Vision

Visioneering
God's Blueprint for Developing and Maintaining Personal Vision
By: Andy Stanley

"Vision is a preferred future. A destination. Vision always stands in contrast to the world as it is. Visioneering, according to bestselling author Andy Stanley, is “a clear mental picture of what could be, fueled by the conviction that it should be.” With warm, down-to-earth practicality, Andy Stanley explores the ordinary life of Nehemiah and his God-given vision for accomplishing the extraordinary. He shows how the life of this great ancient visionary, determined to rebuild the ruined walls of Jerusalem, reveals principles that can prepare us to find and follow God’s multifaceted vision for our own lives."

So I'm reading this book... I must say, it's been stirring things up like mad since I've picked it up! The thing is, that it's also helping me to find some focus in the things that the Lord has been wispering to me for years. I'm amazed by the practicality and insight that Andy Stanley brings to the whole area of vision. Each chapter ends with a project which really helps you to work out what the author has said for yourself, I've really been challenged and fired up by it! He gives building blocks for vision, here they are;

#1 A vision begins as a concern.
#2 A vision does not necessarily require immediate action.
#3 Pray for opportunity and plan as if you expect God to answer your prayers.
#4 God is using your circumstances to position and prepare you to accomplish his vision for your life.
#5 What God originates, He orchestrates (How is never a problem for God)
#6 Walk before you talk, investigate before you initiate
#7 Communicate your vision as a solution to a problem that must be addressed immediately.
#8 Cast your vision to the appropriate people at the appropriate time.
#9 Don't expect others to take greater risks or make greater sacrifices than you have.
#10 Don't confuse your plans with God's vision.
#11 Visions are refined, they don't change; Plans are revised - they rarely stay the same.
#12 Respond to criticism with prayer, rememberance and if necessary, a revision of the plan.
#13 Visions thrive in an environment of unity; they die in an environment of division.
#14 Abandon the vision before you abandon your moral authority.
#15 Don't get distracted.
#16 There is divine potential in all you envision to do.
#17 The end of a God ordained vision is God.
#18 Maintaining a vision requires adherance to a set of core beliefs and behaviors
#19 Visions require constant attention.
#20 Maintaining a vision requires bold leadership.

I highly recommend this book. Pick it up and check it out. If you want to chat about it, give me a call!

Simone