Torch, Winter 1993

needed activities. What can I tolerate not doing in order to accomplish a more important goal? I then could view my personal plan with satisfaction. If I have established my goals with God's leading, then fulfilling the good works which He has ordained for me is a rewarding experience. If my plan differs from that of others close to me, I can praise God for the individuality which He gives each of us, rather than being embarrassed that my priorities differ from another's. Finally, I regularly evaluate my life to ensure that I am working toward my life goals. Do my daily activities contribute to or drain energy from meeting my life goals? If one of my highest goals is to encourage others to grow emotionally and spiritually, then to stay up late at night talking to a young college couple about how to make wise life decisions will help me meet that goal. Making certain the dishes are done before I go to bed, while important, will not help me meet this high priority goal. I'm not certain what is going to happen in the next two hours- one of my children might need my help, or our out-of-town guests might arrive early. Should I clean the pantry before company comes, or get that last load of laundry out of the dryer? I think my time would be better spent catching up with my children on how their day has gone, again fulfilling one of my life goals. I still wear a watch and make a list of "Things to Do"- even though I often lose the list. But now I feel comfortable ignoring the time or leaving some items on my list until tomorrow. And I still accomplish important tasks, many of which contribute to my life goals. This system works for me, a time management dropout, and allows me to realize significant goals which will define my service for God. Deborah Bush Haffey, a graduate of Cedarville College and The Ohio State University, serves as assistant professor of communication arts at Cedarville. She coaches the debate team and is a popular conference speaker. Planning Your Giving S trategic planning has a place in the stewardship of your finances . "Planned giving" occurs as you plan strategically your regular giving or your estate. Your approach to financial planning should focus on four major areas. 1 • Prayerfully consider those for whom you are responsible. This can include charitable interests. 2. Make a careful listing of all of your assets and liabilities. Include real estate, securities, life insurance, bank accounts, personal property, pension plans, mortgages and other debts. 3. Think about what you believe God would have you to achieve financially during the remainder of your life. Consider income needs for yourself and dependents, as well as eventual estate distribution plans. Charitable distribution should be an important part of these plans. 4. Seek the counsel of advisors you trust. Their assistance can help ensure that your stewardship planning will function as you desire. You might want to consider revocable living trusts and power of attorney. A well-drawn will is essential and can include gifting through a bequest assets no longer needed or that remain at death. Your planning could also include: • designating a charitable beneficiary of life insurance or retirement plan proceeds • placing a remainder interest in a revocable or irrevocable trust • numerous other convenient planning opportunities For more information contact: Robert K. Rohm Director of Planned Giving Cedarville College P.O. Box 601 Cedarville, OH 45314 513-766-7804 Torch 11