Growing in Grace (A Faith Journey through Bible and Faith Journaling Blog by d. d. Boone): January 2021

Friday, January 29, 2021

February 2021 Bible Reading Plan: Renew Yourself

Renew Yourself...

This year's Bible reading plans are based on my word of the Year, INTENTIONAL.

To be intentional, you must renew yourself regularly.

Here is the plan for February. (Link goes to a PDF file.)

Here is the S.O.A.P. Bible Verse Writing Sheet for 2021.

Here is a 3 Question Bible Verse Writing Sheet.

Saturday, January 16, 2021

Living with Purpose: How to Live Intentionally Daily Based on 2 Corinthians 5:17

Living intentionally every day can be challenging, but it is vital for spiritual growth and personal development. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, we are reminded that when we become new creatures in Christ, old things have passed away, and everything has become new. This verse should inspire us to live intentionally every day, making conscious efforts to align our actions with our faith. In this article, we will explore practical ways to live intentionally every day based on 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Understanding 2 Corinthians 5:17

2 Corinthians 5:17 is a powerful verse that reminds us of the transformative power of salvation. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we become new creatures in Him. Our old ways and behaviors pass away, and we are given a new life in Christ. This new life should be characterized by intentional living, making conscious efforts to align our actions with our faith.

Making Intentional Choices

Living intentionally requires making conscious choices every day that align with our faith. One way to do this is by setting daily goals that reflect our faith and values. These goals can be as simple as reading the Bible daily, praying regularly, or volunteering at a local charity. By setting goals that reflect our faith, we can be intentional about how we spend our time and energy.

Cultivating Positive Habits

Cultivating positive habits is another way to live intentionally every day. This includes habits such as exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep. By prioritizing our physical health, we can ensure that we have the energy and stamina to pursue our goals and live intentionally every day.

Nurturing Relationships

Nurturing positive relationships is also an essential part of intentional living. This includes building strong relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. By investing time and energy in these relationships, we can cultivate a supportive network that helps us stay focused on our faith and goals.

Practicing Gratitude

Practicing gratitude is another powerful way to live intentionally every day. This involves taking time each day to reflect on the blessings in our lives and express gratitude for them. By focusing on the positive aspects of our lives, we can cultivate a mindset of abundance and joy, even during difficult times.

Embracing Change

Living intentionally also requires embracing change and being open to new experiences. This includes trying new things, taking risks, and stepping outside our comfort zones. By embracing change, we can grow and learn in new ways, deepening our faith and understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Overcoming Challenges

Living intentionally every day can be challenging, and we are bound to face obstacles along the way. However, by relying on our faith and staying focused on our goals, we can overcome these challenges and emerge stronger and more resilient. This includes staying connected to our faith community, seeking support from loved ones, and staying committed to our goals.

Living intentionally every day is essential for spiritual growth and personal development. By making conscious choices that align with our faith, cultivating positive habits, nurturing relationships, practicing gratitude, embracing change, and overcoming challenges, we can live lives that reflect our values and beliefs. As we embrace 2 Corinthians 5:17, let us remember that we are new creatures in Christ, and everything has become new.

Some Things to Remember

What does it mean to live intentionally?

Living intentionally means making conscious choices every day that align with our faith and values. This includes setting goals, cultivating positive habits, nurturing relationships, practicing gratitude, embracing change, and overcoming challenges.

How can I cultivate positive habits?

You can cultivate positive habits by prioritizing your physical health, setting achievable goals, establishing a routine, and holding yourself accountable. Start small and gradually build up to more significant habits, such as exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep.

How can I practice gratitude?

You can practice gratitude by taking time each day to reflect on the blessings in your life and express gratitude for them. This can be done through journaling, prayer, or simply taking a few minutes to reflect on the positive aspects of your day. Focus on the present moment and appreciate the small things that bring you joy.

How can I overcome challenges while living intentionally?

Overcoming challenges requires a strong commitment to your faith and goals, as well as seeking support from your faith community and loved ones. Remember that setbacks are a natural part of the growth process, and use them as opportunities to learn and grow.

How can I stay focused on my faith while living intentionally?

Staying connected to your faith community, spending time in prayer and Bible study, and seeking opportunities to serve others can all help you stay focused on your faith while living intentionally. It's also important to surround yourself with positive influences and avoid negative influences that may distract you from your goals.

How does 2 Corinthians 5:17 relate to living on purpose?

2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us that when we become new creatures in Christ, old things pass away, and everything becomes new. This verse inspires us to live intentionally every day, making conscious efforts to align our actions with our faith and values. Living on purpose means making conscious choices every day that reflect our commitment to Christ and striving to live in a way that reflects our values. When we live on purpose, we are more likely to experience joy, fulfillment, and a sense of meaning in our lives. By staying focused on our faith and goals, we can overcome challenges and obstacles that may arise along the way. Overall, 2 Corinthians 5:17 emphasizes the importance of living on purpose for spiritual growth and personal development.

Friday, January 8, 2021

2021: I Will Be INTENTIONAL

Repost from: Graceful Writer (A Writing Journey Blog by d. d. Boone)

My word for this year (2021) is intentional.

I was unable to even write for personal projects in 2020 once the pandemic hit. I was somewhat hurt by this, but the writing I did in 2020 was spiritual. So, once again, I decided to complete the writing project once again.

I struggled with finding a word for about two months. It was nearing the end of December and I became frustrated. I didn’t want to spend 2021 frustrated again. So, I became to pray, while I used various Word of the Year pages to try to help me find a word. (Here is a link to a resource you can use to help you with finding your word of the year.) Nothing came. I didn’t want to give up on finding a word, but I was very close to doing so.

I was doing something else and I heard the song “Intentional” by Travis Greene begin to play in my head. I brushed it off, but then, the song kept playing in my head over and over for a week. After that, my word was intentional. I want to be intentional with everything I say and do.

I am ready to be intentional.

Wayne Dyer is my inspiration for this year.

As usual, I created an ACRONYM for INTENTIONAL. This was very liberating for me because it helps me see clearly how I needed to go about accomplishing my goals.

I am ready to be intentional and accomplish some great things this year.

John C. Maxwell reminds me to embrace and intentional life.

Sunday Adelaja reminds me that even if it gets hard, I must keep going.

And most importantly, God settles it.

Learn how to use Your Word of the Year

Tuesday, January 5, 2021

Scripture Verse Writing Sheets 2021

I have created some scripture verse writing sheets you can download and use.

S.O.A.P. Writing Sheet 2021

The SOAP method of Bible Study is the most popular and widely known Bible Study method. Here is the SOAP Writing Sheet for 2021.