Word theme 2011

Resolutions are usually forgotten by the end of January, but a word can be an overall for the whole year.

That is one reason I love the word theme for the year. Every thing I do, each new thing I take on or let go of, the conversations and activities in our home can be tested against the word of the year. I can do this several times a day or even just a few times a week. Reflecting on the word and comparing whether the way I have been living is standing up to the word of the year.

Yes, you can always do these things even without a word. You can reflect on goals or resolutions you have set to see that your actions are leading up to these things. But to be able to think on just one word to know that you are living up to that word seems so simple. ( I do admit that I have never chosen a word theme so I could be mistaken)


Choosing a word to commit for the whole year hasn't been super simple. After reviewing several areas of my life I wrote down words that came to mind. Words that would mean a change in the things I wrote down that I didn't like. But also words that could apply to all areas of my life not just one or a couple. The word has to encompass it all. I had a post written out two post for the word theme one using the word Moments and then this one(intentional). I was torn between what my word should be. But at church this morning our pastor spoke on having a plan for all areas of your life and being intentional (he really used this word). Umm...hello God I hear you. Intentional is supposed to be word.

INTENTIONAL!!!!
Done on purpose, with focus, and meaning.
If you don't lead life intentionally, your life will randomly lead you. (from our Pastor...he may have gotten in somewhere else too, but I don't remember if he said)

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." Proverbs 16:3
" The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty" Proverbs 21:5

I am a total type A with a to do list for each and every thing. Confession time: sometimes I write things on my to do list just so I can mark them off. A lot of times when I am doing one thing I am thinking of other things that need to be done or what I am going to do next. I will never not have a to do list, but I want to be intentional with each thing I am doing. Without thinking of what needs to be done next and being intentional to take the time to focus on what is right here right now. Having an intentional plan will allow me to enjoy each moment and not randomly end up somewhere.

In making my word intentional this doesn't mean I am going to try and control everything. I know that only God knows what the plans are for me. I am just going to be intentional with what I am doing each day.

You might remember I wrote about Ann Voskamp and her book "One Thousand Gifts: A dare to live fully right where you are." The idea of writing down the little gifts that you see throughout the day. By being intentional with my relationships and what I am doing and making a commitment to write down my gifts that I see throughout the day this will help me to be sure that I am being reminded of what my focus is for 2011.

Being INTENTIONAL!!
Intentional in my walk with God, my relationship with Jason,  being a mom to Jake, my health, ministry opportunities, and building friendships and relationships. (thinking I may do a few post about how intentional in these areas looks for me for 2011)
I am so excited about 2011 and seeing where being intentional takes me.