Provident Living - Pursuit of Excellence

One of the things I appreciate most about my faith is the many ways it encourages me to set and reach for worthy goals. I've been looking through some old files of mine and pulled out a list of standards that I worked on in a very deliberate way a few years back. Some of the goals I set then I've accomplished entirely. Some I made significant progress on but never QUITE hit the mark I had hoped for. A few things I floundered in hopelessly.

I think it is time for me to polish off some of these, review them, and see where they fit into my life now.




AREA 1: LITERACY & EDUCATION

The STANDARD = To the extent of his/her capacity, each person is able to read, write and do basic mathematics. S/he regularly studies the scriptures and other good books. Parents teach these skills and habits to family members, and both parents and children take advantage of educational opportunities.



>AREA 2: CAREER DEVELOPMENT


The STANDARD = Each young person receives counsel to help select a career in which s/he can use his/her talents and skills in meaningful employment. Each person selects a suitable vocation and becomes proficient through appropriate training.




AREA 3: FINANCIAL & RESOURCE MANAGEMENT



The STANDARD = Each person establishes financial goals, pays tithes and offerings, avoids debt, pays obligations, uses family resources wisely, and saves during times of plenty for times of need.





AREA 4: HOME PRODUCTION & STORAGE












The STANDARD = Each person or family produces as much as possible through gardening, sewing, and making household items. Each person and family learns techniques of home canning, freezing and drying foods and, where legally permitted, stores a one-year supply of food, clothing, and, if possible, fuel.



AREA 5: PHYSICAL HEALTH







The STANDARD = Each person obeys the Word of Wisdom and practices sound principles of nutrition, physical fitness, weight control, immunization, sanitation, mother and child health, accident prevention, dental health and medical care. Members live in a healthy and clean environment. In addition, each member acquires appropriate skills in first aid safety, home nursing and food selection and preparation.


AREA 6: Social / Emotional & Spiritual Strength

The STANDARD = Each person builds spiritual strength to meet life's challenges with confidence and stability by learning to love God and communicate with Him in personal prayer; to love and serve his/her neighbor, and to love and respect her/himself through righteous living and self mastery. Social emotional and spiritual strength is increased by living the principles of the gospel.