Outfit // Thanks Given

Hello dearies,
Can you believe Thanksgiving is tomorrow? It does not feel like it to me! Perhaps it's because we aren't going anywhere, or having any friends over. That always makes my holidays feel more special, and so it's disappointing to me when schedules don't allow for inviting friends over. This was beginning to spoil Thanksgiving for me, until I thought of the idea for this post...







How often is it that we give thanks for the things we never thought we would be thankful for? I realized just the other day how many hopes and dreams I had that I have had to let go of in this past year. And the most amazing thing is that I am thankful that I had to let these hopes and dreams go. So today, I am going to start something new. Not only will I give thanks for the obvious blessings, but I am also going to give thanks for what I never thought I would be thankful for. Because God moves in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform. We may not always understand why things happen the way they do, but they are ultimately for our good.

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

Sweater: F21 // Skirt: F21 // Tights: F21 // Flats: Hand-me-down from a friend

I am thankful for:

Having to give up my dream of having my own clothing business. I have learned so much about myself in this past year, and I can now understand why God put so many barriers in my path to prevent me from fulfilling that dream. Perhaps in the future it will be His will, but not now.

Learning music theory all those years ago, so I can write parts for our singing trio. When I was younger, I didn't appreciate music theory at ALL. But now I wish I had paid greater attention when I was learning it. I am so grateful that my music teachers made me do Music Theory anyways, or else I would be lost today.

Church Children's choir. I loved Children's choir growing up. All of the Christmas songs that we would sing, and the opportunity of getting up in front of the Church to sing... I loved it!

Mrs. W. The organist at our Church on the West Coast. This dear lady was so influential in my life. At the end of service every Sunday morn, all of the kids would congregate around her organ, where she would pass out mints and candies. We only got one or two normally, but if someone had a birthday or had had a tooth pulled, they would get three candies. But Mrs. W. was more than just the sweet lady who passed out candy. She was the director of the Children's Choir, and she was one of the first people, that I can remember, who encouraged my sisters and I in our singing, and inspired me to play music for Church. She was a godly woman, and helped and encouraged anyone who was in need, even if she herself was experiencing difficulties in life. Thank you Mrs. W. for everything you were to us girls. We miss you!

Mr. J. Another person from our Church back on the West Coast. Mr. J. was a jovial, grandfatherly figure to us girls as we grew up. He directed the adult Choir around the holidays, and organized the music for Church. If we were over at their house for Sunday dinner, we would sometimes be allowed to request songs for the evening service. Oh, I felt so special when he would use one of our requests! He was one of the other few who encouraged me, indirectly, to want to play music for Church. The obvious love he had for praising the Lord through music was infectious, and that love is something that has stayed with me ever since those childhood days on the West Coast.

The ability to make my own clothes. You wouldn't believe how many times I have thought over what life would be like if I was blind, or wasn't able to use my hands. I would honestly be lost. I couldn't play music, though I could still sing. I couldn't sew or do the other handicraft things that I love. I am so thankful that God has blessed me with health and I pray He will help me use my abilities to bless others. Every good gift is from Him (James 1:17), even those we may take for granted.

My family. This goes without saying. But if I am being honest, I will say there are days where I am not as thankful as I should be for the enormous blessing my family is in my life. Two sisters who encourage me when I am down; critique me in ways that are sometimes hard to take, but nevertheless help me grow; And teach me things I would otherwise never understand.

My wonderful Mom who does EVER so much for our family. I don't believe we could survive without her. She does so much work around the house, and fills for our girl's chores sometimes so that we can accomplish things with singing or blogging. She is such a thoughtful, loving person. I couldn't imagine life without her.

The amazing leader who is my Dad. He is the greatest inspiration to me when it comes to creative pursuits. He has such insight into things I can't wrap my head around by myself, and yet he makes them clear as day (most of the time ;D). He encourages, rebukes, leads, guides all by the grace of God.

I thank you Lord for the family you have blest me with.

This list could go on, and on, and on, but I must finish it up with one last thing.

All of you. Our blog followers and readers! You all are SO encouraging. If it wasn't for you and your sweet comments and emails, this tough ride wouldn't be worthwhile. I praise the Lord for you, and thank you for taking the time to encourage us girls, each in your own way.

You all are probably wondering about my outfit. Okay, I'll give you the details. This is actually one of the first outfits I ever bought specifically to wear for Thanksgiving. We were shopping at Forever21 when I came across this darling sweater and skirt. This sweater has remained my favorite throughout the years since I have bought it, but unfortunately it is on its last legs. :(
What's funny about this outfit, is it isn't so much a favorite anymore as it was when I first got it. I still like it, just not as much as I used to. The skirt is a wee bit big (come on Brig, can't you fix that?!?), and as I said, the sweater is worn out, but I still love the idea of the outfit, even though I don't like little details of the individual components themselves.

What are you thankful for?

Is there anything you are thankful for that you didn't think you would be grateful about?

Do you have old outfits that you still like, even if they aren't quite perfect anymore?

What are you doing for Thanksgiving?

"Oh, bless our God, you peoples!

And make the voice of His praise to be heard,

Who keeps our soul among the living,

And does not allow our feet to be moved.

For You, O God, have tested us; 

You have refined us as silver is refined.

You brought us into the net;

You laid affliction on our backs.

You have caused men to ride over our heads;

We went through fire and through water;

But You brought us out to rich fulfillment"

Psalm 66: 8-12

Blessings,

Brigid

the Middle Sister and Singer

CREDITS // Author: Brigid Boyer; Photography: Charlotte Boyer; Photos Edited with VSCO Presets