Last night my best friend and I were doing our bible study and the word ‘intentional’ kept coming up. She mentioned that be intentional has been a phrase on her heart for several weeks – a phrase she wants to paint over her doorway in her bedroom, but has yet to do. Now to give her some credit, she did just have a baby two months ago and is already the busy mommy of two, so she doesn’t have tons of time lying around to do things like paint a phrase over the doorway in her bedroom.
But it got me thinking : so many things in life will never get done if I am not intentional about doing them. Handwriting notes of encouragement to friends, spending one-on-one time with each of my children, putting the laundry away – these all take a conscious effort.
But even more so, if I am not intentional about loving others the way God wants us to, I will spend all of my days doing my own thing in my own home forgetting that there are so many unmet needs right outside my door.
To wake each morning with the phrase be intentional staring right at me is probably just the reminder I need to live my day with purpose – accomplishing important tasks, making the most of the time that I have and truly loving those around me.
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
I love this post, it is just what I needed to kick into gear. Thank you so much for your honesty and boldness sharing of your faith. It has been just the encouragement I have been needing!
Was reading my own Bible study this morning and it reminded me of your post. It was talking about how important it is to be intentional in our relationships with God because there are so many things that will steal us away. The author (Kelly Minter) says it best: “It is essential we build a fortress wherein only God, His words, and our heart exist together for a time. It rarely happens accidentally…Be intentional about your time with God, and guard it…”
Thank you so much for this. I have not been able to quit thinking about it since reading it. I sent it to my best friend because I wanted it to inspire her the way it did me. My pastor talked about it in church this past Sunday. I know it’s something God is speaking to me right now. Thank you for posting and letting him speak to me through your blog.
I love the sheet music framed art!
Love the office it looks so great with the facing desks!! The chalkboard wall is super for inspiration!
to brighten your day….
Come and join my Gorgeous Giveaway from Blydesign!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Emily,
I really appreciate the reminder to be intentional. I just got home from the hospital after having our third child and really see the need to be intentional with our kids. I want them each to know how much I love and appreciate them, but already see how dividing my time with one more sweet child is affecting the way they respond and interact with us. I want to be intentional in spending time with each of my children and my husband amongst all the demands we have on our time. Thanks for the encouragement!
Oh, Emily! You are such a sister and joy to so many of us – thanks for the inspiration – the word of God goes forth and does not return void! :) OH, I just LOVE your blog – and the way you are soooooooooooo real about all things – God is blessing that! Blessings!
Thanks, Emily. Being a working-from-home-mom, I feel so guilty and burdened by how much time I work during the day and how little time I spend playing with my sweet one year old. So, a few weeks ago, I started setting a 30 minute timer a few times a day. During those 30 minutes I intentionally turn off my phone and close my laptop and play with my girl! It’s been so fun and so freeing!
Love it! Thanks for your thoughts!
I love this……just talked to my husband about this and it brought up a conversation we would have never had. Thanks for blogging about it.
Wonderful reminder! Thank you!
I love this message, Emily. The older I get, the more intentional my life, my home and my actions become. That’s a great reminder to paint on a wall!
An excellent reminder–thanks, Emily.
Thank you for all your wonderful thoughts today. I was just talking to my husband the first of the year, when we all make those new year resoltions, saying some of those things. Especially thinking of both of our aging parents, and the time we have left to spend with them. Both are having health problems and my dad is in the early stages of Alzheimers. I really had it on my heart to make an extra effort this year to go see them each week. I talk to them on the phone every few days, but I think sometimes things just get missed. Our lives are so busy, and I have more than my share to deal with, with all my children and four grandbabies of my own. I just need to be more intentional each day also! Thanks and God bless you today.
Intentional is one of my favorite words and qualities…especially when it comes to relationships. The truth is, meaningful friendships won’t develop and grow if we aren’t intentional.
Love that word. Oh, and thank you for your sweet birthday comment. I’m determined to enjoy the day to the fullest! And to be INTENTIONAL!
Xo,
Linsey
Wonderful post. Jes Mac wrote one on being intentional also and I think you would enjoy it!
http://themcclenahans.blogspot.com/
Have a great weekend!
Thank you so much for this post! It was a great way to start my Saturday morning as I think of all the things I need to do. However, most importantly, it is to love those around me while doing just things. I look forward to getting to know you more. Your site and inspiration is beautiful.
Good morning! I have been reading your blog for a couple of months and LOVE it! I am a fellow DIY and need to get into the blogging world myself. Your comment really struck a chord with me and wanted to share about a project a fellow girlfriend and I have started. My friend Steph and I go to the same church and MOPs group and both of us had a calling for service or “being intentional” with our efforts. We started a group called Moms on A Mission two years ago and it is the best thing that I have done for myself and my family (I have three boys and a girl, too). Once a month we attend a nursing home to do crafts, sing or play bingo; at Christmas we all gather to fill stocking with gloves, hats, food,e tc. and hand them out to the homeless; we fill backpacks for kiddos at the beginning of the year with supplies that are leftover from our own kids and their schools; we also put together diaper bags for moms in need with items that we no longer need; we made Mother’s Day baskets for mothers with kiddos in the oncology unit and got together to tie fleece for linus blankets. These are a few of the projects that we have done and the fellowship, the service have been one of the best gifts….I have ever given myself. It is a great way to “be intentional!!!”
me too. i feel it’s so easy to just fall into the trap of getting it all done….leaving out the intentional thought process of making sure i’m doing what the Lord wants me to do, for & with others with His grace. intentionally.
xo
‘Must enter to win.’ i decided that was going to be my motto for 2011. so many times i find myself sitting on the sidelines too insecure to participate, living vicariously through others’ experiences. i love this post. thanks.
you guys should totally get together and make a sign that says Be Intentional. What a sweet reminder!
That is a wonderful reminder… it is so easy to get caught up in the day to day business of our lives. Thank you for the reminder and inspiration!!
like on facebook: i like it! :)
emily, can i say i love this post?! my goal this year was to be more intentional and no autopilot through.
Great post! I am always so blessed by your site. GOD bless you and your sweet family!
Love your blog! Great post.
Timely post indeed… thank you sweet Emily!
Now I think I’d like to see it painted in my bedroom too….
What a great challenge to all of us!
Thank you so much for this post. Your blog is one of my favorites. Thanks for being intentional and sharing your sweet and creative self with the world.
This post is so encouraging and speaks to my heart right now. This phrase is one that has been going through my head for a few weeks now about the same stuff you wrote about. It’s so lovely to read your blog and know that we share so many of the same passions: our faith, families, design and fashion. Thank you for sharing and reminding me to be intentional. Have a great day!!
Thank you for that reminder. Sometimes I just need to *stop* moving and remember my purpose…to honor God in all I do. For me, that usually means within my home. I spend so much time serving others that I sometimes forget to give as much at home as I do outside the home. Thank you for this intentional reminder!
oooh!!! Absolutely.love.that! So very, very true. What an incredible “word” (words) for today. Thank you :)))
Love the post and the idea. So when will you be doing the stencil or rub on word walls with the scripture and selling it on etsy?
What a timely post for me. I was just thinking about this exact word. My niece was born in december with Trisomy 18, a condition that will eventually take her from us. In the last month and half, she has taught me the importance of intentionality. We don’t know how long she’ll be with us, so in a way we’ve been forced to be intentional, some of that also comes from the extra help that my brother and sister-in-law have needed to care for her. As a result, my new husband and I have been spending a lot of time at their house, we’ve played games, and cooked meals, and just spent time with them… our relationship with them is better for it… I have enjoyed getting to know them more, not that I didn’t know them before, but I’ve just gotten to know them in a new way, and they’ve been able to get to know my husband better too since he’s new to the family, and it has been wonderful. I don’t know why we didn’t do it before, but I am grateful to have learned this lesson from Maya, and for the gift that she is, and the gift that she’s giving us by being pushed into intentionality.
You can read more about her at http://www.mayawinnifred.com.
I’m having to work at being intentional about ENCOURAGEMENT. The Bible call us so often to encourage one another, and it’s hard for me! Working on it. Thanks for the post, it’s helping remind me to stay on track.
this is awesome Emily… I love it and what a great reminder for all of us! I love your heart!!
Amen, Amen, Amen! This too has been laid upon my heart within the last year….. this is so important not only for ourselves, but also for our families. God is Good :)
It’s so easy to forget this. Thanks for the wonderful reminder.
I wanted to let you know that I passed on a Stylish Blogger award to you. Please don’t feel obligated to post about it or pass it on if that’s not your thing, I just wanted to give you a little recognition for your fabulous blog!
~Britt
My daughter and I were having a conversation today about “intentional living”. Doing things intentionally. And now I read your post….isn’t God neat like that! Hearts that think alike, that’s why your blog is our fav!
love this. being intentional in everything we do. what a challenge
thanks! this is a great reminder. xo
Great reminder. Thank you.
i have a feeling that when we get together next week, I will have my “be intentional” above my door. i desire to live an intentional life and i need to be reminded so often.
I completely agree and this post is a great reminder. I to want to be intentional about loving others and constantly need a wake up call that I’m not loving others as I should and I need to realign my actions. Thanks for sharing!
Wonderful reminder. Thank you!
such a lovely post! and i completely agree with you. my word for this year is “intent.” i posted about it here: http://fieldwonderful.blogspot.com/2011/01/bright-shiny-and-new-year-2011.html
You are so right and it’s great to be reminded of this. Thanks for sharing!
so true! Thanks for sharing.
How about a “be Intentional” art print…
Intentional words today. Meaningful. Thankx!
Yes, I agree. You have to live on purpose rather than letting life happen to you. Glorifying God helps me put things in perspective as well. Will it glorify God if I do this? Will my life better because I do this? If Jesus comes back today, will He be happy that I’m doing this, rather than that?? Maybe I think too much like that because sometimes I just wanna have fun and rebel!! I just wanna eat cheetos and watch a movie! ha! That’s ok too!
Just what I needed to hear today. I love how God can reach us through others!!
I would love a print with “be intentional” on it!
I found your website through your sister and am really thankful for her! And you! Not only are you clever, but thoughtful and an inspiration. If your friend doesn’t have time to paint “be intentional” she can get a vinyl expression (sticker) in any phrase / font / color she wants. Then voila, stick it over her door in minutes.
Amen! Thanks, Emily!
Love this post! very good. thank you.
bless you. love this, the power of intent is strong….
pve
Love this! I really needed this today — thank you for the encouragement. Praise.
I have a friend on facebook and in her “about me” section, it says, and I quote,
“My favorite word is intentional.”
She is very much that…always remembering and recalling conversations and details about my life that she is very INTENTIONAL to ask me about. Love it.
just what i needed to hear today. funny how God always knows that.
thanks. : )
I love this phrase! You are right it needs to be something we practice in our lives and in our childrens lives everyday in all the little things. Thanks for the laundry reminder. Uhgggg. Oh ya, I need to “be intentional” in the little things.
Blessings!
this is exactly why I love to read your blog.
*thanks*
Oh i love this so very much !I needed this today. Thank you!
Such a wonderful plan!!
Loved your post. Thanks for the encouragement! Every day we are given opportunities to show God’s love to those around us, whether family, co-workers, or strangers as we go about our day. I need to be reminded to be looking for ways to love and bless others.
this word has been my friend and I’s word for the last 4 or so months…love it:)
Good juicy word…intentional
This was great Emily! Love this scripture and I may just paint a sign with “Be intentional” too!
Kim:)
Emily – When you were stating that you’re friend does not have the time to paint a phrase above her door….I thought about what I do! I sell Uppercase Living which is a vinyl lettering and you are able to design your own phrases/expressions. My website is listed above if you’re interested in taking a look! It saves time and is also removable if you’re friend would ever want to replace it with something else!
thanks, emily! 1 cor. 10:31 is the verse my husband and i are memorizing this month. i have not been very good about praying through it every day. so, thanks for the reminder!
About a year ago I began to get the thought that I needed to be more intentional about the things of God… and about being about what He meant for me to be doing. I wrote on my white board in my office. Be Intentional… Be Purposeful!!! It has been life changing for me as I have begun to use my time more wisely or been more conscious of what I am doing with my time, money, and gifting. As a matter of fact I did indeed begin to write more notes to friends…. notes that encouraged them or told them what I saw in them that I loved or that challenged me. I have 15 grandchildren so some of the recipients of my notes have been my children and grandchildren. But more than that… some of the notes have been to elderly people, or shut ins, or those who are sick. I have even begun visiting them and found such wisdom. Ah… guess who has gotten the blessing in that…. ME!!
Great reminder. Ever since I had my second baby (she’s now 9 months old) I feel like time is flying by and it scares me. Something I want to make sure I do is thrive, not just survive and living intentionally is probably a good way to help make that happen. I want to cherish these precious days and really live and enjoy them.
I know we don’t know each other, but I’ve loved your site from the moment I discovered it. It brings me joy each morning as I look forward to what you’ll post. Thanks for the inspiration.
amen sister friend!
Thanks for sharing this post today!
fabulous! so true and an amazing reminder that even our moments matter….ohhhh that’s a phrase I’m gonna paint over a doorway….MOMENTS MATTER. You’ve inspired me just now!
Words to live by. This verse was on Two Ellie today. Another one I need to post on my bathroom mirror to I start each day out right.
Worry never solves tomorrow’s problems. It only robs today of its peace.
Matthew 6: 25-24
I choose this for my word for the year, too. It’s exciting to know that I am not on this journey alone!
We are on the same wavelength….check out my blog post from last week!
Love your post too! So true. Enjoy. Cheers. Happy New Year friend.
I couldn’t agree more. This is something that has been on my mind a lot lately. I struggle a lot with this. On my blog we are focusing on “Parenting With Purpose” for 2011, and I’ve received great feedback. I think this is something that many women struggle with. It’s nice to know we’re not alone!
Soooooo true! Thanks for the reminder…sometimes I feel I am on auto-pilot. I need to stop a take a minute to remember what is important. God Bless!
I feel like I was at your bible study! Thank you for sharing this. I just had this conversation with my husband this morning. I didn’t use the word intentional, but I think it fits perfectly and brings it home for me. Thanks again. =)
Thanks Emily! I needed this today…..a great kick in the butt to be more intentional :)
Well said Emily….love your blog…it is very inspirational on different levels.
Love this, Emily! I realize how much more joy I have in my life when I’m living it intentionally.
I love this phrase and use it as a reminder in my life! Thanks for this post! I needed to read that today and get back to the place God wants me to be. Thanks for your website and wonderful inspiration too!
Laura January 21, 2011 at 10:05 amI just wanted to say – thank you! Thank you for ‘being intentional’ in your love for Christ and not being ashamed to post it. I have been reading your blog for a few months and there are a couple things that keep me reading – 1.) Your creative juices are amazing! God has truly blessed you with a gift and I’m constantly inspired by your ideas. 2.) Your encouraging words for gals like myself. I’m 24, a believer in Jesus Christ, small business owner and soooo thankful for your post like this and the one you did on ‘twirl’. It spurs me on to keep my focus where it needs to be, look more like Christ and to give Him praise in all things.
I could keep going on and on… but I wont for your sake, haha!
Anyways… not sure why I haven’t ‘commented’ before but thought now was good timing. Keep glorifying Him in ALL things, you’re a blessing to people who haven’t met you! :)
I just wanted to say – thank you! Thank you for ‘being intentional’ in your love for Christ and not being ashamed to post it. I have been reading your blog for a few months and there are a couple things that keep me reading – 1.) Your creative juices are amazing! God has truly blessed you with a gift and I’m constantly inspired by your ideas. 2.) Your encouraging words for gals like myself. I’m 24, a believer in Jesus Christ, small business owner and soooo thankful for your post like this and the one you did on ‘twirl’.
I could keep going on and on… but I wont for your sake, haha!
Anyways… not sure why I haven’t ‘commented’ before but thought now was good timing. Keep glorifying Him in ALL things, you’re a blessing to people who haven’t met you! :)