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Have you ever read The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg? I loved listening to the audio version from our library and it spurred some changes in my life. That's also how I enjoyed Atomic Habits.

After understanding habits more, my desire increased to live on purpose in practical ways.

I then had the privilege to interview three guests with different perspectives on intentionality that are TOTALLY worth a listen: Being Intentional with Jeff Henderson, Ordering Your Priorities with Kat Lee and Living intentionally with Shunta Grant.

Being intentional with my time is something I am passionate about, so it’s no surprise that two of my favorite books, Essentialism, and Rhythms of Renewal, focus on intentionality too.

After reading these books and experiencing these conversations, my combination of take-aways led to this simple practical application:

Make a list on my phone . . .

On that list, whenever I was at the end of a really good day, I reflected back on what made it an especially great day and then I stored it on the list.

I noted any repeatable action that could be replicated in the future.

If this action step led to a great day before, why not try to see if it worked again?

Eventually, these ideas became habits and these habits became enjoyable rhythms that have shaped my days for the past few years.

Whenever I'm in a slump or just wanting a reminder of proven ways I can do my part to make it another great day, I revisit this list on my phone. It is easily accessible and it is particularly appreciated at times when I'm feeling less inspired. I can rely on the work I've already done!

As I was making my list, I asked God one day, “does this matter?”

Then I came across passages of Scripture that assured me this pattern of daily life does indeed matter to Him!

"what kind of people ought you to be [in the meantime] in holy behavior [that is, in a pattern of daily life that sets you apart as a believer] and in godliness [displaying profound reverence toward our awesome God],"

"So, beloved, since you are looking forward to these things, be diligent and make every effort to be found by Him [at His return] spotless and blameless, in peace [that is, inwardly calm with a sense of spiritual well-being and confidence, having lived a life of obedience to Him]."

"but grow [spiritually mature] in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory (honor, majesty, splendor), both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." 2 Peter 3:11b, 14, and 18 (AMP)

My list of intentional habits matters to Him because it is my way of obeying Him, both now and to the day of eternity.

I'm not saying you need to do my list to obey Him. You get to ask Him for your own list! And then your way to please Him and enjoy the process is simple . . .

Obey.

Our lists can serve as helpful reminders to joyfully obey Christ during our day and joyful obedience leads to spiritual maturity.

Being in tune with the Holy Spirit and responding in obedience is the practical application that aids our process of progressive sanctification.

Applying wisdom He has revealed is one way to grow more like Christ.

Having an intentional list is NOT a way to earn salvation! Jesus is the only way to receive salvation. (If you want to hear more about this process, listen to the final 3 and 1/2 minutes of any episode of The Savvy Sauce Podcast! The best news ever is explained there.)

If you want some ideas to get you started, here are 40 of my personal rhythms:

1. Coffee and quiet time (for me, this is reading the Bible and journaling)

2. At least one hour at night chatting with my spouse a minimum of 6 nights/week

3. 1-on-1 time with each daughter for at least 10 minutes daily (easiest at bedtime)

4. Date Night (weekly)

5. Sabbath Rest (Sundays)

6. Walk (6 days/week)

7. Host at least once/month (and ideally once/week)

8. Listen to at least one podcast every day (ideally on a walk in the morning before the kids are awake)

9. Family dinner together more nights than not

10. Quarterly meeting with Mark to review previous 90 days and vision cast for the next 3 months

11. Always have something to look forward to

12. Tidy house before bed

13. Wake up in the 6 o'clock hour at least 5 days/week

14. Read aloud to our kids every day

15. Play music! Extol the Lord!

16. Make homemade meals

17. Days of the week = Bible study, play date, work day, home at least one morning per week to catch up, gym, then socialize and enjoy family time all weekend

18. Nights of the week = intentional family night, date night, work late/date night with one daughter, catch up night, then social all weekend

19. Learn something new (in Scripture, through a conversation, or a new thought or lesson from a book or podcast)

20. As often as possible, teach my children something new, such as memorizing Scripture as we drive

21. Maximize opportunities to move with my kids

22. Ask people questions every day

23. Laugh as much as possible (tickling our daughters works every time)

24. Prayers for all family members, others, and myself, with lots of thanksgiving

25. Utilize my inner homeschool desire during the summer months: books, field trips, chores and life skills, and hands-on experimental art

26. Create and be consistent with incorporating margin (expect it to be a battle . . . and remember: I underestimate the time it will take to do everything, but margin ushers in kindness, leaves room for inspiration and helps me sleep better. Bottom line: get as far ahead as possible to be kind/considerate to my future self)

27. Rest and sleep well *Huge Priority* It helps me enjoy life! But don't forget: it requires discipline.

28. Get out of the house one night of the weekend with other adults

29. Keep my phone out of sight when I am with people (kids and spouse included), which helps me be present where I am so I can enjoy and savor relationships!

30. Turn off phone notifications, keep phone on silent, and update unroll.me

31. Light candles whenever we are home . . . I love the ambiance it creates

32. Allow kids to help with what they are able (lunch, clean up, etc . . . and always continue to add to this list. Remind myself: this serves them best because we are raising future adults, not over functioning for little children)

33. Change scenery - travel or just go to a variety of places to get out of the house with the kids. Novelty is good for everyone!

34. Be intentional to do or plan something to bless others, such as inviting them to gather or gifting them with something to brighten their day

35. Drink a full glass of water before my first sip of coffee

36. Travel, keep dreaming, and always have the next trip on the calendar

37. Don't allow myself to stay preoccupied by thoughts when I'm home with our children . . . manage my distractions to be present where my feet are!

38. Take breaks.

39. Remember: The more we get together, the happier we'll be!

40. Be flexible and ask God to teach me something new on days when all of this doesn't happen!

As always, this list is meant to serve you and not meant for you to serve it!

If these ideas don't resonate with you, spend a minute brainstorming what is more meaningful to you:

At the end of a good day, reflect back: what made it a good day?

Is there anything you did that you could try again?

Could you choose ONE thing to try again tomorrow?

Ask the Lord, what is the one action step He would like to invite you to implement?

I believe He will answer you! Do you know why I believe that?

James 1:5 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." (NIV)

I recognize it is counter-cultural to live intentionally and there are plenty of excuses why we assume intentionality won’t work for us. But I want to leave you with these words of encouragement from Matthew 7:14:

"But small is the gate and narrow and difficult to travel is the path that leads the way to [everlasting] life, and there are few who find it." (AMP)

Your turn! What grounds you? What habits or rhythms make you feel on-track for living a meaningful life?

"I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” Ephesians 4:1b (NIV)

Lots of Love,

Laura

About The Savvy Sauce

Practical chats for intentional living

A faith-based podcast and resources to help you grow closer to Jesus and others. Expect encouragement, surprises, and hope here. Each episode offers lively interviews with fascinating guests such as therapists, authors, non-profit founders, and business leaders.

They share their best practices and savvy tips we can replicate to make our daily life and relationships more enjoyable!