intentional

The more things change…

2025 packed quite a punch, both good and bad, and our heads are still spinning a bit. A death in the family, a divorce, 2 weddings, 2 moves, a job change and empty nest. Our immediate and extended family was kept on its’ toes for 12 months straight and we hope to catch our breath in the new year. As the holidays approached this year, I was unsure what to expect, but I knew I wanted it to be special. Whether we were continuing with traditions of old or starting new ones, I prayed that the memory making would continue- and it did!

This year, the changes began in November, when for the first time we did not have all 4 children around the table. As sad as I was about it, my heart was at peace knowing that my daughter was not alone, but instead being loved up by her new family and getting to show off her new digs in Georgia to her in laws. We instead kept track of each other, as we have since her move in August by texts, calls, letters and facetimes. Our encouragement took on different forms but was always there and she knew it. The tears flowed at times, but the excitement grew as well, knowing she would be home in December!

December arrived and we did most of what we have always done – we attended tree lightings, Christkindl markets, the lights at the zoo and this year I also was blessed to attend an Advent Tea at my school. We changed the dates of several events, but they were still special and helped to bring the Fa La La to a month that attempts to race right past us. Our annual Extended family party that has historically been held the week before Christmas (to insure that all of my college kids were home to celebrate) was changed to December 27th so that our Georgia peaches could be in town to enjoy the family as well. This once again proved that it is not the date on the calendar but the people surrounding you that brings the magic.

As different as this season has been- the nostalgia still remained strong. The same chocolate treats were made and devoured on our dessert trays, the same Christmas cactus was praised as she miraculously bloomed for the holiday as if she had a calendar hidden somewhere, and the same songs made me cry on Christmas Eve. I still dreaded the clean up after it was all over, and still want to keep my tree up until February so I can enjoy her soft light in an otherwise dark room. I’m so very grateful for a season of change that was also filled with the joy of old times. I pray that 2026 brings the same type of balance.

Delete, delete, delete…

“If we didn’t get a picture, it didn’t happen”.

I grew up with a Mom that loved capturing the moment. And it didn’t matter if the moment was a graduation or the cat sitting on top of the refrigerator. Back when it was a bit of a hassle, we took lots and lots of pictures. We took pictures with an actual camera, took the film to the store to be developed, waited a few days and returned to discover that half of the pictures were blurry or close ups with people who had their eyes closed. But somehow, we managed. My Mom’s walls are covered with framed memories and her shelves are filled with albums that help us the recall the furniture we had in the 70’s, our favorite dress that we wore on the first day of kindergarten, and the sleeping bags we got for Christmas. I will never be one to regret taking pictures. My bestie once described my home like “walking through a scrapbook” because of all the pictures displayed. The only drawback of taking pictures at a whim with my iPhone that is always available is that those pictures add up quickly. And, at least for me, they are difficult to get rid of – which is why I had to create a system of sorts to control the amount of pictures on my phone. Another issue that increases my incredibly large amount of pictures is that I am a preschool teacher and take many pictures of my little students that I share with their parents. Inevitably, I don’t delete them, and in a month, I easily have hundreds of pictures from school alone. And yes, I do print my photos, too – but it’s so fun when I’m referring to something and I can pull my phone out and show a picture that gives more detail (look how cute my sleeping dog is, etc… 🙂 ).

This summer, I noticed that I had 30, 728 pictures on my phone. This does not include my videos, and I don’t wish to discuss that at this time, thank you. The main reason I even discovered this photo count is that my phone gently let me know that their was an update, but I didn’t have enough storage for it to load successfully. Well, crap – I was pretty sure that I knew the reason – and once I checked, yep – my photos were a big part of the problem. I knew the way my schedule looked, how my brain worked, and how emotionally attached I was to some of these pictures. That being said, a plan was necessary in order for me to hit my goal of 20, 000 pictures on my camera roll by the time I started back to school – September 2nd, 2025. I would need to be diligent, a bit ruthless and completely committed to eliminating pictures and screenshots. At this point, I am at 22, 222 picures – that means that I have successfully deleted 8, 506 pictures (so far)! If I can do it, anyone can, so I wanted to share my system in case it might be helpful to others that have a similar goal.

I started a page in my notes app. on my phone and typed in how many pictures were on my camera roll and the date. As I found time during the day, I would sit down and set a 30 minute timer. During that time period I would view each picture and determine if I was keeping it or deleting it. Some of the decisions were easy – memes, recipes, screenshots and duplicate photos were deleted without a second thought. The time and effort came in when I had to select the “best” picture out of a series – you know, you hand someone your phone and ask for a picture and they take 8. Unless I had previously marked my favorite – I was required to painstakingly look at each person in the shot to make sure the BEST picture was saved. I also found myself wanting to share some of these photos with others. My camera roll includes pictures from the year 2013 so that is a LOT of memories to pour over – but it can be done! At the end of each day, I would add the picture total and date to my notes page, this helped me to keep track of how close to my goal I was at any given time. Yes, it is tedious, but it is also slightly addicting – I’ll delete 50 more pictures and then start dinner, 100 more pictures and then finish the laundry, etc… I am proud of myself for sticking with this – as it can become quite a chore. I actually allowed myself an 18 day break at one point because I started to dread it. Taking a break did the trick and when I restarted, I was motivated once again.

All of this to say, I’m so glad that I at least started this process. I didn’t think I could do it – which sounds so silly – but it really was a daunting task. Once I had a plan, it was completely do able, and I was able to see daily progress, which always helps. Do you have an obscene amount of pictures on your phone? And let’s be honest, an “obscene number” is subjective – some people would be absolutely horrified to have over 1,000 pictures on their phone. I am going to be much more diligent about deleting pictures every Sunday from now on, so I don’t find myself in this predicament again. Being aware and getting rid of unnecessary pictures or screenshots immediately will also help a great deal. It’s up to you – but if you have the desire – you can take control and do something about it.

Now, onto my emails – LOL.

Today is the day!

I gave a lot of thought to choosing my word this year. I knew that the next 12 months would be bringing some major changes to our family dynamics, including two of our daughters getting married almost exactly 4 months apart. As someone with a type A personality, it is very easy for me to get caught up in planning, preparing, changing details, and nailing down specifics. It’s all too common for me to be in a situation or with a friend or loved one and have my mind creating a list of the next errands that need to be done, items that need to be returned, or ingredients that need to be purchased. I don’t want to miss the excitement and joy that we are in the thick of because I am focusing on the things that still need to be done – let’s face it, no matter how far ahead you plan, there will ALWAYS still be things that need to be done. I don’t want to be distracted with what is yet to be, I want to be completely present with the task at hand. I won’t be getting this time back, and if my mind is elsewhere, even the memories of these events will be a bit skewed. God, please help me to focus on TODAY, and celebrate both the magic and the mundane of the next 24 hours!

I also struggle with perhaps filling my days a bit too much. How much can I get done today? How many items can be checked off of my list? I am a big fan of lists and making sure I have a plan for each day or event. As a Mom of four young children, I realized that my productive days wouldn’t look quite the same, as my schedule was no longer my own. I started writing a “Have done list” instead of a “To do list”. This helped me to feel proud of all that I had accomplished each day while still feeding, bathing, napping, diapering and loving on my littles. The pressure was off as I added items to the list AFTER they were completed (*paid a bill *did a load of towels *did my bible study) instead of a looming list of chores and errands calling my name. I was still getting things done, but at my own pace and one that allowed my family to be my priority. There are certainly days that I need to ask myself what would benefit me more, being productive or getting some rest. I need to become more aware of how these busy days and schedules affect my mental state. As much as I love to get things done – I’m also a huge advocate for a nap on the couch with the dog. Balance – it’s all about balance – and what works for me today.

Every day is different, even if we think we know how things are going to play out. Some days seem to last forever, and some are over before you know it. Some days bring a tsunami of emotions and some days are absolutely uneventful and a big 24 hours of B-O-R-I-N-G. I am going to try to take each day as it comes and accept the highs and lows that arrive along with each new sunrise. I will do my best to thank God for every day as I pray each night. One of my favorite quotes is ” Every day may not be good, but there is good in every day”. I’m not going to sugar coat what life throws my way – if it’s a craptastic day, ok then. Tomorrow is a new day. Being able to enjoy each day also requires me to let go of the malarkey that has recently happened – to keep moving forward. God has reminded us in Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own”. Today. We should be focusing on today – and that is my goal in 2025. Praying for your strength as you chase whatever you are running after this year . May we all find a wonderful mix of adventure and peace wrapped up with a sparkly bow of gratitude. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Goodbye, September

Well, we made it. Years ago, I wrote a blog titled September is the new December. The idea still rings true and this month has yet again worn me OUT. September includes the chaos of ending summer with the whirlwind of beginning a new season of school and life in general. In our house, we were simultaneously washing the last load of towels from the lake while moving two daughters into their home away from homes at college. It included buying school supplies and filling in every calendar square with mandatory meeting dates for clubs and new organizations. It was a messy month filled with goodbyes and new beginnings and it was draining both physically and emotionally. But we did it! Tomorrow brings a new month (one of my FAVORITES) and I am here for it!

Changing the decor at home is one of my favorite things as well. I have three 50 gallon tubs specifically for the months of September, October and November. In September I slowly begin to bring out more muted tones and a bit of marigold, orange and brown. I have a few signs about Autumn and a few pumpkins, scarecrows, and squirrels scattered about the house. Cinnamon and apple scented candles are lit and things get a bit more cozy. Once October arrives, I bring more Halloween decor into the mix -black cats, jack-o-lanterns and cute ghosts join the pumpkins on the mantle. Candy is brought out on the island and pictures of all 4 of my children on their first Halloween sitting in or next to a pumpkin are displayed. In November we switch out the jack-o-lanterns for turkeys and Pilgrims and signs expressing the value of gratitude. The house feels different and more festive, and even though I don’t have children here anymore that notice and enjoy the changes – I love it so I will keep decorating as each new season arrives.

I have always loved living in an area that has four seasons. As each new season begins – I am ready and excited for all of the changes in weather and activities that it brings. I think that is perhaps one of the secrets to life. Be ready for the changes that are coming. Look forward to the differences that are inevitable in your schedule and focus on your favorite parts of each new month or time frame. The seasons prove to us over and over that nothings lasts forever and that taking each new day as it comes is the best strategy for peace. I hope that you enjoy your Autumn – no matter what that looks like for you. Cheers to falling leaves and hot coffee, a book and a blanket on a rainy day!

Home is where your heart is…

As long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a wife and a Mom. I’ve always loved the idea of creating a space that was welcoming to others. As a newlywed, I had so much fun setting up our home and establishing traditions with my new husband. Within a few years, our home began to fill with children – four children in almost exactly seven years. I had daily opportunities as a stay at home Mom to set the tone and schedule while creating an environment that helped to make my children feel loved and secure, and that my husband wanted to return to after work. Now, despite my best efforts, this didn’t always work out, and by evening I was counting down the minutes until bedtime and the chance to try again in the morning. Lost retainers, broken washing machines and sickness can easily throw a wrench into any thought of a calm and peaceful household. And that’s life, some of our best memories are from times in the past when things were a bit out of control. Home was still a place that we all felt comfortable and knew we could be ourselves.

We never really had a chore system in which each child had designated chores. I basically just voiced what needed attention and someone took care of it. Sometimes after me mentioning it 37 times, sometimes immediately. We were a typical family that found a rhythm of order among the clutter and chaos of life and knew what had to be done each day, even if we didn’t want to do it. The children grew and realized that our house was not cleaned by fairies in the middle of the night as they slept. They began to take ownership and responsibility for their environment and knew they wouldn’t be allowed to ask a friend over if their space looked like “a pit” as I used to say. They looked forward to inviting friend to sleep over and to having cook outs with family.

Time passed and these crazy kids each eventually headed away to college. Some stayed close and some went a bit farther, but regardless of their new location, they were no longer “home”. Their rooms were empty, no one sat at their chairs during dinner, and their absence was felt by all of us, including the pets. When our oldest left for college, I had the idea of creating a keepsake for him that would remind him of home and the fact that he could always return – and we’d be there with open arms. I found a company that made bracelets with any coordinates engraved in them. I added the coordinates of our home address as a reminder that he had a home full of people that loved him. Each child that left got a similar bracelet, and our youngest birdie just left the nest last week and received her bracelet on move in day.

Our home is much quieter these days. But I know we will continue filling it with love and laughter for many years to come. It’s difficult to keep a house running and presentable with a family of six (or a family of any size, for that matter). There were many days when I wanted to throw in the proverbial towel. But I am so glad that I focused on our family and the times that we shared together under one roof – the good times and the bad, because we needed both to create the bonds that now exist. I pray that our children will also make their home life a priority and cherish the time they spend in their future homes as well.

What do you want to do when you grow up?

Our youngest of four is in the final stretch of her Senior year in high school. She has a matter of weeks before this chapter of her life is over and is feeling all of the emotions. Her days are filled with school, friends, and tennis, and her evenings are occupied with finishing scholarship applications. She’s answering questions regarding how she has spent these last four years, what accomplishments she has achieved, and what her goals are for the future. These applications and required essays are forcing her to reflect . Honestly, I think it should be a requirement for all of us – every five years or so – just a quick check in with ourselves. This form that she must fill out makes her pause and really look at what fills her time. How much of her energy is spent helping others? What is she doing to move herself closer to her goals, and does she even have clear cut goals?

Once we finish school, we tend to fall into a routine and not change much. OK, occasionally we will try a new restaurant or change laundry detergents, but for the most part we do what we have always done. I don’t think we do it on purpose. I feel like most humans find a rhythm of life and don’t look to change things up. We have a schedule, and it works for us, so why fix what’s not broken? But are we living the life we could be living? Are there things we could add or eliminate that would serve us well, move us forward, or help us grow? Have we accomplished the things that we had considered in our days of youth when we didn’t need 8 hours of sleep and 2 cups of coffee to start our engines? It’s not too late! We can still evaluate our lives and make the changes that we have been contemplating. We can start a new hobby, change our exercise routine, commit to reading more books or meeting up with more friends. We can find an organization that needs volunteers, donate to help a community in need, or write letters to our government officials regarding changes we’d like to see made.

I am energized as I watch my daughter prepare for this new chapter ahead. When her new adventure begins – a new chapter will also begin for us. I am prepared for change and the loud sound of silence in a house that has always been filled with music, conversation and laughter. The schedule we keep will change, the way we cook will change, and I anticipate that next year may be a difficult year as we adapt . But I am ready and willing to make the best of these changes and allow room for the grief process as well as I miss all the birdies who have left our nest. I’m writing my own lists and thinking about what I’d like to do, to change, and to eliminate as this new season of life arrives. So now, as I start to reflect, here’s my question for you… What do YOU want to do when you grow up?

Effort – word of the year 2024

This is now my 12th year for choosing a word to focus on instead of a list of resolutions for the New Year. In the past, words I have chosen include perspective, peace, service, contentment, release, acceptance, focus, rise, enough, progress, and intentional. I truly respond better to a word that encourages rather than resolutions that may restrict. This year I chose the word effort. I’d love to explain why I’d like to focus on adding effort in all areas of my life and 2024.

In 2023, my word was intentional. I was more deliberate in scheduling visits with friends and family. I made time to enjoy reading, knitting, and exercise in my weekly schedule. I took more control of the things I had power over -my food and water intake, sleep schedule, screen time, etc. -and tried my best to not complain about the things that were out of my control. Basically, I looked at my day and made my best attempt to fill it with the things that would help me live my happiest and most productive life. Obviously, it didn’t always work out that way, but the intention was always there!

This year, I’d like to see what I can achieve if I throw in some extra effort. I learned that my life definitely improved with more intentionality, and I know I will see progress, growth, and development in several areas if I add effort -it’s a given. I have goals I’d like to meet, but without effort, there’s no way that they will happen. By definition, effort is “exertion of physical or mental power”. Making sure that I throw in some extra resolve to reach these goals will only benefit me. Pushing a bit harder towards a challenge will also help to keep me focused and moving in the right direction. Adding effort into my daily life will only help to improve my relationships, health and overall happiness and wellbeing – and I’m here for it!

So bring it, 2024! Go ahead and blow those “winds of change” that I see in the forecast! I will be doing my very best to make it a great year adding effort in all the areas of my life that matter most. Cheers to an amazing New Year!

It’s been an intentional year…

I chose the word intentional for my word of the year for the year 2023. I wanted to feel more in control of what was happening (and not happening) in my life. So as much as this word prompted me to plan and prepare, it also helped me to feel comfortable saying no and not feeling guilty. It helped me to look at why I was responding to life the way that I was, and how I could feel differently if I changed my ways. It was a good year.

The first thing I wanted to focus on for the year was to insure that I’d be reading more. I’ve always loved to read, but as the years passed, I found myself reading less and less. I decided to make it easier for me to pick up a book and read by always having them available in my home. I ordered a few books with some gift cards I had received for Christmas. I went to the library every few weeks. I asked my friends on Facebooks for recommendations of their favorite titles in different genres.I read before bed instead of scrolling on my phone. I put my book in my purse so that if I had to wait at an appointment I could read a few chapters. I had a basket that I would keep full of books “to be read”. I kept a running list of each book title (and author) that I had finished. And because of all of these things, I finished 32 books this year. I chose to make those changes, no one else would have done any of those things for me. Being intentional about reading more and then planning accordingly helped me to succeed in my goal. I know full well that many people read far more than that in 12 months, but I am proud of myself and so very happy that I was able to jump back into a hobby that brings me such joy.

Another goal for 2023 was to continue my hobby of knitting winter hats and donating them to local charities. I enjoy knitting, but other than creating gifts for others, I didn’t feel I had the reason or resources to knit throughout the year. I especially enjoyed knitting hats, both for children and adults. Years ago, my children took an annual short missions trip with their youth group to help sort and distribute both food and clothing to those in need. Knowing that the trip was in November, I would knit all year and donate my hats to those they were helping. A few years ago, these trips stopped and I had to find new places to donate. It’s been fun each year to find winter hat/gloves drives and donate to them as I could. I let all of my friends know that I am knitting all year long and could use any yarn that they might want to provide. I posted on local Facebook “free pages” and explained what I did and was offered bags of free yarn. I take my knitting everywhere – on car rides, to the lakehouse, and I am never in front of the TV without my knitting on my lap. I also listen to books on tape as I knit on the couch. It’s a calming activity for me and I love that fact that in the end it is helping others, too. This year I have once again donated over 100 hats. I couldn’t do it without the generous souls that give me the yarn to work with, and I am so grateful. But once again, these hats could easily not have been made – I have to be intentional about keeping yarn stocked and having my supplies nearby when I have the time to knit. I’m feeling good about the donations I’ve made and the hats that were given to those who needed them.

I have other victories this year as well. I have seen more friends, taken more small trips, continued and changed my work out schedule, and focused on seeing the positive during difficult situations – all because I was doing my best to be more intentional. This blog has also been effected – I was able to write 12 times this year – once a month. It may not sound like much of a success story, but for as long as I have had this blog – over 8 years – that has never happened. I would run out of time, wasn’t able to think of something “worthy” to share, or life just got in the way. This year, I watched the calendar and tried to schedule an afternoon to write. I’d keep notes on possible blog topics on my phone. I’d let little things in life prompt a post, and I wouldn’t worry about blog length like I have in the past. I’m so excited about reaching this goal – it may be the thing I am most proud of this year regarding taking a bit more control back in my life.

I am now thinking and praying about my new word for 2024. I can’t wait to see how it will help to make me a better person in this upcoming year. If you have not tried this concept, I highly recommend it. Having one special word to lean on for 365 days is a great learning experience and can encourage growth in so many areas! I’m looking forward to continuing writing , and I will do my best to keep the streak alive – see you in a month 🙂

What are your top 3?

How often do we critique ourselves, or is it just me? Questioning our choices, performances, or motivation is a pretty common phenomenon. We are, I’ve heard, our own worst critic. I try my best to be an encourager – to point out the good in others, to praise when things are done well, to give thanks when I am grateful. But I don’t typically do the same for myself – and you might not, either. After choosing intentional as my word of the year for 2023, I am becoming more aware of my own self talk, and to be honest, I’m kind of a meanie. I often dwell on mistakes or recall situations that could’ve been handled differently. I’m now focusing more on what has gone well, what I’m proud of, and what I’d like to see continue. As I grow in this direction, I saw a writing prompt that looked helpful “Name three personality traits that you are proud of”. Making myself look for positive attributes of my personality was just what I needed – and I assume you need it, too! I hope you will join me and at the very least make a list of personality traits that make you proud. We all need reminders of the great job we are doing as we push through this crazy thing called life!

Creativity

I’d say that being creative has always been a part of my personality and has served me well. As a child, I could play secretary for hours with a pretend phone and a spiral notebook that I had made into my appointment book. I established Kelly’s Deli, complete with an ever changing menu of what the refrigerator held at the time, and took the orders of my family members, serving them their food as they lounged in the living room. I later used these creative juices to write book reports, poems, and eventually three children’s books as an adult. We would enjoy themed dinners when the children were growing up and chocolate parties and heart hunts on Valentine’s Day. As a teacher, I love to create eye catching bulletin boards and art projects that include color, texture, and fun. Life is too short not to celebrate the average Tuesday, or redecorate a room for no other reason than you got a new pillow on sale. Adding joy to the ordinary has helped me to create many memories , and for that I am grateful.

Organized

I have always loved all things that have to do with organization. Gel pens, journals, colored paper clips and calendars make me giddy. Being able to plan, schedule, and make the best use of my time gives me a high like no other. Of course, the opposite is true as well. Life has a crazy way of taking your calendar and lighting it on fire – take the PANDEMIC, for instance. Being a mom of four and a preschool teacher has also taught me the importance of staying on task. Knowing that a tidy space and well thought out day would only benefit my students and family encouraged me even more to hone in on my organizational skills. Understandably, it’s impossible to keep a spotless home or classroom, and it’s also not healthy to dictate an extremely rigid schedule. But having a routine is crucial, and we all thrive when we know what to expect. I am proud of all that I have managed to achieve so far in my life using these skills.

Compassionate

If I had to choose one trait that I am most proud of – it would be that I’m compassionate. It doesn’t take skill or intelligence- but it does take time, and the ability to notice the needs of others. I was brought up to be generous with my time and abilities. We were always encouraged to have open eyes to areas in the house, school, or community that would benefit from our help. Many people don’t offer assistance because they think they couldn’t do “enough”. I’m here to confirm that it’s the little things that mean the most, and are remembered the longest. A text to check in on a friend, a meal dropped off to a family with a sick child, flowers given secretly to someone that needs a smile. I love doing these things for others because I know how much I appreciate similar acts of love (and really, it’s not difficult at all!). No matter what is happening in my own life, I know that I always feel better when I offer my time or services to others.

Okay – now it’s YOUR turn! What are your top 3? Please share – I’ll be waiting to hear from you 🙂

HAPPY FEBRUARY ❤️

Intentional

Each year, I think long and hard about what my word of the year should be. I was “this close” to repeating my word from 2022 – worthy – something I had never done in my previous eleven years of choosing a word. The word worthy brought me so many lessons, and I was hesitant to move on without it. Nonetheless, I poured over lists of potential words until one made me stop in my tracks – intentional. The dictionary defines intentional as an adjective, meaning “done on purpose; deliberate”. Now, as a TYPE A personality, I feel that most of what I do in life is thought out, planned and on purpose. But was I living an intentional life? It appears I will be finding this out in 2023.

I thrive on a schedule. Having raised four children, I found that our household also did much better when a routine was established and we did our best to stick with it. As a teacher, I’m fully aware that my days are the most productive and successful when they are scheduled and planned in advance, even to the point of over-planning in case an activity took less time than originally planned. Needless to say, most of the areas in my life are already organized, anticipated and planned in advance. So why did the word intentional tug at my heart this year? Since I’m not a fly by the seat of my pants kinda gal, why did I feel the urge to focus on this word in particular? Honestly – it has a bit to do with an upcoming date this winter. That, my friend, will be my 50th birthday (50 😳). I’m not dreading it by any means, but I am becoming more aware of how time has the capacity to pass rather quickly, and if I have things that I’d like to say, or do, or witness – I better start being more intentional.

I spoke earlier about how I feel that I have already tried to be intentional in my parenting and career. There are so many other aspects of my life that deserve a similar amount of intentionality… my hobbies, my eating habits, my relationships, how much sleep I am getting each night – the list could go on and on. Let’s take this little blog for example. Writing brings me joy. It also brings me frustration and guilt when I can’t (don’t) find time for it in my weekly schedule. It gets pushed to the back seat – heck it’s being pulled behind the van on most occasions. I don’t allow this outlet for myself – and I can’t even explain why it’s not justifiable in my own mind. But no more, I will be more intentional this year about writing more – and hopefully adding blogs for you to read about whatever is in my head at the time (God help us all!). I will also allow more time for reading – another true love that gets shoved aside in the chaos of daily living. I know I will find several other areas in my daily life that are begging for more intentionality.

For the most part, I will open my eyes a bit wider, and wait just a moment longer before I respond – making sure that I understand what’s in front of me, before I open my mouth and comment on it. I will plan more lunches and dinners with friends, be more careful with the words that I choose to speak and write, and be more cautious with what I agree to do with the time I have been blessed with on the earth. I will try to acknowledge that everything I do is a choice – and that others are choosing too… and that’s the hard part. I am going to do my absolute best to live on purpose, not just react and respond to what is happening around me. Being intentional sounds right, it sounds necessary. I know that God had a reason to plop that word in my lap. I am hopeful that this year will allow me to grow in whatever areas in my life could afford some improvement. I pray that this year is a great one for all of you ❤️