Dennis Allen’s “Living Intentionally.”

From Dennis’ Life is But a Blink: Living Intentionally.

The next chapter in Dennis’ “Life is But a Blink” writings isn’t complete, but he had made notes on the subject “Living Intentionally.” I will respectfully try to recreate these thoughts from what he left behind. He begins…

Living Intentionally: Choosing to Live an Intentional Life

The whole premise for this book came from a choice I made in my life to live more intentionally. I was tired of walking through this life without a plan and treating those around me indifferently. Living a life with intentionality necessarily means that I had to do a lot of the following: 1. Thinking 2. Meditating 3. Planning 4. Experimenting 

My heart’s desire is to live a life whereby I am growing, spiritually, mentally, physically and emotionally. My desire is to have deeper and more meaningful relationships with those near and dear to my heart. To pour into others and be a mentor and encourager to my friends, family and co-workers. Consider how you can be more intentional in the following areas of your life:

• Time – we all have the same amount of time each day (24 hours). How are you going to spend that time?
• Talents – what are the skills and abilities that you have? Are you using them appropriately? How can you be more intentional about using your talents in a positive and meaningful way?
• Treasure – this is a tough one for many people. Being intentional about how you spend, save, give and invest your money will take time and thoughtful effort on your part.

If you can consistently be intentional about these three areas of your life, I believe you will find your life much more fulfilling.

2 Corinthians 4:7-12 (Amplified Bible)

But we have this precious treasure [the good news about salvation] in [unworthy] earthen vessels [of human frailty], so that the grandeur and surpassing greatness of the power will be [shown to be] from God [His sufficiency] and not from ourselves. We are pressured in every way [hedged in], but not crushed; perplexed [unsure of finding a way out], but not driven to despair; hunted down and persecuted, but not deserted [to stand alone]; struck down, but never destroyed;  always carrying around in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be shown in our body. For we who live are constantly [experiencing the threat of] being handed over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be evidenced in our mortal body [which is subject to death]. So physical death is [actively] at work in us, but [spiritual] life [is actively at work] in you.

Then he found several quotes that he intended to use:

• Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game. -Babe Ruth
• It’s paradoxical that the idea of living a long life appeals to everyone… but the idea of getting old doesn’t appeal to anyone. – from “ThinkSpots” by Derric Johnson 

from Andy Rooney:

• I’ve learned…. That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

• I’ve learned…. That we should be glad God doesn’t give us everything we ask for.

• I’ve learned…. That it’s those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

• I’ve learned…. That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

• I’ve learned…. That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.

Choose to live intentionally today because

Sleep is a blink

Opportunities are a blink

Kind word opportunities disappear in a blink

Pleasure, enjoying a good meal is a blink 

And this I think we can all agree upon…life is but a blink.