Goal-Setting For Your Family, How to Lead and Love Intentionally

The first day of summer freedom has arrived!! The official countdown for summer vacation usually begins in our home the day spring break ends. Our family always waits with great anticipation for this time of year! We look forward to time with friends at the lake, outings to our local theme parks, the fun activities and spiritual growth at church camp, vacation getaways, dinners on the deck, visits to the swimming pool, catching up on projects that get put aside during the hustle and bustle of the school year, and the various opportunities we have to connect with family and friends. What great things are you anticipating this summer?

Our boys tubing with their buddies at Table Rock Lake (May 2014)

Karleigh cooling off with some friends at a Cardinals game. (May 2014)

As Jon and I approach the summer months, we process and pray over goals that we have for our family. With the extra time that summer provides, there is great opportunity for growth in three specific areas...spiritual, physical and relational. Through the years I've seen the value of living intentionally: some things only get accomplished when we are intentional in our prayers, words and actions. Here are a few things Jon and I consider as we develop our goals...

1) What areas do we sense need some extra attention? Have we had to rush through our devotional time due to the busyness of our schedules? Do we feel disconnected or distant from anyone in our home?
2) What are some practical things that need to be done around the house? How can we use our time (and our kids' time) to catch up on things that will lessen the distractions/stress as we move into the summer and fall?
3) How can we serve as a family this summer? Are there opportunities at our church or in the community where we can help meet a need?
4) What are some natural gifts and talents that we've seen in our children? How can we put the kids in position to develop what God has given them...what gifts/talents do Jon and I need to develop?
5) Does everyone in our home have at least one close friendship that will help sharpen them in their walk with the Lord and strengthen them in their everyday life?

When I look at the calendar and consider the opportunities set before me, my desire is to get the most out of every moment I've been given. Summertime is FULL of opportunities...to play, to travel, to listen, to discuss, to invest in others. My prayer is that everyday I would see clearly the opportunities that God places at my fingertips, and wisely invest in the people God sets in my path.

"Jesus went from village to village, teaching the people. And he called his disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority over evil spirits." (Mark 6:6-7 NLT)

The concordance in my NIV Bible states,"The disciples were sent out in pairs. Individually they could have reached more areas of the country, but this was not God's plan. One advantage in going out by twos was that they could strengthen and encourage each other, especially when they faced rejection. Our strength comes from God, but he meets many of our needs through our teamwork with others."

As you serve Christ in your home, in your community, and in your churches, don't attempt to do it on your own. Ask for God's wisdom and direction as you look for opportunities to grow. Be intentional!! Invest in your relationships~whether it's with your spouse, your children, your neighbors or your best friends. I'm praying that God will give you his vision and perspective as you venture out into this glorious season...SUMMER!!

Time at the park with some of our BFFs (June 2014)