Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me are some of the most untruthful words ever to be spoken.. Words cause heartache. Words cause negative emotions. Words definitely cause hurt.
2018 was a year full of words that produced strong emotional impacts on my life.
Cancer...Hospice...Good bye...Liar...Spiteful...Reunification-- all of these words changed my daily existence and changed my heart.
Because words can have both positive and negative influences on a person's attitude, emotional health, and overall outlook on life, I have chosen to select a word for 2019 to focus on and incorporate into my daily life.
With all the life changing, emotionally draining events of 2018, I feel like I have been merely existing--life has not been lived, but endured with no purpose. All aspects of life, with the exception of career, have been floundering under depression and hurt. As trials and issues have occurred, they occurred with little to no battle; apathy has been in control. In order to gain more control in my responses to what happens around me and to me, I have chosen to be more organized in my plans, more actively involved in the direction my life will take me, and more in INTENTIONAL in my actions.
Intentional means you are purposeful in word and action. It means you live a life that is meaningful and fulfilling to you. It means you make thoughtful choices in your life.
Being intentional means you actively interact and engage with your life in....
Time:
How much time is wasted on social media? How much time is spent 'awfulizing' rather than actualizing a positive outcome? Is laziness rather than productiveness the norm? What is consuming the time in each day? What more purposeful things can I fill my time with?
In their hearts humans plan their course, buy the Lord establishes their steps. (Prov 16:9)
Speech:
Angry responses. Ugly, hurtful words spoken quickly and without thought. Unfriendly conversations. Gossip.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, Oh Lord, my rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)
Thoughts:
Are impure thoughts being allowed? Are activities I am participating in promoting inappropriate thoughts? Am I overthinking, 'in my head' rather than giving the worries and thoughts to God?
Whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure,whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there are any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.(Phil 4:18)
Finances:
Is what is being purchased necessary? Is the Christian responsibility to God being fulfilled? Are funds being used the most frugal and responsible way possible?
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you.' ( Heb 13:5)
Health:
What foods are being prepared/purchased? Is physical activity part of daily life? Is the need for sleep ignored? Is the mind engaged? Are ailments/symptoms being taken care of?
...Instead, fear the Lord and turn your back on evil. Then you’ll gain renewed health and vitality. (Prov 3:7-8)
