Why are we here?

I have been thinking a lot about our family and where we want to go, or where we want to be, in say 5 years, or even next year. For the longest time, I've been trying to ignore that thought, with excuses like, "I'm not the spiritual head of the family", or "Why do I have to be the one to start this" (this is said in a really whiny 2 year old voice). It's not like my dh isn't spiritual. He is. He loves God very much, and definitely has a relationship with Him. But we all go through seasons, and this is my dh's season of trying to find his place with our Father, and figuring out where he stands with Him. So God has been laying it on my heart for this vision for our family, and while my dh is trying to "find his way", it's my responsible as the mom of our children, and the wife of my husband to stand firm in the Word, and do my part, which is being obedient to what God calls me to do, and believing that he has already equipped me to do that which I have been called.
Which is this vision for our family. And while, I've been making excuses and trying to figure out how to go about this task, I've had the answer right here. In our curriculum, "Teaching with God's Heart for the World," there is a chapter titled "Finding Your Family Mission/Vision." I've already been equipped-God is so amazing! It's a 10 step procedure for the whole family to participate in. We have to remember that our vision has to be God's vision first. Seek Him in prayer first, and remember that God, "who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity," (2 Timothy 1:10). He has a purpose for all of us; we just have to seek Him to find out what that is.

1. Asking ourselves who we are as a family; what is our reason for existence; and what do we wish to accomplish.
2. Looking back at our family history and seeing how has our family been used by God, and what unique resources, gifts or talents does our family have.
3. Asking what do we believe. What are our family's core values beliefs. What is important to our family, and what behaviours do we want to encourage and discourage.
4. Who are we in terms of a family unit? Why do we exist as a family, and what should we accomplish as a family? WRITE MISSION STATEMENT based on these questions.
5. Looking at where we want to be in 3-5 years. What do we think we will be doing at that time, and as a family, what direction do we feel called to take by God to achieve our mission?
6. List short-term objectives
7. List Major Hindrances that will affect our family in reaching the mission/vision that we have developed. What stands in our way?
8. Determine strategic actions to overcome each barrier.
9. Write this all down in notebook.
10. Believe in our mission/vision statements and LIVE BY THEM!

Well, I guess it's time for me stop talking about our vision, and start doing. I pray that this has helped those of you who have chosen to read my blog, and if you are called to follow this plan, I pray that God blesses and directs your family as you seek His will and navigation.