inspiration | Girl Meets Life | a lifestyle blog by Gracie Gordon

season of change.

15 October, 2010 by Gracie 31 Comments

Ever since I can remember, the fall has been my favorite season. I love it all…

the scenery.

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the attire.

the food.

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the fun.

While I’ve been enjoying all of those things, there is something particularly special about this fall. Along with the change in weather and the changing colors of nature, over these past few weeks I’ve also been noticing a change in myself.

I’ve made slight mention about the possible “life changes” I’ve been trying to ignite, but those aren’t the only changes I’m referring to. I’ve also been experiencing an internal sense of newness and, well…change.

I’m maturing – but in a different way than I have in the past.

I’m realizing what I want out of life…and what I don’t want out of life.

I’m beginning to understand what it means to truly have faith.

I’m finally getting to the point where I stop relying on myself so much, and instead starting to place my hopes and dreams solely in God’s hands.

I’m certainly still the same Gracie as I’ve always been. But I sure do hope that I become a less selfish, short-tempered, and more loving version of myself. And like I said – I want to get to the point where I can embrace the simplicity of giving everything up to God and trusting that He knows what’s best for me. The crazy part is that it really is that simple! True joy and fulfillment is not going to be found in a career, relationships, or a jean size. My joy comes from above.

Fall is a season of change, and this year it’s marking the beginning of a new season in my life: a season of excitement, newness, ups, downs, and reaching for the sky. But also a season of surrendering, learning, and glorifying God in all that I do.

(or at least trying to.)

Happy fall

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

What is your favorite thing about the fall?
Has this been a season of change in your life as well?

October 9, 2010.

9 October, 2010 by Gracie 45 Comments

Today will not be just any ordinary day.

I will not sweat the small things.

I will be thankful for the life God has given me.

I will not care whether or not things go according to “the plan.”

I will not think about the future. The future can wait until tomorrow.

I will listen to what others have to say without thinking about what I’m going to say next.

I will walk and talk with confidence – not because of anything I’ve done – but because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

I will act like I’m on vacation.

I will not be quick to judge or be easily annoyed.

I will convey love, kindness, humility, and more love.

Today is the only October 9, 2010 that there will ever be.

I can’t control whether or not exciting or life-changing things will happen today.

But I can control my attitude. my words. who I surround myself with.

I will appreciate the simple things.

…and have fun doing so.

***

“A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.” – Proverbs 16:9

***

August Favorites.

27 August, 2010 by Gracie 27 Comments

It’s that time again! With August coming to a close in a few days, here are some of my favorite things from this last full month of summer.

food.

Three words: Frozen. Nut. Butter!

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HEAB introduced me to this life changing snack, and I’m never turning back.

Another favorite snack/dessert is also of the nut-butter-category: almond butter mousse.

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And lastly, the batter bowl.

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Kind of like overnight oats, but kind of not!

exercise move.

Jumping jacks! No surprise there. Combine with a some full-body strength moves, and you’ve got a pretty decent workout on your hands.

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To add intensity to your basic jumping jack, when bringing your legs together and arms down, pause for 2 seconds in a squatting position.

beauty product.

Sometimes people ask me if I’m wearing false eyelashes. Nope – just Maybelline Lash Stiletto mascara. True story.

I swear there are magical lengthening properties in this mascara. Go get it!

fashion.

Denim button-down boyfriend shirts. Yes, I said denim.

Since everyone and their mom adopted the flannel trend (which, I haven’t given up on just yet), I decided to move on to denim. The best part? My version was bought at WalMart. Keep sulking, Urban Outfitters model. It’s not my fault you spent $60 when I only spent $7.

band.

Arcade Fire has been a favorite band of mine for a while, and their new album The Suburbs pushes all the right buttons.

workout song.

Moving on to a completely different genre of music, Taio Cruz’ Dynamite has all the fixin’s for a great workout song.

And when I say workout song, I really mean dance all night song.

television show.

Oh, 30 Rock, where have you been all my life?

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I don’t think I’ve ever literally LOL’ed at a television show until I finally started watching 30 Rock. Better late than never, right? Kenneth is quite possibly my favorite sitcom character ever.

movie.

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I hadn’t even heard of Repo Men while it was in theaters. It was a risk paying to watch this On Demand – especially because I’m not usually a fan of action films. But Repo Men was definitely worth the $4.99…and no, not just because Jude Law is in it.

current event.

The Ground Zero Mosque controversy is one that I find incredibly fascinating.

Without going into my political views (which I most likely will never do on GMH), I find it very interesting to witness how this issue has caused Americans (myself included) to wrestle with the relationship between their morals, politics, and concept of democracy.

blogs.

Health for the Whole Self. I love visiting Katie’s blog because I know that I’ll come away feeling like I learned something or was challenged in some way. What more can I ask for in a blog?

Rhodey Girl Tests. After Sabrina’s session about healthy entertaining at the Healthy Living Summit, I can’t wait to host dinner parties of my own. Her recipes and ideas make entertaining seem a lot less intimidating than I once thought.

quotes/verses.

“I have wandered away like a lost sheep; come and find me, for I have not forgotten your commands.” – Psalm 119:176

“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.” – I Corinthians 9: 24-27

“If you’re feeling frightened about what comes next, don’t be. Embrace the uncertainty. Allow it to lead you places. Be brave as it challenges you to exercise both your heart and your mind as you create your own path towards happiness, don’t waste time with regret. Spin wildly into your next action. Enjoy the present, each moment, as it comes; because you’ll never get another one quite like it. And if you should ever look up and find yourself lost, simply take a breath and start over. Retrace your steps and go back to the purest place in your heart… where your hope lives. You’ll find your way again.”

What were your August favorites?

July Favorites.

29 July, 2010 by Gracie 36 Comments

If you haven’t noticed, in addition to my love for all things health-related, I’m also a huge fan of pop culture. And fashion. And current events. And music. I’m just so well-rounded, what can I say? (totally kidding, haha).

So here’s a recap of some of my favorite things from the month of July!

food.

VitaTop French Toast. A breakfast that’s decadent and healthy? Count me in.

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Blue Diamond nailed it once again with these butter toffee flavored almonds.

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I’m not a huge fan of candy, but Charms lollipops seem to make for the perfect 2am snack.

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exercise move.

For some reason, I used to hate the plank. Somehow it’s become one of my favorite moves.

Tip: while in plank, alternate moving your feet to the left and right then back to center. Feel the burn.

beauty product.

Winning MAC’s Lady Gaga Viva Glam lipstick from Emily’s giveaway was one of the best things that has ever happened to me. July just screams for bubblegum-colored lips!

fashion.

I’m all about the southwestern print these days…

…as well as oversized shirts.

And polka dots are making a comeback in my book! (side note – my old AIM screen name was polka dots 318).

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band.

Best Coast. Listen to “Our Deal” and “Boyfriend.” Bethany Cosentino’s voice is delicious.

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song.

Islands by The xx. SMOOTH.

television shows.

I will shameless admit that I am hooked to this season of Roberto The Bachelorette.

Ohhhh Real Housewives of New Jersey. No explanation necessary.

movie.

When In Rome wasn’t a particularly good film…

…I guess this just goes to show you that I’ll fall for any cheesy romantic chick flick. Don’t hate.

current events.

Praise GOD that the oil leak was capped this month.

And, on a completely and utterly shallow note, I couldn’t help but find interest in LiLo going to jail. I sincerely do hope she can get the help she needs! WE LOVE YOU LINDSANITY LINDSAY.

blogs.

How Sweet It Is – Jessica’s phenom recipes and her sarcastic humor is a winning combination. LOVE.

Can You Stay For Dinner – Andrea not only has an amazing weight loss story, but she exudes honesty and beauty. Her recipes are killer as well!

quotes/verses.

“We learned everything we needed to know in kindergarten. Boys are stupid.”

“The only way to find true happiness is to risk being completely cut open.”

“It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” - Philippians 4:6

What are YOUR July favorites?

no ordinary day.

23 July, 2010 by Gracie 26 Comments

Friday, July 23, 2010.

For some people, today might be a special day. There are probably people getting married. Having a child. Celebrating a birthday.

But, for most of us, today is just any old day, right? Thanks, but no thanks.

I’m sick of ordinary days. Let’s make today be an extraordinary day, shall we?

break the rules.

Me? I’m not exercising today. At all. Because I just don’t feel like it.

be a goofball.

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C’mon, I know you have a hilarious face you make. Do it…right now!!

feel. the. MUSIC.

quote it.

“Sometimes, running away means you’re headed in the exact right direction.”

“Love is passion, obsession, someone you can’t live without. If you don’t start with that, what are you going to end up with? Fall head over heels. I say find someone you can love like crazy and who’ll love you the same way back. And how do you find him? Forget your head and listen to your heart. I’m not hearing any heart. Run the risk, if you get hurt, you’ll come back. Because, the truth is there is no sense living your life without this. To make the journey and not fall deeply in love - well, you haven’t lived a life at all. You have to try. Because if you haven’t tried, you haven’t lived.”

“Some people are settling down, some people are settling, and some people refuse to settle for anything less than butterflies.”

say awww.

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remember what it was like to be a kid.

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Can you guess which one is me?

be a hopeless romantic.

rainydays

give it up.

If I saw You on the street
And You said come and follow me
But I had to give up everything
All I once held dear and all of my dreams
Would I love You enough to let go
Or would my love run dry
When You asked for my life

When did love become unmoving?
When did love become unconsuming?
Forgetting what the world has told me
Father of love, You can have me
You can have me

If You’re all You claim to be
Then I’m not losing anything
So I will crawl upon my knees
Just to know the joy of suffering
I will love You enough to let go
Lord, I give you my life
I give you my life

When did love become unmoving?
When did love become unconsuming?
Forgetting what the world has told me
Father of love, You can have me
You can have me

I want to be where You are
I’m running into Your arms
And I will never look back
So Jesus, here is my heart

When did love become unmoving?
When did love become unconsuming?
Forgetting what the world has told me
Father of love, You can have me
My Father, my love
You can have me.

xoxo G

How are you going to make today extraordinary?

want.

20 July, 2010 by Gracie 42 Comments

I want…

…to be known as a person of integrity.

…to convey love and kindness to everyone I encounter.

…my life to glorify God more.

…to stop caring what other people think.

…two kitties of my own.

…a fulfilling career.

…to love and be loved.

…to live out loud.

…to love out loud.

…to travel the world.

…to not care if I’m too “ordinary.”

…to not care if I’m “extraordinary” enough.

…to just be ME.

…to stop judging people.

…or having any ill thoughts toward others.

…to read more.

…to stop being a wishy-washy person.

…to get married during the fall.

…to be a mother.

…to be a mother as incredible as my own.

…cookies.

…a home in Vermont.

…to go back to Disney World.

…to be able to do crane pose.

…to get a pixie haircut.

…friends who love me and challenge me.

…to practice law.

…to treasure each and every day.

…to treasure each and every moment.

…to praise God for HIS sake, rather than my own.

…to delete my Facebook.

…to stop being addicted to my BlackBerry.

…to get my tattoos removed.

…to learn more.

…to take martial arts classes.

…butterflies.

…to perform more random acts of kindness.

…or at least smile at others more.

…a slumber party with my girlfriends.

…to laugh more.

…to cry more.

…it to be autumn.

…to cherish *every* season – not just autumn!

…to care less about personal success.

…and more about living a Christ-like life.

…to be continued.

What do you want?