2012 : the year of intention

I have taken a brief blogging hiatus. I think, at first, it was because I just wasn't sure how to make a profound 'new year' post.  I wasn't sure what direction I wanted this blog to take. I started this post WEEKS ago.  I would sit down and type a few thoughts, save it and leave it indefinitely.  Then a few wise ladies (and gifted writers) that I know worked on their 'new year blogs'.  And the inspiration hit.  

Before I even read their blogs, or learned of this idea,  this one, specific word has been bouncing around in my head.  This one, specific word had been written and defined in the post I'm currently 'editing'.
 I knew immediately what my 2012 focus word needed to be. 

INTENTION

in·ten·tion

   /ɪnˈtɛnʃən/ Show Spelled[in-ten-shuhn] noun

1.

an act or instance of determining mentally upon some action or result.

Hmmm..

determining mentally. setting your mind to it. believing in yourself enough to do.do.do.

I can intentionally be a better friend

I can intentionally be a better parent

I can intentionally be a better spouse

I can intentionally be a better follower of Jesus

I can intentionally be.

And the best way to start?  Examining my intentions. 

By making sure the things I do- I'm doing intentionally.
  Even in the 'little' things, I need to examine my intentions
:: blogging ::
:: clothes I wear (and how much time it takes me to DECIDE on them) ::
:: TV ::
:: books I read (or books I start and fail to complete) ::
:: taking pictures ::

and especially in the bigger things
:: use of free time ::
:: how I care for my body ::
:: budgeting ::
:: prayer ::
:: being real in my real community ::
:: teaching and training my precious boys ::

In these different aspects of life, I want to put myself all in. I want to be fully present, fully commited, fully intentional.

So my hope, my goal, my intention is that it won't be quite so long til you hear from me again.  And in the meantime.. I hope you will think of some amazing ways you can make 2012 a year of intention and maybe spend a little time contemplating what ONE WORD can change YOUR year.

 /ɪnˈtɛnʃən/ Show Spelled

Titus 2:11-15

¹¹ For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. ¹² It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, ¹³ while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, ¹⁴ who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.