A Life That Matters

I was inspired recently by a sweet friend with a beautiful heart.
If you don't already know Amanda, then you probably should get on that ;)

I think most of the inspiration has to do with this time of year:
New goals, resolutions, hopes, and dreams.
Coming off of a magical holiday season.
The thrill of being able to start fresh again in 2013.

But as I thought about making my new goals for 2013, I came across this blog post from Amanda, and my heart became full. I've kept a long running list in my head of all the things that I want to do with my life, but have never really thought to write them out before. But this particular post struck a cord in me that has kind of been playing in my head for a few months: Purpose.

To live a purposeful, passionate, extravagant, meaningful life that matters.
That truly makes a difference in this world and in the lives of those I encounter.
A life that brings Christ glory, so that I am able to live out all that He has planned for me.
So that I can look back one day, and know that I've done all that I could, wanted, and desired.

I've never felt called to the "normal" life. I've always felt a call to the unknown (that's mostly a story for a different blog post). I honestly feel that the Lord has placed certain dreams and desires within my heart that are not so normal -- Different from the average life. I remember the very place and time that I started to realize this (summer of 2008), and I'll never forget that season in life.

I know most of these things are true passions, because no matter how much time has passed and no matter where life takes me, they still ring so loud and true in my heart. To a point that tears are brought to my eyes thinking about some of these things that I want to do. God has a plan and a purpose. My job is to pursue it and live it out. Knowing when all of this will take place? Well, that's up to my Savior.

I was inspired by Amanda to write some of these things out for you (and me). Although, I've chosen to keep a few personal dreams to myself. Instead of these being New Year's resolutions, these are more of long-term goals. Some are big and others are small. Some are wild and crazy and have the possibility of never happening. But what's a life without dreams?

What are your passions and dreams, your purpose?
Although I'll keep adding to this list and I'm sure having kids one day will change some of these...These are my dreams:

Write a book or help my brother write one.

Go to Israel and walk where Jesus walked.

Meet someone from the Royal Family.

Visit the place my mother & uncles were born - the place my grandparents made their life count: Ogbomosho, Nigeria in Africa.

Document the lives, the stories, & testimonies of the Africa years via my grandmother, uncles, & my mom.

Learn contentment.

Fall more in love with Devin every day.

Make the most of every holiday season, birthday, & anniversary.

Skydive, scuba-dive, and rock climb at least once.

Overcome my fear of flying.

Become a "clean" eater & maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Open a shop online or IRL one day.

Possibly go to seminary.

Swim with dolphins. 
Go to Disney World for the first time ever (and go more than once).

Learn, grow, and pray more for the Islam culture.

Finish learning sign language and become certified in it.

Go back to Europe more than once. Visit often. Show Devin where I lived in Salzburg.

Be a missionary for a week, a month, years, a lifetime.

Be a missionary in London - To the Muslim people and the youth.

Live in Europe (London) again.

Be a mom - 3 times :)

Read the whole Bible.

Be a more loving, caring, passionate, selfless, giving wife, friend, and family member.

Complete a classic book reading list.

Own a puppy.

Become a prayer warrior.

Ride an elephant.

Possibly adopt a child (from China).

Meet the Ghost Adventures Crew & go on a hunt with them :)

Read more Christian literature.

Be the best wife to Devin.
Own a DSLR camera. Preferably a Canon.

Become a better cook.

Read more historical books. Keep learning.

Visit all 50 states and do/see something significant in each.

Spend the entire holiday season (Thanksgiving to New Year's) in NYC. Particularly Macy's 100th Parade.

Go to a Taylor Swift Concert.

Give money back to Ouachita (my alma mater).

Learn a different language.

Meet a celebrity.

Run a 5K or a Triathlon or a Marathon. Or all three...

Step foot on each continent.

Especially go to Russia, Asia, Australia/New Zealand.

Reflect Christ daily. Always be a light in the darkness. Lead others to Christ.