It’s early Sunday morning. I mean real early (haven’t slept yet)! For the past two days Audrey and I have been conducting a Marriage Retreat in Myrtle Beach, SC. Tomorrow morning we teach our last session and we fly home after an 11-day road trip; one of our longest without the children, we’re ready for home.

Last weekend we were in Edmonton, Alberta with NAME Canada speaking for their National Marriage Conference. From there we traveled to visit our New Day Partners in Edmonton, Calgary, Surrey, Abbottsford, and Toronto. The intention of this Tiramisu Tour was to be able to meet our Partners and friends that we might bring them words of encouragement. I believe that happened but it pails in comparison to the amount of encouragement and support we received form those who attended. It was wonderful, beyond my imagination – PTL!

Being on the road, away from home and any form of routine I may have has made contributing to this BLOG nearly impossible. I’ve never written one before nor have I read any either. So this is my first attempt with the encouragement of my staff to stay courant with this electronic medium.

The theme Intentional Living has been circulating through my mind continuously for the past month. I had tried to prepare myself for what I thought would be a simple task – writing a BLOG of encouragement. Well, here I am nearly two weeks late and I’m getting my first entry posted (doesn’t look too intentional to me…).

Let me give you what I believe to be a key to the Intentional life.

Never Give Up.

Our troubles on the grand scheme of things are quit small and won’t last very long so let’s not concentrate on those right know; rather we will look forward to what we have not yet seen.
2 Cor. 4:16-18

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
And no mind has imagined
What God has prepared
For those who love Him.”
1Cor. 2:9

I like the phrase, “has prepared”.

My Father has so much prepared for me that I haven’t even imagined it all yet. Therefore I will refuse to allow life’s little setbacks to tempt me to quit or evade what’s necessary to develop my character to the place where I will rightly inherit the promises of God to my benefit. Understand, God’s will for your life is a preferred future. HE is the God of all hope.

Today:
1. Take moments to meditate and ask God, “What do you have prepared for me?”
2. Believe Him as he will answer. Don’t dismiss the extravagant favor you’ll find as one who is dearly loved.
3. Never Give Up.

PS - I am now home! Internet!

Starting November 1st

This is my daily open journal to Intentional Living beginning November 1, 2007.

Don't allow life to pass you by. Become intentional with the casual choices you make each day.

My hope is to encourage your Biblical approach to life that you may enjoy your personal walk with God all the more. As that relationship deepens it will only result in bringing benefit to your many other personal relationships.

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

Join me during the month of November and together we will grow in God's love, light and life.