Intentionally Amazed

Happy New Year, everyone!

Today is my first day back in the office after our winter break. During my time off, I reflected on our year and how many blessings came to our family during 2017. Seeing all the fulfilled goals was quite awesome. But seeing how God brought it all together blew my mind! Through God's provision and favor, we:

• Sold our house (in record time and by our terms)

• Took multiple vacations (some within weeks from one to the next)

• Vacationed with all three of our daughters

• Spent quality time with our family

• Sowed serious seed into our church's building fund campaign

• Bought our perfect home (which included almost everything on our desire list)

• Made home improvments

• Underwent and survived a kitchen renovation

See what I mean?! 2017 was definitely "A Time of Complete Victory with Joy All the Way Through". And although 2017 was a phenomenal year for our family, I know 2018 (or "20!8", as I've dubbed it) is going to blow 2017 off the charts!

You see, friend, I've come to the understanding that all of God's blessings that He has in store for me during 20!8 are mine. Yet, my receiving them is not automatic. I have to do my part.

During my private time today, I clearly heard one of my instructions for 20!8:

"BE INTENTIONAL"

The Holy Spirit admonished me that in 20!8, I am going to see blessings (spiritually, physically and financially) like never before! Yet, in order for me to be in a place to receive them, I must be intentional. I must give God intentional praise. I must intentionally limit distractions and put God first above everything. I must love others intentionally. I must intentionally submit to LT's leadership in our marriage. I must be an intentional giver. I must be intentional about my editing business. In all areas of my life, I can no longer sit back and "allow" things to happen. I must be intentional -- in everything."

WHOA! When I tell you that I got both excited and a little uneasy about what all of that entails. If I'm being honest, there are things that I am good at doing. For instance, I have no problem being kind to other people. Afterall, my mom did raise me right. But there are going to be areas that are more challenging than others. For instance, He wants me to be intentional about how I treat other people? EVEN FOLKS THAT DON'T LIKE ME?! And I consider myself as a pretty good wife to LT. But now I have to intentionally submit myself to him...AT ALL TIMES?? Limit distractions??? BUT I LOVE SOCIAL MEDIA! There are so many layers that go with this instruction. Some I don't have a clue about doing and will probably not always "get it right". But it's the intent behind it that He wants me to focus on. Oh wait. That also means that I'll have to step out of my comfort zone!!

Um. WHOA! How I am going to do that, Lord?! Maybe I didn't hear you correctly. Are You sure that's what you want me to do???

Of course He reminded me:

"I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]"

~Philippians 4:14 (AMP)

So that's the WHOAment I received for the start of my 20!8. I'm not sure if this is a WHOAment for "us" (as in you and me) or just for me. But I knew I had to share it with you for my accountability and your encouragement.

Selah!

~TC

If you enjoyed reading this WHOAment, you may also like "New Year, New Me"

I love hearing from you! So let's chat!

*How did you ring in the new year?

*Have you created and written your goals for 20!8?

*What does God want you to do differently in 20!8?

*Was today's WHOAment of "being intentional" for you as well?