What is Breathe Life 52? It's basically a one year challenge that I made up so that I can breathe life back into certain areas of my life. I have been a shopaholic for way too long and the inner hoarder in me wouldn't allow me to let go of things. So I'm giving up shopping for a year and giving away 52 of my favorite things starting September 1, 2016. I have no idea how this will all play out...Stay tuned to find out! Click here to read more about this challenge.
Week 1: I personally love journals and this one in particular it quite amazing. It's divided into 3 sections: lined, grid, and blank. I was saving this journal and waiting for the right moment to use it. Ugh, why do I do that?!??! So this is the first item I am giving away. While praying, God reminded me that I still haven't given Vicky her journal. I met Vicky about a year ago as I was walking to a coffee shop in DTLA. Her gentle presence drew me in and we chatted for a bit. I asked her if she needed anything, and with her soft gentle voice she replied, "No, thank you." I ran into her a few more times thereafter and learned she is an amazing artist. I noticed she was doing all of her drawings on loose paper so I asked her if I could buy her a journal. Her eyes lit up and she said, "yes!" I walked around that area looking for the perfect journal but couldn't find anything so I disappointedly went back letting her know I would have to bring it to her next time. I ended up running into her again, but I still hadn't bought her journal, forgetting this journal was sitting at home. Well months had gone by, and God reminded me the other day to pay her a visit. I drove by the area yesterday looking for her, but she wasn't at her usual spot. This journal belongs to her so I will be keeping it with me until I run into her again. If you have a moment, could you say a simple prayer of blessings and peace over her life? Thank you!
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Week 1: These are some of the things that were hidden in my closet. Insecurities and fears are things I want to keep pulling out so I can walk with greater freedom and joy. This week I learned that I need to let go of what others think of me. I am the daughter of the most high King, and He loves me for me, and I need to love me for me! “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” ~Psalm 139:23-24 📷: @graceeunjung the best sis-in-law 😍
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Week 2: I shamefully fell into the trap of thinking brand named products were better, but they're really not. This Prada purse was one of my very first brand named gifts I received some many years ago, and therefore had a hard time parting with it. This purse was good to me and I'm sure it will be good to the next person! The person I'm passing it onto is a woman of simplicity and authenticity, and she sees the value in things and people beyond the name and what's on the surface. Hope everyone is having a blessed and Happy Labor Day!
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Week 2: I'm a firm believer in taking regular sabbaths and rests, and I like to make sure I'm traveling in something comfortable and convenient. See you in a few LA!
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Week 3: This laptop is super duper special to me for two reasons: 1. It was my very first Apple laptop 2. one of my past 5th graders made it all happen. This student submitted a question to the show, "Are you smarter than a 5th grader". They ended up picking up his question, and he was rewarded some ca$h. He graciously donated his winnings to me so that I would be able to purchase this laptop. I will forever be thankful for DJ and his generous heart. This laptop was used with great care and still has a long life ahead. The new owner of this laptop is someone that loves all living creatures and has a heart of gold. This person loves to people watch and especially enjoys doing random acts of kindness for others. Happy Wednesday everyone!
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Week 3: One of the comfiest things I own, and I would so be ok with just wearing this everyday! I went through my closet the other day and realized I still have clothes with tags on them 😕. I want to figure out which clothes I end up wearing and which ones I don't so I re-hung my clothes with the hanger positioned inward. Each time I wear something, I will turn the hanger outward (usual way) indicating it has been worn. At the end of my #breathelife52 challenge, if I have any hangers still positioned inward and untouched, I will be pulling them all out of my closet to give away.
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Week 4: I'm not sure what it is about girls and purses, but the struggle is real! I loved everything about this purse...size, color, texture, style, functionality, and I can keep going on and on. I wanted to gift this to a special lady that is the whole package and then some. I know it's going to the right person, and I'm sure she will carry it better than me 😍.
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Week 4: These twinsies, besties are some of the most beautiful inside and out peeps I know. I ❤️them to the moon 🌙 and back💫!!!! We shared many "up to no good" memories together but look at us now...we're all grown up! You would prob never guess, but one of us is an amazing mommy of one of the cutest babies ever!!! Things of this world come and go, but when you find fun-loving, gorgeous, faithful, Godly, humble, compassionate, friends, they will always remain...no matter the distance, time, and circumstance. On a side note: that dress happens to be one of the 'new with tag' clothes I found in my closet. I bought it years ago and finally got to wear it to a friend's wedding. So turning the hanger inward method works ya'll!
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Week 5: It's crazy how a blue box and a simple brand name can attract so much attention?!?!! So this week I'm gonna try something different because I couldn't figure out whom I'm to give these to. I'm going to be looking for a random person that will be wearing a red jacket and black hat throughout the week. This person will be receiving these Tiffany & Co. earrings and bracelet pairing. Given that it has been super hot here in LA, the likelihood of me finding someone in a jacket and hat is probably slim, but I'm choosing to believe. Let the treasure hunt begin!
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Week 5: I couldn't stay away...My love for teaching will forever be ingrained in me so I decided to be a substitute teacher this year. Yesterday was my first day back in school, and I didn't expect to see things in such a different perspective. This along with other experiences are all a part of my process and I'm thankful for each one. Daily reminder to self: give yourself permission to creatively explore, believe in your destiny and actively work toward your goals. Oh and that's my outfit of the week...denim on denim.
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Week 6: Although I don't wear sunglasses often, I loved purchasing them if I found a pair that suited me. So yes 😬, I have a collection of sunglasses 😎and these shades have yet to be out in the sun. The person I would like to hand it off to is someone that I feel has been given the gift to pray and heal those who are unable to see. Her obedience and humble faith in our Father is the reason God uses her to heal and restore. Because this beautiful soul is able to see things from multiple perspective, she carries immeasurable understanding and wisdom and helps others around her to walk with greater freedom. Happy Wednesday everyone!
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Week 6: Can you guess who's taller? Can you guess who's 21 years old and who's 37 years young? I'm realizing more and more, that freedom comes when we're willing to shift our perspectives and see one another through the eyes of the Father...no judgement, no fear, no separation. Upon returning from Africa, I found myself in a place of despair and heaviness because of the disparity of two worlds. I couldn't make sense of anything and I felt disconnected from LA and its people. I found myself getting frustrated and overwhelmed with everything around me. I was making comparisons, I was isolating, and I was discouraged. I knew I couldn't sit in that place for too long and with the help of Our Heavenly Father and amazing people like @sam.wymer I was able to pull myself out of that dark and not so fun place. I simply needed to shift my perspective and remember Jesus is King! Btw...Sam is way taller and way younger than me. Oh and yes, that's my outfit of the week.
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Week 7: Although I no longer find time to watch TV anymore, it was definitely one of my favorite things to do in the past. This TV in particular is special because I was that crazy person that stood in line on a "Black Friday" to make sure I walked away with a "good deal". Would I ever do it again...nope! But I do have some good memories I can now laugh about. I wanted to bless an amazing Godly family that exudes Jesus' humility in all aspects of their lives. Jesus is their everything...their beginning, middle and end. They are a kingdom family that models joyful laughter, compassionate love, and relentless faith. They are simply a blessing to me and others around them.
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Week 7: After committing to this challenge, it has been a constant struggle for me to post and share. The idea of "looking good" is something I have struggled with throughout my life so I find myself questioning and checking my heart often. "Am I trying to prove something? Am I trying to seek affirmation from others? Why am I doing this thing? People probably think I'm so weird!" Those are just a few of the many things that run through my mind. Knowing this is only week 7 and I have 45 more weeks to go, creates all sorts of knots in my stomach because it just seems sooooo far away.... So if I appear to have it all together, the truth is I don't! I'm a nervous-wreck every time I do something out of my comfort zone, and posting regularly and sharing a piece of my heart on social media is most definitely stretching me in ways I don't want to be stretched! This process is revealing all kinds of ugly that were hidden within me in forgotten places. Yup! I know it's silly, but the struggle is real y'all. I shall overcome because I am able to do all things through Him who gives me strength. One step at a time...one day at a time.
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Week 8: And it's another Tiffany & Co. jewelry this week. This time I know exactly the person God put on my heart to receive this bracelet. She is a women of great honor and integrity. She is one that perseveres through all the ups and especially the downs. She is one that would generously give without a second thought because she always puts the needs of others first. She is one that shifts the environment in a room with her bubbly laughter and illuminating beauty. She is one that is treasured by our Heavenly Father!
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Week 8: I had the honor and privilege of coordinating this beautiful bride's wedding and managed to squeeze in a picture with these beauties. My outfit of the week and goodnight everyone.
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Week 9: Inspired by those individuals and organizations that create blessing bags to hand out to those in need...thank you for sharing your hearts! Backpacks are simply the best and my North Face bag was one of my favs! I filled 4 more bags like this one and will be giving them out throughout the week. Anyone else falling asleep while working today?
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Week 9: I've always loved the idea of adoption, but today it transferred from my head to my heart after collaborating with a dog rescue organization. When you witness the unwanted, the neglected, and the abused be chosen and loved on, it's the most beautiful story. God adopts us...He chooses us...he embraces all of our ugly past, messy present, and hopeful future! I am wrecked by His love every day 😭❣ Meet Herschel, he is up for adoption and looking for a family that will shower him with unconditional love. I wish I could take him home with me. As for me, I'm still shopping out of my closet.
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Week 10: I pretty much love anything and everything vintage. This vintage watch is special to me for many reasons. My favorite reason is that it reminds me of how God rescued me, and the person I would like to give it to is also a representation of how God rescued me (and this person also loves everything vintage). Whenever November rolls around, it will forever be a reminder of God's miraculous power and His abounding love. For those who know and also for those who don't know, I live my life only holding my faith in God because He saved not just my life but 2 lives 2 years ago. I walked away a forever changed woman and there are no ifs, ands, or buts about it. He is my reason for living, He is my reason for loving, and He is my reason for everything.
I could go on an on about the person that will be receiving this watch. She is someone that would give her jacket off her back eventhough she's probably freezing to death. Her ginormous heart and her goofy facial expressions can brighten anyone's day! Oh and I have yet to meet a person that has a creative eye like hers. She can literally see the beauty in anything and make it look beautiful...even trash...haha! I will forever ❤️ this woman! |
Week 10: My brother agreed to take this picture so this is a WIN! I want to take a moment and brag about these remarkable people right here. Mama Jung and I have come a long way. What you see today is a story of redemption & reconciliation, and I am thankful she never stopped praying for me! This Proverbs 31 woman never gives up on anything or anyone and continues to be the glue that holds us altogether. Papa Jung is a walking miracle and I'm thankful for his existence. Cancer got nothing on this man because he's a fighter that will always come up on top...9 years cancer free!!! Brother Jung knows how to sacrificially give and love with abundance. Although I'm the older sister, I look up to him because he's a man of great integrity and honor! Thank you Jesus for blessing me with this beautiful amazing family 🙏
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