Starting the year and my 2023 reading goal off with The Intentional Year: Simple Rhythms for Finding Freedom, Peace, and Purpose.
This was such a great first book of the year! The authors, Holly & Glenn Packiam feel so relatable to my current season of life which made it a book I was always looking forward to picking up and reading a few chapters.
A few things I took away from this book were - the prayer of examen and the bible study discipline of lectio divina. The prayer of examen helped me invite God into looking at this past year, pinpointing pain spots, healing from hurts, and realigning my will to His for this next season.
While I have heard of lectio divina before, it was really great to hear another perspective of it, and almost give myself permission to try this method of studying the scriptures.
I really enjoyed starting my year off with this book and will most likely put into practice a few of their ideas, especially ending each season or year with the prayer of examen.