Looking Forward: The Vision for 2012

Typically, I have a specific list of things I would like to do each year. 

This year is no different. 

I have so many things I want to try, experience, and accomplish this year, as well as practices I want to carry into 2012 and beyond.

However, I've really felt the Lord telling me not to focus so much on the goals,

but to focus on the heart and purpose behind the goals.

Besides, his purpose is what prevails. 

"Many are the plans in a person's heart, 

but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."

[Proverbs 19:21]

So, this year, my goals can be wrapped up into two words:

BE INTENTIONAL.

in-ten-tion-al: done on purpose; deliberate. Willful; purposeful; intended.

In what ways will I be intentional?

Be Intentional in seeking the Lord -- daily in the Word, more listening and less talking, practicing spiritual disciplines and things that are spiritually edifying rather than spiritually draining. Ultimately every other practice of intentionality revolves around my purpose being on glorifying my Savior.

Be intentional in growing our marriage -- loving my husband deeply and truly, spending quality time together, trying new things together, making memories and learning more about each other and how to love each other as Christ loves us.

Be intentional in building relationships -- inviting our families over for dinner just to spend time together, inviting friends over, growing friendships old and new alike.

Be intentional in how I spend my day and time -- waking up when my alarm goes off, consistently making breakfast and lunch, sitting down to eat, being on time, purposeful evenings rather than wasting time. 

Be intentional in how we spend our money -- tithing and giving, saving (for Italy and then some), loan repayment, travel, home improvement.

Be intentional in my work -- be productive at work, and seek opportunities to grow as a nurse.

Be intentional in living a healthy lifestyle -- going to bed on time to get enough sleep, exercising regularly, planning ahead to cook healthy meals, spending time outside in creation.

I desire this year to be a year of purpose.

I want my life to be a life of purpose.

"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches fo his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe."

[Ephesians 1:18-19a]