Vision for 2011

In church this morning we had a special speaker. His name is Joe McGee. http://www.joemcgeeministries.com/

He is a hilariously wonderful father of 6, Pastor, former administrator and educator. I laugh and intently listen since he is known to speak quickly too. I own a couple of his books and would love to own more. Anyway, my point is that being New Years weekend he spoke about vision. He gave several statistics about people in general and all came to the clear picture a person must have a vision to succeed. This applies whether a Christian or not. You cannot get somewhere if you are not trying to move. If a person is motivated they will keep pushing regardless of obstacles. The best stories are those of people who went against the odds and did what they desired.
In thinking of this I too want to get somewhere. It isn't enough to just be moving, but instead moving toward a common goal. So, as a family we sat down tonight and made a few of our own. Here they are:

1. Begin AND End each day with time focused on God.
2. Practice showing respect to each other, use descreet hand signal to remind politely when rude
3. Spend one night together as a family, playing games, etc (designate on calendar too)
4. Reinstate special time (1 night a month after everyone's bedtime for each child, leaving the 4th week for Mike and I together alone)
5. Exercise as a family at least once a week TOGETHER. (may be tricky until it gets warmer but doable)

We stuck with 5 things since there are 5 members able to participate in the decisions. At our family night we will touch base on these things and revamp as necessary. This too is a valuable skill for success. #1 wanted to work on being nicer to Michael and controlling his anger too. He was the only one who made individual goals. We will get to that another time, baby steps for the rest. #2 had gotten in trouble just before beginning. She rolled her eyes at me. Yep she sure did, there is always a first for that stuff. This year I will conquer the outward 'tude in that girl. I know she will not always favor my words, rules and ways but she WILL respect those things to my face;) I am pretty sure this is just the beginning of the squabbles between us but I have a vision that we will be comfortable in the end of it all.

As for my goals well I am still working on the specifics. But I know starting and ending my day separate of the kids with God too. What we meditate on we become, so I want to make sure that I spend a chunk of time with the ultimate source. Another goal is to find a job that meets our financial needs, without taking away from my family and allows me to do what I love, teach. I do not know exactly what that looks like and well I have no intention of limiting God with the specifics. Next, I want to reorganize my financial obligations of sorts. The needs of my family of 6 is really what is of the utmost importance and this year I no longer want to bear the burden of others at our expense. It won't happen overnight but this too God can do redeem. I want to pray about all decisions first, being diligent about discussing with my husband fully. Lastly, I want balance for time with family, and hubby alone. I want us to travel just us, as a family and then I also want each of us to take a break doing our own hobby.

Now less broad I want an Ipod Touch or Evo (Sprint phone) for my personal enjoyment and hubby wants a new recliner. I intend to redo #2's room with new bedding and then followed by paint/wall decor. #1 needs a new mattress and #3 and #4 will benefit from new batteries for the toy vehicles outside at 63.00 a piece. But really for #3 I would LOVE to get a kid sized 4wheeler. Our trip to Disney is of greater importance than permanent carpeting downstairs. But otherwise I think that is the main "things". Oh #1 hopes to save his allowance, and ask for cash for his bday in order to get his own Ipod Touch too. I think it would do him good to scrape and save for something. Learning money management does not come without experience.

So far a great start to our 2011 vision. I'll keep ya updated on how it all goes.
What is your vision?