An Intentional Life

Words by Hailey Andresen
Photography by Amy Hanen



An intentional life is simple - it means that everything you do is done with intention (yes, even watching TV). It doesn’t mean that there are things you should or shouldn’t be doing, but that whatever it is you are doing should be with intention.

It’s not about how much you do, but how you do it. It’s about realizing what you need, and making time for it.

I struggle with being checklist obsessed, but that’s not what it’s about. It’s not about how much you do, but how you do it. It’s about realizing what you need, and making time for it. That’s at least what I left An Intentional Autumn feeling. It doesn’t mean you have to take on more work. I actually left feeling like maybe I need to take on less, and that I should focus more on the work that matters. And that ultimately, I need to make more time for all things that matter - Zack, Owen, friends, family, me.

It’s easy to bury yourself in work, but in ten, twenty, thirty years, will it matter? Finding balance is key and making time, being intentional with your time is what it’s all about.

But We Don't Eat Bread

Words & Photography
by Mads Paige



Me - "Babe, why are you making bread? We don't eat bread."
Dave - "Because it's simple to make and we'll save money not buying bread."
Me - "but we don't eat bread..."
End of story.

Wonderful Quote

"You will never have this day with your children again.

Tomorrow they will be a little older than they were today.

This day is a gift, breathe and notice, smell and touch them.

Study their faces and little feet. Pay attention.

Relish the charms of the present.

Enjoy today, momma, it will be over before you know it."

- Jen Hatmaker

[Photography by Anna Gushtyuk]

Microscopes

Words & Photography
by Elizabeth Riley



Microscopes: the things homeschool kids get for Christmas!

We've had so much fun looking at vegetable pollen, mosquitos, house flies, and fruit (to name a few)! And maybe Jeremiah and I have spent more time looking at it than the kids. I'm dreaming up all the neat things we're going to do in school with this amazing tool!

We've had so much fun looking at vegetable pollen, mosquitos, house flies, and fruit (to name a few)! And maybe Jeremiah and I have spent more time looking at it than the kids.

Also, I think homeschool dads are incredible. Homeschool requires a tremendous commitment, and Jeremiah's full support makes a profound impact on our experience. So grateful for him. He's quite the guy.

The Here And Now

Words & Photography
by Chandler Jo



January comes around and we get all sorts of riled up for goal and intention setting. I love lists, calendars, planning, and strategizing, but this can overwhelm me with a sense of urgency and be distracting unless coupled with contentment and gratefulness for the beauty in the now.

Now it is time to look at today, this hour...what or who is in front of me and be grateful to be here on a rainy winter day. 

So all the goals are written, all the intentions are set. Now it is time to look at today, this hour...what or who is in front of me and be grateful to be here on a rainy winter day. Pointed my ship in the direction it needs to go, set the sails accordingly and I'm just going to enjoy the wind that carries me, the beauty of the present moment. What are your January customs in this arena?