on here less and less. I've decided that instead of just fading into an abyss of dead fashion blogs, I'll say good bye. 

The Bible says there's a time and a season for everything. And today is my season of closing this chapter in my life. It was hard coming to this conclusion, but it's time. 

  I started this blog when I was 16. Things have changed so much since then! I've changed so much. I no longer have the time to devote to this blog that I once did. I feel it isn't fair or responsible to pop in once a month and say, "Hey!" 

Part of my struggle with shutting down is you! I've met so many wonderful people through my blog (both in person and via the internet). I'm so grateful for all the lovely times we had doing fashion shows and just sharing life together. 

 

Who knows? Maybe a few years down the road I can pop in and give an update on my life. 

Goodbye fashion blog, it was a fun ride. But the time has come to turn out the light and exit. My best to all of you on your adventure, may God bless you richly on your unique journey. Keep your eyes on Him, stay on the straight and narrow.

Thrifty Gal

I'm wearing-neon green cardigan-thrifted $3//Black and white floral skirt-thrifted $3.99//White shirt-Forever 21 $5

I'm going to try to participate in Ashley's fashion event. The idea is to have as much as possible of your outfit come from a thrift store. Besides my white shirt and shoes, everything else is thrifted. As you've probably figured out, finding items in my closet that are thrifted shouldn't be too hard :) 

What's the most awesome thing you've ever found at a thrift store?

#BramblewoodThrifted

What I Wear-What about Peter?

28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

29 “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

 Matthew 14:28-31

I'm wearing: Striped shirt-Target $6//Black maxi skirt-Rue 21 $3

I've always wondered why we're so hard on Peter from the Bible. 

When listing the "greats," rarely is Peter ever mentioned. Yes, he denyed Jesus three times during Jesus' trial. Yes, he had a tongue that needed to be bridled. But what about the fact that Peter walked on water? I'm mean, for real! Last time I checked that takes a lot of faith. Peters problem came when he took his eyes off of Jesus. For a single moment, a short lived experience he was walking on water. 

But isn't that how it is? We're walking a tight rope of leaning too far to one side and falling off, or trusting in God and walking confidently on. 

So remember, even if you start to sink-you walked on water, if only for a moment. 

Do you think Peter should be in the "Bible hall of fame"?

Sometimes He takes your breath away-UPDATE

We are so quick to ask for prayer, but for some reason praise reports often don't happen. 

I'm so blessed that I have a miracle making, awesome, all powerful God. My last post I asked all of you for prayer for my sister. 

The Dr. called this morning with an update. He said he was shocked, because he thought for sure she would need a kidney transplant, or at least dialysis. Nope! Turns out it was just high blood pressure damaging her kidneys. From here she needs to keep her BP under control with meds. But she won't need a transplant or dialysis and it wasn't lupus! 

When we pray, there's always the struggle of asking Him for a miracle, knowing He can deliver, but accepting His will anyway. I'm grateful and ecstatic that in this instance God gave us a miracle. Would He still be sovereign and awesome if she needed a transplant? Yes. But...

Sometimes God moves mountains for us. 

Sometimes, God just takes my breath away. 

What I Wear-Tough Stuff And Faith

I know this is kind of odd paired with a fashion post, but I'm going through some tough stuff right now. 

  My sister is seeing a kidney specialist tomorrow. I wanted to ask all of you to be praying. Honestly, as I'm praying I don't even know what a good outcome would be. 

They're talking either she has lupus, or she'll need a transplant or go on dialysis. It's times like these that it's easy to not trust God. To start doubting His love, but at this time is when I need to cling to Him all the more. Here's where faith takes feet and I have to say, "Your will, not mine." 

Please pray for a miracle and for strength for all of us, but especially my sister. 

What I Wear-S.A.D day, Valentine's Day Encouragement

Happy Valentine's Day to all my beautiful readers. I don't normally post same day outfits, frankly because I'm lazy. (Just being honest here...) 

I thought today was important to hop on here and send a little encouragement your way. 

Today is a day to show love, but it's been skewed and distorted by commercialism.

Society has turned Valentine's Day into "feel inadequate and single" day. I totally understand how easy it is to make today all about me, my needs and wants. You're not alone, just single. Jesus adores you-you His beautiful bride. Being married doesn't mean God loves you more. Being single doesn't mean God loves you less. 

  Don't allow yourself to slip into negative thoughts. God hasn't forgotten you, you're not at the end of His list. And I'm fairly certain each of you has someone (at least one person) who loves you. No, it might not be a guy, or a husband. But you might have a mom and dad, or a sibling, or even just a friend who loves you. Love comes in many forms. Don't overlook the love you already have today for one you hope to have. Hang in there girlies, I'm confident that the Lord is writing you a beautiful story. No two stories look alike, but all of you are loved equally. 

Sending you love and encouragement, 

Natasha 

Flashback-Popular Posts From The Past

I thought it might be fun to do a post highlighting the most popular posts from my blog. 

But I'd also love to know where you ladies would like to go from here. What type of posts would you like to see in the future? Are there needs I'm not meeting? Topics you'd like to discuss? Send me a comment, or shoot me an email. 

http://natashaatkerson.blogspot.com/2013/10/what-i-wear-boho-white-and-thm-update.html

http://natashaatkerson.blogspot.com/2015/05/what-i-wear-in-love-with-eshakti.html

http://natashaatkerson.blogspot.com/2015/06/what-i-wear-how-to-wear-shorts-modestly_16.html

http://natashaatkerson.blogspot.com/2014/10/what-i-wear-casual-apparel-and-changing.html

http://natashaatkerson.blogspot.com/2010/10/what-i-wear-how-to-wear-combat-boots.html

http://natashaatkerson.blogspot.com/2014/10/what-i-wear-optical-illusion-maxi-skirt.html

http://natashaatkerson.blogspot.com/2013/04/what-i-wear-rue-21-clothes-and-hobbies.html

http://natashaatkerson.blogspot.com/2015/03/trim-healthy-mama-hybrid-faux-kool-aid.html

http://natashaatkerson.blogspot.com/2015/02/what-i-wear-do-we-hate-children.html

http://natashaatkerson.blogspot.com/2015/07/what-i-wear-floral-dress-and-lace-crop.html

What I Wear-Resting Heart Rates And Neon Green

JuI'm wearing: Green neon cardigan-thrifted $2// Black infinity scarf-Vanity $10//Striped Dress-Ross $19// Boots-Keens $90


























Hello lovelies, how are you? I'm happy to be able to share an outfit today. Actually, in the spirit of honesty, this is only the second time this week I've gotten dressed...
I had a cold that knocked me out pretty good. I laid around on the couch for 4 days! Which, if you know me, is highly unusual. I'm a go, go, go girl. Always doing something, moving and working. 

So my outfits consisted of pjs and Kleenex. So glad to be feeling better. I don't think I truly value my health till it's less than 100%. 

 An interesting thing though, shortly before I got sick I was reading about how illness affects your resting heart rate negatively. 
For instance, I have a Fitbit with constant heart monitoring and this is the screen shot of my resting heart rate this week- 

 Pretty weird, huh? And sort of cool! When your body fights an infection it causes the rest of your body to work harder. So I'll now be freaking out when my resting heart rate starts climbing...

Note: I do not agree with everything the Dressing Your Truth teaches in regards to "feelings" and the like. If you stick strictly to the fashion, I think there's much to glean. I typically just skip through the weird stuff.

What I Wear-Monochromatic-ish

I'm wearing-navy blue scarf-Wal Mart $3// navy blue 3/4 length sleeve shirt-Vanity $10// White tank top-Maurice's $8// Jeans-thrifted $5

I have officially pin pointed why I haven't been blogging. Ready? It's cold. I'm okay if I have a coat, or a warmer jacket. But since I'm posting my outfit, and not, "my outfit plus my coat," it's not as easy to keep warm. 

For instance, I went out Sunday morning in 3 deg. Weather to take these. By the time I was done, I couldn't feel my fingers haha.  

All weather aside, I'm really loving my simple, almost monochromatic outfit. I've mentioned Dressing Your Truth before (I'm not selling you anything, just sharing info). But it truly is helping me with my wardrobe. I'm less worried about keeping up with the latest trends, instead I jut wear clothing that is type 4. It's freeing! I don't push myself to wear giant sparkly statement necklaces, it's not me. I hate bracelets. I'm not big on tons of jewelry and crazy prints. Plain shirts are a staple and I'm loving it. 
I'd really encourage you to check Dressing Your Truth out. It's crazy how much it helps with clothing, but also relating to other people. 


I'd love if you took the free course and told me what type you think you are. I'm type 4. 

What I Wear-New Year Thoughts

I'm wearing-Black beanie-Rue 21 $1//Red and black buffalo check plaid shirt-Rue 21 $10//Jeans-Aeropstale $10


































I thought since I've been neglecting my blog, it would be a good idea to post just once more before 2015 is over. 

his year has been a roller coaster of ups and downs, tears and sadness. But it was also filled with smiles and memories. 
T

 What's my take away from this year? Life is fragile and in God's hands. I knew that before, obviously, but it was solidified through many events. 

 So my year in review; 

My grandpa passed away, my mom almost died in the hospital, my aunt was diagnosed with colon cancer, we closed our church, not to mention two work related accidents for employees that were pretty severe. Which I suppose I'm mentioning, even though I said, "Not to mention..." Haha!

 I was listening to a sermon podcast yesterday that really spoke to me. He used two gifts as a sermon illustration.
   One was wrapped beautifully, the other horribly mangled and sealed with a bandage instead of tape. 

e proceeded to let someone open both. The nicely wrapped gift contained an apple with a bite tak
He asked people, "Which looks more appealing?" Their obvious reply, "The prettily wrapped one." 
Then 

hen out of it. The nastily wrapped gift contained an Apple TV. 

 In much the same way, we view circumstances and situations through human eyes. When God calls us to walk a path, wrapped in a horrible exterior, tainted by the bandage, we groan and complain. "Why this, God?" Is our jaded question. "Just wait my child. Open the gift before you judge what I've given you." Is His loving reply. 

 Compliance to God is rewarded with chaos. Seriously. Choosing Christ and His plan will never be easy. Satan will attack with everything he's got if you're posing a threat. If you're simply existing, never stepping out into the unknown chaos called, "God's will", why attack a target that's not a threat? 

 So embrace the chaos, it's a beautiful thing. 

Happy New year to all my beautiful gals, may the Lord bless you with chaos and give you many horribly wrapped gifts this coming 2016.
 

promise I didn't just curse you :) 
I
 

What I Wear-Don't Be A Flabby Christian!

I'm wearing-Black Blazer-$10 Ross//Black lace shirt-$3.00 thrifted//Neon pink skirt-$10 Rue 21//Black ballet flats-Crocs $25//Necklace-$8 Vanity//White tank top-Maurice's $10

I've been reading "Wrestling Prayer" by Eric and Leslie Ludy. I highly recommended this book! 

In the current chapter I'm reading, they're talking about being flabby Christians. It's interesting to think about our inner spiritual life in these terms. While God certainly doesn't require us to be physically svelte, I think our inner life is a different story. 

We can wreck our outer health by eating a steady diet of junk (uh, Cheetos and ice cream aren't health building FYI haha). In the same way, by feeding ourselves a steady spiritual diet of junk, we tear down our relationship with Christ and thereby tear down our spiritual health. Haven't read your Bible in who knows how long? That muscle's looking pretty flabby there. Spent all day watching tv? Sounds like a recipe for spiritual disaster. Idleness really is the devil's playground. Am I mentioning all this because I myself have an amazing spiritual physique? Nope. Far from it! I struggle just as much as anyone to read my Bible regularly, to pray more than "give me, give me". But I want to encourage you ladies to get those spiritual muscles into shape. Here are a few tips for reading your Bible and praying regularly: 

1. Do it.

Seriously, that's it! Quit making excuses, you can do this. Don't beat yourself up if you forget to read it one day, start over. Ask God for help in being faithful. Do you read or pray out of duty? I hope not. Prayer and reading your Bible shouldn't be done because it's what you "should" do. 

  Now your asking, "So if I don't feel like praying, does that mean I don't love God?" No, of course not. Feelings lead us astray. God knows your heart and your intentions, maybe better than you do. 

Just do it. 

What I Wear-Uh...Crocs?

I'm wearing-Pink cardigan-thrifted $3.00//Striped shirt-H&M $5//Black palazzo pants-Maurice's $7.50//Croc Ballet Flats-Famous footwear $20

This is the outfit I wore to church today. A mix of casual and comfy, yet classy. I absolutely adore this cardigan, mostly because the sleeves are super long. It's rare for me to find sleeves that are long enough, usually they're too short. 

I seriously tried like ten different shirts with these pants...not proud, just sayin...

The weather in Montana has been unseasonably warm lately, I'm bracing for a big WHAM! But so far...I'm still wearing sandals and short sleeves. It's gotten cooler, for sure. But usually by this time it's snowed a couple times and I'm stuck in boots. 

I have to talk about my shoes. They're...Crocs! What?! I know, insane right? These are actually my second pair of Croc shoes. I always assumed that Crocs were those dorky clunky ones, not cute. Till I found these, and a pair of sandals. They're insanely comfy! Unfortunately, as I'm getting older, cute goes out the window if the shoes aren't comfortable. I'm tired of wearing shoes that kill my feet, enter these lovelies. 

Have you ever worn Crocs?