Did you start your year off with a race? We are easing into the new year with intention, reflecting on what is ahead for our family.

Happy New Year, my friends!

It’s amazing what a few weeks of rest can do to one’s mind.

More importantly – to one’s heart.

Especially when you’ve had a year like ours last year.

So, I took time to spend with my family and made sure we were easing into the New Year with intention. And there were a few days that gave me time to think about what’s ahead for us.

Have you ever done a “Word for the Year” before?

A few years ago, I gave myself the word Grace.

We were in the height of craziness and I needed so much grace during that season.

Buckets of it!

I thought it was time to search my heart again for what needed to change in me.

I am a planner by nature, but ever since last year’s move, I haven’t been able to find that rhythm of routine.

I’ve been flying by the seat of my pants, so to speak. So my word of the year is

INTENTION

In fact, it’s the word of the year for our entire family. Here’s what we hope to impact with our word of the year.

Being intentional with our time. Prioritizing what is most important, which includes carving out time for each other. And finding out how to clear out distractions and stay focused not the task at hand.

Being intentional with our health. Trent and I recently had some check-ups that showed us that we were neglecting ourselves. So we plan on being intentional with what we put in our mouths and how we treat our bodies. I hope to share a bit more of this personal side with you all!

Being intentional with our work. When you work from home, and where your home IS your work, it’s so easy to get the lines blurred. Making sure to set a healthy work schedule (or study schedule for my boys) is so important, and will help in stressful time. And that also reflects the other two categories above!

Being intentional with our worship. Moving to a new city disrupts everything, and finding a new church home has been a challenge. Everything falls away when this gets neglected. We are planning on making this a top priority.

I came across a great quote on Instagram that said,

Instead of making resolutions of what you should change, what if you prayed for what God wanted you to change.

Oof. That one hit me hard.

But it was so true! You know the song, “Jesus, Take the Wheel?” I have to continually hand it over again and again with my false thoughts that I’m in control.

So we hope to do everything with a purpose – with intention – with a drive behind whatever the task may be. And that driving force is to give Him praise.

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Colossians 3:17

Giving thanks for each and every thing in your life radically changes how your view your world.

And resting in that thankfulness is key.

Here’s to a wonderful year ahead for you and me! Take a moment and let me know what your resolutions for 2019 are and how we can encourage each other!