January, the month we tend to make resolutions and change. Saying goodbye to a previous year and saying hello to a new one. It is a time of new beginnings and for some of us challenges.
The New Year holds something different for us all. January is just a hard month sometimes. Some are tired and can’t imagine 5 ½ – 6 months more of school. Some are still longing for break and wishing it was a little longer; others can jump right back in and not think twice. It can depend on seasons and events. We are all in different places and season in life with our home schooling and families.
Over the last 13 years I think I have experienced a little of all the above. Each year has proven to be different with different seasons and challenges. This year is no exception. It has been different because of a few online friends I have made over the last 6 months. They posted something I have never thought about before. The 3 of them chose 1 word to focus on over the year. What a novel idea huh? Its simple enough! I can focus on one word. The thing is, each word they shared was something I felt I needed to focus on.
The 3 words were intentional, gratitude and knowledge.
Keep reading you’ll understand…..
If January holds true to be an overwhelming month for you, and you have a hard time getting in the swing of things, or even if you have jumped right back in, think about these words this coming year. Let me share.
The definition of intentional is: done with intention or on purpose.
The next word,
Gratitude: the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful
I love this scripture verse, and thought it was perfect…
Listen, 
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Yes! Can I get an Amen!?
Last word….
The best thing I can share and encourage you with is take time for yourself with the Lord, daily and read His word. I know in my own life I have neglected my own time because I was spending bible study time with my girls. I still need my “own” time with the Lord.
Proverbs 2:4-6
…and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 3:5-7
Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him; And He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
Beloved, if you are a weary one right now… take courage… if you are jazzed for the new semester, new season in life…. then tuck these words away…. you never know when you might need them. We can all learn something from these 3 simple words. I hope they bless you through out this year, as they already have blessed me.
The words were contributed by http://smoothstonesacademy.blogspot.com/2007/12/happy-new-year.html, http://my5wolfcubs.blogspot.com/and http://triviumacademy.blogspot.com/
Beautiful, uplifting and inspiring Lisa! I’m printing this to put on my bulletin board as a reminder through the year.
You bless so many,
Jessica
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Wonderful, Lisa. I was blessed by your encouraging words. Thank you! ~Tina
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Oh, I love the word *intentional*! Life often becomes so daily that we just go through the motions. But *intentional* puts a whole different focus on the day ahead, doesn’t it?
Thank you for the *intentional* encouragement, Lisa
Blessings,
Tammy ~@~
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amen, amen, and AMEN….from the Georgia lady in the back!!;)
I too love the word intentional…BEING INTENTIONAL…we forget that!!
Your post today encouraged me today!! I’ve committed to gratitude this year, but now I’m adding a dose of INTENTION to the mix!!
Thanks Lisa!!
hugs,
lori
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I cant take all the credit! My friends Jennifer, Lee and Jessica were the first ones to claim them…*Ü* Just intentionally sharing how thankful I am for the knowledge and truth these 3 words spoke to me….
Thank you for posting and encouraging me too!
Lisa~
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Lisa that was great and a lot of what I needed to hear. Gratitude is a hard thing sometimes when things are crazy but is something I need to remember even then (as hard as it is!!).
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Encouraging and uplifting, seasoned with grace for the hearer. Thank you Lisa. You have the ability to touch the heart gently and thoughtfully.
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Dear Lisa, Thank you for your wonderful article–I AM encouraged this morning as I read it. I especially like the word “intentional”. Reminds me of the verse, “Always be prepared to give an answer for the hope within you”, but it makes me think about how I want to approach each day in my daily decisions–every MOMENT.
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful article! Corrine in TX from TLT:)
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Great job, Lisa! What a wonderful article and I appreciate your words of encouragement!
Darcy
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Oh Lisa! You are such an encourager and I love that about you. I am trying to put off planning for the week and remembered that you posted over here …and how glad I am that I came over to see. Thanks so much for the beautiful words; it’s a great way to start a new week!
Blessings,
Jennefer
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I will express an attitude of gratitude while I am intentional with my acquisition of knowledge this year. How is that for using all the words in one sentence?
Lee
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Lisa
You are such a wonderful encourager to us all — I know I have appreciated all of your feedback and comments to my own posts and was so glad to see an article with your name posted today!
You continue to be an encouragement to us all…. and what a wonderful group of women you have in your circle! All three have been inspiration to me the past year as well and I think you fit in with this awesome group of women perfectly!
Love in Christ
Rachel
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Great job Lisa!
Love it!
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