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The Intentional Year: Simple Rhythms for Finding Freedom, Peace, and Purpose
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.
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.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2022
190 people are currently reading
1,858 people want to read
About the author
Glenn Packiam
37 books67 followersGlenn Packiam is a the lead pastor of new life DOWNTOWN, an extension of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he also serves on the Executive Team. Having earned a BA in Theological/Historical Studies and a Masters in Management, Glenn is now in the process of completing a Masters of Arts in Theology/Biblical Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
January 2, 2023
Incredibly helpful and practical framework for planning the year.
September 29, 2023
The theology of the writers is definitely not biblical (charismatic-Pentecostal,speaking in tongues, “inviting” God to work., the Message translation, etc.)
The practical points of the book were helpful, but overall I wouldn’t recommend the book just because of the doctrinal issues.
The practical points of the book were helpful, but overall I wouldn’t recommend the book just because of the doctrinal issues.
May 5, 2024
3.5. A pretty good primer if you want to be more intentional in planning your days as a Christian. A healthy amount of practical examples for intentional rhythms leading toward a rule of life. I thought the earlier chapters on reflection had some good questions to ask for processing the past.
I think it’s primarily written toward couples and families, but could still be a value to people in other life stages. The section on work seemed a little off to me, not including much that would be edifying for someone who doesn’t have the privilege to choose their vocation or folks with chronic illness or disability. It emphasized “what brings you joy” as a major component of calling, which left something to be desired for me.
I think it’s primarily written toward couples and families, but could still be a value to people in other life stages. The section on work seemed a little off to me, not including much that would be edifying for someone who doesn’t have the privilege to choose their vocation or folks with chronic illness or disability. It emphasized “what brings you joy” as a major component of calling, which left something to be desired for me.
January 5, 2023
Summary: An invitation to stop, assess, and plan around five clusters of practices that enable us to live purposeful lives.
It’s the time of the year we make resolutions out of a sense that our lives are not all they could be. It’s a good impulse as far as it goes. The problem is that, for most of us, it doesn’t go very far.
What we often lack is intention. The co-authors of this book, sharing out of their own yearly practice, suggest that we intentionally “stop for the purpose of moving forward.” They encourage us to take time, perhaps at the beginning of a new year, to assess our lives, looking back at our recent past, reviewing five spheres of life to think about what live giving practices or rhythms may help us flourish, and then establishing plans in each of these areas that reflect God’s word for us as we’ve assessed.
The book commends a three-fold process:
Reflection: First, we are encouraged to look back over the year, its highs and lows using the prayer of examen. Then they suggest considering what our review of our year suggests about what season we are in. Are there recurring themes? And through all this, are we hearing a “word” from the Lord. What do our trusted friends think of this word–do they hear the Lord in it?
Inventory: This involves taking a look at five spheres of our lives and the spiritual practices that undergird them. Are they life-giving for us, and if this is not the case, what practices might help us develop healthier rhythms? The five areas are:
1. Prayer. The authors share several practices including psalm praying, silence, and lectio divina as new practices.
2. Rest. Here, ideas for practicing sabbath are discussed and how this may cultivate a life of freedom.
3. Renewal. Physical, mental, and emotional renewal are discussed, including setting aside time for reading and for gratitude.
4. Circles of Relationship. We’re helped here to identify the concentric circles of relationships we have and how we might set priorities for these circles.
5. Habits of Work. Vocation is briefly touched on, reflecting the intersection of God’s glory, the world’s good, and our joy, and then thinking about the shape of good work well done.
Action: The idea here is “making it stick. The authors walk us through the five spheres again in light of God’s word to us and challenge us to get specific with ONE practice for each sphere and what we will do daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly to implement and review our progress. Then the last thing is to get these plans into our calendar.
The book is set up so that it may be used over a weekend retreat or a series of day. The aim of developing rhythms of intentionality is to position ourselves under God’s grace to be fruitful. The co-authors conclude:
“That means the intentional year–your intentional life!–is not really about you. It’ s about how your life becomes good news for the world. The rhythms of prayer, rest, renewal, relationships, and work that you cultivate in your life are meant to produce fruit for the sake of others, gifts for the good of the church and the world. When you’re healthy, intentional, and living in freedom, peace, and purpose, others benefit. Yes, Irenaeus was right: The glory of God is the human fully alive” (p. 195).
Tired of failed resolutions yet want this to be a year of living well in Christ? This book offers a simple process, lots of practical guidance and examples, and reflection prompts and questions that can help you to be more intentional about your life.
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher.
It’s the time of the year we make resolutions out of a sense that our lives are not all they could be. It’s a good impulse as far as it goes. The problem is that, for most of us, it doesn’t go very far.
What we often lack is intention. The co-authors of this book, sharing out of their own yearly practice, suggest that we intentionally “stop for the purpose of moving forward.” They encourage us to take time, perhaps at the beginning of a new year, to assess our lives, looking back at our recent past, reviewing five spheres of life to think about what live giving practices or rhythms may help us flourish, and then establishing plans in each of these areas that reflect God’s word for us as we’ve assessed.
The book commends a three-fold process:
Reflection: First, we are encouraged to look back over the year, its highs and lows using the prayer of examen. Then they suggest considering what our review of our year suggests about what season we are in. Are there recurring themes? And through all this, are we hearing a “word” from the Lord. What do our trusted friends think of this word–do they hear the Lord in it?
Inventory: This involves taking a look at five spheres of our lives and the spiritual practices that undergird them. Are they life-giving for us, and if this is not the case, what practices might help us develop healthier rhythms? The five areas are:
1. Prayer. The authors share several practices including psalm praying, silence, and lectio divina as new practices.
2. Rest. Here, ideas for practicing sabbath are discussed and how this may cultivate a life of freedom.
3. Renewal. Physical, mental, and emotional renewal are discussed, including setting aside time for reading and for gratitude.
4. Circles of Relationship. We’re helped here to identify the concentric circles of relationships we have and how we might set priorities for these circles.
5. Habits of Work. Vocation is briefly touched on, reflecting the intersection of God’s glory, the world’s good, and our joy, and then thinking about the shape of good work well done.
Action: The idea here is “making it stick. The authors walk us through the five spheres again in light of God’s word to us and challenge us to get specific with ONE practice for each sphere and what we will do daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly to implement and review our progress. Then the last thing is to get these plans into our calendar.
The book is set up so that it may be used over a weekend retreat or a series of day. The aim of developing rhythms of intentionality is to position ourselves under God’s grace to be fruitful. The co-authors conclude:
“That means the intentional year–your intentional life!–is not really about you. It’ s about how your life becomes good news for the world. The rhythms of prayer, rest, renewal, relationships, and work that you cultivate in your life are meant to produce fruit for the sake of others, gifts for the good of the church and the world. When you’re healthy, intentional, and living in freedom, peace, and purpose, others benefit. Yes, Irenaeus was right: The glory of God is the human fully alive” (p. 195).
Tired of failed resolutions yet want this to be a year of living well in Christ? This book offers a simple process, lots of practical guidance and examples, and reflection prompts and questions that can help you to be more intentional about your life.
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher.
March 25, 2023
Looking forward to reading through this one again soon, more slowly (ahem, intentionally), and building out my rule of life.
I'd call this book a very practical guide to coming up with & refining your rule of life - and if you don't know what that is, it will teach you! (But basically: your life rhythms, with the key idea being that we feel most fulfilled when our schedules are aligned with our values. As a Christian, that should be something along the lines of, growing in relationship with God & becoming more like Jesus.)
Not only will I definitely read through The Intentional Year again cover to cover, but I can see this book being a good reference book to have handy as my rhythms change through different seasons, where I can flip it open to a specific section that talks about rest, or prayer, or relationships, or making my calendar, or whatever!
Highly highly recommend! If you're not open to actively making changes in your life, maybe not for you.
I'd call this book a very practical guide to coming up with & refining your rule of life - and if you don't know what that is, it will teach you! (But basically: your life rhythms, with the key idea being that we feel most fulfilled when our schedules are aligned with our values. As a Christian, that should be something along the lines of, growing in relationship with God & becoming more like Jesus.)
Not only will I definitely read through The Intentional Year again cover to cover, but I can see this book being a good reference book to have handy as my rhythms change through different seasons, where I can flip it open to a specific section that talks about rest, or prayer, or relationships, or making my calendar, or whatever!
Highly highly recommend! If you're not open to actively making changes in your life, maybe not for you.
December 30, 2022
Closing out one year and moving into the next, it is a tie for reflection and planning. I believe most would desire to live intentionally in the year to come. The authors offer valuable recommendations for doing just that. Having been introduced to the practices of praying the prayer of examen and lectio divina this year, I found their inclusion in this book as a good reminder. I also liked the section of the book referencing taking a spiritual retreat.
December 17, 2024
This book is simple but in the right kind of way (and as it preaches). It discusses ways we can bring our life back in alignment with perhaps the way God had intended it for us. Hustle culture is showing little sign of slowing down (lol) but maybe as that hustle culture expands in an increasingly anti-God society, the counter cultural Christian movement should take heed and slow things down a notch
February 1, 2025
If you have never heard of a “rule of life” or if it intimidates you to start one, this is the book for you! So helpful in breaking down various areas and the “why” behind planning things out.
“The rule of life is a call to order our lives so we may love the Lord and others well.” - pg 158
“The rule of life is a call to order our lives so we may love the Lord and others well.” - pg 158
January 19, 2023
3.5 stars
October 17, 2023
A really practical book that teaches core spiritual values. Another book that I will be returning to often.
December 30, 2024
Will reread over and over - such a helpful guide for evaluating if my life is filled with things that help me experience life to the full or if my life is just simply full.
January 3, 2023
I really liked the very useful tips in this book, however, it was a lot I already knew. I did not find it to be ground breaking.
December 8, 2022
Glenn and Holly have written an exceptional book, of great importance, and with a skillful touch. First, the content is extremely valuable, and not enough practical literature on this topic is available for Christian couples and parents. To plan intentionally is vitally important for Christian couples and parents, and I'm grateful that Glenn and Holly set out to address how to do so.
The book is, in my opinion, exceptionally well written. It is equal parts theological, inspirational, and practical. The theology establishes the "why" - for what purpose should we care to plan well for our personal lives as well as our families? The answer provided by Glenn and Holly is clear and compelling. The inspiration encourages you to actually set out and do the work! Anyone who has thoughtfully reflected and designed an intentional plan for the road ahead (especially regarding your personal life) knows how daunting and scary a task this can be. After reading the book, this difficult work seemed surprisingly achievable.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Glenn and Holly have laid out a road map. Their process for reflection and planning is clear, not overly complex, and inspirational in its effectiveness. In other words, I left not only encouraged to do the work, but with a plan I felt comfortable to follow and lead my wife (and family) through.
I can't recommend this little book highly enough. All Christian parents and spouses should give it a read!
The book is, in my opinion, exceptionally well written. It is equal parts theological, inspirational, and practical. The theology establishes the "why" - for what purpose should we care to plan well for our personal lives as well as our families? The answer provided by Glenn and Holly is clear and compelling. The inspiration encourages you to actually set out and do the work! Anyone who has thoughtfully reflected and designed an intentional plan for the road ahead (especially regarding your personal life) knows how daunting and scary a task this can be. After reading the book, this difficult work seemed surprisingly achievable.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Glenn and Holly have laid out a road map. Their process for reflection and planning is clear, not overly complex, and inspirational in its effectiveness. In other words, I left not only encouraged to do the work, but with a plan I felt comfortable to follow and lead my wife (and family) through.
I can't recommend this little book highly enough. All Christian parents and spouses should give it a read!
August 8, 2022
This is a really good resource for people new to the practice of intentionally setting up our daily life to have more of Jesus. The Packiams do a good job outlining why it's good for us and introducing us to the various practices that help facilitate drawing closer to the Lord in the 5 spheres of life that they've chosen to focus on:
Prayer
Relationships
Work
Rest
Renewal
I enjoyed getting separate perspectives from both Glenn and Holly as they both shared how they've gone about establishing intentionality in their lives and also their family having 4 kids.
Having read other books on similar themes and actively engaging such intentional behaviour, I felt this was a little superficial and could have gone to greater depth. Information is only useful to a certain extent and the spiritual walk is a transformational journey that involves becoming more like Christ. Accordingly, information only serves us to a certain degree.
I think the book could be enhanced with more in-depth stories, reflections from others who have walked a similar journey and a section that provides more enabling resources.
Once again, I feel many will benefit from reading this book and I hope it will whet the appetite for more of Jesus and a desire for greater intimacy with Him and fellow sojourners.
I was fortunate to receive an early ebook copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This had no influence over my review.
Prayer
Relationships
Work
Rest
Renewal
I enjoyed getting separate perspectives from both Glenn and Holly as they both shared how they've gone about establishing intentionality in their lives and also their family having 4 kids.
Having read other books on similar themes and actively engaging such intentional behaviour, I felt this was a little superficial and could have gone to greater depth. Information is only useful to a certain extent and the spiritual walk is a transformational journey that involves becoming more like Christ. Accordingly, information only serves us to a certain degree.
I think the book could be enhanced with more in-depth stories, reflections from others who have walked a similar journey and a section that provides more enabling resources.
Once again, I feel many will benefit from reading this book and I hope it will whet the appetite for more of Jesus and a desire for greater intimacy with Him and fellow sojourners.
I was fortunate to receive an early ebook copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This had no influence over my review.
October 29, 2023
In The Intentional Year, Glenn and Holly Packiam identify and then reflect on five key spheres of intentional living: prayer, rest, renewal, relationships, and work. And the good news is that we don’t have to wait until January 1 or the beginning of a new school year to embark on a new beginning in any of these five important spheres.
The Packiams’ hopeful message embraces the power of practice. It’s absolutely true that we are continually being formed by our habits. Therefore, our ability to respond well to immediate crises or drawn-out seasons in the wilderness depends, in large measure, upon the foundation we are building on a daily basis. I found in The Intentional Year an invitation to stop on purpose, reassess my priorities, listen to the Lord, and pray my way toward freedom.
This is not a book that shouts, “Come on! You can do better!” Instead, the reader is challenged to honestly assess her foundation in prayer, rest, renewal, relationships, and work, and then find, to her surprise, that this is the path to becoming rooted in love as our primary motivation in a life that is “filled entirely with the fullness of God.”
Many thanks to NavPress and Net Galley for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which is, of course, offered freely and with honesty.
The Packiams’ hopeful message embraces the power of practice. It’s absolutely true that we are continually being formed by our habits. Therefore, our ability to respond well to immediate crises or drawn-out seasons in the wilderness depends, in large measure, upon the foundation we are building on a daily basis. I found in The Intentional Year an invitation to stop on purpose, reassess my priorities, listen to the Lord, and pray my way toward freedom.
This is not a book that shouts, “Come on! You can do better!” Instead, the reader is challenged to honestly assess her foundation in prayer, rest, renewal, relationships, and work, and then find, to her surprise, that this is the path to becoming rooted in love as our primary motivation in a life that is “filled entirely with the fullness of God.”
Many thanks to NavPress and Net Galley for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which is, of course, offered freely and with honesty.
December 21, 2022
The Intentional Year: Simple Rhythms for Finding Freedom, Peace, and Purpose
by Glenn Packiam; Holly Packiam
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Series: None
Rated: 5
Obtain: Buy
Back of the Book: “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.”
Impressions: This was a phenomenal resource to prepare you for a life of intention. The beginning was a bit slower but I’m glad I continued reading. The advice in this book was helpful and encouraging in making my faith the cornerstone of my life. I also appreciated the shared resources to help keep God's Word as part of the rhythm of my life. This is a must-read for creating a habit of development and depth in your faith.
Quotes: Far too many to share here! This book is glowing from highlighter!
I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here. For more book reviews go to: https://simplyannehere.wordpress.com
by Glenn Packiam; Holly Packiam
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Series: None
Rated: 5
Obtain: Buy
Back of the Book: “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.”
Impressions: This was a phenomenal resource to prepare you for a life of intention. The beginning was a bit slower but I’m glad I continued reading. The advice in this book was helpful and encouraging in making my faith the cornerstone of my life. I also appreciated the shared resources to help keep God's Word as part of the rhythm of my life. This is a must-read for creating a habit of development and depth in your faith.
Quotes: Far too many to share here! This book is glowing from highlighter!
I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here. For more book reviews go to: https://simplyannehere.wordpress.com
November 19, 2022
So glad I picked this up. I thought this wouldn't apply to me. I'm not trying to start a whole new way of organizing life to rhythms even if it might help. But this was much more than that. Even if you're not a part of a family or married you'll still get a lot out of this.
If you are Christian and looking for inspiration on how your friends and work and hobbies and rest and God all fit in together this is for you.
It's written by a married couple, Glenn is a pastor and Holly is his wife. I found it relatable and not preachy and full of info to learn from written in a down to earth way.
here were some quotes to takeaway:
"It can be hard to parse out "what's me" and "what's God," but there are a few ways we can find assurance in discerning God's voice, especially as we listen for a word for the year. Let's use this simple working definition. A word for the year is a theme, a phrase, a word or even a picture that serves as a headline or banner over the next season."
"The point is this: God speaks to use in different ways at different times."
"We have a strange capacity to to delude ourselves. We may think we're hearing words from God when they're actually just the vain imaginings of our own egos."
"Life tends to be about learning the same lessons at progressively deeper levels."
"Differentiation is the ability to have and state my own values and opinions while still remaining connected to others relationally." (even if I disagree with you I don't have to hate you)
If you are Christian and looking for inspiration on how your friends and work and hobbies and rest and God all fit in together this is for you.
It's written by a married couple, Glenn is a pastor and Holly is his wife. I found it relatable and not preachy and full of info to learn from written in a down to earth way.
here were some quotes to takeaway:
"It can be hard to parse out "what's me" and "what's God," but there are a few ways we can find assurance in discerning God's voice, especially as we listen for a word for the year. Let's use this simple working definition. A word for the year is a theme, a phrase, a word or even a picture that serves as a headline or banner over the next season."
"The point is this: God speaks to use in different ways at different times."
"We have a strange capacity to to delude ourselves. We may think we're hearing words from God when they're actually just the vain imaginings of our own egos."
"Life tends to be about learning the same lessons at progressively deeper levels."
"Differentiation is the ability to have and state my own values and opinions while still remaining connected to others relationally." (even if I disagree with you I don't have to hate you)
December 7, 2022
In the past 14 months my husband and I have moved states, started new jobs, and had our first child. Needless to say our
year was marked more by surviving each moment as it came than intentionally crafting rhythms and routines. I was cautiously excited when I started reading The Intentional Year as I would love to be more deliberate with my days, but doing so sounds out of reach and a bit overwhelming. Holly and Glenn’s thoughtful, compassionate, and succinct words were just what I needed in this season! While reading the book, I never once had a sense of being judged for not doing enough. Rather, each chapter was an invitation to slow down, reflect on my life, and look for practical ways to live with more clarity and purpose. As people who themselves have full days, weeks, and years, the Packiams have filled this book with ideas for how to make each moment matter, not just burden yourself with more “to-dos”. This is the kind of book which is best read slowly with a journal and pen nearby. I look forward to picking it up again with my husband in the next few weeks and dreaming together about how we can make our rhythms of life more intentional!
year was marked more by surviving each moment as it came than intentionally crafting rhythms and routines. I was cautiously excited when I started reading The Intentional Year as I would love to be more deliberate with my days, but doing so sounds out of reach and a bit overwhelming. Holly and Glenn’s thoughtful, compassionate, and succinct words were just what I needed in this season! While reading the book, I never once had a sense of being judged for not doing enough. Rather, each chapter was an invitation to slow down, reflect on my life, and look for practical ways to live with more clarity and purpose. As people who themselves have full days, weeks, and years, the Packiams have filled this book with ideas for how to make each moment matter, not just burden yourself with more “to-dos”. This is the kind of book which is best read slowly with a journal and pen nearby. I look forward to picking it up again with my husband in the next few weeks and dreaming together about how we can make our rhythms of life more intentional!
September 25, 2022
Wowza!!
I didn't realize how much I needed this book! First off, this is a Christian based book so if religion isn't your thing this might not be the best fit for you. I truly love how Holly and Glenn take turns writing this book. You get both perspectives and the way they write it's like you've sat down to have lunch and chat with them. They're both so down to Earth and funny. They have so many examples and stories and they tie it all in with the bible. I ended up highlighting most of the book!! I love how each chapter starts off with quote - they were fun and gave you a little heads up on what the chapter's going to be about. I love the review type questions at the end of each chapter. They break it down on how it applies to you in your life right now and how you can change things in the future. I kept my trusty little notebook handy while reading this one. It's insightful and easy to read. It's never boring or felt like it was dragging on forever. I highly recommend this book and hope they write more!!
I didn't realize how much I needed this book! First off, this is a Christian based book so if religion isn't your thing this might not be the best fit for you. I truly love how Holly and Glenn take turns writing this book. You get both perspectives and the way they write it's like you've sat down to have lunch and chat with them. They're both so down to Earth and funny. They have so many examples and stories and they tie it all in with the bible. I ended up highlighting most of the book!! I love how each chapter starts off with quote - they were fun and gave you a little heads up on what the chapter's going to be about. I love the review type questions at the end of each chapter. They break it down on how it applies to you in your life right now and how you can change things in the future. I kept my trusty little notebook handy while reading this one. It's insightful and easy to read. It's never boring or felt like it was dragging on forever. I highly recommend this book and hope they write more!!
December 10, 2022
Wow! I loved this book. As a person who already knows that I want to be more intentional with my time, I appreciated that this book QUICKLY DOVE INTO THE PRACTICALS OF HOW to do this (rather than just hammering the point that we all need to prioritize the important things better). I loved the guided reflection back on the previous year, I tend to always be looking ahead! Reflecting helped me identify God working in my life even in the midst of a really hard year and also helped me understand things that were life-giving and fun that I now know to prioritize in the new year. I love that the authors shared their structure for living intentionally. My husband and I annually set aside time to consider how to invest our time each year. But we often wander off-topic, get sidetracked, and don’t always follow through well. This is a great guide that is helping us reflect, clearly identify what God has for us in the next year, and then practically fill in a calendar after identifying what’s important to us in five key areas; Prayer, Rest, Renewal, Relationships, and Work.
January 25, 2023
I always enjoy reading books in this vein around the end of one year and beginning of the next. I was a bit late (by calendar standards) with this one, but I'm also learning to extend myself grace in that regard, heh. I got there, and that's the important thing.
This did feel "simple" (as mentioned in the title); it also felt like a lot of "simple" things that could easily add up to...too much. I could easily fall into the trap of "must do all the things in this book"--defeating the purpose, but it was helpful to become aware of that!
I appreciated that the authors pulled in a variety of authors, genres, reference points, and so on. There are a lot of stories included--which can be great, or you may find yourself (like I did) flipping to the reflection elements. While I'm not sure I agree with everything theologically, it certainly provided food for thought!
An interesting starting point for living intentionally.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This did feel "simple" (as mentioned in the title); it also felt like a lot of "simple" things that could easily add up to...too much. I could easily fall into the trap of "must do all the things in this book"--defeating the purpose, but it was helpful to become aware of that!
I appreciated that the authors pulled in a variety of authors, genres, reference points, and so on. There are a lot of stories included--which can be great, or you may find yourself (like I did) flipping to the reflection elements. While I'm not sure I agree with everything theologically, it certainly provided food for thought!
An interesting starting point for living intentionally.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
January 3, 2024
A quick read. Perfect for the begining of the year. We're about an hour away from driving out to a getaway for the purpose of mapping out this next year intentinoally.
What's beautiful about this book, is not only it guides you to consider some of the most crucial parts of spiritual formation and do so intentionally, but it also positions your reflection and planning in the presence of God's guidance and direction. It leads you into repentance and grace. It reminds you to not set goals for productivity's sake, but to focus on practices and rhythms that lead you to becoming the kind of person God calls you to become. It is of course packed with all the familiar references of the "spiritual formation": from the monastic orders, to desert fathers, to rule of life, to trellis and the vine, lectio divina, to quotes from Eugene Peterson and Dallas Willard and Henri Nouwen and Pete Grieg.
A great practical, but graceful and intentional overview of how to approach planning your life, annually or semiannually.
What's beautiful about this book, is not only it guides you to consider some of the most crucial parts of spiritual formation and do so intentionally, but it also positions your reflection and planning in the presence of God's guidance and direction. It leads you into repentance and grace. It reminds you to not set goals for productivity's sake, but to focus on practices and rhythms that lead you to becoming the kind of person God calls you to become. It is of course packed with all the familiar references of the "spiritual formation": from the monastic orders, to desert fathers, to rule of life, to trellis and the vine, lectio divina, to quotes from Eugene Peterson and Dallas Willard and Henri Nouwen and Pete Grieg.
A great practical, but graceful and intentional overview of how to approach planning your life, annually or semiannually.
January 16, 2025
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.
"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.
February 11, 2023
This is a book that should not be just read through as fast as one can. If you choose to read this book then read it with intentionality. The authors do a great job in explaining and showing what an intentional life looks like. You can tell by the clarity and even the confessions within the pages that the topic of this book is actually applied to the lives of the authors themselves.
My family and I for years have lived most of these principles, but like any normal life, rhythms if not watched can be easily distracted and left in the chaos. My intentions for reading this book was to once again learn how to live intentionally and not sporadically. But also to learn from authors I’ve never read before to have fresh ideas and to hear it from different people, than to go to a book that I have already read with the same topic.
Challenging. Doable. Intentional.
To be more free in life, be intentional.
My family and I for years have lived most of these principles, but like any normal life, rhythms if not watched can be easily distracted and left in the chaos. My intentions for reading this book was to once again learn how to live intentionally and not sporadically. But also to learn from authors I’ve never read before to have fresh ideas and to hear it from different people, than to go to a book that I have already read with the same topic.
Challenging. Doable. Intentional.
To be more free in life, be intentional.
December 6, 2022
This Christian book has many practical suggestions for creating intentional daily-weekly-monthly-quarterly rhythms to develop greater intimacy with God. Some are very simple while others require more time and commit but the encouragement is always to start and do what you can.
The Intentional Year brings together a variety of spiritual practices (e.g., praying for a word for the year, honoring the sabbath, specific types of prayer, doing a spiritual retreat) through the lens of intentionality. The personal examples shared by Glenn and Holly are helpful and make the practices accessible.
This is a great book for anyone wanting to start a new season of growth and intimacy with God.
The Intentional Year brings together a variety of spiritual practices (e.g., praying for a word for the year, honoring the sabbath, specific types of prayer, doing a spiritual retreat) through the lens of intentionality. The personal examples shared by Glenn and Holly are helpful and make the practices accessible.
This is a great book for anyone wanting to start a new season of growth and intimacy with God.
December 30, 2022
This book gives you a foundation for a well-balanced life. In the chapters, the writers take you along all kinds of spiritual and daily practices. Including reflecting and looking ahead, prayer, taking a rest, examining your own health, friendships and work. With each subject they share something about their own life and quest.
They briefly refer to all kinds of spiritual practices such as: the prayer of exam, Lectio Divina, sabbath. I longed for more depth, more explanation, how-to’s and examples on many of these topics.
All in all, this book is an accessible beginner's guide to read. t invites you to take steps in your life of faith. I would rate it 3,5 star.
In exchange of my honest review I received an advanced readers copy of this book by NetGalley.
They briefly refer to all kinds of spiritual practices such as: the prayer of exam, Lectio Divina, sabbath. I longed for more depth, more explanation, how-to’s and examples on many of these topics.
All in all, this book is an accessible beginner's guide to read. t invites you to take steps in your life of faith. I would rate it 3,5 star.
In exchange of my honest review I received an advanced readers copy of this book by NetGalley.
November 26, 2023
super timely read as the year draws near and so begins the reflections of 2023, and hopes for 2024. incredibly helpful in structuring my thoughts and prayer process.
the book encourages praying for a word for the season to guide us, building out rhythms of intentionality (ROI, haha see below) appropriate for the season, then actionable steps for how to implement (eg. gcal, sunday fam scheduling meetings).
1. prayer
2. rest
3. renewal
4. relationships
5. work
(note: 1-3 focus on internal, and 4-5 external expression.)
holly & glenn are such a dynamic duo! super excited to read more of their books, as they navigate parenting 4 children and glenn’s bg as a charismatic pastor’s kid from malaysia + holly in biblical counseling.
the book encourages praying for a word for the season to guide us, building out rhythms of intentionality (ROI, haha see below) appropriate for the season, then actionable steps for how to implement (eg. gcal, sunday fam scheduling meetings).
1. prayer
2. rest
3. renewal
4. relationships
5. work
(note: 1-3 focus on internal, and 4-5 external expression.)
holly & glenn are such a dynamic duo! super excited to read more of their books, as they navigate parenting 4 children and glenn’s bg as a charismatic pastor’s kid from malaysia + holly in biblical counseling.
December 8, 2022
How many books inspire you to plan a retreat to reimagine the next year?
Glenn and Holly Packiam share a framework filled with theology, personal stories, vivid illustrations, and practical tips to help you reflect on how to craft your Intentional Year. I have read a number of books that focus on habits, rhythms, and a rule of life, but this is the first book that made me think of crafting and adapting these life-giving practices with my spouse. I loved their shared voice and family vision. I am really looking forward to the days away that my wife and I have planned to pray, think, and plan our Intentional Year together.
Glenn and Holly Packiam share a framework filled with theology, personal stories, vivid illustrations, and practical tips to help you reflect on how to craft your Intentional Year. I have read a number of books that focus on habits, rhythms, and a rule of life, but this is the first book that made me think of crafting and adapting these life-giving practices with my spouse. I loved their shared voice and family vision. I am really looking forward to the days away that my wife and I have planned to pray, think, and plan our Intentional Year together.
January 6, 2023
In this easy to read road map into intentionality, Christian Pastor Glenn Packiam with his wife Holly use stories and scripture to encourage personal, relational and spiritual growth.
This was a great book to read at the end of one year looking forward to the next and I would definitely recommend it as resource entering into 2023 as it focuses on reflecting on the lessons and celebrations of a past season, identifying themes and purposes for the season ahead and implementing rhythms of prayer, rest, renewal, and relationships. I definitely enjoyed this book, however the content was pretty basic, so if interested, I would consider listening to it as an audiobook.
This was a great book to read at the end of one year looking forward to the next and I would definitely recommend it as resource entering into 2023 as it focuses on reflecting on the lessons and celebrations of a past season, identifying themes and purposes for the season ahead and implementing rhythms of prayer, rest, renewal, and relationships. I definitely enjoyed this book, however the content was pretty basic, so if interested, I would consider listening to it as an audiobook.
January 31, 2024
An incredibly reflective and planning oriented book. When I say I took extensive notes, I mean it. I didn't devour this book, I took it little bites at a time. And then I went back and asked the questions with my husband too. This was an incredibly helpful and practical guide to defining a rule of life (which, hint: they will talk about in the book). I love the idea of aligning my time and goals with my values for myself and my family. I highly recommend this book if you're open to making changes and looking for new ways to orient your daily life. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy to read.
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