Showing posts with label vision. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vision. Show all posts

Dare to... Believe In Your Dreams

Dare to...
"Risk, care, dream and expect." ~ Derek Davis

You've had a dream... a vision about your future, you like it, but have a hard time believing that you can really make your dream a reality?  The real deal is that you have to create that state of certainty where you believe in your dreams. You have to really know and feel that it's coming your way. So what do you do? Read on:
Dare to...

Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. Habakkuk 2:2


“Always think on paper.” ~ Keith Cunningham
    • Write down your dreams and visions. If you expect to achieve what you believe, then you must write it down. I mean using pencil and paper, erasing all doubt, by drafting and refining it until you get it to where you want it.

    Personal Finance: Your Budget Reflects Your Values


    "Don’t tell me where your priorities are. Show me where you spend your money and I’ll tell you what they are." – James W. Frick

    Wow, a profound and thought provoking quote, which  should make anyone take another look at how and why they spend their money the way they do. However, gaining control of your financial life really does reflect how you actually live your life.  And having a family budget is a must, because it allows you to monitor your expenses and stay in control of your financial future.  But,  money mistakes are made, and when they are made, you could find yourself drowning in debt with all the other areas of your life falling, not far behind.   Why, for one, people, often times, don't become conscious of budgets until they face tough choices in life and two, there are no values in place before establishing a budget.   Setting up and adhering to a family budget is a must, especially doing these economic times, but if the budget isn't based on a firm foundation of Christian values, then it's as good as not having one at all.   Good news, it doesn't have to be that way.

    Since Christian values are based on spiritual things and not material things, it gives you a positive stronghold to adhere to.  But, even though Christian values are spiritual in nature, the evidence of them come through your deeds and actions, the things you spend your money on.  That's why you need to establish a clear set of core principles or values before you create a budget.  As a matter of fact, all budgets should include those core principles, because they govern your financial decisions and ensure effective money management.  Here's the good news, before you establish your budget plan, consider these pre-budgeting objectives below:
    1. Commit to value God more than anything, anybody, or any idea: Christian values are based on spiritual things versus material things.  A core Christian value is having God first in your life.  He already knows what you need and will so dutifully provide.  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Matthew 6:33
    2. Write down your personal vision and values: Write down the things you value most in your financial and personal life; things such as your religious beliefs, your philosophy on money and your purpose for establishing a budgetAnd, if you're married, then include your spouse in this process.  And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. Habakkuk 2:2-3
    3. Commit your whole budget to God: Not only does the first 10 percent belongs to God (a tithe), but in reality, He owns the other 90 percent as well.....be a faithful manager.  The earth belongs to the Lord, and everything in it -- the world and all its people. Psalms 24:1
    4. Commit to patience: Take your time when establishing your budget, hurrying a budget will only result in overlooked expenses and inaccurate estimates.  Create your budget over days, weeks or even months.....not hours.   But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
    5. Commit to teamwork: A budget will never succeed unless all interested parties take an active role in honoring the established values and rules. Include the entire family in on what the budget means and the roles they will play in helping to establish accountability and habit.   Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.  Proverbs 27:17
    These five objectives will help establish your foundation for a sound budget plan. At the end of the day, budgeting becomes easier when you define your values and align your spending with those things that mean the most to you and your family. We have the freedom of choice to decide what is right and what is wrong, but if we value God we will look to Him for what is right and wrong. This means continuously seeking His righteousness and totally relying on Him....We value God when we acknowledge that He knows better than we do on what we need in our lives.  Now, go.... you're ready to establish your budget.  Feel free to use the financial educational resources to get you started:

    The Inner Path - A Personal Vision Statement

    To see with your eyes what is beyond where you are standing, sure, we know about that vision. But, what about an act of anticipation or purpose, for that which is to come for your life, kind of vision. We all want to aim for a goal or to just have the determination necessary to accomplish a goal. But, do we really put forth the effort of actually writing it down and following through, consciously? Do families really go through the steps of setting goals and writing vision statements with their children or even themselves, step by step? When Habakkuk was at an impasse and faced a challenge God answered with, "Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that read it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. -King James version of Habakkuk 2:1-3.  In other words, write your vision statement, for it sets your future in front of you and makes it present with you, which make you conscious or aware. 

    It's good to have a vision statement for your life. It means you're aiming for success and besides, it provides inspiration for you to plan the strategy and tackle the steps to meet your vision. Another good reason to have a vision for your life is because it sets a journey, without that you could be taking wrong or unnecessary paths.

    Many times, doing what we set out to do poses a challenge, mainly because we fail to properly plan what we truly want. But, if we want to see our dreams come true, we must act on our vision, for it won't work if it just stays in our head. We need to get into the habit of understanding the importance of personal visions and using them in our daily lives to accomplish our goals. Motivational speaker, Jim Rohn once said,"If you don't design your own life plan, chances are you'll fall into someone else's plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much."  That's why it's a good idea  for families to set visions for their children and themselves.  Now, consider this question:  What dream do you passionately want to turn into your reality? Passing a class, losing weight, travel, finding employment, or even staring your own business?  Now, once you decide on that, then we can get to the fun part; the vision board. If you don't know how to start or create a vision statement and board, then start with these steps:
    1. Write your vision down. You can even create a vision board on paper or via online.
    2. Be clear and detailed about your vision statement. It's a good idea to use these SMART criteria as a key performance indicator.
    3. See yourself accomplishing and failing to accomplish your vision, then write what your life might be like in each of those situations. Doing this helps you to work harder towards your goals each day.
    4. Now, write down the first step and resources needed and act accordingly.
    5. Visit your board consistently at given dates; daily, weekly, monthly, etc, to make sure you are on the right path. Adjust goals, if necessary, but don't abandon the vision, (revisit step 3, if necessary and as often as possible).
     Here are some resources to help you:
    Now, start yourself on your journey to get yourself on the right path to success and good luck.