Living with Intention, Leading with Purpose - A Vision for 2025

It's 2025 friends. I am always amazed how a new year begins, and how quickly it passes. There is certainly truth to time flying as we age. I am excited for every new year, but especially this year. My family has faced some challenging years and although I know there is no end to the ebb and flow of life, this year brings a fresh perspective,personal goals, and much to be thankful for.

Our son graduated from high school in June 2024 and began his first semester of university this past September. It has been a learning experience for this mama to increasingly let go of the reigns, allow independence to evolve, and let natural consequences happen despite my need to want to rescue. I must say I have been doing surprisingly well, not hovering or micromanaging when its my natural inclination. I have watched his falls, scrapes, missteps, but more importantly his resilience and persistence. As parents, we want our kids to be strong independent adults, but for this to happen we also learn to release the tension on the rope knowing its for their best.

With two adult sons, a teenage daughter, aging parents, vocation changes, personal health struggles, life can seem hectic, stressful and overwhelming. What has brought me through every moment of angst and uncertainty is God's goodness and faithfulness. His word reminds me that I am never alone or forsaken. "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:8. Despite my circumstances, He redeems it all. It is my choice to worship Him in every storm or allow it to take me under. Life is all about how we perceive the things around us, and our choices. If you take any life experience and apply those words, it will either make the situation better or worse.

This leads me to the word Intention. An intention is an idea that you plan to carry out. It is truly meaning to do something. It is the goal of what you want whether you make it happen or not. So, for intention to take place, you need a Purpose. To have purpose you need a Vision. These words are the guiding principles for my life this year. I have been flushing out God's will for my life the past few years, and no matter what I have tried to do, a common theme always returned. I am called to Passionate discipleship for Jesus, walking with others to find their God designed purpose. My vision is to see people walking in their calling and have purpose in their lives.Therefore, my purpose is to be a vessel, facilitator, and encourager, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide the interactions and steps throughout this process. Finally, this only happens with intention. This takes time, work, dedication, and accountability.

God has revealed to me through prayer, trust and patiently waiting, that His time and plan is perfect. When I surrender to His will, He makes a way, directs my path, and opens the doors that were meant for me to walk through. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6. It doesn't say He might direct your path. No, it is an imperative! He will do it. Trust me when I say, I have spent years trying to barge through doors that were not mine to open. Those were hard years because I chose my will over God's.

As I have dedicated this year to learning, loving, and leading, I have an eager anticipation for the awesome things ahead. I am currently embarking on a journey to attain my Level 1 ICF accreditation from the Christian Coaching Institute. There is no question of God's timing, and His providence over me to pursue this education. I want to
be obedient and be able to walk in my calling feeling equipped, prepared, and have the foundation and support of an amazing internationally recognized training institute. As a big picture thinker, I have so many questions and goals swirling in my head. Sometimes that in and of itself can feel overwhelming. I am reminded that I must put one foot in front of the other, and with God in the driver's seat, I don't have to worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow has enough of its own worries.

What about you? How do you feel about a new year? Do you have a personal vision, or do you feel unsure, stuck, confused? I urge you to seek the Lord in your uncertainty, and to trust Him throughout the process. If you are not a follower of Jesus, that's okay. God is always there to talk to, not only in our crisis situations. Maybe you should give it a try and trust Him to help you navigate decisions in your life. I would also challenge you to find your current purpose exactly where you are until you are called to be somewhere else. When we focus on ourselves, our feelings, and always have one foot out, we miss so many beautiful opportunities and lessons where we are. God may not choose to move you or show you the next step until you have shown Him obedience and surrender now. I say this because I lived it. When you finally let go of wanting more and start to just "be" where you are, you may just be amazed at what happens. It won't just happen to you, because your peace causes the blessing and joy to trickle down to those around you. What if you went to work thankful for your job and those you work with, put a smile on your face, and let God use you to be a catalyst for joy and hope. What if you mended a relationship that has been a thorn in your side, and all you had to do was be humble enough to face it. What if you chose to smile and give your day to God instead of groaning and moping around. What if you said, "God use me today, and show me who needs encouragement."

The bottom line is God has always been and will always be about us, about others, and He calls us to be others focused. Life was not meant to be about "I", even though the world says otherwise. When we spend time in service to others, we don't have time to wallow in our own woes. May this be a challenge for you as you embark on a new year, and with every obstacle and decision, my hope is that you include the one who created
you.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11