In January 2020 (remember when…) we ladies at Simply Church met to create a ‘Vision Board’ for the new year. I loved the idea and on that cold January night in Wisconsin I went to join in.
A ‘Vision Board’ is defined as a tool used to help clarify, concentrate and maintain focus on what truly matters to you. It’s a board which you display images that represent whatever you want to be, do or have in your life.
So, on that January night we had poster boards, magazines our Bibles, fun paper, scissors, markers and more to begin creating our Vision Board. (and snacks of course)
As I began working on my board some very specific scriptures came to my mind. Goals for the new year became apparent, and things I didn’t want to repeat from 2019 were brought to mind. As you see, ‘Retire’ is on my board….which has become our ‘funny’ for the year since I’m not quite at the age to retire. However, this word kept popping up as I perused though magazines and I felt impressed to include it. I actually didn’t finish my ‘Vision Board’ that night since I spent too much time talking. I did finally finish it about a month later and hung it on a wall in our hallway. When the pandemic of 2020 hit, a few ladies I spoke to noted their Vision Board went down the tubes with all that was happening. Interesting enough, I felt more impressed than ever to see my Vision Board to fruition.
Why?
Because I believed God had put this board in my heart, and this pandemic didn’t take God by surprise. I haven’t seen everything on this board come to fruition, however the year isn’t quite over yet.
My Vision Board:
Live…Really Live!!!
You know we can ‘live’ but not ‘really live’. For me this meant to be intentional about living my life with freedom and peace. I had spent a good portion of the previous year living with some hurts and heaviness that had hindered me from experiencing peace and joy. Although at times the heaviness came waltzing in this year, I have found myself quickly going to Jesus and asking him to help me move on from things I cannot change, and Live…really ‘Live’ in the present.
Love Well
This year I became very intentional about ‘loving well’. Of course we love our families, but I wanted to be sure I was loving them well. This was always at the forefront of my mind. Also the Lord has put countless friends from years gone by on my heart this year, and I’ve reached out and prayed for many of them. Lastly, I realized I wasn’t always loving well the people right in front of me, and I’ve worked on that too.
John 15:2
“Every branch in me that doesn’t bear fruit, he takes away: and every branch that bears fruit, he purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit.”
There have been some branches cut this year in my life, and some purging has taken place. Although purging doesn’t always feel good at the time, it is necessary for us to continue to bear fruit…more fruit.
Enjoy Nature
The photos on my phone told this story…I built a snowman, went on countless walks by Duck Creek with my dog, enjoyed walking the pier at Voyager Park and enjoyed visiting Cave Point in the summer and winter. We visited two different waterfalls, a wildlife sanctuary, went fishing, visited an apple farm and took a few fall scenic drives. Thank you Lord for nature.
Personally Lead Someone to Christ…Be a Fisher of Men!
I have not yet led anyone to Christ this year. My prayer is that this will happen by 12/31/20
FUN
I’ve had fun! I’ve worked a lot too, so I’m hoping ‘Fun’ makes it to my 2021 board.
Retire
I would love to retire if God is ready for me to, however as the year nears it’s end I’m thinking this word was not the retire I was thinking, but that something in my life (that maybe isn’t God’s plan) needs to retire. Still pondering this.
As I read the definition of the word retire, I realize for me it may be more symbolic. Retire means to withdraw, or go away or apart, to a place of privacy, shelter or seclusion. To fall back or retreat in an orderly fashion and according to plan, as from battle. To withdraw or remove oneself.
Rest and Refresh
I have not done this well. I have worked my full time job and worked on my books in many of my awake moments. This will be on the 2021 board…of that I’m certain.
Proverbs 16:16
“How better is it to get Wisdom than gold! And to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver.”
This verse was and is a reminder to choose wisdom over everything else. When we have God’s wisdom we make better choices, we say things that are honoring.
Finish writing ‘The Fruit of the Spirit Collection’
I still have 7 days…and plan to see this to fruition…at least the rough drafts.
Clear Vision-2020
This was at the top of my board. 20/20 vision is a term used to express normal visual clarity or sharpness of vision. Interestingly enough the term 2020 has been used to represent ‘normal’ eyesight. Well, this year, 2020 has been noted by millions as anything but normal, and yet for me I feel like in my walk with the Lord much has became perfectly clear. It’s very clear to me that God is still on the throne. It’s very clear to me that the harvest is ripe; people need the Lord and many are ready to listen. My clarity of what is truly important in life has never been more vivid. My vision for what we will take with us when we leave this earth has never been more clear.
So, my takeaway of my ‘Vision Board’ for 2020 is this. Everything I felt impressed to put on here was relevant. Some will make it to my 2021 Vision Board because I’m still working on them (we are always a work in progress). Some…like leading someone to Christ I hope is on every vision board I ever make, because it’s an Eternal Vision! I’ve loved looking at my board throughout each week and being reminded that there is still time to see some of these items to fruition. Also I highly encourage each of you to include scripture (God’ word) somewhere on your board, as this will be what you reflect on often and this is where our strength comes from.
Blessings,
Jamie