hi there.

Happy friday everyone!

After a what seems like a life time of radio since (literally, it's been over a year since my last post), I am SO excited to be finally back with a brand new look!

There are so many changes that have occurred in my life since my last post. I started school, moved out of the house my family grew up in, had my job location transferred twice and started dating the most amazing guy, Phenix. In some ways, I feel as though my life is completely different.

Change is inevitable in life. Things seem to always be changing. It's really easy to see change as an obstacle in life, but I'm choosing to see it as an opportunity.

This is why I chose to revamp My Beloved, I wanted it to change with me and reflect where I am in life. During my time away, there often were times i hardly gave blogging a second thought, but over the last few months, Jesus has being stirring something fierce in my heart and really reignited the flame in my heart. I have chosen to switch the focus and make My Beloved more of a personal blog. My heart always has been and always will be to see women empowered, confident and aware of the beauty and power they hold - that will never change. I always want to be genuine, I always want to be honest (even if the truth hurts a little) and I always want love. I want to give people a glimpse at my dreams, goals and just every day life. I am really excited to continue to share what the Lord is doing in my life and the lives of people are me, but I am also really excited to share other things with you too.

That brings me to what I have created for ya'll, think of it as a "thanks for sticking around and believing in me" present. I love music, I love finding new music and I love finding a good playlist. Over the last few weeks and scrolled through my spotify, searching for a handful of my favourite songs to share with you! Yesterday was my 24th birthday, so here are 24 songs i've been loving lately. There is little bit of everything on the playlist, so I hope you find at least one tune you fall in love with. You can find the playlist here on Spotify or if you don't use Spotify, the list is below.

Haze - Amber Run
Somebody Else - The 1975
Don't Take The Money - Bleachers
American Beauty - Drew Holcomb & The Neighbours
Jesus, She's a Good Girl - Andy Shauf
Katie Mcleod - Phenix Warren (proud girlfriend moment!!!)
She Was The World To Me - Daniel Romano
Good Girls - LANY
The Other - Lauv
Ever Since New York - Harry Styles
Cavalier (The 1975 Remix) - James Vincent McMorrow
ILYSB - LANY
Killing Me To Love You - Vancouver Sleep Clinic
Miscarriage - Said The Whale
Jackie and Wilson - Hozier
Morning - William Wild
Smoke - Mosa Wild
Modern New Year - Sam Tudor
Where You Are (reimagined) - Hillsong Young & Free
Anchor - The Law and the Prophets
Only - RY X
Fool's Errand - Fleet Foxes
So Will I (100 Billion X) - Hillsong United
Anchor - Novo Amor

I'm excited about the future, I really hope you are too! Turn on the playlist, and stick around for a minute. Read some of my old posts, maybe there will be something you need to hear in your current season of life.

I hope you feel loved today.

- Mel

I have a confession, I suck at blogging. I really envy those that are so good at post regularly and on a schedule. That said, I'm going to try to get better, I promise!! Thank you for being patient with me, and cheering me on in this journey! You are all the best.

Its no secret I love instagram and the community it provides. Some people thinks its weird, but I love that it allows me to connect with people and has led to numerous new friendships. Thats the beautiful side of social media. It can be used for as much good as it can be used for bad. I am so thankful for the people that are apart of my life now because of Instagram.

A few month ago, through a series of events, I found this girl @baileymjane on Instagram. I was immediately captivated by her beauty, as well as her vulnerability and ability to see beauty all around her. I knew that I had to follow this girl and become her friend. Soon enough, she followed me back and we instantly connected!

It wasn't any surprise to find out she's one of the coolest people in the whole world. Bailey is one of the strongest people I've ever encountered. She has gone through so much and still has the biggest smile on her face. Bailey is incredibly kind, and soft hearted. She hasn't let the world around her harden or shape her heart. Bailey is FULL of joy, frankly, she radiates joy. She is wise beyond her years. Her heart for the Lord is so intimate and she's daily striving to reach new levels of her relationship with Him. She is talented and creative. She loves to explore the world around her and is always encouraging her friends and women around her! I really love that she uses Instagram as not only a creative platform but also an opportunity to speak truth over people and encourage people.

I admire her dearly, and I am so excited for the day she comes to BC and I get to adventure with her! Today we get to see a glimpse of her beautiful heart and I could not be more excited!

Hi, I'm Bailey and I'm going to talk about the day I fell in love.

I did not want to fall in love the day I did. The day I fell in love I was angry & cold. Why would I once again open my broken, vulnerable heart - only to be hurt again?

The way I desired love can be unhealthy and frightening. I crave to be captivated. My vulnerability became overwhelming. I quickly fell in love with the wrong ones. After a glance, a two hour coffee date, a long relationship, and 2AM talks. I began to give parts of myself - that I wouldn't receive back. Parts of my heart began to belong to boys that left without a care. I believe there are two types of vulnerability. 1) with your body & 2) with your soul and heart. And it was my soul and heart. Little prices belonged to boys who ran when I showed them my big heart.

My heart slowly began to close - and it became hard to trust anyone. I was angry with boys, men. I was angry at anyone and everyone. I was angry at myself - letting people in. And I was angry at God - for teasing me, bringing people into my life only for them to leave.

The day I fell in love, I was angry, cold - I was impatient. My heart had been locked up. Numbness took over. The day before I fell in love I was envious. Everyone standing around me were in love - while I cried out for any kind of love. A love different from the boy who stole from me. Someone different from the ones who lied. But the day I cried out, he never came. The day I fell in love I had finally given up. I thought I wasn't worthy of his love. I thought my sin was too deep. I thought it was too late. But love came down, Love came behind me and hugged my entire being. And I met him - I met love himself. He showed himself to me as he laid before me, crying out to God. He was covered in bruises, blood and thorns - carrying every one of my sins on his shoulders. I finally met him - as my tears flowed and makeup ran while I knelt with a humble heart. And he told me to stand - as he held my shaking hands. He showed me dancing in a field on a sunny day with him, shoeless, while I turned around in a white dress - just how I liked it. He knew me. He knew the the things no one ever did. He knew I loved open feilds & freedom. He knew I loved being barefoot. He knew I've always loved dresses that twirled. He knew me.

Sunday, May 17, 2015 I fell in love with Jesus. I am captivated. I am loved. A love so different, so pure and innocent. Real love. And he wanted nothing from me but my broken, vulnerable heart.

No sin is too deep No heart is too broken No one is unworthy - to fall in love with love himself.

- Bailey

Isn't she lovely?! I am so thankful for her and everything the Lord has done and i currently doing in her life. If any of you were impacted by Baileys story, or you just want to connect with her you can find her on Instgram

I hope you all have an incredible week and that you are enjoying the Christmas season! I am praying for you all especially those that are entering finals and exams over the next few weeks! I want to hear from you too, please, feel free to find me on Instagram, shoot me an email or if you have me on Facebook, lets connect! I want to hear whats happening in your lives.

Love you endlessly,

- Melissa xox

Guess who's back!?

hi there.

#HerStory - Bailey