Today is the last day of February and most schools have Spring Break sometime in the next month. What are your plans? Will you stay home, plan a fun family trip to Disney (which hopefully you've already done). Don't let Spring Break vacation fun sneak up on U. Going in debt for vacation isn't vacation--it's adding stress to your daily norm.
Today's Challenge: Be smart and get a plan together to pay for your trip in cash. Sell some stuff on the local Buy, Sell and Trade--begin to save out of your check Skip eating out for 3 weeks and you'll probably add about $150 to your stash.
What ways can you come up with to save and pay for Spring Break fun in cash? Once you've designed a plan stick to it...it will create a worry-free vacation.
Challenge Issued!
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
SmarterU Challenge: International Business
"I have never been in any country where they did not
do something better than we do it, think some thoughts better than we
think, catch some inspiration from heights above our own."
Today's SmarterU Challenge is linked to Monday's Spiritual Challenge...Several college students were shoveling drive-ways to raise funds for their mission trip to Uruguay. It was interesting to hear about the country and on Monday we were supposed to spend time praying for missionaries, mission teams and countries to be reached for Christ.
I realized I didn't really know much about smaller countries--their government, beliefs, etc. To truly be successful and smarter we need to have a working knowledge of the life outside the US. It will help us in business, cultural differences, and can give offer an edge in communicating with others.
Today's Challenge: The country you prayed for on Monday--or if you are joining us today--choose a country and Google it....Spend a 15-20 minutes researching the country. Make learning about the International World your business.
Not only will it help you to be SmarterU but a more CulturalU!
Challenge Issued!
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Physical Challenge: Leave on Your Shoes!
The past few weeks the weather in the MidWest has keep the gym closed and most people shut-in their homes. We've had quite a bite of snowfall and very cold temperatures. It has made it difficult to work-out and stay focused on eating. When all your doing us sitting around and watching the tv it's hard to get motivated to pop in that work out DVD or to eat a salad when you want those warm cinnamon rolls.
Here's a hint and your challenge today.
Today's Challenge: Put on your tennis shoes. Get up and get dressed...even shower. Getting dressed and leaving your shoes on will put you in the mind-set to stay busy.
When you take your shoes off it's like sending a signal to your brain that it's relax time. So leave on your shoes until after dinner. This will help you to stay motivated to tackle tasks and stay busy. So even though you can't exercise you will Move More! I also want to encourage you to drink your water when you are shut in. This will decrease cravings and keep you fuller.
Challenge Issued!
Here's a hint and your challenge today.
Today's Challenge: Put on your tennis shoes. Get up and get dressed...even shower. Getting dressed and leaving your shoes on will put you in the mind-set to stay busy.
When you take your shoes off it's like sending a signal to your brain that it's relax time. So leave on your shoes until after dinner. This will help you to stay motivated to tackle tasks and stay busy. So even though you can't exercise you will Move More! I also want to encourage you to drink your water when you are shut in. This will decrease cravings and keep you fuller.
Challenge Issued!
Monday, February 25, 2013
Reaching the World One Driveway At A Time!
Mondays are challenges to make you a BetterU Spiritually...today God is using 5 students to reach the world for Him one driveway at a time. Early this morning we got a text from one of the local college students going on a mission trip this summer to Uraguay. They are shoveling driveways for a free-will donation.
One of their leaders told us that Uraguay has atheism written into it's constitution. Christianity hasn't really flourished in this country and part of their goal is to evaluate the area for future mission trips. They are the first mission team being sent by Global Infusion. Wow! What an awesome opportunity to be one if the first teams to tell this country about the amazing love of Jesus.
They have to raise 75% of the needed funds by March 15...they are sitting at only 20% right now. They were ready to shovel driveways for Jesus in a mighty way. It's cold, windy, and still snowing but they were ready to go and keep moving motivated by their desire to share Christ with the world.
Today's Challenge: Spend some time today in prayer for the missionaries in other countries or in the United States. Think and Pray for these mission teams and the hardwork it takes raising funds and preparing to go...not to mention when they get their and have to put into action all they have prepared for! Let's pray God use them in a mighty way-Pray God use you in mighty way in you own mission field.
Challenge Issued!
One of their leaders told us that Uraguay has atheism written into it's constitution. Christianity hasn't really flourished in this country and part of their goal is to evaluate the area for future mission trips. They are the first mission team being sent by Global Infusion. Wow! What an awesome opportunity to be one if the first teams to tell this country about the amazing love of Jesus.
They have to raise 75% of the needed funds by March 15...they are sitting at only 20% right now. They were ready to shovel driveways for Jesus in a mighty way. It's cold, windy, and still snowing but they were ready to go and keep moving motivated by their desire to share Christ with the world.
Today's Challenge: Spend some time today in prayer for the missionaries in other countries or in the United States. Think and Pray for these mission teams and the hardwork it takes raising funds and preparing to go...not to mention when they get their and have to put into action all they have prepared for! Let's pray God use them in a mighty way-Pray God use you in mighty way in you own mission field.
Challenge Issued!
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Family Challenge: Oscar Night
Tonight is the Oscars....all the stars will be dressed to a T, walking the red carpet and the winners will be accepting thier gold statue awards. The fame that surrounds the Oscars touches many different countries. These actors, actresses, producers, directors and everyone involved in the film industry make movies that bring us to tears, challenge us to think and see different sides of life or make us laugh so hard we hurt for hours. Amazing talent isn't just in the cinema; it's in your own home too!
Think of the gold statues you should be giving out to your family. Who should win the "Most Giving" Oscar or "Sweetest Smile"? What other fun awards could you give out?
Today's Challenge: Make A few "Oscar Statues" out of paper and award them to your family members. Have fun with it! Imagine the Oscar award for "Greatest Cookies" going to Grandma. Imagine her face when she just opens up an envelope with a picture of a gold statue and the "Greatest Cookies" written on the bottom.
Show the famous ones in your life how they have influenced you. Take this unique idea and hand out Oscars every year.
Challenge Issued!
Think of the gold statues you should be giving out to your family. Who should win the "Most Giving" Oscar or "Sweetest Smile"? What other fun awards could you give out?
Today's Challenge: Make A few "Oscar Statues" out of paper and award them to your family members. Have fun with it! Imagine the Oscar award for "Greatest Cookies" going to Grandma. Imagine her face when she just opens up an envelope with a picture of a gold statue and the "Greatest Cookies" written on the bottom.
Show the famous ones in your life how they have influenced you. Take this unique idea and hand out Oscars every year.
Challenge Issued!
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Clean & Organize: Frig Check!
Since there is a lot of people who put things into the frig on Saturdays...like groceries...maybe we should also take some things out.
Today's Challenge: Clean and organize your refrigerator and freezer! Throw away expired foods, leftovers, etc. How about the ice cream that's been in there since June-is it really still good?
Challenge Issued!
Today's Challenge: Clean and organize your refrigerator and freezer! Throw away expired foods, leftovers, etc. How about the ice cream that's been in there since June-is it really still good?
Challenge Issued!
Friday, February 22, 2013
Relationship Challenge: Frame IT!
Photos are like windows to the past...they capture significant moments with very important people in our lives. They can be fun pictures of babies doing crazy things or capture the perfect wedding kiss. Photo's are priceless.
My mom always said if the house caught fire-she'd grab pictures first! Today's challenge is geared towards making us a BetterU in Relationships. We must first establish the most important relationships. Today take some time and go thru your pictures. Choose a few of different people-not just your husband and kids, but ones that bring back truly amazing memories.
Today's Challenge: After choosing your pictures: Frame It! Take these pictures and place them where you can see them; remember the story and history and how precious the moment was when photo was snapped .
Put them on Facebook and tag those friends. Use these framed pictures to remind you of what's important! People!
Challenge Issued!
My mom always said if the house caught fire-she'd grab pictures first! Today's challenge is geared towards making us a BetterU in Relationships. We must first establish the most important relationships. Today take some time and go thru your pictures. Choose a few of different people-not just your husband and kids, but ones that bring back truly amazing memories.
Today's Challenge: After choosing your pictures: Frame It! Take these pictures and place them where you can see them; remember the story and history and how precious the moment was when photo was snapped .
Put them on Facebook and tag those friends. Use these framed pictures to remind you of what's important! People!
Challenge Issued!
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Financial Challenge: Emergency Plan!
I was in college and my mother had a heart attack at 42. It cost over $50,000. No health insurance and other mounting bills spun my parents into a hole they could not climb out of...this resulted in a personal bankruptcy. One of the hardest things my family has ever been thru.
The average emergency cost $5000. That's a lot less than my moms did...and almost any car repair you'll drop between $500-$1000. If money only grew on trees we'd be prepared however there aren't any leaves in Winter.
Would you be ready for an emergency-No more debt-no credit card-Cash! Dave Ramsey recommends starting with a $1000 in your savings account for emergencies. Let's prepare! Let 's get that $1000 saved!
Challenge Issued: Save a $1000! Examine your income and bills and how fast can you save $1000. How about adding some odd jobs to increase your income and get there faster? You can do this!
When I find the money tree I will let you know...until then prepare for an Emergency!
Challenge Issued!
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Educational Challenge: Tribute Day!
Today we are less one amazing man...Howard Hendricks changed so many lives and impacted this world for GOD in a passionate, creative way that made a DIFFERENCE! His books, teaching, speaking engagements and his life was a glorious display of someone who was here to make change in others in a positive way.
He was an Educator who taught more than 10,000 students and many others in a personal way. Howard Hendricks is a huge part of the reason why my family is in Kansas...as he was say, "not being manure and stinking but fertilizing the entire world" for the Lord.
He was an Educator who taught more than 10,000 students and many others in a personal way. Howard Hendricks is a huge part of the reason why my family is in Kansas...as he was say, "not being manure and stinking but fertilizing the entire world" for the Lord.
Today's Challenge:
Check out this tribute website and spend a few minutes and read how a 6th grade teacher changed his life and see how he paid it forward.
Be like this educational hero-Make a difference in others and plan to check out some of his work on your personal time.
Challenge Issued!
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Physical Challenge: Vitamins?
BetterU Followers/Readers the challenge today is something I don't do...so it's as much for me as anyone. I am not a lover of pill taking, however, I've discovered that I really need to consider adding a vitamin supplement. I've read some research and it says if you eat like you are suppose to you would consume all the necessary vitamins you need to live a healthy life...
Today's Challenge: Implement a Daily Vitamin. Watch your eating-examine the nutrients and then look for a multi-vitamin that would be a good fit to make you a BetterU!
Challenge Issued!
FACE THE MUSIC...
How many of us really do that?
Today's Challenge: Implement a Daily Vitamin. Watch your eating-examine the nutrients and then look for a multi-vitamin that would be a good fit to make you a BetterU!
Challenge Issued!
Monday, February 18, 2013
Spiritual Challenge: Who is Your Healer?
Jeremiah 17:14
Heal me, LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. (NIV)
This is the worse season for colds, flu, ear infections, runny noses---you name it---these winter months can be horrible for any age person. How about bigger illness: cancer, diabetes, depression--these too are sickness that are tough to cure or are incurable.
Yet we must realize that our GOD is able to heal us from broken bones, broken hearts and even the incurable diseases. Sometimes that healing may not be what we think or want--sometimes it may mean a permanent healing which could result in a glorious body in heaven but our GOD is a Healer.
Today's Challenge: Read Psalms 103--Praise GOD for being our Healer!
Other Verses to Meditate ON:
Psalms 147:3
Psalms 30:2
Matthew 8:7
Mathew 9:21
Tons of healing passages in the gospels...Jesus healed so many.
Challenge Issued!
Heal me, LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. (NIV)
This is the worse season for colds, flu, ear infections, runny noses---you name it---these winter months can be horrible for any age person. How about bigger illness: cancer, diabetes, depression--these too are sickness that are tough to cure or are incurable.
Yet we must realize that our GOD is able to heal us from broken bones, broken hearts and even the incurable diseases. Sometimes that healing may not be what we think or want--sometimes it may mean a permanent healing which could result in a glorious body in heaven but our GOD is a Healer.
Today's Challenge: Read Psalms 103--Praise GOD for being our Healer!
Other Verses to Meditate ON:
Psalms 147:3
Psalms 30:2
Matthew 8:7
Mathew 9:21
Tons of healing passages in the gospels...Jesus healed so many.
Challenge Issued!
Sunday Family Challenge: Take A Break!
Sunday's are Family Challenges...During Monday-Saturday how often do you stop! Sundays are supposed to be about rest and worship...I don't think about how busy my little ones stay thru-out the week, or my husband. I think you need to give yourself and those close to you a break...Commit to REST!
Today's Challenge: REST! If you already have something prepared for today--look forward and implement next week. Cancel activities and just spend some time resting today.
Challenge Issued!
Today's Challenge: REST! If you already have something prepared for today--look forward and implement next week. Cancel activities and just spend some time resting today.
Challenge Issued!
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Organizational Challenge: Plan & Post Your Week!
Saturday's are grocery or shopping day. One of the biggest time wasters is multiple trips to the grocery store thru-out the week. Also you'll spend more money with extra trips to the store. Saturdays may not be your grocery day, but adopting this organizational practice will save you time, money and frustration.
Every week on Saturday I take our dry erase board-write out each day then beside each day write out the meal for the day and any event going on. It's a great communication tool and it helps me stay on top of our groceries and prep that may need to be done for the week. Children's parties, church events, dinner plans with friends; you name it-it's on the board! If I skip a week-it's obvious...we eat out more, less $$$ at the end of the week, and usually we run late for something.
If you don't have a dry erase board-just do it on a piece of paper and post on your frig. Planning your week will benefit your whole family. You may even come home one day and dinner be done!
Today's Challenge: Plan and Post your week-include meals and events.
Challenge Issued!
Every week on Saturday I take our dry erase board-write out each day then beside each day write out the meal for the day and any event going on. It's a great communication tool and it helps me stay on top of our groceries and prep that may need to be done for the week. Children's parties, church events, dinner plans with friends; you name it-it's on the board! If I skip a week-it's obvious...we eat out more, less $$$ at the end of the week, and usually we run late for something.
If you don't have a dry erase board-just do it on a piece of paper and post on your frig. Planning your week will benefit your whole family. You may even come home one day and dinner be done!
Today's Challenge: Plan and Post your week-include meals and events.
Challenge Issued!
Friday, February 15, 2013
Challenge #46: Eliminate the Big D
"Falling in love is not a choice. To stay in love is."
According to DivorceRate.com the United States ranks 6th in the highest divorce rate among countries. WOW! Land of the free-home of opportunity and top 10 in divorces. This is a pretty sad statistic. Just recently I visited with a young girl who was contemplating moving in with her boyfriend. They have hopes of getting married in the next few years but wanted to make sure they were compatible. I almost feel off my rocker! Yes, I am old-fashioned and don't believe that you should live together before you are married--here's my primary reason why....
Couples who live together before they are married are twice as more likely to get divorced. And article in Discovery Fit & Health (July 21,2012) said that couples who lived together before they were married reported lower martial satisfaction. Living together isn't a means to save rent or reduce your bills. It's a disaster for the one you love.
OK-so today I've been on just a soap box...and there will be tons of people who disagree with me and who lived together before marriage and have very successful relationships-Yeah! However, the odds in life are against you no matter what--why add fuel to the fire!
Today's Challenge: Whether U are single or married--Examine your relationships and pick out the goods and the bads that you have encountered...Learn from them. Make your own one-line advice note. Write it down and freely give it out....
My marriage/relationship is great because....WE TALK....WE CHOOSE TO WAIT.... I SAY I'M SORRY....I LISTEN BEFORE I SPEAK....what's yours?
Mine: Don't move in together-save that exciting adventure for when you are married.
Challenge Issued!
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Financial Challenge: "Love of the Green"
Happy Valentine's Day...a day to over indulge on sweets, buy expensive gifts and fall in love! I love this day! This morning I was presented with my gifts--a coffee mug with a stuffed animal and a heart-shaped baking pan. Well, marriage does have it perks. Today's challenge is different regarding your finances...usually we are focused on saving-today we will be spending....
Today's Challenge: Spend about $5 on someone not in your family or a significant other and get them a little gift. Or buy 5 $1 box of chocolates from your local dollar store and give them away.
Part of your being a good steward of your finances is remembering to also be a GIVER. Not everyone loves Valentine's Day like me--for some it's a sad day when they feel unappreciated or unloved. Be a giver today and use your finances--your love of the green to extend some love to someone else!
Challenge Issued!
Today's Challenge: Spend about $5 on someone not in your family or a significant other and get them a little gift. Or buy 5 $1 box of chocolates from your local dollar store and give them away.
Part of your being a good steward of your finances is remembering to also be a GIVER. Not everyone loves Valentine's Day like me--for some it's a sad day when they feel unappreciated or unloved. Be a giver today and use your finances--your love of the green to extend some love to someone else!
Challenge Issued!
| Happy Valentine's Day--BetterU! |
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
SmarterU Challenge #44: Catch UP Book Lovers
“Reading is the sole means by which we slip, involuntarily, often
helplessly, into another’s skin,
another’s voice, another’s soul.”
Joyce Carol Oates
Today is our educational challenge day and as I've said before Readers are Leaders. You should be about Chapters 9-10 depending on how long your Book of Choice is...today let's try to finish.
Today's Challenge: Read for 30 minutes and see how far you...try to finish the book by Sunday.
Challenge Issued!
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Let's Get A Physical...Physical...
Today's challenge will be tough...probably one of the toughest to follow thru on...because it will involve getting truly honest about your own physical condition. We go thru life and and think we are ok...even when I was 50 pounds heavier I thought I was ok-but looking back I just wasn't being honest with myself.
I was stealing minutes or even years from the precious life I'd been given to live for Jesus, my amazing husband and my kids...my eating habits were horrible yet I justified every morsel of fat I consumed--I was busy, stress, ice cream is family time. You name it I could justify every sweet treat.
Staring in the mirror I became disgusted at what I saw....when the largest size of pants I'd ever wore started getting to tight I realized I had to stop this vicious cycle and be a Healthier Me for those I loved. You have to start somewhere--start with the Doctor!
Today's Challenge: Get an HONEST PHYSICAL. Call your doctor today and make an appointment.
Not your yearly visit because you have to go to refill medications. Schedule blood work, check your cholesterol, get a real assessment of your weight, etc. GET REAL with yourself and Get Healthy.
If finances are an issue...look up health fairs-they'll do a ton of the items FREE.
Challenge Issued!
I was stealing minutes or even years from the precious life I'd been given to live for Jesus, my amazing husband and my kids...my eating habits were horrible yet I justified every morsel of fat I consumed--I was busy, stress, ice cream is family time. You name it I could justify every sweet treat.
Staring in the mirror I became disgusted at what I saw....when the largest size of pants I'd ever wore started getting to tight I realized I had to stop this vicious cycle and be a Healthier Me for those I loved. You have to start somewhere--start with the Doctor!
Today's Challenge: Get an HONEST PHYSICAL. Call your doctor today and make an appointment.
Not your yearly visit because you have to go to refill medications. Schedule blood work, check your cholesterol, get a real assessment of your weight, etc. GET REAL with yourself and Get Healthy.
If finances are an issue...look up health fairs-they'll do a ton of the items FREE.
Challenge Issued!
Monday, February 11, 2013
Spiritual Challenge (#42): Choose Today!
It's tough explaining to some people why Sunday events that interfere with church are out....this year our son started wrestling and there were several 'beginner tournaments' on Sundays that would have been great for him to be involved in...but it's a no for us.
Our first Sunday priority is attending church and worshiping. Unless someone is sick we are there--not when the doors open we are usually racing in the door 5 minutes before Sunday School starts but we are there. We make church participation a top priority for our family.
The bible says in Joshua 24..."But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."
Today's Challenge: Choose today whom you will serve. Read Joshua 24.
What is getting in the way of your Sunday worship? Why are you letting it? GOD gave you the very breath you breathe-Snuggle time, rain, sporting events, etc. these aren't reasons to skip church. Choose today whom you will serve.
Challenge Issued!
Our first Sunday priority is attending church and worshiping. Unless someone is sick we are there--not when the doors open we are usually racing in the door 5 minutes before Sunday School starts but we are there. We make church participation a top priority for our family.
The bible says in Joshua 24..."But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."
Today's Challenge: Choose today whom you will serve. Read Joshua 24.
What is getting in the way of your Sunday worship? Why are you letting it? GOD gave you the very breath you breathe-Snuggle time, rain, sporting events, etc. these aren't reasons to skip church. Choose today whom you will serve.
Challenge Issued!
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Family Challenge: It 's More than Just A Card!
This afternoon with my oldest two children we've done Valentine's cards for their different classes at school. Wow! It requires more work and patience that I ever anticipated. I just want to grab the pen and finish them in 10 minutes but what would I be teaching them-Nothing!
They are learning letters, how to count, how to make make choices and that all thier friends deserved to be treated special. Valentine's Day is Thursday...what will you do to show your family they are special?
Today's Challenge: Make a Valentine for someone in your family! If you don't have the supplies at home...design it today and then implement this week by Wednesday.
Be Creative...think outside the box-maybe you would prefer to make a Valentine Video and send it to someone. Make a traditional card with amazing artwork, write a poem. What would challenge you?
Challenge Issued!
They are learning letters, how to count, how to make make choices and that all thier friends deserved to be treated special. Valentine's Day is Thursday...what will you do to show your family they are special?
Today's Challenge: Make a Valentine for someone in your family! If you don't have the supplies at home...design it today and then implement this week by Wednesday.
Be Creative...think outside the box-maybe you would prefer to make a Valentine Video and send it to someone. Make a traditional card with amazing artwork, write a poem. What would challenge you?
Challenge Issued!
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Organizational Challenge: The Dreaded To Do's
Last week we made a list of the "Dreaded To Do's"...the 5 items we didn't want to do...and then the BetterU jumped in and did #1 on the list.
If you haven't made your list of the 5 projects you've put off forever-make the list then number them in order with the worst one first. Tackle them one by one!
Today's Challenge: Knock off #2!
Yes it's not fun but the difference it will make! You got this...Be a BetterU a more OrganizedU!
Challenge Issued!
If you haven't made your list of the 5 projects you've put off forever-make the list then number them in order with the worst one first. Tackle them one by one!
Today's Challenge: Knock off #2!
Yes it's not fun but the difference it will make! You got this...Be a BetterU a more OrganizedU!
Challenge Issued!
Friday, February 8, 2013
Relationship Challenge: Encouragement!
Relationships can be hard work...and honestly some relationship you have you shouldn't...either they are destructive or not healthy for you. I will say that most relationships--this includes: friendships, marriages, family, dating, work, etc--these all are important. Some are more important than others but overall they all add value to your life in some way.
Today I want us to encourage the random friend. Almost everyone who participates in the daily challenges has a Facebook or Twitter Account. If not you've got a pen and paper, so you can still make this challenge happen.
Today's Challenge: Encourage a random relationship. Find a great quote or picture and post it on your Facebook page, Tweet It or Write it Down and put on your friends/husband/child/family member's desk or frig, etc. I think you get the picture.
Today when people think of you--Let them be encouraged! Be an inspiration to others!
Challenge Issued!
Today I want us to encourage the random friend. Almost everyone who participates in the daily challenges has a Facebook or Twitter Account. If not you've got a pen and paper, so you can still make this challenge happen.
Today's Challenge: Encourage a random relationship. Find a great quote or picture and post it on your Facebook page, Tweet It or Write it Down and put on your friends/husband/child/family member's desk or frig, etc. I think you get the picture.
Today when people think of you--Let them be encouraged! Be an inspiration to others!
Challenge Issued!
A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Financial Challenge: Examine The Wallet
Open up your wallets and survey the contents...
1. Is your $5 or $10 still in there with February 4 written on it? If so great job-now you can choose to spend it or take it to the bank and drop in savings. Maybe your saving jar will reap the benefits. Drop it in there for the big item you are saving for.
2. Here's the second check of the wallet-How much plastic is in there? Do you only have debit cards or is there some charge cards?
This is a toe-stepping category. If you have several credit cards...why? Are you using them for just gas till the end of the month? Or are they the reason you've held on to the $10 bill-because you'd just use it if you got in a pickle?
Today's Challenge: Choose 1 of those cards and cut it! Close the account and move towards a debt-free life.
Challenge Issued!
1. Is your $5 or $10 still in there with February 4 written on it? If so great job-now you can choose to spend it or take it to the bank and drop in savings. Maybe your saving jar will reap the benefits. Drop it in there for the big item you are saving for.
2. Here's the second check of the wallet-How much plastic is in there? Do you only have debit cards or is there some charge cards?
This is a toe-stepping category. If you have several credit cards...why? Are you using them for just gas till the end of the month? Or are they the reason you've held on to the $10 bill-because you'd just use it if you got in a pickle?
Today's Challenge: Choose 1 of those cards and cut it! Close the account and move towards a debt-free life.
Challenge Issued!
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Educational Challenge: Pictures of History
I must admit-the Arts-aren't really me. As I have gotten older, I have realized that I am missing the boat on an amazing adventure through time. As I look and try to model behaviors if 'Smart Fellars' I see a huge void in my personal life for the appreciation of Art.
The rich history that is displayed, the tiny details that took painstaking days or even years for the Artist to make. Millions of dollars are spent on collections of Art...yet I pretty much know about 4 paintings-and "dogs playing poker" is one of them. So I must change and open my mind up to be a SmarterMe and appreciate the 'Pictures of History'!
Today's Challenge: Click the link below and view the Top 10 Most Famous Paintings. There's a very brief description below each one. Read them and appreciate "The Arts"!
www.touropia.com/most-famous-paintings/
(You may need to type link in Browser)
Be a Smarter, more Well-Rounded U!
Challenge Issued!
The rich history that is displayed, the tiny details that took painstaking days or even years for the Artist to make. Millions of dollars are spent on collections of Art...yet I pretty much know about 4 paintings-and "dogs playing poker" is one of them. So I must change and open my mind up to be a SmarterMe and appreciate the 'Pictures of History'!
Today's Challenge: Click the link below and view the Top 10 Most Famous Paintings. There's a very brief description below each one. Read them and appreciate "The Arts"!
www.touropia.com/most-famous-paintings/
(You may need to type link in Browser)
Be a Smarter, more Well-Rounded U!
Challenge Issued!
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Physical Challenge: On Your Mark...Get Set...Go!
Over the past year I have ran three 5K fun runs. My entire life I've wanted to run a marathon but something has always gotten in the way. I've let life take my physical self down. I have been known to eat about 1/2 bag of Hershey kisses out of stress and give up sleep for work.
I am a new and BetterMe-I will begin marathon training this month and will plan to run one in the spring. It's your turn! Don't let life get in the way if being healthy, don't let life/stress/work stop you from being a HealthierU!
Today's Challenge: Choose a fitness event to participate in. Train and do it.
Maybe you aren't a runner-walk a 5K. Maybe you should commit to just being in a Spinning Class then do a personal bike ride challenge. Go the distance...there is only one life to be lived-do it Healthy and to it's Fullest!
Challenge Issued!
I am a new and BetterMe-I will begin marathon training this month and will plan to run one in the spring. It's your turn! Don't let life get in the way if being healthy, don't let life/stress/work stop you from being a HealthierU!
Today's Challenge: Choose a fitness event to participate in. Train and do it.
Maybe you aren't a runner-walk a 5K. Maybe you should commit to just being in a Spinning Class then do a personal bike ride challenge. Go the distance...there is only one life to be lived-do it Healthy and to it's Fullest!
Challenge Issued!
Monday, February 4, 2013
Spiritual Challenge: Sharing Your Faith
Today you will see a slightly different view to the way the blogs are labeled....I was challenged to make a change. Someone pointed out that numbering them might make some feel like they couldn't join in...Yes I want this challenge to span an entire year but my true goal is that anyone can join at any point through-out the year and begin being a BetterU. So I'm still going to number some but I will also be noting them by the daily topic.
Sharing your faith can be a very touchy subject. It's not easy to talk about how God has intervened in your life and made a difference because it's so deep and personal. However, IT"S MOVING! Nothing like personal experience to change someone's view.
Today's Challenge: Pray and Prepare to Share Your Faith. Spend 20 minutes praying and thinking about how you would share your personal experience about how Jesus changed your life!
Let GOD use you to deliver his message of hope and a promising future to someone this week!
Challenge Issued!
Sharing your faith can be a very touchy subject. It's not easy to talk about how God has intervened in your life and made a difference because it's so deep and personal. However, IT"S MOVING! Nothing like personal experience to change someone's view.
Today's Challenge: Pray and Prepare to Share Your Faith. Spend 20 minutes praying and thinking about how you would share your personal experience about how Jesus changed your life!
GOD will send the right person who will be receptive and it might not even be this week but be prepared. Jeremiah says,
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Let GOD use you to deliver his message of hope and a promising future to someone this week!
Challenge Issued!
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Challenge #34: Making It Special
Family Challenge Day and for us in the US Superbowl Sunday...so much time, money and hipe go into planning today. From the celebrities who are attending to the history of the game...all day long you can basically watch something about football.
Everyday you have those around you who we call family. Each day should be special with them but do we treat it that way. Yes you give them a birthday gift but do you try to make each day special? Everyday we have with our family is special-we are never promised tomorrow.
Today's Challenge: Plan something special today for your family. Get out the ice cream and make special sundaes or throw a party and celebrate today. It is a gift. Today's football game will be won by a team. Your team is sitting in your living room-Celebrate them!
Challenge Issued!
Everyday you have those around you who we call family. Each day should be special with them but do we treat it that way. Yes you give them a birthday gift but do you try to make each day special? Everyday we have with our family is special-we are never promised tomorrow.
Today's Challenge: Plan something special today for your family. Get out the ice cream and make special sundaes or throw a party and celebrate today. It is a gift. Today's football game will be won by a team. Your team is sitting in your living room-Celebrate them!
Challenge Issued!
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Challenge #33: Check It Off the List!
Last week we were suppose to just make a list of 5 things that really needed to be done around our house. The projects we all put off. Today we want to tackle the To Do list. I hope organizational challenges motivate you to stay on top of the little things and not let them pile up.
Today's Challenge: Choose the easiest 2 projects on the list and tackle them today. If they are super time consuming-pick just one.
Let's check it off our list. I'll be revamping my downstairs. What will you be doing?
Challenge Issued!
Today's Challenge: Choose the easiest 2 projects on the list and tackle them today. If they are super time consuming-pick just one.
Let's check it off our list. I'll be revamping my downstairs. What will you be doing?
Challenge Issued!
Friday, February 1, 2013
Challege #32: Difference Maker
Do you ever wonder look around and think someone is a loner. Maybe someone at work always eats alone. Or the visitor to your church that always sits on the back row.; maybe you have said hi to once or twice. Today's relationship challenge is geared to make you think about the person that many don't.
Today's Challenge: Spend 10 minutes in prayer about the loner--maybe you don't even know their name but you know their face or where they sit. Pray for an opportunity to speak to them-Pray they have a good day. Let them know they aren't alone!
Be a Difference Maker!
Challenge Issued!
Today's Challenge: Spend 10 minutes in prayer about the loner--maybe you don't even know their name but you know their face or where they sit. Pray for an opportunity to speak to them-Pray they have a good day. Let them know they aren't alone!
"It's easy to make a buck. It's a lot tougher to make a difference."
Tom Brokaw
Be a Difference Maker!
Challenge Issued!
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