Life + Health Update (Part 1)

☆ Special thanks to Tobi for sponsoring this post! ☆

Hey y’all! It’s taken me a long time to feel ready to write this. I’ve known in my heart that I want to share what I’ve been walking through, but I’ve been unsure about what to say and how to say it. Whether you attend Gateway Church and have been wondering where the girl on the piano is or you follow me online and haven’t seen me posting as often, this is for you. :) For those who have personally reached out, I can’t tell you how much it means to me! Anyway, there’s no way to possibly express how personal this post is! But, I’m choosing vulnerability because...

1) I believe that telling my God story is one of the most powerful things I can do in response to my circumstances, whether they’re hardships or wins. I’d rather share how God has already miraculously healed me, but I haven’t arrived at that destination yet! I’m sharing where I am in the journey because this pit stop is part of my story—it’s part of the bigger picture that only God can see.

Sharing the hardships makes the triumphs even more glorious. If I’m vulnerable enough to include other people in the journey, then we can celebrate together when I’m on the other side of this mountain! I’m a private person, but I want to be open with you guys and I don’t feel this season should be an exception.

2) I believe the real estate I’m claiming on the internet (blog and social media platforms) is meant to go so much deeper than the surface layer. Life’s challenges look different than a posed Starbucks cup and fresh manicure…I don’t even drink coffee and I’m cutting back on manis to save money! I don’t want this space to only be a highlight reel. Life’s not picture perfect. It’s me writing in my pajamas with a tension headache…pretty sure that wouldn’t get a lot of “likes,” but that’s real life!

Being a successful “influencer” does require excellence…high quality images, aesthetically pleasing vibes, styled shoots, negotiating with brands and the list goes on...I’m not knocking any of that. I’m a lover of all things artistic, creative and entrepreneurial. But it seems we can tend to undershare on social media by pretending everything’s fine or overshare by venting, but I’m committed to always try to walk the balance, being open and honest.

3) I believe in prayer. God’s teaching me so much about prayer right now, so I’ll likely write more about it soon, but the bottom line is...prayer changes things. I need prayer and I want to pray for you too! DM me on Instagram with prayer requests. You can count on my prayers.

4) I believe at least one person reading this is walking through a health challenge and needs to know they’re not alone! Be encouraged. If I’m writing this for one person, it’s most totally worth it.

Now that I’ve prefaced this with some values and context, let’s back up…(keep scrolling…)

☆ SHOP THE LOOK ☆

Floral Romper ($39! Romper pro tip: size up if you're tall! I'm 5'7" and ordered a large because it looked pretty short on the model) | Star Earrings ($7) | Necklace | Sandals (similar) | Sunglasses (similar) | Handbag (under $65 on sale!)

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit with a go-getter nature. Since my lemonade stand days as a kid, it feels like I’ve been working ever since—from collecting quarters for straight A’s to making jewelry, taking photos, selling art, playing music, etc. I’ve always valued creativity, responsibility and plain old hard work.

I began taking piano lessons at the age of 5. When I was 14, I started playing piano and music directing at Gateway. For those who aren’t familiar, music directing at Gateway means everything from preparing the worship band’s rehearsal and performance materials to running sound check to musically directing the team through live worship experiences under the leadership of the worship pastor. I talk into a secret mic during church services that only the audio, video, broadcast, lyric, lighting and worship teams can hear…it’s like air traffic control for worship leading! I help navigate changes on the fly and keep things running smoothly, hopefully taking weight off the worship pastor so they can fully focus on leading. All of that while playing piano! Anyway, I began homeschooling around the time my family came to Gateway, which offered flexibility to be more involved with church and creative endeavors. My role at Gateway grew into a full-time position and I’ve served there ever since.

Over the past few years, there were several red flag moments when I felt I needed to slow down, but continued to stay the course. A combination of symptoms intensified and by the fall of 2017, my doctor ordered me to stop everything! He said I needed to “rest, restore and recreate.”

Through lots of testing by doctors and specialists over the following months, we learned I’m having challenges with thyroid imbalances, adrenal fatigue, TMJ and a combination of other things.

Almost everything about my life has changed in the past 6 months! I have wiped my life’s slate clean, including resigning from my role at Gateway. I’m discovering a lot about how to take better care of myself…body, soul and spirit. I’m learning more about healthy eating, non-toxic products, better sleeping habits, how to wait on God (when I thought I was already waiting?), how to feel deeply, be a better friend…the list goes on.

The health challenges have caused me to slow down in a way I probably wouldn’t have otherwise. Similarly, I likely would’ve never considered stepping away from my role at Gateway, so I know God’s hand is at work. Though God didn’t cause these circumstances, He’s using them to lead and direct my path. And I believe what appears to be a setback in the natural is actually Him pulling me back to launch me forward. Wow, what an exciting thought!

So now what? I’m on a no pressure basis in every area of my life. I’m encouraged by some better days lately but am taking it one day at a time and focusing on my health and recovery…listening to my body…and trying my best to hear God’s voice. King David’s lyric “He makes me lie down in green pastures” (from Psalm 23) has taken on a whole new meaning! I am choosing joy every day in response to these circumstances. After all, God’s joy is my strength and I could use more of that in this season (Nehemiah 8:10). Every day, multiple times a day, I’m also reminding Him of the promises He’s declared over my life. I know He’s faithful to keep His word.

If you’ve made it this far, you’re truly committed! Thanks for walking with me on this journey! And please pray for me when you think about it.

Hope you enjoy the outfit details too. And special thanks to Tobi for sponsoring this post. They sent me a few other items including this low back swing dress and this off the shoulder dress. They have super duper amazing sales 24/7, so definitely check them out!

All the best,

Jessica

 

Flash Sale - Sam Edelman

Nobody loves a sale more than this girl and there's SO many good ones going on right now as seasons transition! I'm pretty choosy about which ones I share, but Sam Edelman can't be passed up. This is a 40-60% OFF online sale that ends this Friday, the 28th! Sizes WILL GO FAST. I advise purchasing and returning at your local Nordstrom Rack if something isn't the perfect fit. Here are a few of my favorites from the sale selection:

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Finding Hope In The Desert

☆ Special thanks to Zenni Optical for sponsoring this post! ☆

As you probably know, eyewear is one of my favorite accessories. Nothing can transform a look quite like adding the right pair of glasses. I wear prescriptions, so finding high quality, trendy and affordable RX lenses is a MUST.

And whenever I’m shooting outfits for my blog, I normally add the eyewear last as a finishing touch or optional accessory, but with these, my Zenni Optical eyewear actually inspired both of these desert chic looks!

I want the pink monochromatic look to draw attention to the utilitarian, stainless steel aviators. (Must note the scalloped edges on this tee (under $20) too! I love that little detail.) As for the cat eye shades (also available in reading glasses), they totally set the tone for this festival-inspired pom pom jacket (low in stock) and UFO vibes. Say no more.

☆Shop the look ☆

Tee: Missguided | Jeans: ASOS | Glasses: Zenni Optical | Shoes: c/o Ivanka Trump

How To Find Hope In The Desert

1. Count your blessings

Make a list of what you’re grateful for. Once I remind myself of the overwhelming goodness that surrounds me, my heart takes a deep breath. Thankfulness resets my focus.

Remember: Your grumbles and complaints may be among your neighbor’s greatest desires. We so easily forget our miracles. Don’t let them become washed up memories, for they are Faithfulness in flesh and blood. They give us hope for the asking, faith for the knocking and belief for the seeking.

2. Put Courage In

“Encourage” simply means to put courage in. Hand out sincere compliments like candy. Challenge yourself to send one encouraging text to a friend per week! Set reminders on your phone to help.

If you think a kind thought about someone more than once, TELL THEM! We oftentimes don’t verbalize how amazing we think someone is (for whatever reason—maybe they already know, we don’t think they need to hear that from us, etc.). I personally believe we’d all feel 10000000% more hope-filled, inspired, loved, appreciated and encouraged if we took a moment to adopt the IN-courage concept! Pour courage into others, and you’ll find yourself encouraged.

3. Serve

Serving others redirects our focus and resets our hearts. Help at church, lead a small group, step up in your community. Take a mission trip or volunteer in your own backyard. The point is, help out and jump in. It’ll do your heart good.

☆ Shop the look ☆

Jacket: ASOS | Jeans: Old Navy | Booties: Marc Fisher | Glasses: Zenni Optical

4. Look up

Where is your head? Is it down in the trenches of your difficulty? Where are your thoughts? Hope can be found in the desert by setting our minds on things above, because God has a future and a plan for us. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Ask God to change your perspective to see how He sees your circumstances and the people around you. Seeing through His eyes should change the color, clarity and focus as much as me putting my pink shades on. Wow, what a change. "Wonder" from Hillsong United always reminds me of this! Check it out:

I see the world in light ☆ I see the world in wonder ☆ I see the world in life ☆ Bursting in living color ☆ I see the world your way ☆ And I'm walking in the light ☆ Turning wilderness to wonder

Colossians 3:2 – “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (NIV)

Psalm 121 – "I look up at the vast size of the mountains—from where will my help come in times of trouble? The Eternal Creator of heaven and earth and these mountains will send the help I need. He holds you firmly in place; He will not let you fall. He who keeps you will never take His eyes off you and never drift off to sleep. What a relief! The One who watches over Israel never leaves for rest or sleep. The Eternal keeps you safe, so close to Him that His shadow is a cooling shade to you. Neither bright light of sun nor dim light of moon will harm you. The Eternal will keep you safe from all of life’s evils, from your first breath to the last breath you breathe, from this day and forever." (The VOICE)

5. Press On

Keep going. Don’t give up. This won’t last forever. Press through and press on.

Psalm 30:5 – “Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” (NLT)

Isaiah 58:11 – “The Eternal One will never leave you; He will lead you in the way that you should go. When you feel dried up and worthless, God will nourish you and give you strength. And you will grow like a garden lovingly tended; you will be like a spring whose water never runs out.” (The VOICE)

Hebrews 12:1-2 – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” (NLT)

☆ Jessica Sheppard's blog and social media platforms contain affiliate links, which means a commission can be earned on your purchases. I only promote products and brands that I love...all opinions are my own. ☆

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