3 Ways to a More Blessed Year for Your Family

2015 has just begun, and with it there comes possibilities and potential for greater blessings -- not just for ourselves, but for our loved ones as well. Here are 3 simple things we can do to claim those blessings for our families this year:

1. Commit to being intentional.

Every New Year usually brings with it resolutions to improve one’s life, and that of one’s family, too. We say that this year will be the year that I’ll lose all that excess weight, or I will save more money this year, or I will quit smoking or I won’t yell at my kids anymore. The list goes on and on.

Now, while there’s nothing wrong with making New Year’s resolutions, I’ve discovered in recent years that what’s more important -- and "doable" is clarifying one’s intentions for the New Year (or anything else, for that matter).

Different online dictionaries define "intentional" as something that is "done on purpose or deliberately." When you are being intentional, you say and do things for a specific reason.

If you want 2015 to be a more blessed year for your family, clarify your purposes for doing what you do. Come up with (or review) your family’s mission and vision. List down your goals and the reasons behind them.

For more tips and thoughts on having an intentional life, read these inspiring posts by Leo Babauta and Joshua Becker. If you want to have an intentional relationship, especially with your spouse, SmartLoving.org shares 3 tips here.

2. Commit to lifelong learning.

Photo c/o hyena reality | FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I’ve mentioned before that I’m an advocate of lifelong learning. I believe that learning shouldn’t stop once you’re "done with school" or are outside the classroom.

I guess I have my parents to thank for this, especially my dad. Even if he’s already over 60, Papa is still willing to learn about different things that he believes will bless our family. He’s actually an agriculturist by education, but now his passion is learning about personal finance, and sharing what he’s learned with others. Because of that, he has been blessing so many people -- including our family!

CAPTION: Because of my dad’s passion to share the message of financial literacy, he and a few other people started the Cainta IMG Wealth Academy, which holds free personal finance seminars every Thursday evening.

If you want to be blessed and bless your loved ones, commit to lifelong learning. Don’t be afraid to learn new skills, new methods, new ideas -- the world is and can be your classroom!

3. Commit your ways to the Lord.

Photo c/o David Castillo Dominici | FreeDigitalPhotos.net

This may sound "corny" or too "religious" for some of you, but I’m a firm believer of this verse from the Bible:

"Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will act" (Psalms 37:5)

If you want this year to be a more blessed one, strive to surrender it to God. You can do this even if you’re not Catholic like me, but are of a different religion or belief. Offer up this year to a "Higher Power" and let Him lead you to where He wants you to go.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who has received blessings of all "shapes and sizes" because I chose to seek God first (Matthew 6:33). So I encourage you to commit your ways to the Lord -- He wants to bless you abundantly this year and beyond!

These 3 things might be a bit challenging to do, but it will definitely be worth it. Make this year count -- and be ready for the blessings that are coming your way!

Do you have something you’d like me to pray for this year? Share your intentions by leaving me a message, or emailing me at tina@trulyrichmom.com.