Outfit Post: Peplum & Mint

 Peplum Skirt - Riffraff // Scallop Top and Cuff - Savoir Faire // Shoes - Sam Edelman

Jacket - Target // Purse - Thrifted // Necklace - Max and Chloe

xx,

Erin

My Namesake - The Band's "Ophelia"

"Why did you name your blog Ashes of Laughter?"

This is something I hear almost every other day. The answer is really quite simple, I chose a lyric from a fantastic song.

 Have you ever heard the name Levon Helm? Does "The Band" ring a bell? Very recently - I've realized that not all of the general public is familiar with this marvelous musical group {totally weird, I know}. Anywho - The Band wrote a song called "Ophelia" in 1975 and it has always been one of my favorites. Watch the LIVE version below and see for yourself (shout out at 2:20)!

Also, this footage was taken from The Band's last concert ever "The Last Waltz." It was held on Thanksgiving Day and had surprise performances by Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Muddy Waters, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Dr. John and Bob Dylan to name a few {talk about a show}.

Young Martin Scorsese actually turned it into a documentary called "The Last Waltz." Do yourself a favor and go watch it, amazing.

xx,

Erin

Rejoice in the Good + AWESOME Cross Bracelet

"Where does your strength come from?"

by Heather Hart

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Boasting in our weaknesses is not something that comes natural to many of us. Delighting in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties sounds even weirder. Can you imagine rejoicing when you failed a test, or when someone calls you names or spreads rumors about you? How about being happy about not understanding the math problem that your teacher wants you to solve? Does it sound silly yet?

Let's look at it a different way, when you fail a test can you rejoice in the fact that life doesn't revolve around one test score? Can you rejoice in the fact that the teacher is offering extra credit? Instead of focusing on the negative, look for the positive! So you failed a test, Jesus died for your sins! So your friend started a rumor about you, Jesus knows that truth, and His opinion really is the one that counts! So you don't understand the math problem, you can ask for help. Even if you never understand the math problem, God knows what direction he wants you to go in life, maybe it doesn't have anything to do with algebra (don't tell your teacher I said that...math is used in everything we do... you know what I mean though).

When we are weak, then we are strong. When we acknowledge that we can't do it on our own, then we open the door for God to help us. His grace is enough for us.

Reflection:

Do you look at the negative in situations, or do you delight in the positives?

Application step:

Today when things don't go your way, look to God for your strength. Ask God to help you find the positive in the situation, and trust in His power.

Prayer:

Father God, thank you for being my strength. Help me to remember that your opinion is most important, and help me to delight in my trials. Nehemiah 8:10 tells me that the joy of the Lord is my strength. Let it be so. Help me to find joy in you, and to delight in any circumstance. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

*images via here, devo via here, Mylo Jewelry bracelet available here

Elie Saab Fall 2012 | Paris Fashion Week

Who else is dying? Dead on.

xx,

Erin

*images via fashion gone rogue

Create In Me

images via here

xx,

Erin

Angel Court Photoshoot Sneak Peek!

If you follow my twitter {here} you probably know that I had the chance to model some gorgeous Angel Court jewelry for my photographer friend, Meredith Mashburn {yeah, I know, she's amazing}! Here is a little sneak peek at one of the looks!

Necklace and Rings - Angel Court // Sunnies - Mason's // Shorts, and Bathing Suit (worn as top) - F21 // Heels - Zara, Nails - Essie Turquoise and Caicos

Happy week y'all!

xx,

Erin

Risky Love

“If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My father will honor. John 12:26”

“Mary brought in a pint of very expensive perfume made from pure nard.  She poured the perfume on Jesus’ feet, and then she wiped his feet with her hair.  And the sweet smell from the perfume filled the whole house.  John 12:3

When Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet, his disciples mocked her extravagance.  “Why waste that perfume?  It could have been sold for a great deal of money and given to the poor,” they smirked!”

But don’t miss Jesus’ prompt defense of Mary:  “Why are you troubling this woman?  She did an excellent thing for me!”

There’s a time for risky love.  A time to pour out affection on one you love.  Seize it!

Someday, I can take her on that cruise.

Someday, the children will understand why I was so busy…

But you know the truth, don’t you?  Some days never come!

Write the letter.  Make the apology.  Take the trip.  Do it!

By Max Lucado

devo via here, images via here