Right Choices / Better Outcomes
#3 Dreams and A Vision February 1, 2013
Do you ever get an idea and let your imagination run wild? I do. Usually I keep these thoughts to myself. I’ve learned that if I share them too quickly, others will shoot them down. They haven’t been privy to my thought processes, and don’t understand where the idea came from, nor why I’m so excited. They don’t see the big picture I see. They don’t share the same vision.
Weyburn and I enjoyed the years that our children were at home. Our dream and vision was to guide our three boys and two girls to become healthy, productive adults who love and serve God. We are so thankful to see them putting God first in their lives.
During those early years I developed a few of my own interests and skills, but after a couple of the children were on their own and the youngest were into their teens I was able to explore and expand my areas of interest. I began to have a bigger vision for my personal life. It’s been fun to follow God’s open doors and to do things I never would have thought possible 25 years ago.
I’m sixty-something now and sometimes I wonder what will happen when I’m too old to pursue these endeavours. Nor do I understand why some people stop dreaming and expanding their experiences and influence because they think they are too old. I’m not looking forward to the time when God tells me “Debi, you are old.”
God spoke those words to Joshua. That’s right - we can read them in Joshua 13:1. Near the end of Joshua’s life, God said to Joshua, “You are old, advanced in years…” and yet there is much to be done. Let’s put a plan into action so that it will be accomplished. (Debi’s paraphrase)
Joshua is a young adult when we are introduced to him in scripture. The events recorded concerning him show us that he followed God’s plan and each of God’s requests. God pointed out that Joshua was old; however, God was not done with him yet. God let him know it was time to plan for the future, even though Joshua would not be around to see that plan fulfilled.
Take time to read Joshua 13:1-14:5. I see several practical lessons in these verses. Yes, I know, you may find reading them it a bit boring because it is a list of countries, cities and towns to be divided up among the 11 tribes of Israel. But, there are lessons to learn:
No matter what your age, keep your communication with God current. Spend time with Him so that you can see the exciting vision He has for your life. After some time in prayer you may even want to write a vision statement for your life. I suggest you start by writing down 4 or 5 pivotal values you live by. Then, keeping these in front of you, ask God to give you a mental picture of what your life might look like in the future. Consider your giftings, talents and interests. Don’t rush through this. Dream about possibilities. Let your mind “run wild.”
A vision statement describes what you want your organization to be.” It should energize and inspire. It is for your organization and its members, and not necessarily for others.
Here are some guidelines someone suggested::
But I will hope continually and will praise You more and more. (Psalm 71:14) (HCSB) -
And once again, my deepest prayer for you:
And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment,
so that you can determine what really matters and can be pure and blameless in the day of Christ,
filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:9-11 (HCSB 2004)
Do you ever get an idea and let your imagination run wild? I do. Usually I keep these thoughts to myself. I’ve learned that if I share them too quickly, others will shoot them down. They haven’t been privy to my thought processes, and don’t understand where the idea came from, nor why I’m so excited. They don’t see the big picture I see. They don’t share the same vision.
Weyburn and I enjoyed the years that our children were at home. Our dream and vision was to guide our three boys and two girls to become healthy, productive adults who love and serve God. We are so thankful to see them putting God first in their lives.
During those early years I developed a few of my own interests and skills, but after a couple of the children were on their own and the youngest were into their teens I was able to explore and expand my areas of interest. I began to have a bigger vision for my personal life. It’s been fun to follow God’s open doors and to do things I never would have thought possible 25 years ago.
I’m sixty-something now and sometimes I wonder what will happen when I’m too old to pursue these endeavours. Nor do I understand why some people stop dreaming and expanding their experiences and influence because they think they are too old. I’m not looking forward to the time when God tells me “Debi, you are old.”
God spoke those words to Joshua. That’s right - we can read them in Joshua 13:1. Near the end of Joshua’s life, God said to Joshua, “You are old, advanced in years…” and yet there is much to be done. Let’s put a plan into action so that it will be accomplished. (Debi’s paraphrase)
Joshua is a young adult when we are introduced to him in scripture. The events recorded concerning him show us that he followed God’s plan and each of God’s requests. God pointed out that Joshua was old; however, God was not done with him yet. God let him know it was time to plan for the future, even though Joshua would not be around to see that plan fulfilled.
Take time to read Joshua 13:1-14:5. I see several practical lessons in these verses. Yes, I know, you may find reading them it a bit boring because it is a list of countries, cities and towns to be divided up among the 11 tribes of Israel. But, there are lessons to learn:
- God was not finished with Joshua, even though he was old.
- God had a vision and detailed plans
- Joshua was so in tune with God that he heard the clear leading of the Lord.
No matter what your age, keep your communication with God current. Spend time with Him so that you can see the exciting vision He has for your life. After some time in prayer you may even want to write a vision statement for your life. I suggest you start by writing down 4 or 5 pivotal values you live by. Then, keeping these in front of you, ask God to give you a mental picture of what your life might look like in the future. Consider your giftings, talents and interests. Don’t rush through this. Dream about possibilities. Let your mind “run wild.”
A vision statement describes what you want your organization to be.” It should energize and inspire. It is for your organization and its members, and not necessarily for others.
Here are some guidelines someone suggested::
- Your vision statement should be long enough to explain exactly what you want to be. ·
- Your vision statement should describe the best possible outcome, where you want to end up ·
- Your vision statement should be phrased in the present tense ·
- Your vision statement should be descriptive using words that portray your intent very clearly.
But I will hope continually and will praise You more and more. (Psalm 71:14) (HCSB) -
And once again, my deepest prayer for you:
And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment,
so that you can determine what really matters and can be pure and blameless in the day of Christ,
filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:9-11 (HCSB 2004)