Word for the Year

Although we are well into this new year and the month of January, I wanted to share with you my word for the year.  I am a bit behind due to the flu but quickly catching up.

My goal and purpose for this year is to live my life day by day intentionally.  Too often I pass my days away just doing but not being intentional about what I am doing.  Imagine the difference I can make in our home if i do even the most mundane tasks with a purpose, with honorable intentions.

I love these definitions from Webster's 1828 dictionary:

 INTEN'TION, n. [L. intentio. See Intend.]

1. Primarily, a stretching or bending of the mind towards an object; hence, uncommon exertion of the intellectual faculties; closeness of application; fixedness of attention; earnestness. Intention is when the mind, with great earnestness and of choice, fixes its view on any idea, considers it on every side, and will not be called off by the ordinary solicitation of other ideas. (emphasis mine)

This says it all.  I will fix my view on being a blessing to others, finding joy in the moment, doing the daily tasks of housework with a heart of joy and thanksgiving for the blessings that God has given me.  Keeping my attention fixed on what is important.

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

2. Design; purpose; the fixed direction of the mind to a particular object, or a determination to act in a particular manner.

A determination to act in a particular manner~what could this mean in day to day living?  That no matter what happens, little or big things, stresses and unwanted surprises, I will determine to act in a manner that is pleasing to God.  I will allow the leading of the Holy Spirit in me to guide my every action, thought, and words.  

I am praying that this year is a year of restoration and blessing for our family.  A year of God's promises being fulfilled.  

I will be linking up here.