Being Intentional
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| Photo credit: Jennifer A. Janes |
Today we are privileged to have Jennifer as our featured guest-post writer.
She is a stay-at-home mom to two young daughters and writes a blog at Jennifer A. Janes. She is involved with a program for young writers in her area and is a teacher-consultant with the local site of the National Writing Project. She is also an advocate/case manager for her younger daughter, who has chronic health issues, sensory processing disorder, and dyslexia. Jennifer has written several articles about special needs issues at the “Homeschool Village.”
I’m seeing the word intentional everywhere I turn. It started when I thought about my daughter turning eight years old, and I was struck by how quickly my time with her is passing by. I was alarmed because I haven’t taught her everything I want her to know before she leaves the nest. I realize I’ve still got time with her, but if I don’t become more intentional about teaching her what I believe God wants me to impart to her, she will leave home—and I will not have done my job.
I am living life too haphazardly. I tend to get caught up in the moment, heeding the call of the urgent and letting it drown out the whisper of the important. According to dictionary.com, the word intentional means “done with intention or on purpose; intended.” I’m not living my life on purpose. I’m losing days to things that have no real meaning, no eternal value.
It’s got to stop. If you want to know where you can find me this summer, I’ll be tucked away in a quiet place with my notebook, pen, and Bible on my lap. I’ll be reading devotionals and blogs like this one, which continually calls me to turn to God and pay attention to the whisper. I’ll be seeking guidance for how to live my life with the end in mind, listening for the still small voice that will show me the way.
“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 (NIV84)
How are you living life on purpose?
I’m sure you have enjoyed reading this post by Jennifer and will want to follow her at her blog site
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Jennifer – such a great reminder. My friends and I talk a lot about living intentional lives. And it occurs to me that living with purpose takes planning and thought. It takes time spent with God and His Word. It’s wonderful that you’re doing this – and I think that is one of the most important things you can pass on to your children. Letting them see how vital it is to have a relationship with the Heavenly Father.
How am I living my life on purpose? Just like you I’m praying, seeking, humbling, following hard after God – asking Him to reveal to me HIS purposes in my life.
Thanks for sharing this awesome post.
GOD BLESS!
What a beautiful reminder, Jennifer! Thank you!
I have this argument with myself so often. And then the busy-ness grabs hold again. Thank you for reminding me to be intentional, Jennifer. Timely, indeed.
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Thank you for your kind comments, ladies! It’s good to know I’m not alone, but I want us to all be able to live intentionally. I’m saying a prayer for us now:
Father, please help Kimberly, Sharon, Laura, and me to live intentionally—the way You would have us live. Please enable us to get past the urgent calls of busyness to Your still, small voice and the eternal purposes You have in mind for us. Show us how to walk it out. Amen.