A Vision-Led Life

At the beginning of the year I felt compelled to create a vision board of some kind. I've never done anything like this before, but the concept suddenly felt important to me. I have to admit, I've always dismissed vision boards as New Age-y. I have no desire to "attract" people or things to me or to "alert the universe" to my plans, ideas, wants, needs, etc. As a Christian I rely on God to supply all of my needs.

However.

I started thinking about vision boards in a different way; I started to see the importance of making very clear choices about what is important to me and writing those things down and displaying them so that I could remind myself of my goals.

I read this John Piper quote years ago and it has come to mind over and over through the years.

I am struggling every day to know what the Lord is requiring of me in specific choices among good options. I am learning, every day, the extent of his lordly control of the world and his mysterious ways of fulfilling his promises as Lord of my life and my church. Submitting to the Lordship of Christ is a lifelong activity It must be renewed every day in many acts of trust and obedience. Submission to Christ's Lordship is not merely a one-for-all experience.

I did a bunch of poking around in Pinterest and and started creating.

[caption id="attachment_2619" align="aligncenter" width="200"] Tri-fold vision board[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2620" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Bigger on the inside[/caption]

First, I sat down and made a list of the things that were really important to me: God, Ben, the boys, homeschooling, homemaking, traveling, reading, exercising. This took a couple days because I really wanted to give it some thought and prayer. I also included the names of the people who are dearest to me who I want to be sure to keep in contact with, pray for, and champion.

Then, I hopped on Pinterest. I found this right off of the bat and I was thrilled because it included a bunch of things that I'm passionate about or what to get better at. Plus it's free, so BONUS!



Next, I found this prayer:



Thank you, Lord! I'm not kidding when I say I pray this every. single. morning. I pasted it onto the back of the vision board.

Then there's this one:



Also prayed every day.

I printed several images, cut them out, and pasted them. I scoured my stickers and scrapbooking materials and found all kinds of goodies to add to the mix. Scripture, quotes, photographs, etc. Anything that fit within the vision.

Last, but not least, I wrote the names of the individuals who are most important to me.

Now, every morning, I sit down at my little desk, turn on my special (vitamin D) lamp, and look over this vision board. I pray the prayers and then dig into my devotional, Bible reading, and journaling. It's not a long process, but it gives me a jumping-off point every morning and helps determine the course of my thoughts, actions, and words.

How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives. - Annie Dillard

 

So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs. Mark out a straight path for your feet. Then those who follow you, though they are weak and lame will not stumble or fall but will become strong. Hebrews 12:12-13