Intentional

     My word of the year for 2019 is Intentional.  This year it didn't come easily for me, some years are like that.  I had a short list of words:  focus, courage, intentional and balance (a repeat word).  I really thought that focus was going to be my word, but as midnight got closer, intentional started becoming clear to me.  I could see how intentional could apply to my life in many areas.  I did my handy dandy search on Pinterest and found things that speak to me about being intentional throughout the year.  I am looking forward to putting all my intentional thoughts and goals into a binder today.  Yes, I know what a geeky statement that is, but I love binders, page protectors, and the thought of being organized with my word of the year! It gives me a way to reflect on how my word influences me throughout the year.

     What does intentional look like for me?  I want to be more intentional with my faith, my health, my family, my finances, my fun, my writing.  I am sure that as the year goes on, I will find more things to be intentional about.  There are a million ways to be intentional.  If you search the web, you can find 30 day challenges for almost anything!  I need to start slow with that, because I can totally overwhelm myself.  I have already committed to a 21 day Oola plan, starting Thursday (I need to finish the book quickly today).  If you want a book to help clarify your goals, I highly recommend "Oola for Women: Finding Balance in a Unbalanced World".  It has really been speaking to me.  Jim and I are also doing Whole30 starting January 21.  We want less medicine, more healthy living, so this will be our starting point.

     My first focus on being intentional will be with my faith.  Jim and I became members of a new church last year.  We have been attending Wednesday night classes while D goes to youth group, but we haven't started a Sunday School class. We both would really like to start that this year.  I have also grown very lazy about reading my Bible and doing any type of devotional.  My plan is start getting up at 4:45 (that's only 15 minutes early) and read to start my day.  And yes, I have downloaded something to help with that.  I would like to add a family devotional at bedtime, but I need to get the family on board with that on!  

     I am looking forward to 2019 for so many reasons.  I hope that I am able to allow my word to guide me as the year goes on.  Happy New Year to all.  I hope that the year brings enough for all of us!