TORVINKRELLA

Guinness and Churchill: Lessons for Leaders in a Post-Christian World

I’ve been reading a fascinating book called The Search for God in Guinness—A Biography of the Beer That Changed The World. What caught my attention was learning that the founders were believers who, for generations, made a real difference in their culture. They pulled people out of poverty, made sure communities were well-nourished, and tackled social problems head-on.

It got me thinking about how we evangelicals have sometimes backed away from this kind of cultural engagement. I’m not suggesting we swap the gospel for social action. But we live in a pretty screwed-up world, and we need to think seriously about adapting to change rather than just fighting it.

The Staggering Pace of Change

The book mentioned Winston Churchill and the incredible amount of change he witnessed in his lifetime. Think about this: Churchill was born in 1874, when Ulysses Grant was president of the United States, fresh off his Civil War victory. Karl Marx sat in the British Library writing what would become the Communist Manifesto. Mark Twain worked on Mississippi riverboats, having not written a single book. The telegraph was hot technology—it had been around for about twenty years but was just becoming useful.

Radio, television, telephones, and certainly the internet weren’t on anybody’s radar. In 1874, four Ivy League colleges got together and drew up the rules for something they were going to call “football.” No NFL back then.

When Churchill died just ninety years later—and ninety years really isn’t that long (I’m almost 80)—men had orbited the earth, walked in space, and sent probes to Venus. Nuclear power had moved from the bomb to power plants. A car had driven over 600 miles per hour on the Bonneville Salt Flats. Large businesses had something called “computers” on their premises. And a guy named Donald Trump was in high school.

The Queen of England had just awarded the Beatles the Order of the British Empire—the same honor she’d given Churchill twenty-five years earlier for being the single most pronounced voice against Hitler, keeping the world from falling under Nazi domination. The world had changed!

Living as Sojourners

What are we to make of all this? We live in a post-Christian era, and a lot of us are struggling with it.

Some folks think recent political changes are going to turn everything around. Good things may be happening—but politics won’t win the cultural wars. Lasting change only happens through spiritual transformation.

I keep going back to the book of Jeremiah, written to exiles living in another land for better understanding. We’re living in a different land than the one I was born in. Same geography, different culture. Those exiles were told to build, plant crops, and seek the welfare of their communities. They were promised that as they blessed the people around them, they too would be blessed.

Here’s my simple proposition: Let’s embrace our role as sojourners. Let’s not fight against it. It is what it is. We must learn how to behave in it in a way that could potentially bring about another Jesus revolution in America.

Adapting Without Compromising

A lot of people today are fearful—of artificial intelligence, of medical advances, and cultural shifts. These are polarizing and often confusing.

The Guinness family understood this. For centuries, they never retreated from culture; they engaged it. They understood that being believers meant being agents of positive change in their world.

The question isn’t whether change is coming, it’s already here. The question is whether we’ll respond with fear and retreat, or with wisdom and engagement. Churchill faced unthinkable changes in his ninety years, but he adapted and made a difference.

So can we.

This appeared as the first in a series of short talks on my YouTube channel. Please join me there for the rest of it… https://www.youtube.com/@RalphMooreHopeChapel

Ralph Moore is the Founding Pastor of three churches which grew into the Hope Chapel ‘movement’ now numbering more than 2,300 churches, worldwide. These are the offspring of the 70+ congregations launched from Ralph’s hands-on disciplemaking efforts.

He travels the globe, teaching church multiplication to pastors in startup movements. He’s authored several books, including Let Go Of the Ring: The Hope Chapel Story, Making Disciples, How to Multiply Your Church, Starting a New Church, and Defeating Anxiety.

The post Guinness and Churchill: Lessons for Leaders in a Post-Christian World appeared first on Newbreed Training.

I’ve been on a major amazon shopping spree lately. I’ve been craving new pieces for fall but wanting to keep it affordable. I’m so excited because I’ve found the cutest things…I had to share!

This brown purse is so good for fall and is a recent bestseller – its under $100! And this striped shirt is so good I ordered it in multiple colors.

I also just saw my new fave super soft pajamas are on sale 30% off this week! They are so cute and come in a bunch of different colors and prints. Now under $20! Love these for a teen girl too.

This brown leather purse is a recent bestseller for good reason! It looks designer but is under $100. I love the medium-smaller size of it – the perfect easy, every day cross body bag for fall. All outfit details linked here.

This oversized brown suede jacket is such an amazing find that I grabbed it in 2 colors! Its such a good look for less at under $50. The fit and suede texture are so perfect for fall! Outfit details linked here.

I wore this brown polka dot dress recently and now I’m loving all things polka dot– polka dots are trending! This dress is a great transitional fall piece, easy to layer with a denim jacket, etc as it the weather cools down.

I’ve been really into layered necklaces lately and loving these – they are under $15 each!

I’m so happy boat shoes are back! This brown leather pair is more of a splurge but they are a great quality, investment pair. I’m obsessed with the multi colored laces! I linked some more affordable pairs too.

I’ve been wearing these sunglasses on repeat! I wore them on my recent trips to Vermont and Hawaii and now loving them for back in Utah as fall approaches. The best part – they are under $15!!

This striped top is such a great dupe for a $70 version I have (and love too!) This striped long sleeve tee comes in a bunch of colors. Its under $20 so I grabbed a couple. The perfect fall uniform! Full outfit linked here.

Obsessed with these new stacked rings! Loving it with my designer look for less watch. Both under $30 and go with everything!

I just got these ribbed knit socks and they are so cozy and perfect for fall! Love that they are soft and cozy but still look polished. Comes in a 5 pack for under $10!

These chunky statement rings are the best find – the whole set is under $10! Such a fun way to accessorize your outfit for fall.

The post appeared first on Hello Fashion.

5 Ways Pastors Can Avoid Losing Their Way

At some point, you have likely sung the words, “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it; prone to leave the God I love…”[1] Though the soothing melody softens the blow, it’s a frighteningly true statement for Christ-followers—especially those in leadership.

In fact, one study of Christian leaders found that only 1 in 3 finish well.[2]

Aware of our own propensity to wander, we researched what causes leaders to lose their way. Although strong currents pull us away from a faithful finish, we identified five essential practices of leaders who remain steadfast and mission true for a lifetime.

Acknowledge your propensity to wander.

Leaders who think they aren’t vulnerable to losing their way won’t be aware of the subtle but significant impact of small compromises. When they hear of others’ falls or drift, they might think “How could they let that happen?” rather than, “How can I make sure the same doesn’t happen to me?”

Humble introspection is required to ask where, not if, we, too, are slowly drifting.

Focus on who you are, not what you do.

Henri Nouwen wrote that we inhabit “a world constantly trying to convince us that the burden is on us to prove that we are worthy of being loved.”[3] In our quest to earn what God says we inherently possess, we too often run roughshod over relationships, failing to love God and others well. Our first effort must be to reframe our way of thinking, to recognize that entirely apart from our achievements, aspirations, and machinations, we are the beloved of God, who absolutely delights in his children.

Slow down.

When the life of a leader is rushed, it’s hard to see when and where we’ve gotten off course. We become so preoccupied with doing that we fail to pause and ask if the things we’re doing are aligned with our mission. Speed limits our vision, depriving us of the ability to see beyond the immediate future and beyond ourselves to those around us.

Avoiding drift requires a change of pace: a time and place to regularly pause, consider, and take stock. We won’t know that we’re veering off course unless we slow down enough to look up and check our location.

Pray and obey.

Pastors who finish well prioritize prayer—not as a last resort, but as a non-negotiable first priority. Prayer is an essential guardrail that recenters us and reminds us who we are and who God is. Amid the immense pressures of pastoral leadership, mission true pastors pray and remember, “We must obey God rather than human beings!” (Acts 5:29).

Keep others close.

On a safari tour in Akagera National Park, Rwanda, our guide pointed to a lone gazelle grazing and asked, “Do you know what that is called?”

“Gazelle!” someone helpfully offered.

“Dinner,” he replied.

1 Peter 5:8 warns that our enemy “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” And isolation makes us vulnerable. Leaders who drift often do so quietly, without notice, because they lack close relationships with others willing to ask hard questions or offer correction.

We need more than companions; we need friends who know us deeply and will speak the truth for the sake of our souls.

Who knows you fully? The Johari Window, developed by psychologists Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham, helps us see that we all have a “hidden area”—known to ourselves but undisclosed to others. Any growth in this area is a warning sign to pause, ask difficult questions, and invite trusted friends into the conversation.

If you’re ready to take practical steps toward finishing well, we’ve created a set of free tools to help you reflect, recalibrate, and refresh your leadership journey. Access the free resources at howleaderslosetheirway.com—and press on toward a faithful finish.

[1] Robert Robinson, “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” 1758, https://hymnary.org

/text/come_thou_fount_of_every_blessing.

[2] J. Robert Clinton, “Listen Up Leaders!” (Barnabas Publishers, 1989), 7, https://

clintonleadership.com/resources/complimentary/ListenUpLeaders.pdf. Not all the

leaders Clinton identified were described in enough detail to be evaluated, but of

those who were, only about 30 percent finished well by Clinton’s definition. Although

Clinton conducted his research decades ago, there’s no reason to believe that what

has been true for millennia has changed in recent years.

[3] Henri J. M. Nouwen, Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living in a Secular World (New

York: Crossroad, 1992), 129.

Peter Greer and Jill Heisey are co-authors of How Leaders Lose Their Way, available September 16 from IVP.

Peter Greer is president and CEO of HOPE International, a global nonprofit working to alleviate physical and spiritual poverty in 29 countries around the world. Peter’s favorite part of his role is spending time with the remarkable entrepreneurs HOPE serves. A graduate of Harvard’s Kennedy School, Peter has co-authored over 15 books, including Lead with Prayer, Mission Drift, Rooting for Rivals, and How Leaders Lose Their Way. While his sports loyalties remain in New England, he lives with his wife, Laurel, and their four children in Lancaster, PA.

Jill Heisey is a writer who is passionate about helping leaders and nonprofits share their stories. She has collaborated on the books Lead with Prayer, Rooting for Rivals, and The Gift of Disillusionment; written the children’s book Keza Paints a Bright Future; and authored articles featured on Christianity Today’s Better Samaritan blog. Jill graduated from Messiah University with degrees in politics and Spanish and resides outside Washington, DC, with her husband, Bryan, and their two daughters.

The post 5 Ways Pastors Can Avoid Losing Their Way appeared first on Newbreed Training.

God as a Tragic Redeemer

C.S. Lewis once described God as a “tragic redeemer.” By this he meant that God takes even the worst tragedies of human life and turns them toward redemption. He works good out of what was meant for harm. The cross itself is the ultimate example: humanity’s rejection of Jesus became the very means of salvation for the world.

That same principle is at work in our world today. Evil does not have the final word. But if we are honest, evil is everywhere, and it often feels overwhelming.

Evil Is Always Spiritual

When we look at headlines filled with corruption, violence, and hatred, it’s easy to think these are merely political or cultural problems. But Scripture reminds us that the root is deeper. Ephesians 6:12 says: “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

That means every form of evil—whether personal, social, or political—is ultimately spiritual. Laws and policies may restrain evil, but they cannot cure it. Only a spiritual awakening can truly transform hearts and, through changed hearts, change a nation.

Political Violence and Hatred

This spotlights political violence as evil. It doesn’t matter which side it comes from—left or right—it is still an expression of darkness. The same is true of hatred. When we give in to hatred, we allow evil to reproduce itself in us.

God’s people are called to something different. The apostle Paul urged us to “put on the full armor of God” so that we can stand against evil (without becoming part of it). Our weapons are truth, righteousness, faith, prayer, and the Word of God—not violence or venom.

Learning to Rest in the Lord

Psalm 37 gives us a posture for living in an age of conflict. It opens with the words: “Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of those who do wrong; for they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.”

This whole chapter is a powerful encouragement when we are tempted to despair. It reminds us not to be consumed with fear or envy. Instead, we are called to commit our way to the Lord, trust Him, and wait patiently. The Psalmist assures us that the wicked will not prosper forever and that God will uphold the righteous. It is this Psalm that brought me into real relationship with Jesus as an adolescent.

Apparently written while David was on the run from Saul, his words stand in stark contrast to the fever pitch of today’s politics. While anger and fear drive people to extremes, the people of God are called to quiet trust, consistent goodness, and hope in God’s justice.

Youth and Renewal

There is a new surge of conservative politics among young people. On many fronts, this is encouraging—it shows a hunger for meaning, stability, and truth. But politics alone is not enough. A resurgence of Christianity is what we desperately need.

If this generation only recovers conservative ideas but misses Christ, the deeper sickness remains untouched. But if young people turn to Jesus, we may see not only cultural renewal but spiritual revival—a work of God that brings lasting change.

The Call to Stand

God is still a tragic redeemer. He is still bringing good out of evil, light out of darkness, and hope out of despair. But He calls His people to stand—not in hatred or violence—but clothed in His armor, confident in His promises, and resting in His justice.

It is actually a call to intercession. After eight decades I’ve still not figured out why prayer works or why it is necessary if God knows our needs before we ask. But it does change the world. God does answer. We must learn to intercede, not just for those in authority but for a rising generation spoon-fed dark lies about our nation and its founders and a “science” intended to bury God. Our hope is in Jesus in young people as it is always a rising generation that foments spiritual awakening.

It’s happened five times in the history of our nation. The culture was on the brink of ruin when Jesus came to the rescue. Let’s call for a sixth awakening.

The turning point for our nation will not come through elections or rallies. It will come through prayer, repentance, and awakening. It will come when we trust the words of Psalm 37 and live as people who know that God redeems even in tragedy.

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)

** Catch this on YouTube @ralphmoorehopechapel

The post God as a Tragic Redeemer appeared first on Newbreed Training.

Radical Advice: How Not to Destroy an Acts 8 Moment

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44, NIV).

Jesus’ words confront our natural instincts when faced with hostility, persecution, and violence. The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk forces us to wrestle with this teaching in personal and practical ways.

What compounds this tragedy is how some celebrated Kirk’s death—reactions that reveal exactly why Jesus’ command to love our enemies remains both urgent and necessary.

The story of Stephen’s martyrdom in Acts 8 offers biblical insight into this modern tragedy. Stephen was among the first Christian martyrs, stoned to death for his faith. His death at first glance appears as a devastating defeat for the early church. Instead, it sparked unprecedented gospel expansion. The church grew stronger and more widespread because believers chose faith and resilience over retaliation.

This demonstrates a critical spiritual principle: the killing of a single individual can galvanize others. Kirk’s assassination, particularly when coupled with public celebrations of his death, creates exactly this dynamic. While his friends grieve, his attackers unwittingly canonize Charlie—doing the very thing they despise. Martyrs inspire deeper devotion and stronger commitment. They unite communities rather than dividing them.

When believers respond to mockers and opponents with anger, they fracture the foundations they seek to protect. Jesus’ demands that we respond in love. Not too ironically, that is what Charlie did for most of his adult life.

True faith reveals itself in times of conflict and testing. To pray for those who persecute us means acknowledging humanity and redemptive possibility in our enemies (think Saul of Tarsus). This reflects God’s own patience and mercy—his desire for restoration rather than destruction.

The assassination of Charlie Kirk challenges every believer to live out their faith with both humility and courage. We must resist the urge to respond with anger which only deepens divisions.

Loving our enemies doesn’t mean ignoring justice or condoning wrongdoing. It means approaching even the darkest moments while pressing for peace and transformation rather than vengeance. When the church responds this way, it is light to the world, a beacon of hope in a polarized nation.

It is the surest path to honoring the memory of those like Stephen or Kirk and furthering the gospel of the kingdom.

For more on this catch a video ag https://youtu.be/8CxlpRdfScY

The post Radical Advice: How Not to Destroy an Acts 8 Moment appeared first on Newbreed Training.

You are a Cog in the Machine

This article originally appeared on Dave Blok’s Substack. Adapted with permission.

“I feel like a cog in a machine.”

That’s what I blurted out in my very first ministry position out of college. I was 22, the energetic and overly dramatic middle school youth director, confessing my angst to the Senior Pastor.

His reply? “Well, that’s what ministry is. You are a cog in the machine.”

That answer didn’t sit right with me then, and it still doesn’t now.

Over time I realized what I was bumping up against: I didn’t fit the box they were trying to put me in. Ministry isn’t one-size-fits-all. God builds some leaders to manage and sustain the institution—to do the same faithful work over and over again. Those leaders matter. We need them.

But there are also leaders God designs for the edges—for the frontier. They don’t fit neatly inside the box. They are starters, explorers, experimenters. Trying to contain them doesn’t work because they were built to move.

In those early days, I didn’t want to become a pastor because I assumed that meant squeezing into the wrong box. What I didn’t realize yet was that my calling was real—it just looked different. Later I came to see that part of my role is to help the next wave of leaders imagine a bigger vision for how God can use them – so they don’t have to wait to figure it out on their own.

A Movement, Not Just an Institution

The Church was never meant to be a rigid system. At its best, it’s a movement with institutions—dynamic and Spirit-led.

Paul paints this picture in Ephesians 4:

“And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness.”

The Body of Christ needs multiple nutrients to grow into the fullness of Jesus. It takes teachers who guide us into truth, prophetic leaders who call us back to faithfulness, evangelists who carry the message outward, apostolic leaders who mobilize and pioneer, and shepherds who care deeply for people.

Imagine a superhero team where every member has the exact same power. Four different people—but all of them just stretch like Mister Fantastic. That’s not much of a team.

The Church is stronger when we live into our God-given diversity of callings.

Discovering Your Place in the Movement

I once told a friend, “Maybe you should be a pastor.” He quickly shot back, “Absolutely not.”

But when I asked what he felt called to, he said, “I want to reach people in my sphere and shepherd them.”

Now—he may never stand on a stage and preach a sermon. But does that sound like a shepherd’s heart? Absolutely. The problem isn’t that he lacked a calling. The problem was that he thought “pastor” only meant fitting into a box we’ve created, so he sat on the sidelines.

That’s why we started a rising leaders cohort at the ministry I lead called Plant 616—to help people discover their place in God’s movement.

We believe there are restless disciples in every church—faithful volunteers who feel there’s something more they were made to do. That “something more” often can’t be contained in a program. It usually looks like a burden for the unreached, a gap that needs filling, or a deeply relational calling.

And those callings are as diverse as the people themselves:

“I’m called to reach the people in my sphere and shepherd them.”
“I’m called to be a servant.”
“I’m called to start something new and fill this gap.”
“I’m called to listen to people’s pain and to love them.”

When people articulate their unique calling, it doesn’t usually begin with a bang. It begins with a small, faithful step. A spark of imagination. The courage to move.

A Farm Team for the Future

At Plant 616, we want to grow a farm team of rising leaders. Not leaders who have to wait until they fit the box of someone on a stage—but leaders who are ready to take their next adventurous step into the movement Jesus started.

Don’t wait til you fit into the box.

God made you for something.

Do that.

The third round of Plant 616’s Rising Leaders Cohort begins October 2025. More details here

David Blok helped found and is now the Executive Director of a ministry called Plant 616. His ministry journey has been driven by 3 burdens: a love for the city, a passion for church planting, and a fascination with movements. This has led him through 20 years of urban ministry experience, pastoring and church planting in an urban neighborhood in greater Grand Rapids.

David received his Master of Divinity degree in 2010 from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary with an emphasis on Church planting. He is a certified dean of the Evangel School of Urban Church Planting, a Send Network church planter trainer, and a church planting coach. David has been married to his lovely wife, Amanda, for almost 16 years. Together they have embarked on a journey of neighborhood ministry, foster care and adoption. As a result, they are the proud parents of Anthony, Melvin, and Elliana.

Through his work with Plant 616, David is excited to connect with and encourage mission minded leaders in the 616 area code, equip the next wave of missional adventurers, and catalyze a movement of missionary disciples in every crack and crevice of the 616 area code.

The post You are a Cog in the Machine appeared first on Newbreed Training.

Jeans could never be this comfortable…

*all outfit details above linked here

Ok, I’m officially obsessed—these pants are SO good. They are so good I had to get multiple colors. Cozy but still put-together

They run true to size, I’m a little under 5’7” and wear the regular length. Love that they come in short and tall versions too! One of the best parts they don’t wrinkle.

100/10 recommend these pants!

Mara and I were out shopping this week and I got the softest waffle zip up for her. I ended up loving it so much I got one for me too. I wish I could explain the cozy softness level in words but wow it’s seriously amazing!! And on sale right now! (She got a size xs I got a medium) I also grabbed her this dress and this button up shirt for Wes – he loves it!

I love this striped shirt so much, such an amazing amazon find for under $20! Super comfy with the brown pants. Wearing size small in the shirt & pants. Full outfit linked here.

I love this cashmere sweater paired with the pants! This sweater is such a great length – not too cropped but also not too long. Full outfit linked here.

I’ve been wearing this jacket a lot recently – its such a great pre-fall and fall jacket! So easy to throw on over my sweater with these pants! Full outfit linked here.

This is another new sweater I got recently and love! Been in a major pre-fall and brown tones mood. This makes the perfect travel outfit! Full outfit linked here.

I just got this suede jacket and love it so much. Its a fraction of the price of some viral suede jackets and amazing quality! Full outfit linked here.

Love the pants paired with a simple tee and sneakers too. Makes the perfect casual, every day outfit. Love this for running errands and school drop off. Full outfit linked here.

The post Jeans could never be this comfortable… appeared first on Hello Fashion.

Struggling with Awe for Jesus While Knowing He’s My Friend

I don’t know about you, but I struggle sometimes with praying to Jesus. He’s my friend but also commands awe and deserves deep reverence.

I think we’ve humanized Jesus so much that my prayer life is becoming difficult. Jesus himself said we should ask things of the Father in his name, and that’s stuck with me. But I sense a tendency in myself to focus on Jesus’ humanity more than his divinity.

I came to the Lord as a kid, accepting Jesus at age five—I understood the gospel and it stuck. But around age 14, I met the Lord on a deeper level in the Psalms (that’s a story for another time). By 16 or 17, I got serious about obeying him. But I’ve always prayed to the God of the Old Testament, the big, awe-inspiring God who commands his universe.

In my prayer struggle, I’ve been thinking about the Athanasian Creed, which C.S. Lewis quoted in a few of his writings: “not by conversion of the Godhead into flesh, but by taking of the Manhood into God.”

This comes from a creed used in Western Christianity that explains the Incarnation, how Jesus is both fully divine and fully human. That phrase means the divine nature of Christ didn’t turn into human flesh; instead, God the Son took on human nature, joining it with his divinity.

In Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer, a fictional book where Lewis debates theology through fake letters to a guy named Malcolm who doesn’t exist, he says, “In the Incarnation, God the Son takes the body and human soul of Jesus and through that, the whole environment of nature, all the creaturely predicament into his own being.” To me, this means God the Son, the power behind the universe, the Word from John 1:1–4, invaded an egg in Mary’s body, subsuming that bit of humanity into his awesome divine nature.

I remember one day in chapel at Azusa Pacific College when the dean prayed to “Jesus.” Calling him by his first name felt good, close and healthy. It feels like we’ve gone too far. When I go to church, though, I hear people tossing around Jesus’ name casually, like he’s their buddy and not their lord. Some of the songs we sing feel watered down. I may prefer rock music in church but I want the lyrics to challenge me toward higher ground.

Lewis said something else that hit me. He talked about the “dark side” of Christianity, how you can’t have the light side—comfort and grace—without it. It’s like furniture: it’s cozy, but you’ll stub your toe if you’re not careful. God is awesome, even angry when we’re disobedient, and that demands surrender.

Paul says in Philippians 4:5–6, “The Lord is near, therefore don’t worry about anything,” and we can pray about everything because of Christ. But Jesus, who is near, isn’t just a friend; he’s God the Son, the Creator of the universe, the one prophesied in the Old Testament as the second Person of the Trinity.

I think we need to “re-christen” Jesus in our lives—not literally, but by remembering his awe-inspiring power. The Lord Jesus, the Christ. If we pray to a God, who deserves reverence and obedience, it makes it easier to trust, and to rest in him.

I’ll probably keep groping for that balance between Jesus’ closeness and his divine majesty but today the Athanasian Creed shined a little light on my path.

The post Struggling with Awe for Jesus While Knowing He’s My Friend appeared first on Newbreed Training.

Newport, Rhode Island Outfit Recap

Cody and I took a weekend trip to Newport, Rhode Island and had the best time exploring somewhere new. It’s so nice to get away just the two of us sometimes and recharge.

I got so many questions about things I wore and links, so I wanted to do an outfit roundup from our trip today! So many good fall pieces I’m excited to start wearing for fall!

I love loved this new brown leather bag and its under $100! So excited that boat shoes are making a come back – I loved the laces on this new pair. This striped rugby polo shirt was one of my top requested items on instagram too! I also found this version thats on sale under $30.

Let me know if I missed anything! Hope you’re having an amazing week!

Loving all things chocolate brown for fall! Linked all my new brown accessories here. This brown bag is under $100!

Everything I packed for our trip linked here. Lots of brown tones. Will be wearing all of this on repeat this fall!

I’ve been eyeing this Prada bag since last year! treated myself on our trip – I’m obsessed with it! Its so so pretty in person. But you know I love mixing high and low! This brown polka dot dress is such a pretty dress and perfect transitional dress for fall and it’s an Amazon find under $50! I’m wearing size small

This beige sweater will be a closet staple this fall! Its so comfy cozy and comes in a bunch of colors. Wearing size small. The fit is oversized but it’s not a baggy oversized so its really the perfect fit. Paired it with one of my fav jeans from last year and new boat shoes. I linked some more affordable boat shoe alternatives & loafers here as well.

Dress under $100 and linked some pretty fall wedding guest dresses under $100 too here.

I wore this striped rugby polo shirt over my shoulder for the plane and threw it on when we got there – paired it with my brown polo hat and hoops. Full outfit linked here. Also had a few dms asking for a polo under $50 and found this one under $30.

This jacket I bought last year and they restocked this year. It’s a closet staple and a great price point. Full outfit linked here.

My airport travel day outfit was full of my new must haves for fall! This striped rugby polo shirt with a basic tee and wide leg sweatpants was comfy and perfect for travel. I recently got this brown suede bucket bag and its such a great find – a great designer look for less. Full outfit linked here.

The post Newport, Rhode Island Outfit Recap appeared first on Hello Fashion.

Life Lately – Finds I’m Loving + Kids Back to School

I can’t believe its the end of summer break for my family! Ollie starts kindergarten next week and I just can’t believe it. Our last baby going into school full time. We wrapped up the end of summer break at lake Powell. We went boating, tuning and surfing. it’s been a couple years since we’ve been here – it’s so beautiful! If you’ve never been, there’s no lake like it! Feels like you’re in another planet.

Now I am in full back to school mode and feeling ready for transitioning my closet to fall!! Craving feeling cozy again. Excited I just found this suede bucket bag that’s really similar to the Madewell bag I wore on repeat last year, and its on sale 40% off! I just got this quarter zip for under $30 and its such a great transitional piece. These cami tanks I’ve still been wearing on repeat. I’ve loved them for summer and they will be perfect under sweatshirts this fall.

I hope you all are enjoying the end of your summers, or some slower days if school has started back for you! Excited to share more fall content soon!

I recently got these quarter zip pullovers and love them so much! I got both the ribbed version and the smoother version. They remind of of Varley for a fraction of the price! They work perfect with shorts now and I’ll wear them with jeans or sweatpants this fall. The full top + shorts set here is under $50!

Still getting lots of wear out of these wide leg white pants! These tanks I’ve still been wearing on repeat. Love that they are so thick – double lined and smooth you out. This brown tote I got last year and its still one of my faves. Such a great size for every day work and mom life and perfect for travel too. Full outfit linked here.

I’ve been wearing this watch almost daily lately – such an easy way to elevate your look! Looks designer and is under $30! Linked my gold bracelets here too.

I love this outfit we got Ollie for back to school! I found him a bunch of great tops and shorts from here. These plaid shirts are so cute and come in a few colors! Full outfit + more finds linked here.

These jeans are one of Mara’s fave pairs – she has them in a couple colors. Such a great teen girl jean for under $100! Her plaid tank is new and under $15! Full outfit linked here.

Another back to school outfit for Ollie! I love the bright red! His darker jean shorts are sold out, but I got him the lighter version too. His full outfit linked here.

The kids were heading out with their friends the other night and they looked so cute I snapped a pic. Wes loves these oversized basic tees. Cody loves them too and I wear them as oversized comfy tees. I really like the brown one! They are such a great basic staple and they are under $10! They come in a bunch of colors. Mara loves these double lined camis I have too so we grabbed her a couple colors! She wore the black one like 5 days of the week 😂 These are the same jeans I linked above that she has in another color and loves!

Linked most of Ollie’s back to school clothes haul here!

Mid- August bestsellers all linked here!

The post Life Lately – Finds I’m Loving + Kids Back to School appeared first on Hello Fashion.