captivated

i'm amused by many things.

the past year i've been noticing more how i try and notice. more.

God gave us a pretty sweet earth to live in.

looking through my profile pictures on facebook the other day, i realized a theme: nature. i'm outside --usually somewhere beautiful-- in every single photo. coincidence? no way.

many years ago when i was at a fall retreat with my fellow crusade peeps, we participated in a spiritual exercise during a devotional time. i don't remember details, but there were questions and at the end, an analysis that helped you figure out the spaces or times in life you feel closest to the Lord. nature and music were at the top for me.

the outdoors and music are a gigantic piece of who i am, when i feel most alive and when i feel closest to my Savior. they also serve as a great comfort and can also be the source of great excitement or adventure. they go very well together, actually.

i think of climbing trips, hiking adventures, drives across the country, camping, dancing, running, collaborating, study sessions, late-night paper writing, deadlines and solitary moments when i've felt so close to the Lord i can't even describe it. all of these involve the outdoors, music, or both.

throw a few friends in the mix and it's pretty much heaven.

i love stopping to smell the roses. literally.

i go out of my way to do things like talk to squirrels, pet dogs, take pictures of butterflies and run through open fields.

i adore sunsets.

there really is something inside that allows us to be drawn to and captivated by the greater beauty all around.

thanks, Holy Spirit.