The other day I was listening to a Christian talk show program about intentional living. The host had opened up the phone lines and was inviting listeners to call in and share with the audience how they were being intentional. He explained that the Intentional Life is focused on developing your spiritual, relational and personal skills so that you can embrace Jesus as He desires.
The first caller was a woman. She reiterated how one night she was surfing the T.V. channels trying to find something good to watch. Out of 66 different channels, she just couldn’t seem to find a program that would satisfy. Her husband noticed what she was doing and suggested that she just turn the contraption off. She ignored him and continued for another half hour or so to flip through the many channels, not really finding what she wanted. Suddenly, it was like a light bulb came on in her head, and she realized what a time waster this T.V. was. Right then and there, she turned it off and packed it up along with their other televisions, and put them in storage. Now they spend more time together as a family talking, playing games and reading. She has even taken up knitting. And she doesn’t miss the T.V.!!!
This is a good example of intentional living. In our 28 years of marriage, we have never had a T.V. in our home, and we don’t miss it either! It’s a robber of our time and relationships to name a few. So I guess you could say that we are being intentional as well. I am an avid reader, and a long time ago, I intentioned in my heart that I would not read anything else first thing in the morning until I read the Bible and my devotional. This has greatly improved my spiritual life and walk with God. Daniel was a man of intentional living. The Bible says: “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” (Daniel 1:8) If we dig deeper into what God desires from us, we can become even more intentional in our lives. What are some of the ways that you have become intentional, and how has it benefited you, your family, others?
Great post, as always. Hmmmmm… the first thing that comes to mind is the drive home from school with my daughter. I turn off the radio when she gets in and we talk. We talk about her day, my day, everything. I ask her details about the things she is interested in, and she has learned to do the same. I love it when out of the blue, on some other drive somewhere else, she says, “How is school going, mom?” What did your teacher say? Did you have fun? I always want my 7 year old to know that I am interested in her, her day, and the things that interest her. I want her to know, that Jesus is interested in those things too.
I have intentionaly determined that I will praise Him at all times regardless of the circumstances I find myself in. Psalm 139:14 says, “I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. …”
We have a thing going in our church that when someone says “God is good!” everyone responds with, “All the time!” and when someone says “All the time” the rest of us respond with “God is good!” No truer words can be spoken.
I will praise Him at all times, in the good and the bad. The good times are even better because of Him and the bad aren’t so bad after all because of Him. He is my everything!
Jolene: I like your attitude. I believe that’s how God wants us to be. In everything give thanks. I love you!
Rochelle, That is a great intentional habit! Our children are our greatest blessings, and we need to spend time with them and nurture them, especially when they are young. It’s like building a foundation that will last when they are adults. God bless you! Love, Karen
Life must be lived in a deliberate manner. There is far too much meandering and hapless wandering through life because people think it is easier. However, it is much easier to live a deliberate life than to stumble in the darkness.
BTW I forgot to mention that I once read an article on this same subject written by a pretty smart guy. Here is the link.
http://totaltransformation.wordpress.com/2007/02/27/living-the-deliberate-life/
I think I’m probably intentional in a lot of ways. I guess I don’t stop to think about it too often. Of course, you know we are intentional about not having a television either. This has been a blessing in that we have more time for family and important things. I think homeschooling is an intentional decision too, and I can see how it has benefited our family. Like Jolene, I have determined to praise the Lord too in every circumstance. God has lifted me many times out of depression and struggles when I focus my mind on Him and give Him praise. I do see though more areas of my life where I could be intentional. Thank God He’s still working on me!
Mom said, “That was good!” Tommy too.
[...] friends include: The Epiphinator (A marathon running, discipling, beauty), Kiki, Timothy, MLBAH, and others I regretfully [...]