Rooted: Convictions Shaping My Life

Why do you do what you do?

This is a question I’ve been sitting with lately as a new year begins and I think about my goals and life direction. Why do I choose certain things? Are my decisions tied to a deeper purpose—or to what I am about?

This past year has been marked by several big decisions. Decisions too significant to have been made lightly. As I reflect on them, I realize they were driven by something deeper than impulse or circumstance. And as I look ahead to this year—without knowing where I will end up or what it will hold—I feel even more strongly that whatever I do, and wherever I go, must be done with intention and purpose.

So this January, I’ve taken time to reflect on how God has created me and the patterns He has revealed in my heart—convictions that guide how I live, love, work, and follow Him. Many of these values come naturally to how God wired me, but choosing to live into them has required prayer, community, repentance, discomfort, and grace. They continue to be refined, yet they anchor me when life feels uncertain and remind me of who I am becoming in Christ.

Authenticity (1 Timothy 1:5)

Authenticity is foundational to who I am. I value depth—both in myself and in my relationships—and I take time to know my heart honestly before God. As I’ve grown more secure in how He created me, I’ve learned to operate from a place of vulnerability rather than fear. This security allows me to lead with tenderness, to speak truthfully, and to show up consistently with integrity in both words and actions. Authenticity, for me, is not perfection—it is honesty, humility, and alignment between who I am privately and how I live publicly.

Excellence (Matthew 5:14-16)

Excellence is a form of stewardship. Whether in my work, my health, my relationships, or the way I carry myself, I believe effort honors both God and others. I take ownership of what has been entrusted to me and strive to be reliable, prepared, and competent. Excellence does not mean striving for approval; it means doing things well because they matter. It is an expression of respect—for God, for people, and for the opportunities I am given.

Growth (James 1:2-4)

I have a deep love for learning, reading, and personal development. Growth excites me because it reflects transformation—one of the clearest markers of a life surrendered to God. I am ambitious and intentional, always seeking to develop skills, expand perspective, and mature in character. Growth often requires discomfort, and repentance is a key part of that process for me. Acknowledging shortcomings and choosing to change is not weakness—it is strength and freedom.

Service (1 Peter 4:10)

Service is one way my faith becomes tangible. I am a community builder and enjoy being outwardly focused. When I recognize a need, I feel compelled to move toward it—even when it requires sacrifice. Over the years, I’ve dedicated my career, summers, finances, and free time to serving others because I believe love is most credible when it costs something. Service reminds me that my life is not my own and that joy is often found on the other side of self-denial.

Spiritual Devotion (Romans 12:1)

This has been the value I’ve fought the most for. Spiritual devotion does not come naturally to me, but it has become central to my life. I strive to keep my eyes fixed on the Lord, delighting in knowing Him and following Jesus wholeheartedly. Discipleship is not simply a set of moral guidelines for me; it is a way of life marked by trust, obedience, and holiness. Choosing God daily has required surrender, but it has also brought the deepest peace and purpose I have ever known.

Adventure (Isaiah 43:19)

God has wired me with curiosity, courage, and a love for the fullness of life. I am independent, adaptable, and willing to take risks when I sense Him leading. I appreciate novelty, embrace change, and am not afraid to step into the unknown. Adventure, for me, is not about escape—it is about faith. It is trusting God beyond comfort and believing that obedience often leads us into places that stretch us, refine us, and bring us closer to Him.

I write these not because I have mastered them, but because I have chosen to live more deeply, authentically, and intentionally. These are values I believe in—values I am willing to forgo other things for, and ones I intend to dedicate my life to, whether they come naturally or not.

My prayer is that my life continues to reflect them—not for my glory, but for His.