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!!

------------
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.

-------------

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!

--------------

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.

----------
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!

[via]

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

[via]