The Intentional Woman: 2009 Theme for Women of the Assemblies of God

by Ruth Puleo

The Intentional Woman is one who makes every experience, every moment, and every opportunity count. She is definitely someone who takes seriously the value of each day she is given life and desires to live it to the max. In Ephesians 5:17 (The Message) we are admonished, "Don't live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants." We devalue ourselves with so many endeavors as women. We have to stop and consider what the Master want us to do with our time and energy. What are the most important areas we should focus on and be intentional about in our lives? A healthy balance can be maintained as we intentionally invest our time and effort in the six basic life domains. If we overlook any one of them, we diminish our potential to be a godly influence.

 Be Intentional about Christ

Is your personal relationship with Christ a priority in your life? Do you set aside time each day talking to Him in prayer and allowing Him to speak to you through reading His Word, and carefully listening to what He is saying to your spirit? We can't be guessing what God wants; we have to communicate with Him. Without relationship, all we have is a set of rules and directions. But, once we are comfortable enough and close enough to hear God's heart, we can confidently proceed with every other area of our lives, knowing that He will guide us to success for His name's sake. 

Be Intentional about Your Life

It is so important for us to take time to find out who we are. Discover your history, your personality, your giftedness and how all of them affect who you are and how you relate to others. Learning about ourselves will enable us to develop healthy relationships and be productive. Once we apply God's love and grace to our story, we can visualize His divine design for our lives and begin to understand our purpose. God wants to take your life experience and use it to encourage others in their personal pursuit of faith. As you continually grow personally and develop in your relationship with God and understanding of His Word, opportunities for influence will naturally emerge in the following life domains. 

Be Intentional about Your Family

Although it is great to be blessed with many friends, you are only given one family. Unfortunately, we too often recognize the value of family after so much time has passed and our opportunity for influence is gone. So often we choose to distance ourselves from family due to differences of life style, faith, political views or values. However, when we are faced with mortality and preparation for eternity, connecting with family becomes urgent and sometimes too late. Unresolved history and wounds are often the cause for separation, but through our own personal journey to wholeness in Christ, we can find healing and the ability to forgive. I urge you to be intentional about your family relationships while you can.

 Be Intentional about Your Church

We can easily access spiritual growth opportunities through the Internet, from a bookstore or on the TV. With our busy lifestyles, we can make choices to meet our spiritual needs on the fly. However, consistently participating and being involved with a local church family provides the greatest source of spiritual growth opportunities for our families. A church community is a healthy setting for relationships to develop on all age levels. Mentorship, accountability and friendship are available for the entire family with people that share your values and spiritual pursuits. Be intentional about connecting with a local church and actively, consistently participating in their services and varied ministries. 

Be Intentional about Your Vocation

We have to work to live-meet our needs, feed our family, have a roof over our heads. Some choose not to work, and seek handouts; others cannot work because they need assistance. Christ taught many lessons on the honor and value of hard work which we have an opportunity to model before our children and all who watch our lives. We can do many things well, possess gifting that comes naturally and interests that spark our enthusiasm. If we intentionally follow our heart towards those areas and seek out the resources, the education needed and do our homework, we can find a place of employment and opportunity for income that is very fulfilling and rewarding. Our ultimate priority on the job, no matter where we work, should be to intentionally live out our relationship with Christ in everything we do. 

Be Intentional about Your Community

This life domain is probably the one we least consider. We all fall short on an intentional game plan for actively connecting with our community. But, community involvement has the greatest potential for spiritual opportunities to personally influence individuals towards faith in Jesus Christ. The opportunities for community service are endless. Sign up, join, attend, get connected to some city, local, area committee or board and be a godly influence through relationship and service. Be intentional about eternity and the many that are not prepared for their future.

Ruth Puleo is an ordained minister, conference speaker, writer and Women of Purpose Director for the Penn-Del District of the Assemblies of God. She also ministers as a staff pastor with her husband, John, the lead pastor at Christian Life Assembly in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. She has three grown children, married and in ministry, along with five grandchildren and more on the way.