The Intentional Year

Title: The Intentional Year: Simple Rhythms for Finding Freedom, Peace, and Purpose

Author: Holly + Glenn Packiam

Publisher: NavPress

Genre: Christian Nonfiction, Self-Help, Christian Living

Source: Own

My Review:

I was not far into reading The Intentional Year when I realized I needed to own this book. It is one to sit with, ponder, and savor. 

"But this book is an invitation to stop. To listen. To pray. To be free of stress and anxiety and worry. To live intentionally."

I am not sure how to review this book. All I really want to do is dump a bunch of quotes here and let the book speak for itself.

"Intentionality is about abiding in Jesus-and allowing the Holy Spirit to produce his fruit in you for the sake of others."

"Second, fruitfulness is not the same thing as productivity. Productivity is about what we're doing; fruitfulness is about who we're becoming."

The Intentional Life invites us to reflect on the past while looking forward. It encourages us to examine five spheres of our lives, and set rhythms of intentionality in these spheres. Throughout each chapter, questions inspire us to stop and reflect before moving on.

While the authors of this book have a different theological background than I do, I was still able to see the value of the book, and how helpful it is to have intentional rhythms in my life. The authors encourage you NOT to try everything at once, as that would prove unhelpful and would not create rhythms that will last.

★★★★★/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):  

Are you ready to stop living reactively, feeling emotionally exhausted, and being pulled in multiple directions?

We struggle to keep up with the demands of life--but God invites us into freedom.
We feel anxious and overwhelmed--but God promises peace.
We're stretched and empty--but God offers purpose.

The Intentional Year is an invitation to stop right now, right where you are, and choose to live on purpose. This isn't just about aspirations or self-improvement--a flourishing life is tangible and possible. With stories, practices, and a road map into intentionality, Holly and Glenn Packiam will guide you into simple ways to grow personally. Experience freedom to invest time and energy into the people you value most and into the purpose you were made for.

As you step into your intentional year, you'll . . .

reflect on the lessons and celebrations of the past season;
identify themes and a sense of calling for the season ahead; and
implement new rhythms of prayer, rest, renewal, relationships, and work.

Life doesn't have to be something that just happens to us. It's time to start practicing the life-giving rhythms of an intentional life--starting today.