I’m delighted to introduce you to our lovely guest poster today, Krista Gilbert, who is a mom of four who is passionate about people connecting in meaningful relationships.  She blogs and speaks about living life with creativity, purpose, and intention.  When she isn’t at Costco, you will catch a glimpse of her racing her kids & husband down a black diamond in the mountains of Idaho. Find her at Meaning In a Minute.  Krista is passionate about living intentionally, which also happens to be this month’s theme here on the M2B Blog. It is my pray that Krista’s words will spur you on to live intentionally this month!

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Giant boulders stacked across the mountainside.  Each step of elevation gain required a burst of strength from every leg muscle. Carrying 50 lb. backpacks through the Idaho wilderness showed a certain courage and strength that built the boys’ confidence.  Fishing poles swung off strips of webbing, and bear spray occupied the side pouches.

This was the culmination of a year long group my husband ran with our 11 year old son and some of his friends.  The goals were spiritual formation, character building, and an outdoor experience. Everyone in the group benefited from my husband’s decision to be intentional about training up these young men.  Would the same have happened if he hadn’t designated time to talk about the topics and embark on the planned adventure? Probably not.

Being intentional with our planning and time forces us to make room for the most important.

Habits dictate how the majority of how our days are spent.  If our habits are healthy, and are moving us in the direction we desire to go, then few changes are necessary.  However, more often than not, patterns have developed in our lives that prevent us from moving forward.

The word intentional is defined: done on purpose, deliberate.  Psalm 90:12 (ESV) puts it this way, “Teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom.” This simply means, let’s make the time count!

Every fall I write down where I need to focus and be more intentional.  This then dictates what my calendar looks like on a weekly basis for the following school year. Here are some areas to think through, asking questions like: Which area is the most lacking? Which holds the most intentional time currently?

• Spiritual Growth
• Prayer Life
• Marriage
• Parenting {consider each child individually}
• Family
• Health
• Friendships
• Work
• Growth
• Service
• Home
• Words
• Practical

Next decide what you can specifically do to be more intentional in that area. Put it on the calendar.  Make it non-negotiable. Ask someone to hold you accountable if needed.

Time is our most valuable currency.  Let’s spend it wisely – with forethought, purpose, and wisdom. {click to tweet}

Let’s learn to say “no” so our “yes” is stronger.  As we pick up our own backpacks, let’s only put in those items that are the most valuable for the journey ahead.  Let’s throw off the dead weight that makes us slow and heavy on the trail.

Intentional living creates a peace.  And that comes from knowing that life is being lived well.

What is one area you are feeling led to be more intentional?

:: Subscribe to moretobe.com this month and get the “Living Intentionally Life Plan by Elisa Pulliam” for free! ::

Link Up & Share …

There are three ways to link up and share in Transformed Tuesdays. Pick what works best for you…

{Option 1} Share Your Story: Link up to a post you’ve written about that reveals God transforming work in your life, but be sure to mention Transformed Tuesdays at More to Be in a link or use our button.

{Option 2} Focus on the Key Verse: Link up a post in which you share your thoughts on the key verse from above, and mention Transformed Tuesdays at More to Be in a link or use our button.

{Option 3} Spread It Around: Share the Scripture graphic from above!

Next Week’s Verse

Colossians 3:23 ESV

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.