A few weeks ago I had the privilege of meeting one of my IG followers (that I also follow) to do a photoshoot at an amazing location in Los Angeles. Her name is Danielle Torres and she is a SoCal based photographer. We began to follow each other a while back, maybe two years ago, and we have finally met! We met up at the so-loved-by-bloggers Alfred’s Tea spot on Melrose. After chatting for a few, we headed out to the luxurious Greystone Mansion and took in multiple breaths of fresh air as we walked through its glorious design.
One reason why I love social media is because this generation is able to meet people whom we had never encountered in person 15 years ago. It is bananas how a simple follow will let you grow in a community outside of the photos. Danielle and I love creativity and artistry, so shooting with her was a blast and super effortless.
Danielle is 23, has had a lot of ups and downs in life, but is living life so graciously and so expectant for the best to come. I want to say thank you to Danielle for the opportunity and wanted to feature her work on my blog because she is simply amazing. She loves God, wants to set an example for her family and this beautiful generation we live in, and desires to create magic daily.
If you are interested in getting in touch with her, follow her IG account @daniellecelestetorres. She is incredibly sweet, real, and so humble.
As many of you know, I recently moved to California for an internship with the amazing Bianca Olthoff and her ministry, In the Name Of Love. With only one month to figure out if I should have came, how it was all going to be provided for, etc., God has blown me away with everything that has been happening.
Last year I mentioned to God how I wanted to visit the West Coast before I officially moved to NY. Although NY didn’t work out, I still desired to come out to the sunny state of California. During spring break, I remember trying to plan out a birthday trip with the girls out to LA and seeing who would want to join me. That trip also did not happen but needless to say, I am now in the city of Angels every weekend. What is life?!
Call it luck or coincidence, I know this has been God all along. I might have missed His direction or made it all up in my mind, I don’t know. What I do know is that His favor and protection have been with me all along. People wish of going places and working towards them, (in which I do too) but when you have God on your side, some things just fall on you because He loves you.
This summer I want to challenge how you see God. I want you to simply ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Not in any specific way; just ask Him. He knows what way will speak to your heart more than I can try to suggest.
God is a God of wonder, of grace, of mystery, and of so much adventure.
I really believe He wants to show us more of who He is. Sometimes this new perspective comes when we ask for those desires we have deep in our hearts. Speak them out! Do you want to travel around the world? Ask Him to make a way and provide right opportunities. Have you thought about starting a book? Begin to write it out and ask Him for wisdom on how to publish it. You’ve never had your own car? Oh, He can make it happen. One of my intern sisters got a car as soon as she came out to California. Trust me, He can do it ALL as we seek Him and obey Him. He will never f a i l us. He will always desire to leave us with wonder.
Pray for me as I am in a new land with new expectations. I am praying for all of you my readers. You are all so amazing! And I cannot wait to share more adventures in the future.
As always, follow me on IG / SnapChat to see what I am up to! Til next time!
Many of you have been wondering why I haven’t moved as I said I would have by now. Although there are multiple variables in this equation, there is one major reason for the slight adjustment of my plans. At first, I hesitated to even say what I am about to express because I didn’t want to be embarrassed, I didn’t want to feel as if I could not meet deadlines, and among a plethora of other thoughts, I did not want to appear weak. But I know I have to because it is my responsibility to help others out in the same situation I am in or will be in.
RECAP
About two months ago, I had a meeting with my dear big brother/mentor/pastor/spiritual father. As I met with him, he was excited to hear me step out on faith but he also wanted to help me by guiding me with wisdom. So, what did he do? He gave me homework that included writing my vision, goals, and practical steps to achieve them.
I did my homework and a few weeks later, I presented the assignment to him. I was nervous but at the same time, I rested assured in what God had given me to accomplish in NYC. Needless to say the meeting was successful but it also gave me a different perspective.
My leader believed I should give my move a little more time before I jumped out on faith due to multiple factors not being solid YET. I say YET because they were/are being worked on and the answers have not been a solid YES. God is not a God of confusion (1 Cor. 14:33), and lowkey I was confused about some decisions I needed to make. Like a good leader, he did NOT force me to make the decision, but he confidently suggested that going to New York for two weeks would be a great time to EXPLORE the land to see what it was like, to see the people, the strongholds, the issues, the neighborhoods, the transportation, and everything in between.
Numbers 13:17-20
Then Moses sent them to spy (explore, scout) out the land of Canaan, and said to them, “Go up this way into the South, and go up to the mountains, and see what the land is like: whether the people who dwell in it are strong or weak, few or many; whether the land they dwell in is good or bad; whether the cities they inhabit are like camps or strongholds; whether the land is rich or poor; and whether there are forests there or not. Be of good courage. And bring some of the fruit of the land.” Now the time was the season of the first ripe grapes.
As soon as I got home, I prayed. But deep in my heart, I knew that this was the best decision for NOW. I took a couple of days and made my decision. And this decision gave me courage. I believe I would have added so much pressure to my life I would have been forced to get a side hustle to earn money, to find a home because hotels are oh so expensive, to make friendships happen, etc. Pressure is good in the right context; but this would have been too much too soon. Who knows what else could have happened if I would have moved on October 28th foreal!? We will never know.
Wow. What a journey it’s been so far! Honestly, I have learned so many things from being in the middle of this leap of faith. The main thing I have learned is to be led by God but also consult with leaders you TRUST. The Word says in Hebrews 13:17 to “Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.” It is not because they rule your life; it is because their responsibility is to watch over your souls. Even if they make a mistake, they are accountable to God and God can restore it all. God honors submission/obedience. And truly, I would rather submit to someone whom I believe hears from God than to go out on a whim and pretend like I know what I am doing. Yes, it sucks to not be in the city right now, BUT I am thankful for leadership that cares about me and my future.
I encourage you to reach out to the people whom know your journey, your heart, and have your best interest in every aspect of life. Also, time is KEY but don’t feel pressured by it. I know I was. My mind has changed a little and I now use deadlines as markers to guide me along the right path. OH yea. Before I forget, know that it is okay if you do not meet a deadline.
Your purpose is still YOUR PURPOSE.
Your calling will not be taken back (Rom. 11:29); God is bigger than our plans and His will ALWAYS prevails (Prov. 19:21). If you have been stuck or feel like there is a delay, know that God is literally working it all out because He cares about it all (Rom. 8:28). Focus on HIM, not the task. HE is our reward (Gen. 15:1). And will always be.
If you have any questions, suggestions, comments, or would like to contribute to my move, contact me at timagstyle@gmail.com or via social media (IG/Snapchat: @timagstyle).
The date of my move is TBA but trust me, you guys will know!
Hello everyone. As many of you know, at the end of August I announced that I would be moving to New York City on October 28th. Guess what?? I am HERE!!! WOO HOO! I cannot believe I am in the place I will call home VERY SOON!
*car break sound effect*
You might me wondering, what do you mean very soon? Well…. Let me catch you up on some things.
I have always wanted to move to the city. Since I began to be interested in fashion, around my 9th grade year of high school, I was interested in this big city. The fashion, for the most part, but also the hype of why so many people wanted to live here. So… as I began to truly dedicate my life to Christ, God began to show me more than just the city; He showed me purpose for the city.
My first ambition was to come and look good. Show my fashion sense and just live here because it was the thing to do. Reflecting on this motive, I see how selfish and lowly I was thinking. I was thinking from a worldly perspective instead of a heavenly perspective. Through seasons of maturing in my faith, my confidence, and in serving others, I have been molded for a greater purpose than just myself—to build God’s kingdom in the fashion industry.
Just like you, I have many questions on how it is all going to come together, on how the resources are going to come, on which people to connect with to get things done, etc… BUT the bottom line is that I am willing to do what it takes to move forward in my life and to help others do the same. I want the industry to see Jesus in a way they have never seen it. Whether I get rejected or accepted, my conviction of Jesus being Lord of all will remain.
I was blessed to have two of my best friends come transition me in this trip and I am thankful they are friends that are willing to sacrifice for me.
Brooklyn Bridge!HillsongNYCGrand opening of the new NYX store in Manhattan!
Pizzeria in SohoJoe and the JuiceTrain Commutes are fun lol
Moving on kids…
Regardless, I have not made the transition to NYC yet. But my hope and dreams are still unshakable. I will be back soon and cannot wait.
I pray this post encourages people who want to move, who want to be entrepreneurs, who are afraid of what people will think, who do not know how your plans are going to workout. Know that it is okay to be at that place and that things will work out. Be diligent and faithful with what you have, and the Lord will add the increase.
It has been about two months since I have written a post… I know, I know! All the consistency I had going and then I crash. What happened? Let me catch you guys on what has been going on in my life.
The month of February was full of tasks, rethinking, and analyzing the vision I have for my life this year. In short, February was grind time internally and at home. I had plate full of school work, multiple shifts on same day basis, and the free time I did have, I spent it myself to rest. It was a busy month but of course, I took time to majorly enjoy it in two different occasions.
Valentine’s Day!
“But wait, aren’t you single?”
Well…. Here is the big announcement..
I AM. lol
This year, instead of being grumpy, feeling lonely and forgotten about, God reminded me to have fun on February 13th. According to some women, this day is called Galentine’s Day. I saw the idea on my job’s IG. I began to think and asked one of my friends if she could host a “Galentine’s” party at her house. She loved the idea and to my surprise, it turned out to be an event for multiple single ladies I know. The idea came out of the blue (more of the Holy Spirit lol) but in return gave me an opportunity to embrace singleness, sisterhood, and the simple things in life.
During this time we all enjoyed yummy food, snacks, and took pictures like no other. I loved every single moment and I didn’t even remember I was single! I felt comfortable in my own skin, around the gals, and completely free! (In which reminds me of the importance of friendships that allow you to be YOU and YOU alone. Cherish those :D)
VACATION!
Then two weeks later, the turnup was R E A L. Three of my good friends and I took a weekend trip to one of the most beautiful spots in America—Miami, Florida.
We decided to do a night flight for convenience with everyone’s schedules, more like mine lol, and because airfare is usually less expensive. It was the first time for me flying at night and I actually loved it!
Previous to this trip, I had never been to the beach before, so that was another great FIRST checked off my list. The water was perfectly blue, the sand was powdery soft, and the eclectic culture was BEAUTIFUL. I think one of my favorite precious memories there was enjoying speaking Spanglish naturally with all my Cubans, Dominicans, and Argentinians. AHHH! Just thinking about it makes me smile all over again.
Here is the Miami 2016 Vlog to get a better feel of the trip 😉
We definitely bonded as friends/sisters and cannot wait to travel some more together and individually.
2 Major Keys I Learned Overall: a. Take a vacation at least twice a year. b. God is consistently working, even when you are on “break.”
COOL MOMENT: WE ALL GOT TO MEET CHAD VEACH! He just released his new book, Unreasonable Hope, about God’s grace in situations we don’t comprehend. He gets to share his faith journey with his lovely daughter, Georgia. And I found out he is MEXICAN. So practically, we are like best friend cousins now. haha.
In conclusion, I have definitely been doing things that I enjoy not only as Fatima the cool Mexican, but also as the single, secure, adventurous, and young person that I am. Through the month of February, I realized that being me is fine. I am enough. I am perfect the way I am because God is with me and for me.
I have embraced much of my flaws, my weaknesses, and this is leading me to come out with a video about my journey of Singleness.
Yes, about me being s i n g l e.
I have always rejected talking about this topic because it has such a negative connotation, my girls and I are in the same boat, and people always ask me why I am not in a relationship.
Dude, I don’t know why. LOL. But what I do know is that I am finally truly accepting this awesome time of my life and being purposeful in all the decisions I make to extract the best out of it. 😀
This video will be up within the next month, probably after my birthday weekend! So bare with me as I prepare, record, edit, and then share.
Last but not least, thank you all for being in my life, accepting what I let you guys see of my life, and encouraging me to continue to do what I love to do—inspire you all through my daily walk. Whether it is fashion, the Word of God, or just a random hello in person that connected us, I am grateful for all of you following this blogger/vlogger.
In my DJ Khaled’s voice, “JUST KNOW” it will only get better from here.
