Peachy

Today I channeled my inner Southern self and picked some peaches. Although it was quite the drive out there and we were forced to combat the million degree weather, by the time my head hit the pillow - I realized how good of a day it was.

And if you haven't learned one thing about me yet, it is that I am all for recognizing the good days.

Here's to an infinite amount of good days filled with sticky peaches and lovely friends.

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grace

**my week in pictures? click here!
**also -- see my full peach picture journal here!

Unstoppable

Hope everyone is having the BEST summer -- I know I am :)
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grace

Want to see my week in pictures? Click here!

What A Year

In true Filled With Grace fashion, I am a day late. As of yesterday, I have had this blog for a full year! For some strange reason, people stick around to read my rants on a day to day basis and for that -- I am so grateful.

I started this blog simply to serve as a creative outlet. Some time ago, I had the epiphany of the fact that I am not the only teen going through this. I am not the only one with struggles and questions. I am not the only one wandering around looking for my place in life. There are thousands of other kids, teenagers, adults even, struggling with the same things I am.

Joy has been something I have been focusing on for the past few years and let me tell you, this blog and the people who I have come in contact with because of simply writing has brought me more joy than anything. There is not really any way to describe the feeling of someone telling you that your work helped them. The idea that my rants thrown onto my own website altered somebody's path or way of life is truly daunting. I am so, so, SO blessed to have had the opportunity to have created something like this.

So really I am here to thank you. Thank you first of all for even reading this. Thank you for the emails, phone calls, texts, and comments filled with love and joy about my work. Thank you for the coffee dates where we got to simply talk about the insurmountable love of Jesus. Thank you to those who took the time to proofread my work or let me interview them. Thank you to those who pushed me to do what I love and tolerated my crazy, compulsive attitude along the way. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I love each and every one of you dearly.

Here's to many more years of crazy, all over the place rants and nearly never on time studies of the Bible.

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grace

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

While in the midst of studying for finals, starting my final thesis papers, and handling my normal homework load -- some will ask why I am taking time to blog while I should be hiding out in a cafe or library hovering over my books. And to those who were going to ask that or to those who are now curious because I have brought it up - I assure you this post is part of my English paper. So you see, I am killing two birds with one stone.

For my English project, we were given a poetry anthology from which we were asked to pick a single poem. Without knowing what it was for or why we would need this poem, I picked "To Everything There Is A Season," a passage from Ecclesiastes. It stuck out to me immediately because I have read this passage before and I adore it. We went on to learn that we would have to teach the poem of our choice to the class during one class period. No more, no less. So as I finally sat down to work up my lesson plan, I realized how big of a meaning this passage has. I dug into every line, looking for clues and studying the careful choice of words. I compared four different versions: King James, New King James, New International, and New Living. I dug into the history of the book which lead me to Solomon, the author of this book. Which leads me to the point of this post.

Solomon. For those who don't know about Solomon (which was me up until an hour ago), here is some of the history I have acquired from my dig. He is believed to have written three books: Ecclesiastes in his older age, Proverbs in his middle age, and Song of Solomon in his young age. He was crowned King in the first chapter of 1 Kings and his reign takes up the first part of 2 Chronicles.

Solomon was wise. Every book I've read and website I've come across says that he was KNOWN FOR his wisdom. In the first chapter of 1 Chronicles, God appeared to Solomon in a dream and told him to ask for anything he wanted and it would be his. Solomon, being a man of character, asked for the wisdom to rule and to know right from wrong. God was so pleased and told Solomon that "since this is your heart's desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you my king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given [to] you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions, and honor, such as no king before you ever had and none after you will have" (2 Chron 1:11-12).

That could be the coolest thing in the Bible!! Solomon was patient and had his priorities straight. He did not want money or fame, he wanted wisdom. And because his priorities were straight, God rewarded him big time. This is such an example for us. When we pray, we should ask the Lord for things like wisdom and the ability to tell right from wrong.

I may not have it all figured out but I do know this: money is fleeting. When judgement day comes, the amount of money you have will not be the determining factor on if you are let through the gates. In fact it won't even be the slightest of a determining factor. Those who asked for things like wisdom, the ability to love, and to have a joyful heart will be the ones walking past you into the kingdom of heaven of you rely on worldly items like money.

So in conclusion, I'd say it is pretty cool that I am about to be able to speak the Word of God to my class this week. I'd say it is pretty cool that God called me to select this piece of writing to dig into. I'd say it is pretty cool that God is working through me.

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grace

ps. prayers please!!! finals are hard and stressful and time consuming but summer is so close I can feel it!!

Ode To The Good Days

here is an appreciation post for the good days.

early last week, after finishing one of the many tennis practices that have been on the agenda, I took a moment to dump some thoughts into my tumblr:

Today, the first thing I said when I got into the car was, “today was a good day.” You know I think there is a lot to be said for this. We spend so many days waiting to get back in bed or for the day to be over. We wish away time waiting for some day in the future. When one single bad thing happens, we classify that day as a bad day. So here is a recognition post for a good day. Here’s to stringing together more good days. Here’s to a lifetime filled with joyous good days.
--Ode to the good days (4-8-15)

so once again, as I got in bed tonight after another crazy day -- this thought crossed my mind again. "Today was a good day."

this week was a good one. a really good one. this week I felt like myself again. I didn't feel like I was changing to be someone for someone or something else. I got to spend time with people who really make me happy. and I got to do things I love.

happy heart going into this week y'all. 

here's to making everyday a good day. 

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grace

ps. checkout my week in pictures here!! 

Scatter Brained and Reflective

hello my loves:)

these past few weeks have been probably the craziest of my school year thus far so here is a crazy, scatter-brained attempt of a glimpse into my life at the moment.

with dozens of tests before spring break, i was cramming non stop like a mad man. right after i finished my last exam, my family and i hopped on a plane and headed straight to the big apple. man oh man, was that heaven on earth. time flew there as well, the days all seemed to run together due to the amount of fun we were having.

after we got home from the big city, we celebrated my birthday on the 22 and then classes resumed the following day. i dove right back into all the craziness. among the many things, tennis season is now well underway and making me a bit crazy. with practices every day and my own weight training / fitness regime thrown in, i am beyond exhausted. i pretty much go from the classroom to the court to my desk and then fall into my bed at night.

to top it all off, i'm in quite a reflective period at the moment. things are falling into perspective for me and i'm learning more about myself than i ever thought was possible. not that this has been easy by any means, but i have faith that this will only propel me forward on this crazy journey.

now that we're in the final, home stretch for summer, i am hoping things will calm down (as i type this i realize the irony in the fact that this is merely the calm before the storm and that i will be forced to face final exams before i even begin to picture myself laying by the pool). i'm ready for some time off and the opportunity to pour more of my time into things i love.

God is good, y'all. we can never forget that.

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grace

Oh, The City

Surprise!

I just got back from my favorite place on earth (NYC!!) & I'm still over the moon. I had the best time with my family and made a few friends along the way.

We stayed for six days, covering everything from the suburbs in Jersey to the Upper East Side. I am feeling more like a New Yorker everyday!

I would love, love, love it if y'all checked out my pictures by clicking here. It is my online photo journal of the trip!

lots of love!

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grace

Color

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grace

No Time Like The Now

I want to do such big things in this world that my heart literally hurts.

I want to change people. Change the way people look at eachother. At the world. At life as a whole. At themselves. At their goals.

My heart is literally on fire to change this world somehow -- even just a little bit.

Let me let you in on a secret. I have no earthly idea how I'm going to do this. Not a clue. And honestly, at this point, I don't have a plan.

And I'm scared. And I'm confused. But I've never been so excited.

There literally is no time like the now.

So here is to taking every single day and making it something that counts. Lukewarm is no good. There will be no blah days.

Y'all -- we are not getting younger. There literally is no time like the now.

/// "You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once but don't ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own." Michelle Obama

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Grace

Proverbs IV

It's back!!

Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction;
    pay attention and gain understanding.
2 I give you sound learning,
    so do not forsake my teaching.
3 For I too was a son to my father,
    still tender, and cherished by my mother.
4 Then he taught me, and he said to me,
    “Take hold of my words with all your heart;
    keep my commands, and you will live.
5 Get wisdom, get understanding;
    do not forget my words or turn away from them.
6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
    love her, and she will watch over you.
7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get[a] wisdom.
    Though it cost all you have,[b] get understanding.
8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you;
    embrace her, and she will honor you.
9 She will give you a garland to grace your head
    and present you with a glorious crown.”
10 Listen, my son, accept what I say,
    and the years of your life will be many.
11 I instruct you in the way of wisdom
    and lead you along straight paths.
12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
    when you run, you will not stumble.
13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
    guard it well, for it is your life.
14 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked
    or walk in the way of evildoers.
15 Avoid it, do not travel on it;
    turn from it and go on your way.
16 For they cannot rest until they do evil;
    they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble.
17 They eat the bread of wickedness
    and drink the wine of violence.
18 The path of the righteous is like the morning sun,
    shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
    they do not know what makes them stumble.
20 My son, pay attention to what I say;
    turn your ear to my words.
21 Do not let them out of your sight,
    keep them within your heart;
22 for they are life to those who find them
    and health to one’s whole body.
23 Above all else, guard your heart,
    for everything you do flows from it.
24 Keep your mouth free of perversity;
    keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead;
    fix your gaze directly before you.
26 Give careful thought to the[c] paths for your feet
    and be steadfast in all your ways.
27 Do not turn to the right or the left;
    keep your foot from evil.

If you remember, Proverbs discusses wisdom a lot. By the time we reach the eighth verse, the word 'wisdom' is mentioned four times. 

Verse five is something to live by -- "get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them." We are told again to "get wisdom" a few verses later. Clearly, that is a major message in this passage. 

Whenever I study the word, I always take notes in my Bible. That way, whenever I go to look over something again or just flip open to it, I see what I was thinking when I first read the passage. 

Next to verse 10, I wrote "God is so so wise." Just that phrase kind of struck me. It sends me into this place where all I can do is just be in complete awe. Like the fact that our God is smarter than any scholar, any scientist, anybody. The fact that the most brilliant in this entire universe knows me, know my name, listens to me, and is indeed routing for you and me is the most wonderful thing in the world. Nobody could do or say anything to even come close to amounting to his knowledge and love for us. If that isn't empowering, I'm not too sure what is. 

Verse 23, yet another to add to the list of verses to live by. ((maybe I should just make a page for verses to live by??)) "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." This statement has so much power behind it. We are instructed to guard our heart, to keep it safe because it is the center. Everything we do comes or should come from out heart.  

The next few verses tell us to keep our eyes ahead, to be careful of our paths, and to not turn from evil.

Safe to say Proverbs holds a special place in my heart.

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Grace

Oh Lauureeen

Had oh so much fun shooting my dearest friend, Lauren's home yesterday! She sure does know how to decorate and literally has the best taste. Like THE best. Like she has picked out half the things in my closet. Plus her sense of style is like one of the million things she has going for her. Want to be her friend yet? Join the club.

All smiles on this long weekend. Could not be more thankful for this much needed break!!

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Grace

Game Plan

Please.

Please don't hate me.

Because I love you. Lots. And lots.

Man has it been a while!! (cue the endless apologies about my absence) But how are y'all??!

It has been an interesting few weeks for me, that is for sure. I've been lost in my thoughts quite a bit, that I can tell you.

I think I had one of those God moments today when I was playing tennis that somehow popped back into my mind while I was doing homework (which led me here, because I literally have the attention span of a gnat these day).

I subconsciously thought about the lack of Jesus in my life lately. Not that he isn't present, because I have no doubt that he is. But I have failed to reach out and connect.

Last summer, I knew that this year was going to be a challenge. Everyone around me, the people I respected, told me it would be. So I spent those three months really looking into what I wanted to do during this new journey and who I wanted to be. I prayed and prayed over what was to come. and let me tell you, that was some of the best times of my life. I was so close to God and it was incredible.

Now, six-seven months later, here I am.

A couple of years ago when I attended one of my favorite conferences, lots of the talk was about a game plan. In the times when you are close to God, in the moments where your faith is stronger than words, you need to set a plan. Lay out what you want to do so when the time comes where you are less motivated, you have that list to look at.  So here is my game plan to kick-start this week (and this weekend, since I have 2 days off:))

I need morning quiet time. Preferably outside. I know that God is always present, but he is really present outside with everything he created. Time with 0 electronics. No music, TV, phone, computer- nothing. Just me, my journal, and The Word. This needs to happen. No question. Maybe getting up 20 minutes earlier and sitting outside alone for breakfast. Not only should I be reading the Word, but pray over it. Pray over the day to come, the week to come, the life to come. I need to separate myself from all other worldly worries. This is a must. 

I need little reminders. Little verses posted in little places, written on the inside of my wrist. Little things that I can look at and take a second to set things in perspective. To remember the ultimate goal, not just what needs to happen in the next ten minutes.

So maybe I've bored you, but it felt pretty good to get that out. To openly commit to that. So tomorrow morning will be the kick off, anybody care to join me? Time to get back at it.

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Grace

Security or Adventure? Take Your Pick.

Wow.

Just wow.

Pang to the chest. Actually, I take that back. Metaphorical dagger to my chest.

At the end of 2014, I got one of those 365 journals that has a question everyday and you answer them for 5 years.

Yesterday -- the question was this. "Are you seeking security or adventure?" And you know what? If I'm being honest with myself, the answer is both. And that bothers me. A lot. Okay, way too much.

I know I need to push myself. Yeah, yeah a lot of people will say "You're so young! You have plenty of time to figure it out!" Which is true -- but not the point.

The point is I am one of those people who must push themselves. If I let myself get too comfortable, I will slip into a routine that is not right for me. ((side note: this is not how everyone else is -- many people can relax and still be productive. and man oh man, do I admire that. thats just not me))

So needless to say, I have gotten way too comfortable. I've been hiding in the shadows, worried about what other people things. And let me tell you -- it is terrible. It is a terrible way to be. I even admitted today when I was on a walk with a dear friend that I have changed into a person that I don't like in that aspect of life. There are many other things that have been progressing in my life, parts of me that are getting better because I am working to make them better. However, lately I have been subconsciously getting comfortable.

So, with this in mind, I am heading forward and working to change this. I want to be back to seeking adventure and get back to that independent state of mind.

I am choosing adventure.

Adventure.

Ad-ven-ture!!

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Grace

Philosophy Class

I found this on tumblr and am not quite sure who wrote it, but it sure is powerful. Happy wordful wednesday!! 

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full.. The students responded with a unanimous ‘yes.’

The professor then produced two Beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand.The students laughed..

‘Now,’ said the professor as the laughter subsided, ‘I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things—-your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions—-and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.. The sand is everything else—-the small stuff.

‘If you put the sand into the jar first,’ he continued, ‘there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.

Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and mow the lawn.

Take care of the golf balls first—-the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented. The professor smiled and said, ‘I’m glad you asked.’ The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of Beers with a friend.

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Grace

Watercolor // Quotes

Hello again!

As I mentioned before, God has been answering quite a few prayers! In a round about way, art has been a big thing God has worked with in my life in these past few months. Being able to combine my love for watercolor and calligraphy has been such a blessing.

So I am here to show a few of the quote // watercolor pieces I've been working on to hopefully sell! If you are at all interested in any of the pieces, please let me know by commenting or shooting me an email ((t.gracehall@gmail.com)). I hope to get them framed if anybody is interested in them.

I'd love to hear from you!

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Grace

To This Day Project

Yet another thing to watch and pray over.

My English teacher showed this video in class and after two minutes of it, I knew I would be sharing it here. Shane Koyczan is an incredible person to say the least. This society could use more people like him.

Bullying is a very real issue and cannot be ignored. It is our call as Christians to reach out and help those who are struggling. Every single person deserves a fair chance, without being put down or pushed around.

You are not perfect, I am not perfect, nobody is. But from here on out, I am going to use every part of myself to help make a change. To choose kindness. To choose love.

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Grace

2 0 1 5

Well hello there. Long time, no see.

Happy new year!!

With the first week back to school and the jumpstart to all my resolutions, things have been quite busy around here. I hope you all had a fabulous holiday season!

My cousin's birthday is January 2nd and my mom's is the 12th so the celebration is spread out a little longer for us! 

As for the new year, I am not sure I have ever been happier than I am now. In these 11 short days, I feel as though I am already well on my way to completing all the goals I set. 

Also, let me tell you something. God has been answering prayers in BIG ways. Ways that are so big, it takes me days to see the things he has answered. For quite some time now, I have been praying for God to show me where my place is among all of this. During this major transition period in my life, I have struggled finding my way. Despite all the tears and nights of feeling hopeless, I kept on praying because I know better than to think that this is not all for something much bigger than me. 

After a heart to heart with my parents, I began to see that maybe I have been over thinking all of this and it is really right in front of me. 

And for now, I am pretty darn happy to work with what I have found. 

Somedays my heart could just explode with my love for Jesus, and today is one of those days. 

So here's to the adventures 2015 will bring, the good and the bad, and all the ways I hope to see my life change.

Best wishes,

Grace

Cheers, to a New Year!

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2014 has been an interesting year. After 2013, I prayed over what was to come. I made plans to make big things happen ((debatable on whether that was accomplished or not)) and change the world in the ways I could.

I latched on to quotes--writing them down everywhere in order to continue being inspired. I furthered my love for Christian music--listening to it as much as I could.

I set goals of where I want to be in five years and what I want to be doing. I remind myself of these everyday and they put a little jump in my step, making school work worth doing and it easier to forget about the little problems.

I jumped into fashion--began watching the trends, dressing up more, and using my clothes as a form as expression. I began taking in pride in how I look.

I found my passion for photography. I got two new cameras, started a class, and started documenting as much as I could.

I let go of some relationships, cut the ties, and moved on.

I switched schools, embarking on a new, four year journey.

I think I finally let go of what others think of me, after fighting it for so long. Doing what I want, being with who I want, and acting how I want.

I finally took the leap from emailing devotionals and started this blog--completely out in the open. Although I do not put up posts as often as I'd like to, it has seemingly become a safe place and an outlet.

So lay it on me 2015--here is what I have for you.

I am going to find a system that works for me on getting things done. Whether it be an app on my phone of a brand new notepad--I need something to keep me on track. Because let's be honest, that study on Proverbs, well, it's not writing itself.

Kindness. I am going to strive to be kind to the ones I love the most. I recently have struggled with taking out all my anger on the ones closest to me and pushing them away.

I am going to dive straight into the word. I will schedule Bible study breakfasts, start reading plans, and open a new journal. ((the to do list resolution will hopefully play into this))

I'm going to continue being myself and let go even more. All the things I have been scared to do because of other people's opinions--I'm going to do them.

I am going to make a constant effort to be more active. I am aware that results will not come in one day, but I am going to make a constant effort to stay on the right track.

I'm going to keep working on changing this world in the ways I can.

Travel. My heart still longs for travel so I will continue to pray over it. For the right timing and the right places to present themselves.


I'm sure more things will come up as we go and I'm a firm believer of setting goals at any point in the year. I may have a new round of resolutions in November, and I'm okay with that.

So cheers to the New Year, my loves!! I cannot wait to see what is has in store for each and every one of you. Prayers on prayers for the new year starting out just as each of you hopes it will.

Best wishes and all my love,
Grace

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