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THE IMPORTANCE OF INTENTIONALITY: WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT BEING INTENTIONAL? Have you ever started something, a project or a simple chore, but you just do not get to finish it because you are easily distracted by the things that are going on around you? And then you’ll move to the next project and ultimately do the same thing as the previous one – not finishing it. Do you often feel stuck - you get up at the same time, do the same stuff every day, and still feel like you are not getting anywhere? Do you feel as if you have no clear direction in life? It is as if everything you did and chose was out of the need to have a choice during that moment, not because you really wanted it. These feelings prevent you from truly enjoying life, living out your purpose, and performing at your best. If you have felt this way for quite some time, you may need to work on your Intentionality. THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING INTENTIONALLY INTENTIONAL Intentionality is the ability to think and act “on purpose” and deliberately, knowing what it takes to control your outcomes and destiny. You will struggle to set and achieve goals when you lack this competency. This is because you are unsure of or easily distracted from what you ideally want to achieve - whether it’s living your ideal life, finding your ideal position or career, or being intentional in choosing friends or a mate. You will tend to give in to the inevitable currents of life because you are unsure of the desired outcomes. Developing your intentionality will allow you to make decisions and take actions that are consistent with your goals and values. Intentionality also enables you to manage distractions, stay focused on your objectives, achieve your goals, and make things happen. Being intentional is an important concept that is mentioned in the Bible. The Bible encourages us to live with purpose and to make the best use of our time. In this answer, I will discuss what the Bible says about being intentional and how we can apply it to our lives. The concept of being intentional can be seen throughout the Bible. In Philippians 2:13, it says, “For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” This verse reminds us that God has a purpose and plan for our lives, and we should strive to align our will with His. By being intentional in seeking His guidance and following His word, we can live a life that is pleasing to Him. Another Bible verse that speaks to the idea of being intentional is Ephesians 5:15-16, which says, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” This verse emphasizes the importance of being intentional with our time and using it wisely. We are called to be diligent and purposeful in our actions, making sure that we are investing our time in things that align with God’s will. When it comes to living an intentional life, we can look to Jesus Christ as our ultimate example. Jesus was intentional in everything He did, from His ministry to His interactions with others. He lived a life that was fully aligned with God’s purpose and will. As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate Him and strive to live intentionally as well. One way we can be intentional is through regular Bible study and meditation on God’s word. The Bible is God’s instruction manual for our lives, and by studying it, we can gain insight into His intentions and desires for us. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” By immersing ourselves in God’s word, we can discern His will and make intentional choices that align with it. www.marriagesharing.com/intentionality-in-the-bible INTENTIONALITY: THE KEY TO LIVING YOUR LIFE TO THE FULLEST! 3
INTENTIONALITY MAKES YOU HEALTHIER. Nowadays, where most people live a fast-paced life, we often choose comfort over health. We opt to eat fast food over home-cooked meals as it is the quickest and the easiest way to ease our hunger and satisfy our cravings. We prefer to spend our relaxation time watching our favorite TV shows rather than doing exercise. Though providing instant relief and comfort, all these can bring about health issues in the long run. If you are intentional in living a healthy lifestyle, you know what is right for you, what goals to set, and what action steps you should take to achieve them. Intentionality also enables you to make decisions and take action in a manner consistent with your goals and values. For instance, you just came home from work and are feeling a bit to tired to cook. You can always choose to have pizza delivered to your doorstep, but you are on a diet and have resolved to eat healthily. Because you have high intentionality, you can ward off the sluggish feeling and cook yourself a healthy meal. INTENTIONALITY IMPROVES YOUR RELATIONSHIPS. Living an intentional life enables you to manage distractions. It keeps you focused on the things and the people that really matter, like your family – your significant other, your children, your parents, your close friends and even your employees or employer. For instance, you are choosing to say no to extra hours at the office because you want to spend time with the ones you love. INTENTIONALITY HELPS YOU BECOME A GREAT LEADER. If you are a leader with intentionality, you have a clear vision of where you want to go. You have goals and are focused on achieving them. You can also make decisions and take action consistent with your goals and values. INTENTIONALITY MAKES YOU ENJOY LIFE MORE. Intentionality makes you enjoy your life more because you can live in the present and let go of the things you cannot control instead of worrying about them. Having high intentionality enables you to manage any distractions because you are in control. DEVELOPING INTENTIONALITY. Indeed, intentionality brings out the best in us and, in turn, helps us bring out the best in others. Each of us has been gifted with an innate ability to be intentional. Otherwise, civilization as we know it will crumble, and the earth will be a place for the living dead. It is a key component of Emotional Intelligence and a significant factor in how well we manage ourselves. With this in mind, you may want to consider implementing the following tips for increasing your intentionality: • Identify Your Core Values. • Become actively intentional; take a step back and ask yourselves, “What would be ideal here?” (in this meeting, on this day, in the coming week). • Allow yourself to set an intention for what you want and actively pursue it. • Allow yourself the surprise and excitement of generating richer, more meaningful, and loving encounters, tighter friendships, and stronger bonds with others; greater success at work, with your teams, direct reports, and other colleagues. • Never be distracted from your goals and aspirations. Keep your eyes on the prize! • Determine your goals and create a strategy to achieve them. • Let go and free yourself of toxic relationships and replace them with healthy and supportive ones. • Ask for help and support. If you have difficulty setting and keeping your goals, you can ask for help from a reliable friend to keep you accountable. Or better, seek help from a professional coach or trainer. www.peoplebuilders.com.au/blog/intentionality-the-key-to-living-life -to-the-fullest HERE ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS YOU WILL GET WHEN YOU DEVELOP INTENTIONALITY: 4
5 101 WARREN MOTT PARKWAY, HATTIESBURG, MS 39401 MAY 21-23 2024 7PM
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HAVE YOU MET THESE NEW MEMBERS? 9 Meet Tyler, Jennifer, Lynn, and Tanner McLaurin! • Lynn is employed by Halliburton Oil & Gas Industry. • Jennifer is a skilled Nursing Unit Administrator at Forrest General Hospital. • Tyler and Tanner are students. Tyler is studying electrical engineering at Jackson State University and Tanner is a student at North Forrest High School. He is aspiring to become a biometric engineer. • Lynn and Tanner’s favorite Bible verse is John 3:16. • Jennifer’s favorite Bible verse is Psalm 46:10. • Tyler’s favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13. • Lynn said what encouraged him to joined Shady Grove is because it has a family atmosphere. • Tanner states he feels like he is included as a part of the services. WE WELCOME THE MCLAURINS! • Charles has been a member for over 30 years. • Before his health declined he was a member of the Brotherhood, Men’s Sunday School Class and the Adult Usher Board, where he served as vice president. He is most known for his dynamic voice in the Male Chorus. • He is the patriarch of the Heidelberg and Anderson family. • Cheryl has been a member for over 30 years. • She is the leader of the Hospitality Ministry, serves on the Homecoming Committee, Program Ministry and Inspirational Choir. She is a member of Sunday School Class #10 and Sisterhood. • Her favorite Bible verse is Galatians 6:9. • She is the mother of two beautiful children, Kendra and Mario and the “Wubbie” of one grandson, Laken. • Kendra Heidelberg Anderson has been a member since the age of 6. • She is the Dance, College, and Academic Enrichment ministries leader. She is the Youth Choir Director. She serves on the Program Ministry, Homecoming Committee, Praise Team, and the Inspirational Choir. She is a member of Sunday School Class #8. • Her favorite Bible verses are Exodus 14:14 and Psalm 118:24. • She has one son, Laken Anderson. • Mario has been a member since 2010. He served as a Youth Usher, sang in the choir and was a member of Boys2Men. • His favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13. • He is employed with PG Technologies. • Laken is a member of the Youth Choir, Youth Usher Board, Youth Bible Study and Boys2Men Ministry. • His favorite verse is Isaiah 54:17. DO YOU KNOW THE HEIDELBERGS? CONGRATULATIONS JORDIN KEYS Please join us in congratulating Jordin Keys whose artwork (pictured) placed second in the Fourth Congressional District Art Competition. Jordin received her congratulatory letter from Congressman Mike Ezell and was recognized at a reception in his office on April 25th. Jordin is the daughter of Minister Shawna Mott and Ray Keys.
10 1. “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin,” said Jesus, encouraging his listeners not to worry about... 2. Jesus said, ‘There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down,’ referring to Jerusalem’s... 3. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, _______ them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). 4. “The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain _____, which made a _____ for his son, and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the _____: and they would not come.” 5. What woman did Jesus say would be remembered for her act of kindness towards him? 6. What precious jewel is mentioned by Jesus in a parable about the kingdom of heaven? 7. “Neither do they reap, nor gather into barns.” Who are the ‘they’ that Jesus was referring to? 8. “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true _____, and _____ _____, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3). 9. What did Jesus tell Nicodemus not to marvel at? 10. What should a disciple of Christ do when someone takes away his or her goods? www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/bible -trivia-questions (Answers on page 16) If you will graduate from high school or college, please contact Maxine Coleman. We need your: *Name *School (honor student?) *Picture (graduation if possible) *Future plan (college/military) *Aspiration *Degree *Parent’s Name BACCALAUREATE SERVICE IS MAY 26TH! HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS, PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE FOR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PACKETS Vacation Bible School planning is in progress. We need: *Door Prizes *Volunteers Vacation Bible School will be held Monday, June 17th through Friday, 21st. Please contact, Chelsa Fairley Richardson, to begin giving your door prizes or to volunteer. MAY 29TH
11 The Rev. Dr. R.W. Woullard Jr. Scholarship was birthed in 2005 Scholarships are awarded based on the available funds and the number of approved applications Members who will graduate from high school and attend college are eligible to apply Like your Tithes, you can claim your gift on your tax return In-person (Dropbox, Cash, Check, Credit/Debit Cards) CASH APP ($sgbchburg) Online Giving (shadygrove-church.org/give) VENMO (@sgbchburg PAYPAL ([email protected])
12 Alecia M. Anderson Christopher Banks Alan Barnes Christina M. Bolton Benjamin W. Brown Falonna Brown Shaniya Bullock Shanetta Clayton Monique Crosby Deryk Dahmer Jr. Shaniyah Daniels Carlene Ephraim Daniels Cassidy Daniels Katerina P. Davis Excel Eneh Cathy Dawkins Evans Alonzo Fleming Nicholas Jarrad Foley Dana Fulton Jason Gholar Kayden Gray Aydien Curry Latoyia Griffin Willie L. Hardamon Charlotte Hathorn Cheryl L. Heidelberg Jayce Gandy Bergandee Hibbler Gloria Hinton Ahmarey Stimley Glendora Hudson Frank James III Jacinta Faye James Yama Mitchell Jones Adam Jordan Michael Killings Tobias Lewis Mattie Lindsey Harry Mack Madison Mayes Jr. George McMillian Dalacey Minor Nataura Moore Carrie Parrott Carrie Patton Tequilla Clayton Tayvion Payton Cynthia Richardson Glendora Robertson Evelyn I. Robinson Ramon J. Robinson III Ge'Neceya Shelby T.C. Snell Vaylin Bembry Rita R. Stone Xavier Strickland Tamara Sutton Jada Williamson Patricia Thompson Kelli Ellise Hathorn Kambria Thorne Broderick Turner Betty Virgil Tanisha Washington James Alvin Watson Melissa Watson Stanley Wilkerson Amani Alvarez MAY 1ST—MAY 15TH MAY 1ST—MAY 15TH Brandon & Jessica McDonald Larry Jr. & Kristy Orange Jason & Shunna McClinton Dea. James A. & Celester M. Brown
13 MAY 16TH—MAY 31ST Kendrick L Addison Montey D. C. Harvey Willie Mae Anderson Nikyta Armstead Lena Armstrong Devonte Davis Kearani Kasi Baylor Kristian Berry James Booth Jimmie Bunch Norma Jean Carson Santesa Carter Kevin Causey Eddie Lee Clemmons Phaonette Coleman Carissa Collins Antoine Coney Antonio Haynes Jr. Roderick Crowell Harold Dahmer Sr. Wayne Dahmer Dennis D. Davis Dorothy A. Dismuke Michael Dumas Jeffery L. Eaton Jeurod Eaton Tiffany Floyd Jason Gaines Avery Webster Sean Robinson Karen Grant Morgan Greene Katie Hardamon Antonio D. Haynes Kendra H. Anderson Ashley Henry Jake T. Henry III Coiya N. Henry Judy Marie Hibbler Hardy Hinton II Talamoa Davis Demetria Holloway Apryle Cunningham Bruce Hunt Olivia Johnson Jerica Jones Jorianna Jones Kayla Jones Ye'tedra Jordan Tyra C. Kelly Tomeka Lewis Jevon Lindsey Kynnadi Currie Charles Marshall II Martin Maye Teabra McDougle Bobbi Jean McKahand Sonya Nixon Laylah Orange Dorothy Parker Shannon Parkman Jaeden Bridges Ashton Pittman Diegola Primavera Crystal Pruitt Samantha Rankin Isaiah Reese Kolby R. Sims Earnestine Roberts Erica Meleah Roberts Lanita Robertson Veronica Robinson Rev. Ray Smith Danitra Ann Starks Elexzia Timmons Mia Bembry Stacey Thigpen Donielia Renee Thomas Kaeden Thigpen Edward White Sarah A. White Marie Williams Ian Dagons Albealious Watts Jr. Kendell Wilson Haylie C. Wise MAY 16TH—MAY 31ST Tony & Patricia Davis Teco & Deonna Hicks Kendrick L. & Charlotte Addison Reggie & Myia Hayes Terrell B. & Lawana Y. Carson Roscoe & Tessa Marzett Wayne & Tracy Clark Willie & Joyce McCornell Larry & Magnolia Gholar
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THE IMPORTANCE OF INTENTIONALITY! 15 What is intentionality anyway? Biblically intentionality is taking a focused action and living God-inspired intentions. God is intentional and calls us to be also. Just as God created the world intentionally and humankind, he desires us to be intentional in our relationship with Him. Intention is defined as a mental state representing commitment to perform an action. Intentional is defined as done on purpose or deliberate. So, my definition for intentionality is a focused action or mental state representing a commitment to perform an action on purpose. In Ephesians 2:10, the word says: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” He intentionally created us for His handiwork to do the excellent work that He has already designed for us to do. Let’s be about it. Ephesians 5:15-16 says, 15 “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Meaning intentionally be very careful how we live and use every opportunity to the fullest. Just be intentional about everything you do and the reward you will receive from God will be worth it. Our Father God is intentional about us, so we must be intentional toward Him. Let’s pray: Father God, You are great and greatly to be praised. We understand that we must be intentional about the life You have given all of us and we thank You. Lord teach us how to do the work You have called us to do for You. We are teachable and willing to learn Your ways and Your thoughts toward us. Thank You! In the mighty name of Jesus I pray! Amen! It is so! Humbly submitted by Rev. Cathy Ross Woulard Brandi Jordan Tanesha McCarty Encouragement For May
16 Key Points: • May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month—a month to bring much needed attention to the mental health needs of new mothers. • 1 in 5 women experience mental health concerns during pregnancy and after childbirth, but most go undetected and untreated. • Maternal mortality continues to rise in the U.S. and mental health is the leading preventable cause of death. As many as 1 in 5 women experience mental health concerns during pregnancy and/or postpartum. These diagnoses are known as perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). Unfortunately, healthcare providers are failing to conduct the necessary screenings to detect who is suffering and offer the necessary support. Recent data indicated less than 20 percent of pregnant and postpartum women are being assessed for mental health concerns and only half of the women who screen positive received follow-up care. What is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month? May marks the start of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, with the first week of the month marked as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week. The marker provides an opportunity to join maternal mental health advocates, parents, and the people who support them to raise awareness of maternal mental health issues so that more new parents can get the treatment and support they deserve. Mental health issues are the most common complication of childbirth, and nobody should suffer when effective treatment options are available. Why We Need Maternal Mental Health Awareness Maternal mental health disorders have significant long-term impacts not just on the well-being of the person who gave birth, but when untreated, on the whole family. Research demonstrates the potential for physical and emotional impacts on infants as well as impaired mother-infant bonding. In the U.S., the maternal mortality rate is more than twice that of most other developed countries. A majority of maternal suicide or overdose deaths are caused by a lack of behavioral healthcare. What Are Signs of a Maternal Mental Health Concern? Common symptoms of mental health concerns can mirror typical pregnancy or postpartum symptoms—changes to weight, energy, sleep, libido, and emotions. As such, maternal mental health issues might be written off by the person experiencing them, the people around them, and even medical professionals. If any of the following symptoms persist for longer than two weeks, are impacting functioning, or are causing distress, you should talk with a health professional immediately. Feelings of: • Sadness, disconnected from others, including the baby, hopelessness or low self-worth, irritable, angry, or on edge, difficulty coping, and thoughts of harm to self and others, including baby. How to Get Involved this Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month Donate to or volunteer at a local charity that supports new parents. Sign the petition to officially recognize World Maternal Mental Health Day. Excerpted from Dr. Rachel Diamond on www.psychologytoday.com Submitted by Dr. Stacey Blalock Henry 1. Clothing, Matthew 6:28 2. Temple, Matthew 24:1-2 3. Baptizing, Matthew 28:19 4. King, wedding, wedding Matthew 22:2-3 5. Mary of Bethany, Mark 14:9 6. Pearls, Matthew 13:45 7. Birds of the air, Matthew 6:26 8. God, Jesus Christ, John 17:3 9. That he must be born again John 3:7 10. Ask not for them back, Luke 6:30 Mental Wellness - Maternal Health Month • Aside from Adam & Eve, who in the Bible had no parents? Joshua, son of Nun (“none”). • A man gets on an airplane and sees a nun praying fervently beside him. “Are you afraid of flying?” he asks. “Flying, no. Crashing, yes.” • “A priest, a rabbi, and a minister walk into a bar. The bartender says, ‘What is this, a joke?’” • How do we know God loves baseball? Well he started his book "In the big-inning • What did Moses say when he came down the mountain and saw the Israelites worshipping a golden calf? Holy cow! www.christianity.com
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WEEKLY SCHEDULE Mary Dean Lee Kathy Wallace Joe Lee Jessica Hibbler The SGBC Newsletter is a publication of the Shady Grove Baptist Church. It is published once a month on the 1st of each month. Contact us at [email protected]. Maxine Coleman, Editor SICK HOME BOUND NURSING HOME Please be prayerful for our members in their time of bereavement! Pray for: • First Lady Joyce Woullard and her family; her cousin, Sue Strickland passed. • Jacqueline Thomas and her family; her uncle, Randall Spann passed. • Catherine Preston and the entire family of Anita “Vickie Burkett” Smith; Vickie passed. • Pastor Jared Daniels and his family; his sister, Refunda LaRue passed. 20 SUNDAY Sunday School at 9:30 am Worship Service at 7:45 am and 10:45 am MONDAY Dance Weekly at 6 pm TUESDAY Senior Citizen Luncheon 1st Week at 10 am Wise Encouragers 3rd Week at 6 pm WEDNESDAY Brotherhood & Adult Men’s Bible Study 2nd & 4th Week at 6 pm Sisterhood at 6 pm Adult and Youth Bible Study at 7 pm (Adult-Life Center; Youth-Sanctuary) SATURDAY Corporate Prayer at 8 am Join by dialing 720-740-9642 access code 4402008 Boys2Men Ministry 2nd & 4th Week at 11 am Girl Scouts 2nd Week at 11 am Iron Sharpeners 2nd Week at 10 am Women In The Making 3rd Week at 11 am WOW 3rd Week at 10 am Witness 4th Week at 9 am (announced) Youth Ushers at 1 pm (quarterly) Dea. Allen Ellis Barbara Payton Margaret Long Vernice Roberts Linda Bourn Charles Heidelberg Rev. Christine Bourn Saroya Crowell-Harris Alex Wolfe Monique Crosby Terry Harris Leona Woullard Lue Dahmer Albert Barnett Josie Davis Darlene Dantzler Celia Grant Angela Thames Harold Dahmer Sr. Vernon Dahmer Jr. Dea. Chester Hopkins Bettye Mott Dea. Ronnie Woullard BEREAVED MAY 7 Senior Citizen Luncheon 12 Mother’s Day 21—23 Revival (Rev. Terry Anderson) 26 Baccalaureate Service 27 Memorial Day 29 Youth Movie Night TBA--Witness/Outreach