Let God Give Your Family a Vision for 2009 It is typical for corporations, organizations, churches and other institutions to create themes or visions for a new year. Once they have come up with the vision statement or theme, it can guide them in their decision-making as well as in the priorities they set for the upcoming months. If these groups take vision planning so seriously, it makes sense that we as families could benefit from developing a New Year�s vision to guide and direct us. Of course, the key to the vision�s success is including God and allowing his Word and Spirit to mold our family�s vision. Much different than a business vision, your family�s theme for 2009 doesn�t need to include budget projections and new hire goals, but, rather, it should include statements about where God is leading each individual family member and how you can work together to support and encourage each other in the unique vision God has given to each one. Jeremiah 29:11 states: ��I know the plans I have for you,� declares the Lord, �plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.�� Isn�t it comforting and encouraging to know that God has a plan for your life and for the lives of your children and spouse? You see, God doesn�t expect us to come up with plans and visions all on our own. He wants to give us a plan�HIS perfect plan. The truth is that any plan or vision we create on our own is going to fall short; it will absolutely pale in comparison to the one God wants to give us. The exciting part is that God�s plan is the one that will help us to fulfill our life�s purpose. Perhaps one of the most beautiful aspects of parenting, and even marriage, is to witness the ones we love the most reach their potential through God�s plan for their lives. However, we must keep in mind that in order to help ourselves and our family members claim this vision and plan God has for us, we must depend on Him and Him alone. In other words, we cannot build this vision on our own strength. Too often, we want to be in control of things. We believe we know what is best for our future and for the future of our spouse and children. But scripture tells us that �unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain� (Psalm 127:1). Our own plans and ideas about what is best just don�t cut it. It�s all in vain unless we let our very capable God of the Universe, Immanuel, King of Kings, to build our vision and lay out the blueprints for our future. Sometimes it is difficult to let go and truly trust God with our plans and goals. Let�s make 2009 the year that we live out God�s vision for our lives. Forget the New Year�s resolutions and man-centered goals and instead look to God for your 2009 family vision. Imagine what He might do with each family member and with your family as a whole! You can find comfort and peace, knowing that depending on Him will give your vision true, eternal purpose. Cling to Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.� May God�s blessings be upon you and your family in 2009. � 2009 by Jewell R. Powell, author of �Marriage 101: Building a Life Together by Faith for more information visit us at www.marriage101.us What It Takes to Achieve a Family Vision Goal-setting is easy, but achieving the goals can be an entirely different story. However, when it comes to setting goals and developing a God-given vision, the process becomes easier, because God takes the weight. The pressure is off you! As you strive to develop a vision for your family in 2009, consider some of these tips to guide you on your path: Work Together Is it really a family vision if just one person comes up with it? Go to God as a family, asking for guidance and then discussing with each other where you feel God is taking your family? All of the family members will be much more inclined to participate and take ownership in the vision if they played a role in its development. Use God�s Word Psalm 119:105 explains, �Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.� No one wants to travel a path that is dimly lit and uncertain. That�s why it is so important to go to Bible for the answers that will guide us in the right direction. Model to your spouse and children your own personal dependency on the Bible, and then encourage them to spend time seeking God�s will through scripture. It doesn�t have to become a dreaded chore! Make it fun and interesting. Utilize creative Bible books for children and thought-provoking discussion questions for older kids and teens. Include the entire family in on a game to find the most scriptures to support you in your family vision planning for 2009. Take On a Kingdom Perspective It is hard to be in the world but not of it. One of the most challenging aspects of being a Christian is allowing our minds to be transformed by Christ, so that we might be able to see the world as He sees it. When we are constantly surrounded by the things of our culture�media, instant gratification, self-absorption, excess�it can be difficult to truly set ourselves apart. As you work together as a family and with God to create a family vision for the New Year, be sure you are looking at your goals as God sees them�not as the world sees them. Don�t Be Afraid to Fail No family is perfect, and it is nearly impossible to meet every, single goal we set for ourselves. Our family vision will be no different. There will be days, perhaps many days, when not everyone is on board. Even you may sometimes put the vision on the back burner for a time. Still, identifying the vision is important, because it gives you and your family something to come back to. It provides a purpose and a plan toward which you can strive. Even if you do not see your vision completely come to fruition in 2009, you will find that your family grew stronger and closer to God in the journey. Seek Out Godly Counsel Sometimes it helps to have extra resources to assist and encourage you in your family vision planning. Below are a few books and websites you might find useful as they provide you with Godly � http://www.familyvision.us/>wisdom: � http://www.familyvision.us/ -- Family Vision is a non-profit leadership training ministry committed to "Building Families, Training � http://www.familylife.com>Leaders." � http://www.familylife.com �Family Life�s goal is to change the world one home at a time. � Family, The: A Christian Perspective on the Contemporary Home by Jack O. Balswick � Building the Christian Family You Never Had by Mary E. Demuth � The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren � http://www.marriage101.us �Marriage 101 mission is to change the course of our country one couple at a time. This ministry empowers couples from a Christian perspective. � Marriage 101: Building a Life Together by Faith by Jewell R. Powell

by Jewell R. Powell, The Marriage Coach and author of Marriage 101: Building a Life Together by Faith. Visit us at www.marriage101.us