Lindsey Gendke

Values Clarification

God: God is my Redeemer; he is the reason for my existence and my ultimate destination

• I put God first every day
• I use God’s word as my compass for all my life’s decisions
• I strive to be Christlike and to be a witness to others in the way I conduct myself and live my life
• I do what is right even in the face of opposition

Family and Friends: My family members and friends are the most precious gifts from God I have on this earth, therefore:

• I take conscious steps toward building or maintaining my relationships with family members, such as family Bible study or spending quality time with them
• I avoid doing things that would harm my family relationships, especially with my husband, such as over-committing myself in areas that do not desperately require my attention
• I don’t forget to make and take time for friends; I keep my friendships in good standing; I do not “hoard” or limit my friendship; I am open to making new friends

Workmanship/Artistry: I have been endowed with specific gifts from my creator which I strive to develop to his glory

• I write to share the story of what God’s done for me and to bring others to Christ
• I play to be a service to others (such as in church, at funerals, etc.)
• I use my talents not to uplift myself but to uplift God

Education: God has given me a wonderful mind to be filled with all that is lovely, pure, and true

• I continue to learn constructive new things everyday that will benefit my own or others’ quality of life
• I share what I learn with others
• I obtain greater education for the purpose of  bettering my life or the lives of others
• I avoid that which is emotionally harmful, mentally dwarfing, depressing or vulgar

Health and Fitness: My body is the temple of God, to be cared for accordingly

• I choose to eat as healthily as is possible and realistic in my current lifestyle
• I learn and implement new healthy recipes as often as I can
• I exercise regularly to keep my body in good physical shape and to keep my mind clear
• I choose to be happy with the body God has given me and my own personal “best”
• I do not measure myself by unrealistic, worldly standards of beauty

Stewardship: I use all that I have to the best of my knowledge and ability to glorify God

• I use my time constructively
• I spend my money wisely
• I treat my body as a vehicle of service for God and input accordingly

Roles

Christian

See Item 1 above

I read and learn what the Bible says, first, to prepare myself to witness, then, to know what and how to share with others

Wife

• I am supportive
• I think before speaking
• I choose my battles wisely
• I use my energy to encourage rather than nag
• I find meaningful ways to show and reinforce my love for him everyday

Daughter/Sister

• I am learning to have normal relationships with my parents and brothers
• I call on a more regular basis

Teacher

• To the best of my abilities, I teach the kids what will be most necessary, useful and uplifting to them
• I am a positive role model
• I maintain an active interest in their wellbeing and salvation
• I discipline them when needed, even if it is hard for me to do so

Artist

• I spend a significant amount of time (or that which is feasible) each week developing or practicing my talents, especially writing
• I use my writing for a healthy emotional outlet
• I use my talents to benefit others

What one thing could you accomplish in your professional life that would have the most positive impact?

Get my doctorate

What one thing could you accomplish in your personal life that would have the most positive impact?

I don’t know…

• Start a small-group Bible study?
• Have a child and learn how to have a normal, healthy family life?

The kind of person I want to be:

• Self-confident
• Loving
• Wise/Discerning
• Spiritual

All the things I would like to do (Bucket List):

• Read through the entire Bible
• Get my masters
• Get my doctorate
• Be an English Professor
• Publish my writing for significant pay and in the venue that will impact as many people as possible
• Take aerobics or Pilates classes for fun!
• Be an aerobics instructor
• Live in MN again, even if just in the summers
• Lead a group Bible study for young adults
• Find and participate in a ministry or service activity that both my husband and I are interested in and can do together
• Compose music in a preserve-able form (learn how to use a music program to write electronic sheet music)
• Achieve financial freedom so that money is never an obstacle, say, in taking trips to visit my family
• Maybe adopt kids or do some kind of foster care or service for children
• Get over my issues with technology; embrace that technology which is good
• Become a Women’s Ministries Leader after my children have grown or I decide I’m not having children
• Learn to see the best in people; never facilitate or further gossip

All the things I would like to have during my lifetime

• Continual assurance of salvation; every day an open connection with God
• A healthy, happy marriage every day
• Maybe kids; don’t know yet
• A lake house in Minnesota
• My own study or writing room
• A grand piano
• A maid

Note: These prompts and questions come from my Stephen Covey planner from 2011. They spring from the principles of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, and I include my responses from 2011 here to help readers make sense of my next blog post, Reviving Relationships–Rethinking Goals.

I’d love to read any goals or bucket list items my readers would like to share! I look forward to your comments!