I was recently on vacation and upon my return, life came crashing at me.  There were so many things that needed to be done and I found myself moving like a robot.  Doing the dishes, emptying the dishwasher, washing clothes, feeding the dog, etc.  During one of these actions, I caught myself and said that I need to be intentional when I do things.  What difference does it make to add intention to my actions you may wonder? 

Merriam-Webster defines intent(ion) as having in mind a purpose or goal.  When I am doing the dishes, emptying the dishwasher, or feeding the dog, I often feel as if they are a chore and are eating up my time, and preventing me from doing something more important.  I don’t see them as an activity/action in support of a larger goal. 

I have several goals and desires, one of which is to have a tidy, clean home.  In order to make that happen, dishes have to be washed, floors have to be cleaned, carpets have to be cleaned, etc.  Instead of seeing these actions as drudgery and time eaters, they are actually necessary actions in support of my desire to have a clean home.  By simply acknowledging that I have a goal of a clean and tidy home, my actions become intentional in nature, which now supplies satisfaction upon completion rather than irritation.

Below are some activities that I have now categorized intentionally:
Be Healthy = Healthy Eating – Grocery Shopping
Be Healthy = Exercising -Going to Gym
Tidy Home = Washing Dishes and Cleaning Floors
Healthy Dog = Walking Dog
Healthy Friendships = Time for fellowship

​Whether you, someone else in your family or someone you hire carries out the activities, I believe it is still valuable to see how and in what ways the actions support a larger goal (intention). 

​Blessings - Janice

I have always enjoyed being a cheerleader for others; encouraging them to reach for their goals/dreams; encouraging them to keep going and not give up; encouraging them to cross the finish line.  People have told me that my gift was that of encouraging.  Merriam-Webster defines encouragement is defined as the action of giving someone support, confidence or hope.

I recently had the opportunity to truly understand the power of encouragement. Of course I knew that encouragement was important, but I don’t think I fully understand it transforming power for the person being encouraged.  I was speaking with a client last week, and she told me, in the sweetest way, that she felt it was important that I know that my work as a Life Coach was making the difference.  I was truly taken aback and humbled at the same time.  I was so fortified, strengthened and invigorated to not simply continue but to excel.

God tells us to encourage one another daily, lest we become hardened by the world (Hebrews 3:13).  Some of the benefits of encouragement include:

• Providing us energy to accomplish objectives
• Giving us hope
• Helping to restore self-confidence
• Helping  build self-esteem
• Making  people work harder

 
If you have an opportunity to encourage someone, do it!
 
Blessings - Janice
 

​Recently I ended up losing out on two great opportunities.  These were not new opportunities; I was aware of them.  For some reason I kept putting off taking action.  I kept telling myself I would take action soon.  When I finally decided to do something, I was too late and missed out.  My procrastination costs me, and it started me thinking about the consequences of procrastination in our Christian lives. 

Merriam-Webster defines procrastination as the act of delaying or postponing something.  What are you delaying or postponing in your Christian life?  What is it that you know you should be doing, but for whatever reason, have not done?
​

• Is there someone that you should forgive, but are procrastinating?
• Is there someone you should be encouraging, but you are procrastinating?
• Is there someone you should be visiting in the hospital/nursing home, but you are procrastinating?
• Is there someone you should be witnessing to, but you are procrastinating?

God tells us that we should be aware of our time and should seek to be good stewards.  Ephesians 5:16 tells us to redeem “… the time because the days are evil.”

If you are procrastinating - why are you waiting?  Are you aware of the possible consequences
of your procrastination?  Don't wait!


Blessings - Janice