Word for 2014

Intentional - it's my word for 2014 because it's how I desire to live in the new year... 

Intentional in my spiritual growth.

Intentional in my marriage.

Intentional in my gift of being a mother.

Intentional in my relationships.

Intentional in our homeschool.

Intentional is defined on dictionary.com as "done with intention or on purpose". So for me to be intentional in these five areas, it would make sense to map out a plan, don't you think?

 

Intentional in My Spiritual Growth

• Spend time with God every day in prayer and reading His Word
• Bible study with my Good Morning Girls group
• Scripture memorization
• Read quality books by Christian authors (my reading list for 2014)

Intentional in My Marriage

• Pray daily for my husband
• Speak words of encouragement
• Encourage his spiritual growth
• Speak his love language
• Do a marriage-building activity together (marriage devotional, marriage conference, etc.)

Intentional in My Gift of Being a Mother

• Encourage their personal relationships with Jesus
• One-on-one quality time
• Pray daily for them
• Speak their love language

Intentional in My Relationships

• Pray for the needs of my family and friends
• Call family and friends more often
• Visit family and friends more often

Intentional in My Homeschool

• Begin every homeschool day in prayer
• Continue to plan 6 weeks out
• Offer words of encouragement and praise
• Scripture memorization for my son

So why do I want to be intentional in the new year? Well, as I get older, I'm realizing more and more the value of making every moment count. The life we have been given on this earth is temporary. Our true home (for those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior) is in Heaven. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow, so we must live each day to the honor and glory of God, with hands intentionally opened and outstretched, in the areas God has placed us in. It's only by His grace working in and through me that I will be able to live intentionally in 2014.

I found the following two verses that give me hope and encouragement as I head into the new year with the desire to be intentional. If you desire to be intentional in the new year too, I hope these verses speak to your heart as well! 

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, 

for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." (Galatians 6:9)

"Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established." (Proverbs 16:3)

Happy New Year's Eve! Thanks for a great 2013!

Walking in His Grace,

Laurie 

So, how about you...do you have a Word for 2014? If so, I'd love to know what it is. Feel free to share it in the comments below and why you chose it.  




Need some inspiration for picking your Word for 2014? Find all you need from others on the Schoolhouse Review Crew who are also sharing their Word for 2014!