Happy New Year!

This is the new year – welcome to 2014!

I love the new year, but I love every new beginning. They all bring a new start from what is behind and so many possibilities of what is to come. Beginnings are awesome.

For this new year, I am going to try some new things. I do set goals for each year in multiple areas of my life and really aspire to do some great and noble things. This year, though, I am trying a few different things.

With my family, I am not necessarily setting goals (except for that little thing we call home school – we should probably finish kindergarten and third grade and maybe even get part way into first and fourth grade – a good idea, I thought). For my family this year, my only goal is to be intentional.

1. To intentionally focus on the man I married. I want to listen to what he says, understand more of what he is trying to explain to me (like car maintenance or electronic stuff), and see the needs he has so I can be the partner I am made to be for him.

2. To intentionally love my children. I want to look away from my phone or computer and look into their eyes when they are talking to me, to hug them and love them through my time and my hands, to challenge them and teach them, not just in school but in life.

For me personally, I want to live more intentionally – to do the things God has called me to do and say no to other things. I want to develop relationships, challenge women to seek out their Savior, and be Jesus in the flesh to those I meet. God laid this verse on my heart:

He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3).

I want to follow paths of righteousness – not for me but for Him. This is my goal for this year.

What is God leading you to do in this new year? About what is He speaking to your heart?