As we were recently having lunch with one of my son’s and his precious wife, he emphatically told me the next book I write needs to be about raising boys. 
It's funny because I've not even wrapped the one I'm writing now in a cover, but here he was planting another seed within my heart. And the truth is, I love this about the community of people God's surrounded me with. 
Because there's something absolutely powerful with others planting visions of our future inside of us. It strikes a chord and resonates with what God is already doing inside of us. 
And it’s God who does this. 
He uses a word we hear or pulls something beautiful out of creation to capture our attention and places purpose inside of us. Every time another year rings in God adds another year to us as he sets his plans within us, calling us to join him in his mission. 
And his plan is ultimately for all people to know him and to invest in a growing relationship with him. 
But will we heed his attention?Will we join him in his activity?Or will this year be like all of the ones before where we work our tails off moving up ladders striving to make a name for ourselves?

Two of our sons were recently in a conversation, when one of them began questioning and drilling the other one about his motives in a decision he's been mulling over in his prayers. 
And as one of his questions came out of his mouth, it struck me. 
He asked why he would do it . . .
And as I pondered his question and considered how many times I'd made decisions before and went forward never thinking through the 'why' behind my decision, but rather 'feeling' the impulse to move forward. I've often walked through life reacting and responding to events rather than seeking direction. Sure with some of my bigger decisions I've sought discernment but I was thinking about the every day decisions we often make and I realized how often my feelings have swayed the outcome of my decisions more than I've considered the overall plan of God. 

How about you?

Do you make decisions forgetting God has placed a plan inside of you to fulfill his purpose?

As we are stepping over the threshold of a new year, rather then haphazardly stepping through your days, I wonder just how much God could do if we'd align our hearts with his and consider his mission in our lives?
Life is complicated and when the effects of indecision or a lack of focus exist, our lives can become cluttered with excess. And then we come to the end of yet another year without ever changing.
Joe and I were just talking about how we need to schedule in some time to connect in the next few days and talk about some of our aspirations for this year.
Because we know how life can abruptly come and how quickly it can change our schedules without ever giving them much thought.
But when we have things listed out - they keep us aligned and connected to God's purpose..
This isn't something we've come up with ourselves.
I was just reading about how neuroscientists have gathered research that supports this. Their data emphasizes the benefit of writing down what's important to us.
They say it's here that our intentions get embedded into the depth of our brains and become a filter for our decisions.

Friends, making plans today will actually change the steps we take tomorrow.

And this is important with our faith too. 
Because when we remind ourselves that God's mission is important in our lives it makes what matters to God . . . matter to us!
And this is what we are here for friends.
Not to make a name for ourselves, but to make His name known in our lives.
I’m feeling drawn to be more intentional these days and realizing how each day is truly a blessing.