Shocking, I know, but sometimes I actually get the opportunity to think

October 8, 2006

Businesses have ‘em. Organizations have ‘em. Corporations have ‘em. Churches have ‘em. I’m wondering if families or individuals have ‘em. I’m talking about a Vision Statement. Despite all the time I’ve spent discussion visions for various entities, I have never once thought about coming up with a Vision Statement for myself or my family. I find that strange. I don’t know why. Seems like I/we (probably both) should have one. But I need some ideas. So I ask, do any of you have a personal or family Vision Statement?

Category: Life

Comments

15 Responses to “Shocking, I know, but sometimes I actually get the opportunity to think”

  1. Jen M.
    October 8th, 2006 @ 9:11 pm

    well, I don’t know if this really counts LOL but since Keith and I got married, we have a “theme” for each year. It sort of sums up the things we hope to accomplish/become/do in the year to come…

    JEN

  2. crickl's nest
    October 8th, 2006 @ 11:58 pm

    Nope…I don’t think that idea would have ever crossed my mind if you hadn’t mentioned it. ;)
    Families should have goals….but I dont think that is the same as a vision or mission statement. Our goals have been to raise our kids to know God and watch for Him in action. (answered prayers, ‘coincidences’ that bring spiritual answers or guidance, seeing Him work in others’ lives) As my kids have gotten older….teens and one in college….they really look back on our traditions we did as a family and find stability in those. Lots of laughter…that is important and it’s what they remember…it’s what keeps you connected through the years and unites you as a unit.

    I’ll put the 2 cents on your tab……=)

  3. Kathryn
    October 9th, 2006 @ 12:49 am

    “Love one another”. “Submitting (or being available) yourselves to one another in the fear (reverence) of God”. These are not “roles”; these are relationships. Be sure to take some time out for yourself too. Be just a little bit “selfish” (for lack of a better word) every once in awhile. It’s good for you, and good for the kids too. You don’t “burn out” that way. They learn that Mommy is a real human being with needs too. They learn to take care of a few of their own desires instead of always expecting someone else to do it. You are not neglecting them; you are helping them to be aware that others have needs. They learn to be self-sufficient in time, maybe even helpful to you. You may have to guide them at first, but be patient, they’ll learn (maybe they already have).

  4. Amy
    October 9th, 2006 @ 6:44 am

    Kathryn, are you married? Do you have kids?

  5. Amy
    October 9th, 2006 @ 6:59 am

    Jen & Crickl, GREAT thoughts. This is good. A theme, goals, traditions…definitely things me/my family can benefit from. Your gettin’ my juices flowin’. Thanks for your input.

  6. Kirken
    October 9th, 2006 @ 11:43 am

    We/I do not have a mission or vision statement but that is a great ides. I think a Bible verse as part of it would be great for the whole family. I’ll have to mention it to hubby. I like the ideas of goals as well. We do have some long term goals for ourselves. Eg: Hubby finishing college and Seminary in a certain period of time, school for myself, and when we are doing all of it. But that is it. I am already thinking of goals right now that we can start looking at. Oh, the fun this can be.

  7. Heather
    October 9th, 2006 @ 4:56 pm

    When my husband and I were first married in Bible College, and starting our family. One of his assignments was to create a personal mission statement. We adopted the idea for our parenting. It has made a world of difference. We don’t have to give our kids the “because I said so” answer. We weigh the thing being asked with the mission. vission, value statements. Our statement is… We are raising good, strong christian Men of God, who are productive members of the community that proactively encourage and edifiy the body of Christ (Church). Every word has a meaning for us. they each repesent and ideal or value. Everyone’s should be different. I have been visiting your site for while and have enjoyed it very much. Thank you.

  8. julie
    October 10th, 2006 @ 5:16 pm

    Heather-I think that is wonderful!!! What a great idea, Amy!

  9. Kathryn
    October 10th, 2006 @ 11:41 pm

    One of the things I have learned in life from experience is the necessity of avoiding burn-out. You must do some things for yourself, otherwise you have nothing to give others either. I don’t know how you’ll do that, but surely Brian would help out.

  10. Kathryn
    October 10th, 2006 @ 11:49 pm

    My last comment was a response to Amy’s comment above. Your children benefit by becoming more self-reliant. Perhaps they already have.

  11. Michelle in MX
    October 11th, 2006 @ 10:28 pm

    hmmm . . .
    I asked my husband and he said “As for me and my house,we will serve the Lord”

    We have vision to see our children raised to love and serve the Lord with their lives. To “work ourselves out of a job” as parents.

    Other then that, I would have to sit and think with some coffee.

  12. Alida
    October 12th, 2006 @ 6:39 am

    We wrote out goals and objectives when we started homeschooling. This is the closest thing we have to a mission statement. When we were attending The Crossing in Southern California the pastor there preached on Family Vision Statements.

  13. Kathryn
    October 16th, 2006 @ 2:30 am

    Michelle: Well stated. Perhaps one of your children might turn out to be the next Joyce Meyer, Gloria Copeland, or Anne Graham Lotz. A really great read would be The Vision Of His Glory, by Anne Graham Lotz. It is a study of the book of Revelation. She is the daughter of Billy Graham. In addition to being a preacher, she is also a wife and mother and founder of AnGel Ministries.

  14. Sheri
    October 17th, 2006 @ 4:29 pm

    Check out family-vision.com. They have a great program for developing family vision! It’s BIG!

  15. Anonymous
    October 17th, 2006 @ 7:42 pm

    Amen, Kathryn!!

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