Outfit // Happy in My Own Backyard

Hello hello!
While in the midst of a blogging meeting (ooh, a little behind the scenes secret...) we three were trying to figure out what to do for today's post, and both Brigid and Charlotte suggested I post an outfit. Well, sure! Why not? Um... what kind of outfit? In the end I made up my mind to share a simple "everyday" kind of ensemble, and so this refashioned dress is what I came up with. Hope you like it! I also want to share some of my own personal musings for this week, so lets begin! (Just for the record, I am not allowed to tell you the names of my funny photo "props") :)

Welcome

August 28, 2014

–––– County

Township Trustees & Fiscal Officers

Association Baquet

Before you think I have lost my head to write such an extraordinary bunch of words, let me reassure you by a simple explanatory statement: this was a banquet we went to last night. We were invited as part of the entertainment for the pleasure of the important people gathered for this most distinguished meeting. Among the many grey heads sat the Common Pleas Judge (the inspirational speaker at my High School graduation), county men, trustees, and a few familiar faces, one in particular who stands up not only for political reasons, but every so often to sing the jolly Auctioneer's Song. We three came with the Back in Time Express band, a group of older gentleman guitar players, and from where we were in amongst that gathering–enjoying a lovely catered dinner–I was awed by good society, and wrinkled faces.

When we were called up by the band to sing after the meal, we got up, slipped the mics out from their stands, and I proceeded to introduce the girls and myself. At once I was pointedly inspired to explain not only who we were, but to tell the smiling faces why we sing, what we sing, and for who we sing. 

In a nutshell: First I ought to tell you all that my sisters and I sing to bring pleasure to people like you, but we don't just like to sing any old songs, we like to sing the tunes from the 1940's era. Why? Well, for the reason that this era of music is almost lost; sure, there are still big bands out there, but there are not very many singers who reach back in time to pick up these ballads. We three are here to revive the spirit of the 1940's, the spirit in which men and women were known to be ladies and gentlemen. We also sing to honor the old souls who fought for the sake of our freedom, and to remind us that we once fought a great war, and many hearts were broken. We sing for all of you, that you too might remember, and recall the gravity, and joy, of that era.

This is pretty close to what I stated last night. I was surprised because I normally get tongue tied when it comes to telling everyone about ourselves! God intervened last night, as it most certainly wasn't I who conjured up those words of truth! The Author of Truth gave them to me for a very special purpose, as you shall see... 

Hours before this, we were taking this photo shoot in the pleasant weather that only comes after a storm. We were as content as the melodious birds who sang above our heads, and all the while, peace was reigning jubilantly over our sweet home. Trouble was leagues away from us. God saw fit to fill us with His bounties that afternoon, perhaps in preparation for the coming evening.

When we first arrived at the banquet, we were greeted by the beloved band members, and watched as old sage after jolly old sage came walking through the doors of the building. We were told of the troubles that come with the aged. The band leader's own wife suffers on a day to day basis, and we all had stories to relate to the other's. A neighbor had fallen into hard times. A good friend lost his own children to uninvited misfortunes. But the most heart breaking story was relayed to us after the program was over. We had sung our hearts out for that lovely generation, were honored by their excitement over our CDs for sale, never knowing that a heart had been filled with the goodness we were filled with earlier that day. It was the Common Pleas Judge who spoke hearty words of encouragement at my graduation who approached the band leader to give a word of thankfulness regarding the girls and I. He confided to him that he was at that very moment to be called away on duty to hear out another wretched case, and he wanted us to know that we gave him hope that he had all but lost in his weighty tasks.

I sunk heavily under those words of encouragement. The words I spoke in explanation regarding our music came rushing back in an instant, and I knew, the Lord had performed a blessing we didn't even expect. I did not speak as I normally would have spoken. And we did not sing for our own glory as we strive not to do with each performance. The Spirit was present and He was working. How marvelous to be touched by God! And then to unwittingly impart that touch to another... I am so blessed. We are blessed! All of us who know the Lord!

Dress: Thrifted & refashioned by Mom // Belt: garage sale // Hair: pin-curled

So next time, whenever you are filled with goodness, or are given a time of peace, know that you are being filled that the fullness of Christ will be spilled over into someone else's life. You may never know to whom, or how many times it happens, but somewhere along the line of our prayer to be a light in the world, God hears and answers. Don't give up you ladies who go out to spread the gospel. The numbers may seem meager, but underneath a callous skin there could pierce a new warmth and love from your words of peace and righteousness. Hold ever fast to the truths of scripture, and don't ever doubt for a moment that you are not being used as a light and a beacon of Christ!

 Have you ever been told that you were an immense blessing in someone's life?

Have words ever come to you that you never thought to say before?

How has Christ been working through you?

Blessings in Christ,

Jessica

The eldest sister & singer

CREDITS // Author: Jessica Boyer; Photography: Charlotte Boyer; Photos edited with VSCO Presets