Who am I...really?

"Who am I...really?" is a basic question that usually comes with not-so-basic answers. And I think it's a question many people...and even companies...are asking right now.

Take Starbucks, for example. It's a huge global company with thousands of employees, millions of customers and billions of dollars in revenue. But last month, I sat in a room with Starbucks' CEO Howard Schultz (yup, that's us pictured above!). It was a regular-sized Starbucks store with about 50 regular "Joe"s (and "Jo"s, too--if you count me!) in the middle of Lakewood, Washington--a town known for its strange mix of gangs, mansions and military.

Why was I there? Because Starbucks is searching. It's looking for ideas, feedback and even criticism from regular people--Starbucks is feeling a bit lost. For the first time in its history, Starbucks' profits are down, stores are closing and baristas are losing their jobs.

Likewise, I think there are many people in society--average "Joe"s and "Jo"s if you will--that have been shaken lately. They feel lost without their jobs, their savings, the "stuff" they can't afford anymore. Some have lost their foundation--a belief they could do anything themselves--or that money, a fancy title or "stuff" defined them.

In some ways, that questioning, that shaken spirit is frightening. It can be scary. But I also believe it could help people change their lives (or companies change their focus) for the better.

Why? Because sometimes we need to get back to asking and answering basic questions. Here's some that I hope people are considering:

• What do I believe?
  


• How are my beliefs reflected in my actions? In how I spend time? How I talk? How I spend money?
  


• What are my non-negotiables--the things I know for sure and won't compromise on?
  


• Who (or what) do I love...really?
  


• What am I passionate about? What are things I hate?
  


• What's my purpose?
  


• What are my strengths?
  


• What do I want to be remembered for?
  


• What do I need to get rid of?
  


• What do I need to change?

For those who love God, some of the questions should actually be phrased a bit differently. For example:

• What does the Bible say about who and what God is passionate about? Who does God love? What are things God loves? What are things God hates?
  


• What's God's purpose for this planet? For people? For the Church globally?
  


• What does the Bible say about how God views me?
  


• How can I partner with God--using the passion and strenghs He's given me--to fulfill His purpose?
  


• Is there something I need to change or give up, so that I can be the person God wants me to be?

I believe this season in history will have a serious impact on the destiny of people, companies and religions worldwide.

I hope that it's a season where Christians wake up, get a clue about who they are in Christ--and start living as people filled with love, hope and the confidence that comes from knowing the truth.

But this is not a time to be solely focused on ourselves. It's not a time to stay inwardly focused--because plenty of liars, false religions, cheap imitations of love and pleasure--will be on the prowl trying to "save" people as well.

Most importantly, I pray that we as Christians will be bold enough to start helping others ask the questions, search for answers and find truth in Christ and a family of believers (called the Church).

People are searching. This is a serious time for real questions...but it is also an opportunity to find real answers.

One thing I know for sure? Live the questions by pursuing truth with all you've got. Because God is the source of truth. And knowing Him--and the truth of His Word--is the only way to find freedom.

Cool things lately

Sole amazing shoe find: Black heels from Target - Who says you can't be a little sassy at work? (At least with your shoes!) These black pumps by Isaac Mizrahi prove that chic doesn't have to be expensive--and hot (these are higher than they look--and shiny black patent) doesn't have to be trashy.

Billionaire with a brain & heart: Warren Buffett - Okay, so he's not my normal type :) , but I think Warren Buffett is a cool guy for several reasons--he gives big (largest donation to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation), he's smart, he's savvy when it comes to investments, and he's confident. At a time when many people are afraid about money, Buffett exemplified confidence by injecting over $5 billion into Goldman Sachs. This one simple act showed people that one of the world's smartest investors believes in a good company with strong fundamentals--he has faith that our economy will get better and that other investors will start to get rational about their investments instead of being driven by fear.

Starbucks drink: Salted caramel hot chocolate - Careful kids, this drink could be lethal. I know it sounds a little weird--but it's amazingly good. Just reserve it for special occasions--or pretend you don't care about nutrition facts.

Hanging with friends: Season of showers - In the past month or so, I've gone to some type of shower (baby, bridal, engagement) almost every week. It's been exciting to catch up with old friends, make new ones and celebrate some exciting occasions.

Crazy video clip: Opera singing by Wisit from "Top Design" - I don't really know how to explain this...except to say that it makes me laugh every time I watch its hypnotic weirdness.

Books: The Post-Secret series - Recently, I read through several Post-Secret books compiled by Frank Warren. Basically, he asked random people to submit their secrets--some of them are funny, some are really serious and some just make you think. But if you're like me and generally curious about people, it's worth checking out.

Music: Love Jackson Waters lately. Also check out new Brit import Adele--I like the song "Chasing Pavements."

Something I hope never to see at Champions Centre: "Renewed mind is the key" dance There are no words. :)

Cool Things...of the Last 2 Weeks

I've taken a bit longer break from blogging, so this "Cool Things" list is for the last 2 weeks or so. Here is my:

• Favorite thing about the holidays: Visits from family and friends like family who normally live far, far away. (I love you Holly & Devyn!).

• Cool Bible passage: I Thessalonians 5: 12-18 (The Message) - I know this is a longer passage than I usually highlight, but I just love how the Bible is so real, so straight-up honest, you know?
  
  And now, friends,
  we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you,
  who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love!
  Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part.
  Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on.
  Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted,
  pulling them to their feet.
  Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs.
  And be careful that when you get on each other's nerves you don't snap at each other. Look for the best in each other,
  and always do your best to bring it out.
  Be cheerful no matter what;
  pray all the time;
  thank God no matter what happens.
  This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.
  
• New lunch place: Capers downtown on Pacific. Capers is within walking distance from the office and has this amazing white bean chicken chili (and I think it's actually kinda healthy, too!).
  
• Secret Starbucks drink: Short non-fat, no-whip mocha. Short Starbucks drinks are the secret beverages not listed on the menu (shh....). They're the perfect size, cheaper and give you the same amount of caffeine buzz.
  
• Fun Christmas gift to give: I actually ordered a "Support the Rabid" bracelet for my sister from "The Office." This only makes sense to Office fans who have seen the Rabies Fun Run episode--mmm hmm, it's real.
  
• Relaxing Christmas gift to receive: Thanks to Mom and Dad, an oh-so-lovely gift certificate to Chardonnay spa for a massage...ahh....(and yes, I've already used it!).
  
• Innovative CD: One Republic - "Dreaming Out Loud" So this is my sister's new CD, but I had it in my car for a week (love the perks of sharing with family). I think One Republic is innovative because they mix instrumental elements of rock and classical music (not usually my fave--but cool when mixed with other stuff).
  
• January holiday: Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friends Day (Jan. 11) - Watch out! :) Somehow, I ended up chatting and laughing with some friends about wacky holidays and this one is my January favorite. Check out the weird holidays here.
  
• New personal holiday: Sacred Sleep-in Saturdays - This is the new name I've given to the one day of the week where I can sleep past 7:00.

Favorite Things of the Week

CD in My Car: Hillsong United "All of the Above": My favorite? Brooke Fraser, of course--the best song is "Lead Me to the Cross".

Cool Starbucks Beverage: Tall, tangerine frappuccino juice blend

Favorite Night Out: CLG BBQ at the Stewarts'--where the boys did the cooking and the Peris made me laugh so hard that my eyes teared up. :)

Best Way to Beat the Heat: Wearing skirts and floaty dresses--it's almost like wearing shorts to work (sorry guys - you don't have this option).

Weekend Fun Event: Kelley's Hawaiian Wedding Shower - yay, I get to see the bride-to-be visiting home from Alaska!

Favorite things of the week...

Starbucks' Beverage: Tall blended strawberry lemonade (not on the menu—but tastes like an Italian ice!)

CD: The Fray “How to Save A Life”

Activity: Hanging out in Olympia with my BFF from Chicago (yay, Devyn!)

Jesus Quote: "...Your cleansed and obedient life, not your words, will bear witness to what I have done." (Luke 5:15 - The Message)

Beauty Splurge: Thermal river rock massage (thanks to a giftcard from a Cali client for www.spafinder.com, this won’t be too much of a splurge for me!)

Church Perk of the Week: Volunteer for Team Church conference (hello, it's going to be amazing!)...and save a bunch on conference registration. PLUS...you get free CDs of the main sessions, admission to the Hillsong United conference and a T-shirt. It's a no-brainer!

Excuse to Go Shopping: "Spread the Red" this weekend at church to build awareness of volunteering at Team Church--and wear red. Speaking of shopping...

Cool (Cheap) Clothes: I might have to check out the new Sarah Jessica Parker fashion line at Steve and Barry’s (at the SuperMall). I’ve never been there, but if it’s good enough for Oprah AND under $20 a piece...

Afternoon: Waterfront + Sun + Friends (from London and T-Town) = What could be cooler?

Cool things of the week...

Starbucks' beverage: Tall, 1 pump Orange, Non-fat, No-whip mocha

CD: Michael Buble "Call Me Irresponsible"

Book: "Identity" by Charlotte Scanlon-Gambill

Day Trip: Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. Check out the African Savanna.

Night Out: Project U Event at Indochine

Work Perk of the Week: A 3-day weekend! Plus, early departure day on Friday. :)

Snack: Organic blue tortilla chips with this amazing dip from Costco (gotta look up the name!)--it's basically a mix of salsa, veggies and cream cheese.

Bargain Beauty Buy: An $11.95 haircut at the Gene Juarez Academy in Federal Way...I have to make an appointment!

TV Show Finale: I have to go with "24". Only Jack Bauer could fly through the air on a rope to escape an exploding oil rig in the middle of the ocean (even though the ending was not as suspense-filled as past seasons...).

Random Things I'm Thankful For

There are things in life many of us are grateful for ... God, our families, our friends, our jobs, a great church, a home, etc.

Then there are the random "little" things that we love. This post is a celebration of a few random things I'm thankful for (in no particular order). It's fun to think about and I'd definitely encourage you to make your own list:

• A child's laughter - I don't have kids yet, but there's something really cool about hearing a child laugh--it's simply pure and contagious.


• A cute dog who's happy to see me come home (yes, he really does smile).

• Good drivers


• Coffee breaks at Starbucks


• "The Office"


• Sunshine


• A cute guy smiling at me - Because the dog is nice, but this is even better... :)


• Peppermint gum


• Disneyland


• Will Ferrell - my favorite is probably the SNL cowbell skit...LOL every time.


• "24" - Because no matter how hectic my life may be at times, I am not Jack Bauer trying to save the entire world from terrorists or nuclear attacks.


• Actual letters or cards (instead of bills) in my mailbox - A few weeks ago I actually received a homemade card from a friend in Alaska with a really nice note--made my day.


• Bootcut jeans - Because skinny jeans don't work for women with curves.


• www.pandora.com - My own custom (free) radio station? So cool...


• Blueprint magazine - I like a lot of mags, but this new one is awesome. Style, do-it-yourself cool, design, entertaining ... I love it.