The Intentional Life

I've had this running through my head for a bit and I decided recently that I was just going to do it. I guess I'm a bit hesitant as it will involve me being committed to it for a year. I didn't want it to go the way of New Year resolutions, losing steam halfway through January. So, I did what any person in this modern age does to stay accountable: I put it on social media. I don't think that I have alot to offer when it comes to talent or exemplary attributes (I had to marry someone who had that instead!) But, I have been told by many that I have a knack for organization. And, well, I kinda like doing it. Cleaning, organizing, purging, putting things where they belong. Ask my mom: it started at a very early age. But, just like a Contractor whose own home is in need of some overdue remodeling, my own home is getting a bit, umm, disheveled. We've lived in this house for 2.5 years, and although I regularly purge and clean, things still tend to get awa...

For the last 5 years we have taken the money that we would have paid for Christmas cards, pictures, and postage and put that money towards a charity.  For the last four years that money has gone to World Vision to buy a goat and few chickens for a family in poverty. This year, with the added commissions from my Rodan+Fields business, we are able to add a cow into the mix. So instead of a picture in the mail with a happy holiday greeting, you get this update. And a montage of pictures taken this past summer by my friend, Jess ( http://www.j3designsphotography.com/ ). Owen is 10 and is in 4th grade.  He is reading books at a high school level, building fantastic creations with his Legos, and aspires to be a surgeon someday. Hannah is 8 1/2 and is in 3rd grade this year.  Hannah is our in-house creative and singer.  Daily she is writing stories, drawing pictures, and creating new things out of items found in our recycling bin.  All of her requests,...

I woke up this morning, got ready for the day....and then the 2-hour delay text came through. It was incredible tempting to go back to bed fully dressed, but I know from past experience that I would regret it later. So, I drank my coffee, did my devotion, and decided to take this little window of time to finally post my November Lookback. I know I am the one who enjoys these the most as it is myself looking back over my own past month.   Still, I thank you for walking down memory lane with me. And as I sit in this slightly chilly house, with the outdoor thermometer reading -2, it’s sort of pleasant to look back on the warmer days of November. A field trip to a self-sustaining farm, a morning drive to see the Blackhawk Christian Braves win the Championship in volleyball, a weekend trip to Detroit to sing with the church choir, many afternoons of raking leaves, taking a night walk to see the Super Moon, and of course the Thanksgiving traveling. November...