You Cannot Succeed without THIS...
A Good friend of mine asked me to write out my vision. It turned out to be a watershed experience. It had been quite a while since I took a moment to think about where I even wanted to go...much less where I was headed.
So to give you an idea of where these thoughts took me, I'm posting them. I encourage you to post yours as well, and keep in mind there is no right or wrong answer here. Take a moment to think about and write out YOUR vision. It will do wonders for you.
Sabrina's Vision
My vision and goals are an amalgam of faith, family, ministry and running a business. It's my goal to negotiate without compromise. This is the inherent challenge of combining so many aspects of life at the same time. I'm a follower of Jesus Christ, a wife, mother, daughter, friend, businesswoman, author, mentor, housekeeper, chaueffer, book-keeper and cheerleader -all at the same time. It all comes down to what I envision...what my BIG dreams are, or the ones that make my heart sing...here they are:
I envision attending the college graduations of each one of our children, and enthusiastically applauding when their names are called followed by the phrase "Summa Cum Laude"
I envision holding a grandchild in my arms someday.
I envision being in heaven and seeing the people led to the Lord through me and the work God chose to do through me.
Professionally, I envision having the influence to TELL companies exactly what kind of coupon WorkingMom.com wants to distribute, -and having them CREATE it.
But above all, my vision pertains to running this race called life well. Staying true to my calling. Even if I have to walk alone at times, but always walking forward, with Big Dan at my side -the both of us a team and helping one another through the difficult times. Celebrating and sharing our successes together, always giving honor and praise to the One who makes them possible.
Fiscally, money hasn't served as a strong motivator for me. Perhaps this is because I haven't experienced hunger, poverty, extreme fear or been in want for basic necessities. Working to generate more income hasn't been much of a factor in my own vision, probably because (by the grace of God), we've always been able to have enough to cover our basic needs with some left over. I thank God for that.
Steven Covey and Eric Holmlund said "Begin with the end in mind..."
In the end, I'd like my children to eulogize me and say they received a depth of love, compassion, discipline and faith because they were in my family. I'd like my friends and even people who only know me through writing to say that their lives were made better because of what the Lord did through me.
I envision seeing the face of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and hearing Him say "Well done, good and faithful servant."
I'm guessing that's vision enough for this blog entry. I don't know if I would've actually thought about it so much if Eric hadn't suggested it. Many thanks to Eric for jumpstarting the New Year with thoughts of Vision.
Oh, and don't forget, we'll be randomly selecting a one of the replies to the Vision post to receive a Scooba Floor Washing Robot! Valued at $399.00! So take a moment to write out your vision...you might just win something that will save you many moments of housework!
In His Service,
Sabrina O
So to give you an idea of where these thoughts took me, I'm posting them. I encourage you to post yours as well, and keep in mind there is no right or wrong answer here. Take a moment to think about and write out YOUR vision. It will do wonders for you.
Sabrina's Vision
My vision and goals are an amalgam of faith, family, ministry and running a business. It's my goal to negotiate without compromise. This is the inherent challenge of combining so many aspects of life at the same time. I'm a follower of Jesus Christ, a wife, mother, daughter, friend, businesswoman, author, mentor, housekeeper, chaueffer, book-keeper and cheerleader -all at the same time. It all comes down to what I envision...what my BIG dreams are, or the ones that make my heart sing...here they are:
I envision attending the college graduations of each one of our children, and enthusiastically applauding when their names are called followed by the phrase "Summa Cum Laude"
I envision holding a grandchild in my arms someday.
I envision being in heaven and seeing the people led to the Lord through me and the work God chose to do through me.
Professionally, I envision having the influence to TELL companies exactly what kind of coupon WorkingMom.com wants to distribute, -and having them CREATE it.
But above all, my vision pertains to running this race called life well. Staying true to my calling. Even if I have to walk alone at times, but always walking forward, with Big Dan at my side -the both of us a team and helping one another through the difficult times. Celebrating and sharing our successes together, always giving honor and praise to the One who makes them possible.
Fiscally, money hasn't served as a strong motivator for me. Perhaps this is because I haven't experienced hunger, poverty, extreme fear or been in want for basic necessities. Working to generate more income hasn't been much of a factor in my own vision, probably because (by the grace of God), we've always been able to have enough to cover our basic needs with some left over. I thank God for that.
Steven Covey and Eric Holmlund said "Begin with the end in mind..."
In the end, I'd like my children to eulogize me and say they received a depth of love, compassion, discipline and faith because they were in my family. I'd like my friends and even people who only know me through writing to say that their lives were made better because of what the Lord did through me.
I envision seeing the face of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and hearing Him say "Well done, good and faithful servant."
I'm guessing that's vision enough for this blog entry. I don't know if I would've actually thought about it so much if Eric hadn't suggested it. Many thanks to Eric for jumpstarting the New Year with thoughts of Vision.
Oh, and don't forget, we'll be randomly selecting a one of the replies to the Vision post to receive a Scooba Floor Washing Robot! Valued at $399.00! So take a moment to write out your vision...you might just win something that will save you many moments of housework!
In His Service,
Sabrina O
Your vision has reminded me that there is purpose in what I do as a wife, mother, and woman. Thanks for sharing your vision and values. It has encouraged me to inventory my own thoughts and delicately and fairly admit to the goals I have for my children and family as well. I want my ministry to be family focused instead of stranger focused. I certainly believe in helping our neighbors but not at the expense of my own sweet family. I am encouraged to nurture not only my children and marriage, but myself as well. I want to realize and appreciate the beauty that marriage and motherhood have given me. I wear many hats throughout the day and I am ready to be proud of the roles I easily transition back and forth to throughout my day. I want to be proud of myself. I too want to applaud when my children graduate from college and along with the pride I hold for their accomplishment I do not want to forget to be proud of myself for playing a vital role in their path to that final destination. Understanding my impact on my family certainly makes me more cautious and thorough in my approach as a mother, wife, and woman. I want to strive for a quality year packed with love, patience, and understanding. By the grace of God I go!!
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I envision nurturing a home full of God's love, His Word and Truth, and a family guided by His Spirit. I envision devloping an eternal perspective toward the 'little details' of everyday life.
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My first vision is to incorporate more devotions/prayer/bible with my daughter/and to be step daughter. Knowing they are two different, yet beautiful girls (one likes to read, the other doesn't) I need to focus on their specific "language." I also need to get back to the gym. I was at the gym at least 5 days a week and have found my self less consistent due to my upcoming wedding in July. I also need to incorporate a fitness program for the family. I find myself more of a Martha than a Mary and I need to focus on the important things that God so richly has blessed me with.
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Man! This is such a wonderful idea! It's gotten me really thinking about what IS my vision for my family, my career, and myself personally.
My vision for my family is that my husband and I will be looking back when we are VERY, VERY old and gray, holding hands sitting on the front porch on a cool spring day thinking about how truly proud we are of our girls and all the accomplishments they will have achieved and their strong, unbreakable relationships with our Lord Jesus Christ!! My vision for my family is that when others are with our family and in our home that they will feel Christ's love and warmth and if they don't have that personal relationship with Christ, that they will be inspired to want that for their lives by seeing ours.
My vision for my career is to go wherever God Almighty wants me to be. I currently enjoy my job and actually would love to be a part-time working mother so that I can be home more with my children. I guess that's also part of my vision is that I can become a part-time working mother, but also a working mother that is impacting other's lives for Christ through my work wherever I may be!
My vision for myself personally is to become a stronger woman spirtually and physcially. I want to have that unshakeable faith in my Lord Jesus Christ. I want to see others' hearts the way our heavenly Father does. I want to love them and understand them the way he does and not the way I am so tempted to!!
I also want to be healthier physcially, lose weight, tone up and just feel better about who I am as a woman!
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In response to Sabrina's challenge to write out our vision, I envision myself paying all my bills and expenses every month without using my credit card. And I envision my son growing up to be a respectable and responsible adult who loves God and knows what is important in life.
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Wow - this newsletter appearing in my inbox today, of all days, and the fact that I set aside time to read it has to be a sign from God. I can't remember the last time I thought about the vision for my life or focused beyond the "here and now" of being a mother, a wife, a daughter, a full-time employee, a friend, and a child of God.
I loved reading your vision and hadn't thought about as many areas as you had in your life. I envisioned a stronger and healthier relationship with my husband (we've been struggling lately), happy, healthy, and God-loving children, and a healthier, wiser, and more balanced me. Sometimes, it is so hard to look beyond the immediate needs each day brings, but it's good to stop and look at the big picture. Thanks for making me think!
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You're right--I can picture myself down the road and envision the path I want to travel. I like what I see and I am doing everything I can with the grace of God to take the steps on this path of life. I envision my children knowing that above all else their mom and dad loved them deeply and that they never question that, just like they never question their faith. I envision leading a healthier lifestyle so that I will be able to enjoy my life and my children and husband and build memories for us all. I envision being satisfied with my current home. No, it's not my dream home, but I have a vision of what I want it to look like and what needs to be remodeled. I envision living in my home and enjoying it's decor before we decide to sell. That may seem like a strange comment, but I know my house has a lot of great potential. I envision being deeply in love with my husband for as long as we both live. I envision that wonderful day when I am reunited with family members who have passed away and I can dance in heaven with them. I want to be satisfied with who I am and that I have contributed to the world and those around me.
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What a timely message. I too have been contemplating what my ultimate goals are and have been working on getting them organized for a few days now. I'll share what I have so far. I want to raise my kids in a loving Christian home and see them both accept salvation, be baptised and live for Christ. I want to have a happy, full, fun marriage and truly enjoy my best friend in this life. I want to be happy and healthy and take care of my body and my family. I want to pay off all our debt early and invest/spend wisely so we can retire comfortably. I want to work in a career that I find rewarding, fun and challenging. I want to be able to give back and be a blessing to others around me. I want to sleep in peace each night with a smile in my heart and on my face. To be content with what God has for me in this life knowing full well where I will be after this life. Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to share this with you. I hope you have a beautiful day.
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My vision is to be the women of God that my husband needs to be able to fulfill the vision God has given him to be in full-time ministry . . . The mother each of my children need to help them be successful in the dreams God has placed in their hearts . . . The businesswoman that is the back bone enabling my husband to stay in full-time ministry . . . and the woman of God that will satisfy my soul until I hear "well done thy good and faithful servant, enter into thy rest".
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As a mother, who is constantly juggling so many different responsibilities, I have visions for different parts of my life. My main vision is for Christ to be high and lifted up in my life. I want to serve Him as He is bringing opportunities into my life.
My vision for my marriage is for a relationship with my husband that continues to grow and being able to encourage my husband to grow in Christ.
I want to see my children develop their God given abilities and not let my own desires for them come in the way of how God wants to use them.
Last year I began building my career as a full-time artist. My vision is to continue being creative and never stop improving.
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Excellent, Jane, relationship w/Christ then our husband, our kids, then all others is putting your priorities in check
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I am a 45 year old mother of 4 beautiful girls. We are blessed that each girl had a heart for serving the Lord, my oldest is a prayer missionary at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, MO. In October I was diagnosed with colon cancer, not something most people expect. For me right now, I can only set short term goals, my days depend on how I feel. But my primary goal is to be positive and upbeat as much as I can, eapecially for my kids. I Have to show them that our faith means something. And if I have to do it from my bed, then so be it. We all know that Gos is in control and already knows the final outcome. As I am unable to continue outside employment, I am trying to build several home businesses started on whims this past year. That particular goal is to speak to at least 2 people each day about the opportunities. I can't get out too much, and it is even an effort to speak for an extended conversation on the phone, but I can e-mail and write short notes, and talk with the friends who are bringing meals - I actually have a short term captive audience. When this is over and done with, I want people to say they saw Jesus working in my family and in my home. I want to have a firm grasp and working home business and be able to contribute my lost income - and then some!
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My Vision is to hear from my Lord and Savior "Well done thy good and faithful servant" when I see Him face to face in heaven. Here on earth I envision being a helpmate and support to my husband as we serve in the full time ministry allowing our home, our children and lifestyle to speak loudly of the Grace and Love of our Father God. I envision the ministry that God has given me to leave a little taste of Jesus's eternal life with all those I come in contact with. I envision to see my three children make good decisions based on the Word of God, not because of what Mom or Dad would think, but because they know how to be individuals full of integrity. Financially I envision that we will be completely out of debt, able to give to others freely and into a home large enough for our immediate family and to have guest when we desire too. Physically to maintain a healthy temple of God.
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Thankyou for the reminder that we need a vision. I have been going through a difficult emotional time lately and realise that I am allowing my circumstances to hijack what I envision God would have me do. I pray that I would be woman of God who encourages and helps to shape Godly children through to future generations. I pray that God's purpose in my life will be fully evident in my family as a loving wife and mother,and with those I work and fellowship with. My vision is that when I am old I will be able to look back without regret, knowing that I have done the very best I can do with God's help.
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I envision myself spending more time with my daughter and instead of worrying so much about my "to do" list.
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My vision for my life has been the same since I was a teenager. My vision is that my children will rise up and call me blessed because I was there for them, because I taught them good character, and because I loved their father in a way he could understand.
I home educate my children and feel like my job never ends, but with God's help and the vision before me, I press on toward the mark. It gives me motivation to never give up. And knowing that my vision lines up with the Word of God, I have confidence that God will be with me every hard (and easy) step of the way.
Meeting this goal in my life doesn't mean that I just work hard every day to do for others. It also means that I have to grow all the time myself. I must stay in the Bible, submit to the Holy Spirit, practice the fruits of the Spirit and fill my mind with good information.
I also take time (at 5:00 a.m.) to work out and keep my body healthy. This gives me the energy to do what needs to be done, and releases any stress I've built up. I seems to push my mind to a new level as well. Clears out the cobwebs.
I'm not perfect. I'd like to be. I have insecurities, but I'm working on them. I don't always say what should be said, or in the way it should be said, but I'm learning (with the Holy Spirit's help) to slow down and think before I speak - and when I do, He usually tells me not to speak at all...what a break through! =0)
My vision is that one day, I will look proudly upon my children and see them making good choices, wise decisions and that they have clear visions for their lives as well. And my husband and I will be so blessed by them and their new families.
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My vision is to first, be in close communion with God with Jesus always at my side; second, to be the wife that God desires me to be and that my husband needs; third, to be the caring, nurturing mother that my children need; all the while taking the time for me that I need to recharge and refresh. I want to become debt-free as soon as possible so that we can give of our time and our money where we want to, when we want to. I want to be the best employee possible and give freely of myself, then leave work at work at the end of the day. Most of all I want to please God!
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This has not been any easy few months. Family health issues and financial worries have been clouding my thoughts.Today is the day I say "Lord I hear you".I have been blessed with several nudges in the last few days,the latest,your email Sabrina.I've had a desire of making my home based business work-but without a vision and not getting anywhere.The gentle reminders that have been put before me-all God inspired-have me listening.I come from a family of 6 children all grown, having families of their own.I have a vision for one of my family members and their disabled children to have a home of their own.Thank you for the God inspired gentle nudge today to focus on that vision.I hope to move forward and beyond these clouded barriers that reach us all at points in our lives.God gave me stop and listen time-VISION-time.
God Bless
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I envision freedom for the abused woman and an end to the generational cycle of violence. I am pursuing this vision through the founding of a non-profit called Wing Haven (www.winghaven.org). We plan to start services this fall (2007) and will be the only organization offering relocation services to victims who cannot be safe in the community where the abuser lives!
I also envision raising my boys in a way that brings them up to hate the injustice of domestic violence and to love the justice of Jesus Christ in addition to His mercy and love.
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my vision...to not be a hypocrite
my vision...to be humble
my vision...to be selfless
my vision...to look to other's needs before my own...help!
my vision...that Jesus will proud of me
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My VISION:
To be in THE WORD, and bringing others to it consistantly throught my life. To build a ministry helping orphans and the critically poor children in Dominican Republic, Cuba, and where ever else God leads me.
To enjoy a strong, balanced, best friend type of relationship with my husband. To raise our son with God in his little heart. To have his butt never tough the psycologists couch, disclosing that his parents failed him. To have him grow into an independant, loving, compassionate and motovated man; who always comes to his momma for love. To have more kids and raise them in the light of the Lord too. To get my RN degree in spring of 2009. To be able to look back on my life and know that most of the time I put the right things first. To have a big, close, loving family of my own.
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Monica, simple and precise . . . and should be every Christian's goal/vision!
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My vision is to grow the current small retail businesses that I have right here in one of the provinces in the Philippines. To add other business as well not just for profit but to be able to generate employment in our locality.
My vision is to become a writer, not for fame but to touch other people's lives and to be able to teach them correct principles in life to make this world a better place.
My vision is to raise my kids well that they may use their talents to help other people.
Lastly, at the end of my life here on Earth, my vision is for people who know me to be able to say that somehow sometime in my life I was able to help them make themselves better persons.
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My vision is to be a servant...to God, to my family, to my coworkers, to everyone I meet. I am still working on this. I am hoping that somehow, I can be the person God wants me to be so that my husband and my children will become believers and put their trust in the Lord I serve.
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Having never written a blog in my life, I felt this one too important to let it pass. My husband passed away Oct. 16th from cancer and I find myself "lost " as a mom to our 7 yr old son. Having been a stay at home mom, I found myself having to work full time just to make the mortgage payment. My vision was not clear as I was living day to day just trying to get by. In the end I don't want our son to suffer any more than he already has in losing his daddy and "best friend" .
My vision is to see my son thrive and flourish academically, emotionally and spiritually as he grows to be a man. A vision of providing all that that he needs, especially in providing the much needed attention he needs from me even when I am just too exhausted to play. A vision of where we are going in life ... I see myself watching him graduate from college and still wishing his dad was there to watch him too. I see my precious little boy finding the love of his life (as I did with his dad) and truly experiencing the joy and comfort in knowing he is truly loved by another on this earth. In teaching him to pray and talk with our Lord, I envision him becoming a man of integrity...with the strength and courage to do what is right and the humility to accept wherever God may lead him. Although it breaks my heart to envision our future without my wonderful husband and my little boy's daddy, I will continue to ask God for the strength and fortitude to raise our son to be the best man he can be and pray always that God helps us to know His "plan" for our lives.
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Marriane,
I am a working mom with a husband and two small children. I can't know your struggles, but I can certainly offer prayer. By reading your comment, I can see that your trust is in the Lord. I just said a prayer for you that you continue to trust in the Lord that he will give you the physical and spiritual strength to see your vision through to its end.
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My vision I can not fully see now it is still evloving as I move forward with Gods help. I look to find balance in family, work, and play. Life is what it is what it is, the gift is finding the joy in it. It is the here and now that builds the future. So a good foundation is always important !!! It helps to build a good foundation. Really what do you hope to gain? Remember all the people you love, and Gods will.
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My vision in my life is unlimited.
I wish to become a better Christian for myself as well as for my children and husband. In doing so I am praying the Good Lord will Bless our family and friends with good physical and mental health, a reasonable longevity to our lives, and allow all of us to graciously leave this world marking a positive remembrance behind us. ON a more selfish note, Like any of us I envision my life to be fulfilled with wealth both financially and spiritually.(More than I'll ever need)
My children will continue on to College and earn degrees in successful working jobs they love and in all aspects of their lives. My vision for my life is to live each day to its fullest without hesitation. To Remember wise advice and make good decisions and teach that which I have learned so others may use that wisdom to pass on to those they love and meet.
My vision is for good mental and physical health, great wealth , fullfilled with God's love and hope.
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I'm all for Jesus, for He has done a whole lot of amazing things in my life. When I needed a hubby, I asked Him...He send me an amazing man. When I needed strength and courage to take care of my parents when they were both ill, I asked Him, and again He came through. There is nothing our Triune God wouldn't do.
My friend and I do Bible studies together via the telephone. Last week to our surprise, we chose similar Scripture Memory verses to recite: Hers was from Jeremiah 33:3..."Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."
And mine was, "He shall call upon Me, and I will answer Him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation." Psalm 91:15,16.
Both these verses mean a whole lot to us, and now we vow to do as instructed: Call upon Him.
It is my desire to follow a vision, too. That vision is to tell about the goodness and love of our Triune God through my website, www.dailysoulfoodforyou.com. With this site I hope to encourage many through my humble writings as I try to show them that there is always hope when you trust in God.
Your vision is indeed an encouragment, and I wish you and all your readers many blessings.
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Thank you for allowing us to think more of ourself, as working Moms, at home or office, it is very easy to lose ourselves. As for my vision, I see myself financially free. The Lord has been good to me all these years, yet as I grew up poor, I hurt if my children are in want. Mistakes have been made by my husband and me, and by the grace of God we are still here, but if God allows, I want us to be free from that worry. Only He can help see my vision to the end.
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