My New Way of Setting Intentions in 2021...

Confession: I don't love resolutions. 

Kudos to everyone who sets 'em and gets them done, but for me...I tend to be overzealous. There is a certain intangibility to them that doesn't help me really wrap my head around them, so when I saw some of the creative people I admire over on Insta making stacks, I was intrigued and inspired. 

I got to work looking at the major areas of my life and weighing what's most important to me in each area, what goals I'd like to reach and what books I'd like to read, habits to implement and I wrote them down...and then I stacked 'em, took a photo and here we are. 

At first I wasn't too sure about all of this and I have a few family members that just think I am crazy, but I've gotta tell you - putting a name on my goals and putting my hands on the things I want to do and habits I want to create was really...good. It set a real tone to it all. 

And yes, I have photos to share here with you and on Insta and in my community on Facebook, but mainly - I have something visual for ME! Something visual will remind me what's important and what I want to focus on if I lose my way {or look at what someone else is doing and get distracted - I know I'm not the only one who does that!}

So I broke my areas of importance into three major areas: faith, creativity and life in general. If one doesn't interest you, no worries - just scroll through for the gist of it or find what you're looking for and what suits your style. 

And listen - before you call me out about my family and kids, they are the crux of everything. It goes without saying their well being trumps all so let's not get hung up on that. 

This is largely about me, personally, but they will be involved in a lot. 

So let's take a look. More than me caring that you see what I'm getting into, I'm sharing this with you in the hopes that maybe this method might work for you and that you'll feel inspired to try it yourself, or some similar version. 

Under each photo I'll just share what's included and a brief description of why it's there, as well as where to get it. 

Let's start from the bottom, shall we? I chose to share my Faith Stack first because, honestly, my faith is my priority. I study at least a little daily and that study shapes my days, my life and all my other plans - it's important for me to put that first. 

1. My daily devotional journal

This is a book I use everyday in my personal faith practice. It's set up like a weekly planner with beautiful, heavyweight cardstock paper and gorgeous mixed media artwork to inspire. 

I use this journal for morning verse of the day, sermon notes I listen to, personal study, verse mapping, etc. I also do lots of little areas of creativity with stickers, layered ephemera - you name it. I'll continue to make this a daily practice throughout 2021, it's my go-to. 

Check Scrapbook.com here for this journal or to browse other mixed media planners like it.  

2. Fundamentals of the Faith Bible Study by John MacArthur

I've been working on this one for a bit, but it's a priority to finish it in early 2021. I've been a Christian for awhile, but this study was recommended to me and was a good way to get back to the basics of my faith with all the noise around. I highly recommend for a new believer, for someone with questions or even the most seasoned in faith for a fresh outlook. 

You can find this study here.

3. Dayspring's Illustrating Bible

I have wanted this beauty for awhile - two years, as a matter of fact! - but the price was more than I felt was practical for me. Luckily someone gifted this to me for Christmas and I'll tell you - now that I have it, I wish I had bought it long ago! 

This isn't the type of Bible you study from, it's designed for journaling and Bible art. The large coil binding allows for lots of expansion and the margins are very large for art, notes, etc. I used to Bible journal often starting several years ago and I got away from it, but I'm excited to dive back in and make it a regular practice this coming year. Stay tuned here and on the socials for more about how I'm making this part of my practice. 

My friend Lindsey Lanning of Lindsey Decor on Youtube uses these often - they have several versions- check her out to see more specs of these art bibles! {she's amazing!}

If you want to dive right in, you can get this Bible here. 

4. More Bible Studies

I'm just going to condense this category for space. I've had a few studies for awhile that I haven't gotten through and I am going to finish them. I really like them, but life happened and there was art to be made. These are just a few I'm digging into, but there are SO many workbook studies and even online studies out there for you!

Discerning the Voice of God - Priscilla Shirer

Gideon - Priscilla Shirer

5. 100 Days Creative Devotionals

Ok, so I love these devotionals and I only have two right now, but I'd really love to have them all. Maybe in the future since this year is already looking pretty busy ;) 

Whether you're into Bible journaling or interested, but hesitant - these devotional journals are so creative and beautiful. 

There are many topics to choose from and there each day has devotional content, scriptural reference and a lot of space to journal in. They are also super creative and colorful, making them a beautiful addition to your study time. 

I have 100 Days to Dream your Heart Out and 100 Days of Bible Promises, but you can find the entire series here. Also here is my pal Lindsey again with all of her videos on these beauties. 

6. Good Christian Reads

So there are a few books in this stack that I have already started, but haven't finished. I read a lot so it's my priority to get these finished ASAP. One notable one is Reframation, which was gifted to me by my pastor - it's so rich and while I normally read very quickly, it has taken me months to get over the halfway point; every few pages i have to really stop and reflect, taking pause before I pick it back up again. 

But it has been life changing and heart turning. Highly recommend and I'll share a full review as soon as I'm finished! You'll find more books in the next image stack that I'll list below the photo. 

Part of my reading includes a series of devotionals ranging from 40-100 days; I'll note when a book is a devotional. 

7. The Main Event - The Holy Bible

I use this Bible daily in study and I love it! It's the She Reads Truth CSB translation with a soft, leather cover. There are devotionals throughout and loads of scriptural art to ignite and inspire. 

The margins are nice for note taking and journaling if you choose. 

You can get this Bible here, but I recommend you do your research before investing in a Bible to make sure you invest in one that's perfect for you. 

I read - a LOT! I do read fiction, but it's mainly non-fiction and I include a lot of work that will help me expand my faith. These are the faith-based books for 2021, but I'll undoubtedly add more. I'm excited to start sharing some of these amazing books with you all here! 

Many of these have been on my Kindle list for quite awhile, so whether I read 'em there or loan from the library I'm getting 'em done!

1. Reframation - Alan Hirsch and Mark Nelson

2. Microchurches: A Smaller Way - Brian Sanders

3. The Tangible Kingdom - Hugh Halter and Matt Smay

{this is not only a book I am going to read, but there's also a group life study my small group and I have plans to do together at the start of 2021}

4. Simply Tuesday - Emily P. Freeman

{I just love her! I read A Million Little Ways this year and it was so fantastic! Review coming soon!}

5. Bezalel - Christ John Otto

{Also read his Army Arising book in 2020 - interesting and really intense!}

6. 40 Days of Decrease - Alicia Britt Chole

This is a devotional, but it's in my plans. 

{Her book Anonymous is a life-changing favorite of mine!}

7. A Hidden Wholeness - Parker J. Palmer

8. Reckless Love - Cory Asbury {a 40-day devotional}

I really love this guy. His song, Reckless Love, was really a heart wringer for me and I can't wait to see what he has to say in his devotional

9. The Forgotten Ways - Alan Hirsch

{I love this guy so much who co-wrote Reframation, I must read his other books - this is just one of those}

10. What Made Jesus Mad? - Tim Harlow

11. The Circle Maker - Mark Batterson

{been reading this awhile, just have to finish}

12. Reflections on the Psalms - C.S. Lewis

Ahhhh....my creative stack. These are things that will take priority for my creative practice in 2021. 

1. More canvas art. 

Enough said. 

2. Scrapbooking

You may or may not know that my paper-obsessed crafting journey started with the introduction of scrapbooking - thanks, sis ;) I've gotten into other things and stepped away from it, but I really love it and want to dive back in. 

I want to get my kids' books finished {they are 7 and 4 - eek!}, some ancestral family books done {which I will do with my mom; it will be a good thing to do together!}, as well as a book for miscallaneous other things. I have no real hard goals set here other than to just get back into it. 

Be on the lookout here for tips+tricks and progress on those. 

3. Smashbooking

When I fell out of scrapbooking {because it can be so intense for larger life events}, I fell in love with Smashbooking. I don't think they even make these anymore, but they are lower-stress books for everyday moments. They are more visual journal-like. 

I have a couple I'd like to fill up. 

I may even make a couple of them from scratch...maybe. 

4. Art Journaling + CREATIVE PLAY!

My art journals are my place to unwind and really play without the perceived stress of the canvas looming over me. I love my sacred time in my art journals and need to make it a more regular practice to be in them.

5. My Writing Journal

I reflect and write a lot. I want to write daily - something. 

Gratitude, lesson learned, a hard time, etc. I don't usually keep it to myself, but my journaling helps me shape content for here, for social media and for plans in my business and community.  

6. Memory Journaling

This is like journaling with pictures and ephemera - right up my alley! I've been following Heidi Swapp for years and she is BIG on this and has really inspired me to give it a go. 

I want to capture and beautify those smaller special moments that might be missed in a scrapbook, so I'm going to need to get to printing all these photos ;) 

Let me mention, Heidi has these AH-MAAA-ZING planners for this very thing that I'll be grabbing from here, her Storyline Chapters collection. So adorbs!

7. Creative Acts of Kindness

Creating for others, whether intentionally or as a random surprise act of kindness, is so so important for me. I'm really bad at having an idea, making an idea and then never getting it to the person. 

{I hope I'm not alone!}

{In fact, I made a mini album for a dear friend YEARS ago that I still have - it's COMING, JESSICA! I love you!}

This year it's a strong intention to create lots of special surprises for people - cards, mini-albums, blessing books and boxes, prayer books, love pockets, etc - and DELIVER them! I'll be showing a lot about that process here, and really diving in over in my community if you'd like to join us or just get a taste - no pressure and no sales!

Here is my stack for life in general - just really things that are important for me to do and stick to, as well as - you guessed it - more books down below ;) 

1. Chromebook

I included this because A) my daughter is remote learning and B) to represent all the blogs I want to write to add value and inspiration to your life. 

I'm also on the design team for Scrapaholics and manage their blog - if you want to check them out ;) There are also plans for me to assist with a ministry blog for Cross Culture Community, the amazing ministry/microchurch community that I'm a huge part of and has really helped make 2020 amazing. 

2. My Learning Notebook

I attend a lot of conferences and seminars online, as well as take classes randomly. I use this book for notes and things I learn, as well as tab them so I can find them later. 

I need to use this and reference it more. 

3. My Happy Planner

Enough said. I'm definitely going to need it with all these plans. 

I love these planners because they're pretty, so many come undated and because they have a Monthly and weekly layout. Very sturdy!

4. Creative Writing Workbook

I write - it's part of my life - but this is something I want to do a bit of each day, so I put it here. This book has prompts for short and sweet little mind-bending creative writing exercises that are good for my brain. 

5. 100 Days to Dream your Heart Out Devotional

I put this back in this stack because it will be a huge part of my life. Faith first, always!

6. Content and Programming Ideas Journal and my reMarkable Writing Tablet

I use these for jotting down ideas, notes, etc that don't fit anywhere else. 

I also use my reMarkable for sweet little handwritten love notes I write and post on social media regularly. My friends loved them, so I'd like to keep that up. 

7. Create Play Connect

My mug is simply a reminder of my purpose and what I strive to do - create, play and connect with others. 

It's that simple. 

Lastly is my kindle, which represents more books - so let's wrap this up!

Some of these will be re-reads, but are important to visit again. I'm really a book nerd, I can't help myself. 

1. Playful Awakening - Dianne Gammage and Dr. Stuart Brown

2. Unbroken - Laura Hillenbrand

{I love WWII memoirs and historical fiction!}

3. If I Understood You, Would I have this Look on my Face? - Alan Alda

A great book on effective communication, we all need that!

4. Where the Crawdads Sing - Delia Owens

Supposedly set in my neck of the woods - the Outer Banks of NC - I've been told I just have to read it. 

5. The Science of Creativity - Time Life

No explanation needed. 

6. The Delight of Being Ordinary - Roland Merullo

7. Let Your Life Speak - Parker J. Palmer

This book was recommended to me by a friend and mentor, my professor from ECU Dr. Nelson Cooper. He loved Palmer and recommended this book - I started it and it was so good, but it was on a different device and I never got to finish it. This year I will. 

Dr. Cooper died a few years ago from ALS. Rest in peace, Coop - you are loved and not forgotten

8. The Wives - Taryn Fisher

A good suspense will be a nice change for me, I've heard this is excellent!

9. The Column of Fire - Ken Follett

More historical fiction and I LOVE Follett. 

So here we are - we made it. If you read it all or even just parts, I hope you were inspired in some way, shape or form. Everything here shapes who I am and what I'm all about, and therefore, shapes the very essence of what I want to offer to this world so be on the lookout for SO much coming your way here on the blog, as well as on the socials. 

For shorter snippets into daily life and easy-to-digest content, give me a follow on Instagram or Facebook. And again - if you'd like tutorials, process and really one-on-one inspiration, join me in the Creative Playground - my community. 

Let's rock out, 2021! Stack those aspirations high, friends - we've got this.