Follow Your Arrow

So last week, I watched a show called crossroads (not sure if you all are familiar with it). Basically two well known artists with either different music styles or similar ones come together and sing. You usually love them together or hate them.

This episode was Katy Perry and Kacey Musgraves and let me tell you, it was awesome. They worked so well together and the music was awesome!

So I tell you all of this not to bore you, but to say that I have found one of my inspirations for 2015--a song by Kacey Musgraves. You may have heard it before, it is called Follow Your Arrow and the message is pretty darn awesome.

My favorite line in the song and focal point for the upcoming year is this:

Say what you think, love who you love, cause you only get so many trips 'round the sun. Yeah you only, only live once.

More to come on this upcoming year since you and I both know I'll be overthinking it.

Best wishes,
Grace

2:09 am

I have this problem. And it's probably a good problem, but it's still a problem.

It's 2:09 am and my mind won't slow down. It's dark. It's cold. And it's a Sunday morning. But my mind won't stop racing.

As I have been preparing myself for 2015, so many things have come up. Memories, plans for the future, resolutions, ideas on what I can do better, etc.

But you know what? There is something about having your heart lit on fire at 2am that is kind of inspiring. While everyone else is sleeping, God is keeping me up with all these crazy ideas about how I can change the world this upcoming year. That's kind of cool if you ask me.

So heres to 2015 and all the ways I am going to overthink it in the next few days. And this pretty cool few minutes of clarity given to me at 2:09am on a Sunday morning. And the chance to live this pretty cool life.

So heres to that and everything else.

Grace

[[note: i scribbled this down early in the morning but did not post it this morning, but am posting it now. just a heads up if the times were a bit confusing.]]

Merry Merry Merry

Merry Christmas my loves!!

As the day goes on, I'm trying to keep the Lord on my mind because this day is solely for him. As many people rant about--Christmas is not about presents or food. If we were stripped of all of this, we should be able to be just as joyful without all of it.

So thank you God for sending your son. Thank you for making a decision that forever changed the lives of many. Thank you for the eternal love and forgiveness you send. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Still praying over what is to come while I forge ahead in this rough patch. God has great things in store for all of us--but nobody said the path would be easy.

Happy Holidays & Best Wishes,
Grace

ps. on a social media site I use for some of my photography and just random captured moments, I use an app/site called VSCO. I've started an online journal for my portfolio for the 2014-2015 school year with work completed in class. Check it out by clicking here!

pps. my posts have been rather boring lately, so here are a few snapshots taken over the past weeks.

Brighter Future Speeches

Watch it. Think about it. Pray over it.

Best wishes & merry christmas!!
Grace

Just What I Needed

After a long week ((which isn't over yet)), my dad told me just what I needed to hear last night.

After he got home, I just walked up and hugged him without saying a word. The only thing he said was "when I'm out and about alone, like tonight, I think about & pray for you."

So thank you dad for the tiny pick me up that I needed. I love you to the moon and back.

Surrendering All

For the past several weeks, I've really been struggling.

I wake up tired and ready to go back to bed. During the day, I just wait for the day to be over and being able to go home. I'm grumpy and don't want to be around people. I'm not fun to be around and I'm simply not myself.

So here I am, admitting defeat, and surrendering.

Here I am
Down on my knees again
Surrendering all
Surrendering all
Find me here
Lord as You draw me near
Desperate for You
Desperate for You
I surrender
Drench my soul
As mercy and grace unfold
I hunger and thirst
I hunger and thirst
With arms stretched wide
I know You hear my cry
Speak to me now
Speak to me now
I surrender
I surrender
I wanna know You more
I wanna know You more
[x2]
Like a rushing wind
Jesus breathe within
Lord have Your way
Lord have Your way in me
Like a mighty storm
Stir within my soul
Lord have Your way
Lord have Your way in me
Like a rushing wind
Jesus breathe within
Lord have Your way
Lord have Your way in me
Like a mighty storm
Stir within my soul
Lord have Your way
Lord have Your way in me
Like a rushing wind
Jesus breathe within
Lord have Your way
Lord have Your way in me
Like a mighty storm
Stir within my soul
Lord have Your way
Lord have Your way in me
Lord have Your way
Lord have Your way in me
I surrender
I surrender
I wanna know You more
I wanna know You more
[x2]

Lord--ignite the fire back in me. I surrender my unhappy, joyless attitude and state of mind. Give me the strength to put a smile on my face and push on. Help me have a positive and infectious attitude. Help me live in the moment instead of waiting for a certain day to come. Push me out of my comfort zone and show me where I need to be. Help me find joy in little things and be more optimistic. Help me re-gain sight of what I am really here to do.

In Your Name,
Amen

Grace

A Little Bit About Moons And Such

Well hello there!

--Forgive me in advanced for being slightly scatterbrained, it has been a long week!!--

Everything has been so busy lately! Since my school is on trimesters, I had finals before Thanksgiving Break and thankfully do not have them before Winter Break. However--teachers are piling on the work between the two breaks. I also took on an extra photography class this trimester that I am absolutely in love with. As y'all know, I am a photography enthusiast and cannot seem to get enough of it. This trimester, we are shooting solely film. The dark room instantly has become such a calming place, somewhere I can escape everything else--all the work, drama, and outside problems. The class period simply flies by and I find myself waiting all day for that one class.

Anyway, I could ramble on for hours about my photography class but I really want to talk about is the chapel talk given today. It was about the red moon, also known as the lunar eclipse. A few years ago, I had the chance to study Revelation and honestly, it is an unforgettable book. Revelation mentions red (blood) moons when addressing what the world will look like during the return of Christ.

"When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale. The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place." Revelation 6:12-14

This past October, we had a lunar eclipse, causing the moon to turn a deep red--hence the term blood moon. Now forgive me because I can not remember if the speaker said that this past one was the 6th, 7th, or the 8th moon in history, but I do remember the key point that 7 is considered the perfect and godly number in the Jewish faith. He also touched on the fact that there is supposed to be another lunar eclipse this next year. So as you connect the dots, you begin to see what I am getting at is that many people are talking about the fact that we may be nearing the coming of Christ quicker than we originally believed.

I can safely admit that I am not sure where I stand on this topic, but definitely plan on researching more. While looking into the subject for this blog post, I found that there are many articles, videos, and books all addressing this idea. I came across this video while searching.

At the end of the talk, the speaker posed this question: How would you spend your life if you knew you had six months to live it out? What relationships would you fix or even form? How would you act around others? 

More to come.

Best wishes,

Grace

Most Wonderful Time

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I'd say this pretty much sums it up! And who better to help convey the kick off of this wonderful season than Lauren Conrad? I adore her designs!

Aside from this magical time of year being literally right around the corner (like tomorrow), I just got back from New Mexico and I had quite a bit of time to think. I spent time talking with my parents about the future and plans, and I think I have a few exciting things in store.

I won't reveal too much yet, as I am still praying for God to continue to reveal my path--but I am quite excited!

As I clearly did not get a thanksgiving post up--I wanted to make sure to let y'all know that I am so very grateful for each and everyone one of my readers. I started this sleepy little blog a few months ago and the feedback I have gotten just warms my heart to think about. Comments, emails and texts from you all bring the biggest smile to my face--it truly is remarkable. So thank you, for everything.

Happy Holidays!
Grace

Cinderella

Cinderella has stood as the representation of "every little girl's dream" for a very long time. Fairy godmothers, glass slippers, and a prince in shining armor had the magical ability to light up a little girl's eyes.

Although many grow up to find that the world is not as magical as those movies portray, there is something to be said for the way those movies make us feel. So here I sit, studying for exams instead of playing with barbies, and I come across this little gem. And let me tell you one thing, it still brought me the same giddy feeling and wide smile it did when I was five.

"I want to tell you a secret that will see you through all the trials that life may have to offer, have courage and be kind."

"Where there is kindness, there is goodness, and where there is goodness, there is magic."

You are never too old for Disney, no matter what anybody says.

Best wishes,
Grace

YHWH

You probably saw the title of this post and thought what in the world or she probably mistyped something. But no, I did not. As you'll see in the quote below, YHWH, are the Hebrew letters for God. How cool is that?

“The letters of the name of God in Hebrew… are infrequently pronounced Yahweh. But in truth they are inutterable….

This word {YHWH} is the sound of breathing.

The holiest name in the world, the Name of Creator, is the sound of your own breathing. That these letters are unpronounceable is no accident. Just as it is no accident that they are also the root letters of the Hebrew verb ‘to be’… God’s name is name of Being itself.”

~Rabbi Lawrence Kushner

This may be my new favorite quote. I printed it off and glued it in my journal and Bible. 

Dampening that subject-- it's finals week here and I'm buried deep in study guides, text books, and lecture notes. Pray for me please!!! 

Also got our first snow day yesterday! Class was canceled and I got to sleep in, how nice is that?!

Best wishes,

Grace

Proverbs III

Proverbs 3

Wisdom Bestows Well-Being
3 My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.[a]
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.
11 My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline,
and do not resent his rebuke,
12 because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in.[b]
13 Blessed are those who find wisdom,
those who gain understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her;
those who hold her fast will be blessed.
19 By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations,
by understanding he set the heavens in place;
20 by his knowledge the watery depths were divided,
and the clouds let drop the dew.
21 My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight,
preserve sound judgment and discretion;
22 they will be life for you,
an ornament to grace your neck.
23 Then you will go on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25 Have no fear of sudden disaster
or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
26 for the Lord will be at your side
and will keep your foot from being snared.
27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
when it is in your power to act.
28 Do not say to your neighbor,
“Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”—
when you already have it with you.
29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor,
who lives trustfully near you.
30 Do not accuse anyone for no reason—
when they have done you no harm.
31 Do not envy the violent
or choose any of their ways.
32 For the Lord detests the perverse
but takes the upright into his confidence.
33 The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the home of the righteous.
34 He mocks proud mockers
but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.
35 The wise inherit honor,
but fools get only shame.

Man, does Proverbs 3 start off with a bang or what? God immediately recognizes us and tells us to store his commandments. We are once again reminded of just how important the God's words are. When He speaks, we listen.

Proverbs 3 also contains one of the most well known, "John 3:16 like verses," in the Bible: Proverbs 3:5-6. Growing up in Sunday School, songs were one of the most often used tactics fir kids. I learned a song for this very verse, it went a little something like this.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him-- and he will make your path strait, yes he will make your path strait. 

He goes on to tell us to fear the Lord and to turn from evil (v.7). To honor him with our best (v.9). To not reject the Lord's discipline for he corrects those he loves (v.12).

One of my personal favorites in this chapters is 13-15. We are told that wisdom is more precious than rubies. Proverbs is such a book full of wisdom while addressing the subject of wisdom. It is almost magical to read, something I am no doubt drawn to.

The final thing that really sticks out to me is v.26. Something about being told the Lord will be at my side is so reassuring and can fill my hear with joy in the matter of seconds. Just like I've shared before, "If God is for us...who could be against us?" Romans 8:28.

Best wishes,
Grace

Ted

A few weeks ago in english, my teacher, one of the wisest I have ever had, shared with me a website called Ted. On it are videos, comparable to YouTube. However every video is informational. They are mainly adults speaking on a range of topics. From "Why we need to end the war on drugs" to "The coming crisis in antibiotics," there is something for everyone.

As I thought for a while on which ones I wanted to share with you all, it came down to two (for now).

The first one is a bit longer, but full of somewhat insight. Karen Thompson Walker tells a story about a shipwrecked sailor but ties in her view on What fear can teach us.

The second, is much shorter yet so inspirational. Stacey Kramer shares her story in an interesting way, one that sure might surprise you.

Best wishes,

Grace

***both videos taken from youtube, I clearly do not own either of them.

Proverbs II

Proverbs 2

Moral Benefits of Wisdom
2 My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
2 turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding—
3 indeed, if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He holds success in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8 for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.
9 Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11 Discretion will protect you,
and understanding will guard you.
12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,
from men whose words are perverse,
13 who have left the straight paths
to walk in dark ways,
14 who delight in doing wrong
and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
15 whose paths are crooked
and who are devious in their ways.
16 Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman,
from the wayward woman with her seductive words,
17 who has left the partner of her youth
and ignored the covenant she made before God.[a]
18 Surely her house leads down to death
and her paths to the spirits of the dead.
19 None who go to her return
or attain the paths of life.
20 Thus you will walk in the ways of the good
and keep to the paths of the righteous.
21 For the upright will live in the land,
and the blameless will remain in it;
22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
and the unfaithful will be torn from it.

Once again, Proverbs 2 mentions wisdom nearly a dozen times. The section heading is even "Moral Benefits of Wisdom" which really summarizes it up.

I find that verse 2 is a good verse to live by. We must turn our ears and apply our hearts.

Just a few days ago, our pastor was talking about how you can read a proverb each day and find one thing that sticks out to you. Once you find it, you make it your goal to live it out that day. This verse (v2) can be lived out today, tomorrow, and everyday for the rest of time.

V.6-10 speak about the wisdom from the Lord. It comes from his mouth, he is a shield, he guards and protects the faithful ones.

Once again in v 13, we are told that wisdom will save us from the ways of the wicked. Have you gotten the picture yet? Wisdom is crucial.

The rest of the chapter goes on to tell us the effects of wisdom.

So what is wisdom? Well, the dictionary says this; "the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise."

There is a general idea, but what is wisdom in the name of faith and our Lord?

To be quite honest, I am not really sure what spiritual wisdom is or when you really "have" it. I know that many of the people I look up to are wiser than me. Wisdom seems to be a general understanding and love and experience in whatever field we may be speaking of. The older you get, the wiser you become generally because you have experienced so much more.

The greatest thing about all of this? We don't have to know what it is or when it will be bestowed upon us. The Lord promises us all things will come to us in good time. "I will hold myself to a standard of grace, not perfection." (this quote is on the cover of my simplified journal by Emily Ley. If you do not know about her and her products, you are missing out.)

Happy Friday my loves!

Best wishes,
Grace

A Thick Accent and A Huge Smile

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This morning I walked into a little, local donut shop. This little donut shop is my dad and my little sister’s “place.” You know, like a place you feel like you own? Where you feel comfortable? Where the people know you? Well, this little donut shop is all that to my little sister. 

So Caroline and I walked in, the lady working at the counter immediately recognizing her. They talked for a moment while I decided what to order. 

Now this woman, originally from somewhere in Africa, had a thick accent and a huge smile. As she spoke to Caroline, I realized how full of joy and life she was. Just by the way she moved, spoke, and interacted with us—I felt like I knew her.

While paying, this woman, whom’s name I do not even know, recognized the “love” necklace that hangs around my neck everyday. 

"Oh, love," she told me, "love makes this world go round. Makes good things happen."

I smiled and agreed, thankful for what I thought was the end of our conversation. 

She went on to tell me this; “Before you go, I will tell you ‘Have a great day’ in my language and you can go on and share it with someone else.” After she told me, all I could do was smile. We grabbed our sacks and headed out, not really wanting to leave but not wanting to be late to school. 

So before my day even really started, before the sun was fully up, I started with a smile on my face. 

People like this make the little troubles or problems seem so insignificant. The reminder of the importance of love was just enough to help me have a joyful heart for a little while. 

Finally, I turned to my sister as we walked into school and said, “People like her, people like her make this world a better place.” She nodded in agreement and we both went our separate ways. 

Watch God work. Just watch Him. 

--Grace

Proverbs I

As I thought about it more and more, I have come to announce that I have made my decision. I am going to do a full study of Proverbs. As much as I would like to say I'll do a chapter a day, that is probably not very practical. So whether it takes 31 days to cover the 31 books or a whole year, this will be something I will finish. [I will organize them all under their own label so they will be easier to find. A full list of labels can be found on the right hand column, underneath the title "Categories."]

Without further ado, here is chapter one.

Proverbs I

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
2 for gaining wisdom and instruction;
for understanding words of insight;
3 for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
doing what is right and just and fair;
4 for giving prudence to those who are simple,[a]
knowledge and discretion to the young—
5 let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance—
6 for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.[b]
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools[c] despise wisdom and instruction.
Prologue: Exhortations to Embrace Wisdom
Warning Against the Invitation of Sinful Men
8 Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction
and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
9 They are a garland to grace your head
and a chain to adorn your neck.
10 My son, if sinful men entice you,
do not give in to them.
11 If they say, “Come along with us;
let’s lie in wait for innocent blood,
let’s ambush some harmless soul;
12 let’s swallow them alive, like the grave,
and whole, like those who go down to the pit;
13 we will get all sorts of valuable things
and fill our houses with plunder;
14 cast lots with us;
we will all share the loot”—
15 my son, do not go along with them,
do not set foot on their paths;
16 for their feet rush into evil,
they are swift to shed blood.
17 How useless to spread a net
where every bird can see it!
18 These men lie in wait for their own blood;
they ambush only themselves!
19 Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain;
it takes away the life of those who get it.
Wisdom’s Rebuke
20 Out in the open wisdom calls aloud,
she raises her voice in the public square;
21 on top of the wall[d] she cries out,
at the city gate she makes her speech:
22 “How long will you who are simple love your simple ways?
How long will mockers delight in mockery
and fools hate knowledge?
23 Repent at my rebuke!
Then I will pour out my thoughts to you,
I will make known to you my teachings.
24 But since you refuse to listen when I call
and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand,
25 since you disregard all my advice
and do not accept my rebuke,
26 I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you;
I will mock when calamity overtakes you—
27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm,
when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind,
when distress and trouble overwhelm you.
28 “Then they will call to me but I will not answer;
they will look for me but will not find me,
29 since they hated knowledge
and did not choose to fear the Lord.
30 Since they would not accept my advice
and spurned my rebuke,
31 they will eat the fruit of their ways
and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.
32 For the waywardness of the simple will kill them,
and the complacency of fools will destroy them;
33 but whoever listens to me will live in safety
and be at ease, without fear of harm.”  

The first chapter sets the scene. In the "preview" portion of my Bible, it says the general gist of Proverbs are "short sayings that help people make wise choices."

Wisdom is the topic we are studying this year in school and I find this book of the Bible so full of wisdom. Literally. In the first four chapters, the words wisdom or wise appears 19 times. 

So basically, Proverbs are little bits of advice for each and everyone of us. They are written to us so we can go on day to day and live out God's plan. 

V. 7 is one of my favorites, telling us that by living a moral life ("fearing the Lord"), we will begin to find the beginning of knowledge. 

The first chapter also gives us a good picture of how not to act. In v. 24-26, we see that we will be mocked if we refuse to listen, do not pay attention, or disregard advice.

Finally, in the last verse (33), we are reassured that whoever listens will be safe and at ease. 

Just like anything good that comes to us, we must work for it. We are promised so many things in the Bible, things that nobody else can promise us except the Lord. However, we must live a certain way in order for these promises to be fulfilled. 

Best wishes,

Grace

New Month, New Ideas, New Beginnings

Happy November!

As I have been taking quite a bit of time off from writing, I have spent time reflecting. I feel that it is important not to force myself to write when I do not feel like it simply because the quality is better when I am in the right state of mind.

While I haven't necessarily been here on my blog, I have been looking at other people's. Collecting ideas and inspiration seems to be helping me get back in the swing of things.

Aside from that, I have been really busy with school. These next few years are crucial for me. Not only have my parents set their expectations high for me, I have set them high for myself. I want to do big things--change people's lives and change the parts of the world that I can.

This season, I've been playing on three volleyball teams. It is my first year to play true volleyball and I absolutely love it. My team plays in a small conference in the midwest with really good teams. We had a pretty bad season on the books, but such a fun time. I made new friends and new memories that I am so grateful for. We came a long way and I can not wait to see what we do these next few years.

Many times before, I have talked about my heart being on fire and after this past week, I can full heartedly say that my heart is indeed on fire. This weekend, there was a fundraiser for my aunt (post coming up on that soon) that I was supposed to talk in chapel during school for. While preparing for it, I came across Proverbs in my bible. When I study a book, I always make underline, highlight, and take notes. On top of that, I always write the date I read it. I started doing this randomly, and it just stuck. However, I am so grateful that I started doing it. There is something so cool about coming back and seeing a verse I found moving in 2012. Anyways, this past week I found the first four books of Proverbs. They were just what I needed to hear right when I needed to hear it. Hopefully I will have a post up highlighting the first four books soon. Maybe this holiday season would be a good time to start my first official study, Proverbs being out starting place!

So with my long drabble complete, I just wanted to remind y'all to smile big, laugh heard, and soak up the joy. Remember the wise words of Bernard Baruch, "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

Best wishes,
Grace

Some Words On A Thursday

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If one was to ask me what my single, all time favorite, bible verse is--this may be it. So much power in so few words.

Who says word-full days could only be Wednesdays? Words on a Thursday anyone?

Best wishes,
Grace

God Will Make A Way

While scrolling through my tumblr feed this morning, I came across this little devotion from Spiritual Inspiration that brightened my day. Maybe this will be a wake up call for you like it was for me. 

God knew there would be times when we would be tempted to waver in our confession of hope. Maybe you are believing for something and you’re starting to think, “Is this really for me? Will this really ever happen?” If that’s you today, remember, He who promised is faithful! And His faithfulness doesn’t depend on your ability to figure it all out. His faithfulness doesn’t depend on the plans we can make or the scenarios we can come up with; He’s faithfulness depends on His Word which never changes!

Declare His Word and hold on to your confession of hope today. Be confident that God can make a way when there seems to be no way. Even when your mind may waver, don’t allow your confession to waver. Declare that God is working behind the scenes on your behalf. Declare that He Who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it. Remember, there is power in your words and power when your words are in agreement with His Word. As you hold on to your confession of hope, you’ll see His faithfulness, and you’ll move forward into victory in every area of your life.

Best wishes,

Grace

Kindness

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Trying to remember this today, even when people seem to just want to irritate me!

Be blessed!

Best wishes,
Grace

Sweaters & Scarves

Man oh man! As the weather gets colder, I cannot help but put together outfits full of jeans, big sweaters, and knit scarves! 

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Not to mention the dinner topic tonight was a New York trip!(!!!!!!!) Not sure I have ever been much more excited. I am indeed already planning out what I am going to wear.

Happy Saturday!

Best wishes,
Grace

Temporary Home

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Good morning!

I do not know about you all, but I woke up to quite a chilly morning. And I have to say, I am loving it!! This is my absolute favorite time of year. As much as I love the summer and all the traveling, I love coming back home and waiting for the time of year for sweatpants and jackets. 

As for today, I am beyond excited for the to be the weekend. The weeks are long and packed with work, as I mentioned before, so I love to come home and not have so much to do. This weekend, I am actually taking a small road trip with one of my best friends to watch some college football!

I love this quote with every part of my being. My biggest goal in life is to glorify God. My prayer is continually to let God use me in some magical way. For my life to be used for something bigger. With that, I pray for just the confidence in the Lord that he may use me for something that I am not comfortable with. Although this has not happened yet, I believe that at some point, I will be pushed because of faith. 

So many Christians talk about the after life. What happens after you die? Many times in the Bible, we are promised an afterlife with the Lord. The whole concept of eternity with out father is presented many times in the Word. 

"And this is what he promised us--eternal life." 1 John 2:25

"...in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began..." Titus 1:1-3 

"Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy.."  Psalm 33:17-22

These are just a few of the many words in which the Lord shows us where out home is. We are on this earth to glorify, to work for Him. This not our home, it is simply a passing place. As sad as this sounds, it gives me strength. It gives me hope. For all the bad days I have, all the struggles I face, I am reminded that this is not what life is all about.

With that said, we are not to wish away time. This time, like any other, was given to us for a reason. We are to use it and to do something great with it. The Lord does not squander time, it is a gift and a privilege. It can be taken at any moment.

On the same idea of this world being a temporary place for us, I thought this Carrie Underwood song summed things up pretty well. Although it is not technically a "Contemporary Christian" song, it addresses the topic perfectly.

"Temporary Home"
By: Carrie Underwood

Little boy, six years old
A little too used to being alone
Another new mom and dad
Another school, another house that will never be home
When people ask him how he likes this place
He looks up and says with a smile upon his face

This is my temporary home, it's not where I belong
Windows and rooms that I'm passing through
This is just a stop on the way to where I'm going
I'm not afraid because I know
This is my temporary home

Young mom, on her own
She needs a little help, got nowhere to go
She's looking for a job, looking for a way out
'Cause a halfway house will never be a home
At night she whispers to her baby girl
"Someday we'll find our place here in this world"

This is our temporary home, it's not where we belong
Windows and rooms that we're passing through
This is just a stop on the way to where we're going
I'm not afraid because I know
This is our temporary home

Old man, hospital bed
The room is filled with people he loves
And he whispers
"Don't cry for me, I'll see you all someday"
He looks up and says
"I can see God's face"

This is my temporary home, it's not where I belong
Windows and rooms that I'm passing through
This was just a stop on the way to where I'm going
I'm not afraid because I know
This was my temporary home

This is our temporary home


Best wishes,
Grace

I'm Baaaack!

Hello my loves!!

It has been too long!

School is absolutely crazy. I do not get home until 6:30. I eat dinner, do lots of homework, and then try to get as much sleep as I can. As crazy as it sounds, I kind of love having a busy schedule. I always have something to be doing. With that said, the weekends are amazing. I get to sleep in and go to bed early.

This is also my first year playing volleyball, and I absolutely love it. I play on both JV and Varsity, which I am so proud of! I am the youngest girl to actually play on varsity by three years! I am so very grateful for my friends and family who have supported me.

My school has also presented another incredible opportunity. As you all know, photography is one of my biggest passions. Each year, a group of parents puts on an event to support the arts. This year, they are opening the event up to students to donate their art. Anything from photography to paintings to jewelry is accepted. I am beyond excited to hopefully pick a picture or two of mine to frame and donate.

As for my faith, I continually see God in my everyday life. I simply feel so much more confident because I know the Lord is leading me.

"You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Psalm 16:11

All is well over here, but how are you all? I have missed blogging so often.

Best wishes,
Grace

A Wandering Mind

Hello, hello my loves! I promise I am still alive and will try to get a post up ASAP.

But for now, because my mind has been wandering lately, here is some random inspiration.

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Best wishes,
Grace

The Life

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Overwhelmed

I know I just posted a set of lyrics a few short days ago, but I have to share yet another set.

Big Daddy Weave writes and sings some of the most moving songs. If you have any interest in contemporary christian music, check this band out for sure! They will touch your heart no matter what.

"Overwhelmed"

I see the work of Your Hands
Galaxies spin in a Heavenly dance oh God
All that You are is so overwhelming

I hear the sound of Your Voice
All at once it’s a gentle and thundering noise oh God
All that You are is so overwhelming

I delight myself in You
Captivated by Your beauty
I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

God, I run into Your arms
Unashamed because of mercy
I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

I know the power of Your Cross
Forgiven and free forever You’ll be my God

All that You’ve done is so overwhelming
I delight myself in You
In the Glory of Your Presence
I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

God, I run into Your arms
Unashamed because of mercy
I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

You are Beautiful, You are Beautiful
Oh God, there is no one more Beautiful
You are Beautiful, God you are the most Beautiful

You are Wonderful, You are Wonderful
Oh God, there is no one more Wonderful
You are Wonderful, God You are the most Wonderful

You are Glorious, You are Glorious
Oh God, there is no one more Glorious
You are Glorious, God you are the most Glorious

-Big Daddy Weave

In the midst of whatever you are going through, it is so easy to forget how much God does in our lives. When you finally cool down and look back on what really happened, it is clear that in the heat of the moment, you were not thinking straight. We have to step back and think, "If I was level headed and not upset, how would I act?" 

When we look at the grand picture, we see how much God does in our lives. It truly is overwhelming, and that is just what this song conveys. 

Life is good because God is great, do not ever forget that.

Grace

Sunday Wisdom

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Breathing In Your Grace

After a little bit of a rough day, I am trying to keep these words in my head and keep my eyes fixed on what really matters.

It’s there in the newborn cry
There in the light of every sunrise
There in the shadows of this life
Your great grace

It’s there on the mountain top
There in the everyday and the mundane
There in the sorrow and the dancing
Your great grace
Oh such grace

From the creation to the cross
There from the cross into eternity
Your grace finds me, yes your grace finds me

It’s there on a wedding day
There in the weeping by the graveside
There in the very breath we breathe
Your great grace

The same for the rich and poor
The same for the saint and for the sinner
Enough for this whole wide world
Your great grace
Oh such grace

There in the darkest night of the soul
There in the sweetest songs of victory
Your grace finds me
Yes your grace finds me

Your great grace
Oh such grace
Your great grace
Oh such grace

So I’m breathing in Your grace
And breathing out Your praise
I’m breathing in Your grace
Forever I’ll be

Your grace finds me
Yes Your grace finds me

-Your Grace Finds Me, Matt Redman

Exodus 14:14

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He Loves US

As I speak of often, I am always so on fire when I come home from youth group. It is times just like these where my thoughts are flowing even faster than usual.

So to say the least, I am beyond excited for this year. It is going to be filled with my favorite thing, Jesus.

I so often forget what I am here to do. With modern day and this quickly moving culture, I loose sight of what comes above all- the man upstairs. He makes my life possible. He lets me breathe. He lets the sun rise. He lets me wake up every day. He gives me friends and family and a home and food and just life. The Lord gives me life.

Without him, I am merely just another human being. This, by the way, is among my biggest fears: to just be another body. I cannot be just another person. I want to be something, to be someone, to do something big.

So as I sit here with my head racing and my fingers flying across the keyboard, I am here to tell you a few things.

Love the Lord. Above all else, love him. Everything else will fall in place if you give Him all your love.

Love others. We, as Christians, were put on this earth to make disciples. To spread the good news- that we are saved because of the Lord. Because of Him, we are forgiven. Jesus loved people who he did not even know. He was known for loving people.

Love yourself. As cheesy as it sounds, and despite how overused it is, you are perfect. You were made with a vision in the Lord's head. You were not an accident. The people in your life, they are there for a reason. Where you live, it is for a reason. God chose all those things just for you.

Love this world. Everyone has a story. Everyone struggles. Everyone experiences love and loss. This world has a lot of negativity in it, but this is not our home. This is simply a stopping place. We did not start here and we will not end here. Out final destination is with our father. He is waiting for us. So treat the world a little better than it treats you, because it is merely a check point and a test for us.

Be the person who forgives when they aren't sorry. The one who smiles over the one who doesn't smile back. Go after what you love. Don't fit in.

Life is good because God is good.

Grace

Show Stealers

Show after show is not the only part of fashion week, seeing what the stars wear to the shows is a whole different story. I love keeping up with celebrities outfits almost as much as I love the new fashion. Here are some of the celebs who have sure know how to rock it these first few days. (ALL photos taken from the fabulous E! News)

Olivia Palermo

Selena Gomez

Nick and Joe Jonas

Jamie Chung

Sarah Jessica Parker

Gwen Stefani

Nina Garcia, Heidi Klum, Emmy Rossum, and Zac Posen

Katie Cassidy

Rosario Dawson and Poppy Delevingne

Best wishes and happy fashion week!
Grace

NYFW

As many of you know, I am a fashion guru. I love a perfect outfit almost as much as I love my family. So with this said, I have no choice but to address the fact that New York Fashion Week kicked off yesterday!! I am scrolling through the line up as we speak and I am so excited!

Here is my current list of shows I am dying to sit in on this week:

• BCBGMAXAZRIA
• Project Runway
• Trina Turk
• Rebecca Minkoff
• Lacoste
• DKNY
• Tommy Hilfinger
• Libertine
• Tory Burch
• J Crew
• Ralph Lauren
• Calvin Klein

Yes, the list is anything but short. I sure would make use of my time if I was in the big city right now. It is safe to say that I scramble to get my homework done just so I can check to the updates on E! (they have an entire "Live From Fashion Week" page that I am obsessing over) and the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week (you can watch some shows live!) website.

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Best wishes and happy fashion week!
Grace