October 18, 2009

Begin with the End In Mind
Glen’s favorite principle
Developed a family mission plan based on long term goals and bible principles
Used mission statement to help make decisions and keep us on track

What does the bible say about planning?

Journey with the Lord’s approval  (Judges 18:6)
Planning ahead   (Proverbs 13:16)
Man’s plan, God’s purpose   (Proverbs 19:22)
Drawing plan for battle   (Ezekiel 4:1-3)
Planning journey      (2 Corinthians 1:15-17)

Proverbs 13:16   “Every prudent man acts of knowledge, but a fool exposes his folly.

Today, here is your assignment…you need to get from here to Seattle, WA by car.  What is the first thing you would do?

What would you load up in the car?  (These are the principles for your mission statement)   Tools for safety, food, water, pillow, blanket, map

Health             Psalm 128
Financial         Romans 13:8
Marriage          Ecclesiastes 4:  9-12
Prayer              Hebrews 4:12
Help Others      Romans 12:13 
Positive/Encouragement   Job 16:  4-5
Strong parents   Exodus  12:  26-27


OK, let’s build one for our Life Group right now?

Goals:  Short sentences…about 3 or 4...
Keep it visible (on our frig)
Use it to help guide (as well as the bible)

What do we want to accomplish as a Life Group

	Unconditional love
	Fun Fellowships
	Tools for a successful marriage
	Stronger relationships with God

The YMCA Life Group strives to create a group that is a safe haven for all.  A place where everyone gets unconditional love and support.  The group hopes to provide each other with tools to protect and grow marriages while encouraging all to build stronger, more loving relationships with God.  Throughout each year, the group wants to have fellowships that are fun and serves as an outreach to all in the group and in the community.

Your homework assignment:  Go to Bell Park and talk with your partner and discuss what you both want from your marriage and life.  Bullets or words.
Then one should go back and make a paragraph of those bullets.  Then meet again and “tweak” the mission statement.

Use the final product to help you lead you and your decisions.

Important check:  Man’s plans, God’s purpose. 

Recognize that your principles need to be biblical…and that along the road to Seattle, there will be detours.  But sometimes, those detours allow you to see sights that you would never have seen if you stayed on your map.  Let God lead you through these detours.   


 Proverbs 19:21
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”