thoughts.com

have you ever thought about things that define your life? if you could pick a list of your top ten things that make you feel like you are truly alive, what would they be?

well "introspective jenn" took over, and i have been really trying to process life right now, and discover who the Lord has intricately made me. where do my passions, convictions, and talents lie?

do you remember how when you were a kid and someone asked you what you wanted to be when you grew up, you immediately thought of the biggest word that was an occupation you knew? i would always say "vetnarians" because i thought it meant i could play with dogs like our black lab, star, all day long. little did i know, a short 11 years later i would be in dallas working in marketing and discovering all about the "real world" as we know it.

so i sit here, contemplating, when i feel most alive. i have compiled a few ideas:

--long walks watching the sun rise or set (especially by a lake or something naturally beautiful).
it's always good to be reminded of the beauty of God's creation and that we serve a God who has been more faithful than the sun rising or setting every day.

--conversations that stir, sharpen, and challenge my way of thinking.
my goodness, i am the first to admit that i am stubborn in my thinking. how good it is to sit amongst close friends, wrestle with truth and ideas, and strive to know more about the character and work of the Lord.

--nonfat vanilla chai lattes in big mugs with a book, journal, or friend sitting in front of me.
there's nothing like this combo, which comes in a variety: but this is my escape. (shhh don't tell) i love going somewhere with a big book or friend, a warm cup of joe, and diving into dialogue, processing, or truth.

--great music perfectly paired with a run/walk outside or driving on a beautiful day with the windows down.
music stirs my soul whether it be worship or my favorite coldplay song. either way, there is something about the wind or the heat from the sun on your skin while feeling almost free from the worries of this world.

--chocolate chip cookies and laughter.
simply put. nothing beats the preparation, cookie dough "testing" stage, and final product. combine with friends you love deeply and you will find yourself in some of the best memories.

--hearing about people's passion and what fires them up.
passion. zeal. it fires me up. get me in a conversation with someone talking deeply about their passions and i will become the giddiest person alive. dream big and don't settle. the Lord is the creator of our hearts and our desires, so chase hard after them with faith.

--running in the rain without any distraction. just you, the pavement, your stride, and God's creation.
if you haven't tried it, you should. there is something about falling rain (beware of lightning - probably not the best idea) coupled with a nice jog that clears your head and makes you forget the distance you have gone. you might get some crazy stares from people driving by, but really, who cares?!

if you can think of something that really makes you feel alive, do tell. i'm always looking:)

live with passion and boldness today. this life is short enough as it is and if you are not living with purpose and conviction, seek hard to find it. He is enough. He is truly enough.