Intentional Living Tips – Week of Aug. 11
Happy New Week, Friends.
This summer, I’ve been sitting with the word “intention” – praying, reflecting, and asking what it really means to live intentionally as a follower of Christ.
I’ve been especially drawn to how Jesus lived with such purpose during His three short years of ministry. Every step He took, every conversation He had, every act of love – He did it all with His eyes fixed on the Father and His mission to make His Father’s love known.
One of the most powerful ways Jesus lived intentionally was through relationships.
He slowed down. (Lazarus, John 11:6)
He listened. (Nicodemus, John 3:1-15)
He shared meals. (Zacccheus, Luke 19:1-10)
He asked questions. (Lame man at the pool of Bethesda, John 5:6)
He saw people. (Bleeding woman, Matthew 9:20-22)
As image bearers of Christ, we’re called to do the same.
So this week, I’m asking myself:
What does it look like to live intentionally in my relationships?
To be present?
To love like Jesus did?
With school starting this week and one of our daughters going to college next week, I will be present like Jesus with my three girls before another busy school year begins, soaking up the last few days of summer.
What area of your life will you be intentional about this week?
This Week’s Three-Part Practice
(“Love God, Love Yourself, Love Others” rhythm.)
| Practice | What it looks like this week |
|---|---|
| Loving God | This week, I’m setting aside extra time for praise and worship. There’s so much to be thankful for, and I want to capture it in my journal – so that when the next hard season comes, I can be reminded of God’s goodness and the miraculous ways He’s worked in my life. |
| Loving Myself | With two extra-busy weeks ahead, I’m prioritizing rest—short 10-minute power naps and an early bedtime. A simple night-time routine (3-2-1 method is simple to remember) helps me wind down, and dimming the lights after dinner signals my body that it’s time to rest. As a friend reminded me, “self-care” is stewardship of our bodies so we can show up in the best way possible. |
| Loving Others | Want to get better at sending birthday cards? Try this: at the start of each month, write and send them all at once. It’s quick, it’s easy to remember—and in our digital world, a handwritten card in the mail is such a special treat. |
How will you be intentional this week in these areas?
Here are a few things I’ve discovered recently that I hope will bless you:
Dear Teacher – I’d love for you to check out my friend Julie Kay Harbour’s first devotional, Dear Teacher – written especially for teachers. As a former teacher herself, Julie understands the joys and challenges of the classroom, and she offers encouragement straight from God’s Word. It makes a thoughtful gift for teachers heading back to school!
Million Praying Moms – Million Praying Moms is a powerful prayer ministry for parents, offering weekly podcasts, resources, and prayers to help us intercede for our children. This week’s focus is on praying for teachers as the school year begins:
Father, we lift up our teachers to You. Grant them wisdom and insight for the year ahead. Fill them with life-giving words to pour into our children. Give them the strength and endurance they need, and surround them with a supportive, encouraging community. Help us notice and include those around us. May we share the love of Jesus with our teachers and champion them in every season. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Women of the Word – If you’d like to go deeper in your Bible study, Jen Wilkin’s Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Minds is a must-read. Jen communicates Biblical truth with clarity and passion, and she’s deeply committed to Biblical literacy. She also has a companion podcast series you can listen to or watch – perfect for your daily walk!
Recipe Share – My Favorite Summer Salad – This is one of my go-to summer salads, and it never fails to get recipe requests. There are many variations out there, but this version is my favorite.
