Relationship Challenge: SupportiveU

Many times you may not know what's on the heart or mind of a friend or family member...and they may not express the emotions and desires you would over a situation. It's difficult to always understand why they sometimes make the choices they do or choose a certain path to travel however being supportive is what we are called to do.

Don't mistake this challenge with someone harming themself...I don't mean be supportive of dangerous habits and behaviors but be the ear to listen and shoulder to cry on and sometimes the person to push them on even if you don't always get it! We are not here to fix but support.

Today's Challenge: Reach out to someone and encourage them. Be supportive in some way-you may not even realize how much it will mean!

Challenge Issued!

RicherU: Spending Wisely...Ask?

No matter what area of your life you should have an accountability partner...whether spiritual, physically, or in your spending...YES...in your spending. The concept of 'it's my money-I'll spend it the way I want' is the wrong direction to financial success.

Budgeting is difficult and sticking to it is even harder.  This is why an accountability partner is so important. Choose wisely when you are opening your finances to someone else. If you are married that partner should be your spouse and if ya'll both struggle with managing money seek our a financial counselor your pastor. If you are single--it's probably not your best friend that you party or shop with.  You may choose an older aunt, uncle or co-worker to help you stay financial focused.

Today's Challenge: Choose your financial accountability partner-set a date and time to meet with them and give them your long-term financial goals. Be honest about your budget and see their advice before making a large purchase.

Challenge Issued!

SmarterU Challenge: Last Leadership Lesson-Ditch the Negative

One of the key attributes of a leader is a positive attitude! You must remove the negative from your life. Your thoughts, actions, words, and outside influences should all be positive. Will there still be negative moments-yes, but your reaction doesn't have to be. Leaders see the glass 1/2 full and then finish filling it for their team.

Are you a Leader?

Today's Challenge: Ditch the negative and become the leader you were made to be!  Your thinking and reactions are what will set you apart and help you rise to the top.

Challenge Issued!

Physical Challenge: Summer Fun in the Sun

My kids have asked about 10 times each day it's is POOL DAY...I think it's still a little chilly for pool with the Kansas winds lately however, we'll be spending many hours at the pool enjoying summer.  One of the most concerning issues for me is the sun. Getting  a little sun is ok but drenching yourself in the rays and becoming a golden goddess isn't healthy.

I've heard all the antics...
       "I'd rather have tanned fat than white fat"--to that I say-"Don't be fat"
       "I'm prettier with a tan & more attractive"--to that I say-"God made you beautiful in the skin your in"
       "It's relaxing"--to that I say "So it shouldn't change if you are under an umbrella"

Today's Blog will hopefully encourage and motivate you to be a HealthierU when it comes to the sun. According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. It accounts for nearly half of all cancer in the US.  For more information please see the link below.

http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/sunanduvexposure/skin-cancer-facts

Today's Challenge: Enjoy the sun and summer: Use sunscreen and don't bake--it's not worth it!

Challenge Issued!

Spiritual Challenge: Who's Right?

I think 80% of the time when I argue I am right-Don't you?  Would we be arguing if we dug deeper and looked inside our hearts?  Did Jesus argue a lot? He was always right but rarely argued! Let's even look at Pilate who was instrumental in crucifying Christ...he told the Jewish people he found no fault in Jesus and washed his hands...he was arguing that Jesus should live. He was right yet sent Jesus to the cross anyway.

I give you these examples to make you think about what is right or wrong. Where and how can we determine if we are right?

Today's Challenge: Read Proverbs 21:2-if you think your right-look deeper inside your heart and weigh things there!

Challenge Issued!

Family Entertainment: Time Investment

Almost two years ago we bought our kids a small trampoline at Christmas. It has been in the box till yesterday. Finally my husband got it out and spend hours putting it together for our kids. It was worth it! The jumped till their little legs were tired. They had soooo much fun. My husband, however, spent about 5 hours putting it together. Wow! What a project. As the day went on-he called me outside several times to watch out kids wrestling, dance and do tricks on the trampoline. He beamed at how cute they were. I think he would say he invested his time well in this family project!

Today's Challenge: What's your family project? Something that may require a serious time investment from you? Finish the scrapbook, framing pictures, maybe taking pictures. Put it all your calendar and make it happen! It will be worth it!

Challenge Issued!

Saturday: Back Pack Blues

Summer is here for most and backpacks have been emptied and hung up for the summer. I have a preschooler and when I dumped her backpack out I was shocked at the school supplies that came home. Markers, water paints, glue--all kinds of things that were still in great shape. I know this is probably a rare year that I will get stuff back but yippie!

Today's Challenge: If you haven't dumped the backpack yet...please do and examine the items inside. Any school supplies? Save it to fill next year list or donate it to a local Children's center. Be sure to check out the notes...no telling what's listed there and determine if the backpack is reusable. Be thrifty and clean!

Challenge Issued!

Relationship Challenge: Sounds of Laughter

My mom once told me the best sound in the world was hearing her children laugh. My mom was right. I can just sit in awe of the sweet sounds of my children laugh. If children aren't in your life yet...just wait.

Today's Challenge: Embrace the moments and relationships with your kids...no matter the ages! Today tell your kids one thing you love about them and be their cheerleader!

Challenge Issued!

Facebook and Money: Note from Dave Ramsey

We can waste some major time on Facebook but it can also hold great keys to saving money.  Today's Challenge comes from Dave Ramsey's blog post a few days ago regarding what you can learn from Facebook about money....

So read the blog post below...then continue on to the challenge

Today's Challenge: When buying something comparative shop on Facebook--there's lots of BUY SALE and TRADE options now on Facebook and the ads can help you get more bang for your buck--Remember it's a tool not a Time-Waster!

5 Things Facebook Can Teach You About Money

www.daveramsey.com

Facebook. You either love it or you hate it. Or you hate it. Or you really hate it.
Really, Facebook’s not all that bad, but you have to learn to take it (or your “friends” who are on it) with a grain of salt.
Yeah, you might think it’s one big time-waster—and it can definitely be that—but you can actually learn a lot of life lessons from Facebook.
It’s true. For example, did you know that Facebook can teach a lot of great lessons about handling money?
Don’t believe us? See if this makes you change your mind.

The Comparison Trap.

Sally just posted about her trip to Cancun. Mark just gloated about his awesome raise at work. Paul just posted a photo of his new BMW (probably leased). Everyone’s life is so perfect, isn’t it?
Actually, no, it’s not.
When it comes to life and money, remember that everyone’s Facebook version of themselves is always better than their actual life. We all want to show off or exaggerate the “better” part of our lives. On Facebook, that’s where the comparison trap comes into play. Be comfortable in your own skin.

You won’t like everything.

We’re talking about getting out of debt here. Or consistently investing each month. Like those annoying over-the-top political posts on Facebook, your experience getting out of debt and socking away a good chunk of change each year won’t always be fun. You might not want to press the “like” button every morning.
You’ll have to make sacrifices. You’ll have to spend less. You’ll have to be disciplined. That might not always be exciting, but it’s worth it.

Surround yourself with positive people.

When you have annoying “friends” on Facebook, what do you do? You either unfriend them or hide them from your feed, right?
If you’ve got a bunch of haters in your life and you’re surrounded by a bunch of so-called friends who make fun of you for trying to get out of debt, then you need to dump them like a bad habit. If they can’t respect your decision, then you don’t need to be around their negativity. Take a break from those “friends.”

Other people will be happy to spend your money.

Look over to the right side of your Facebook page. Ever notice those ads? Those people would love nothing more than for you to click on their link and buy something from them.
That’s advertising, and there’s nothing wrong with it. But when it comes to your precious dollars, you have to choose which, if any, marketing voices you will listen to. If you don’t come up with a game plan for your money, those companies will.

The buck(s) stop with you.

Your Facebook profile is what you make of it. Nothing gets on there without you clicking the Submit” or Upload button. If you upload a picture of yourself drunk and passed out, you only have yourself to blame. If you write a mean-spirited status update that ends up going viral, you only have yourself to blame.
With your life and money, you reap what you sow. If you continue to make bad choices with your money, those decisions will eventually catch up with you.
Are you getting the theme here? You are in control. And there’s no better way to control your money than creating and living on a budget. When you name every dollar coming in and going out, you’re in the driver’s seat. And it’s just not that hard to get started. Use Dave’s online Gazelle Budget free for seven days. It’s one of the best choices you’ll ever make with your money.
What has Facebook taught you about money—or anything else?

SmarterU: Leadership Vision

Wikipedia defines Leadership as follows:  

Leadership has been described as “a process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task".^[1] Other in-depth definitions of leadership have also emerged.

Leadership is "organizing a group of people to achieve a common goal". The leader may or may not have any formal authority.  Somebody whom people follow: somebody who guides or directs others.

 

 

One of the greatest vision casting moments came when Martin Luther King delivered one of the most memorable speeches in history--"I have a dream...." This speech pierced hearts and sparked a fire that still burns in the hearts of the American people regarding equality for all. 

 

It drove passion for a common purpose...and that's what vision casting is about. Generating passion for a group of people with a common task in mind. Whether your a mom and your goal is to get the house clean, a pastor launching a new ministry or a business leader driving profit or a new product you have to focus on casting the vision and getting your team to ride the wave. 

Today's Challenge:  Define your vision--whether it's personal or professional--before you can cast you must know what you are passionate about and why.

Challenge Issued!

Healthier U: 6 Days Straight

Whether you are forming fitness habits or trying to loose weight it's difficult to find time to work out everyday of the week.  I have noticed that I even struggle getting in 4 days some weeks...Remember your workout needs to be intense enough to burn calories and getting you moving more so you work different body areas.  Most fitness gurus and personal trainers recommend at least 3 days of workouts. In today's challenge it will push you to make something happen six--just one day of rest...It doesn't have to be an extreme 10 mile run but spend at least 30 minutes for six days straight increasing your physical activity.

Today's Challenge: Work out/Move more for 6 straight days--don't skip a day. This practice will help you form healthy habits and get you motivated to know that you CAN DO IT!

Challenge Issued!

Monday: Spiritual Challenge: The Feel of Greatness!

I know there are tons of night owls in the world and mornings aren't always easy but I am convinced this morning I felt GREATNESS...and U should experience it too....

I got up early at 5:30 and began my run at 5:45--I had 4 miles to get in this morning and the sun wasn't up yet as I started. It was a very cool morning and the birds were singing praises.  As I was nearing the end of my run I begin to feel the sunrise on my cheek...and it was just like GOD giving me a hug and kiss and reassuring me that I was HIS--It was an amazing opportunity for me to feel the GREATNESS and majesty of GOD.

Today's or Tomorrow Morning Challenge:  Get up and feel his greatness...take a walk as the sunrises and let him kiss your cheek and remind U--you are HIS!

Family Challenge: Do Something Crazy!

While driving home my kids got into a fight in the back seat. I told my daughter I was disappointed in her sctions and that it was selfish. She began to cry and then I told her the punishment for her actions...she and my son were going to have to kiss and hug and dance in the rain together as soon as we got home! They both giggled and asked if I was serious...I said yes and then my son said you do it too mommy...heck why not you only live once!

Today's Challenge: Do something crazy and unexpected with your kids--dance in the rain/make mud pies/catch fire flies! Life is too short!

Challenge Issued!

School's Out!

Most students will finish school within 7 days of this post and packing up the dorm or cleaning out the locker is always a mess...for those of us staying on top of those tiny chores and keeping up with extra people home more will require more of your time and energy. Involve your students in your week planning, point out the extra things that will need to be done-you may get some volunteers.

Today's Challenge: Think thru the changes of having kids out and plan. Lunch may need to be served at home now. What can they do during the day instead of sit in front of the TV. Encourage the to volunteer, etc. Ready yourself and them for a summer of productive fun.

Challenge Issued!

Relationship Challenge: Take A Walk

We underestimate the impact 30 minutes can have on our relationships. Sometimes our schedules don't allow for a two hour visit so we don't bother trying to work time in for others.  Whether its a spouse, friend, child or grandparent 30 minutes makes a difference.

Today's Challenge: Set aside 30 minutes and take a walk with someone. No phones or music-just ya'll taking a short walk enjoying time together.

Challenge Issued!

RicherU: Being Smart about your Credit

Every year we get a free credit report to monitor the activity and to make sure there aren't any false purchases/reports.  You can get one free report from each of the three major credit reporting services so requesting them is easy and can save you a lot in the long run.

Today's Financial Challenge:  Request your free credit report. Don't delay because you don't know what could be lurking in the corners of your social security number.

Challenge Issued!

SmarterU Challenge: Great Advice From TOP LEADERS

According to an article in Forbes Magazine regarding leadership advice it stated,"...some of the most accomplished people in business suggest that good advice was the secret to their success."  Good advice can redirect your path and change your perspective as a leader.  The link listed below touches on the advice some top leaders received and have shared.

Today's Challenge:  Check out the link below and read thru some of the advice given.  Be a leader that cherishes the words of others and puts into practice good advice. 

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2013/02/26/top-leaders-share-the-best-advice-they-ever-received/

Challenge Issued!

Forming Fitness Habits--21 Day Challenge

Old habits are hard to break and new habits are hard to start...but you must start somewhere in order to be a BetterU!  Let's talk about forming those new habits....we've listed several great challenges for a more HealthyU: Drinking your water, counting calories, implementing a meatless meal, exchanging sugary snacks for a fruit, making breakfast a priority.  All of these healthy changes must start and continue to make a long lasting difference in your overall health.

Hopefully this blog has stretched your thinking and opened your eyes to the benefits of being a person who keeps a healthy lifestyle as a priority. It's not so hard doing something for one day but how about for a consistent 21 days. Most experts state that it takes 21 days to form a habit and then it becomes part of your routine.

Today's Challenge: Pick your one healthy change challenge and implement it for 21 days.  Starting with 30 minutes of daily exercise/drinking your water/calorie counting would be the easiest of the challenges to change into a habit. It doesn't matter which HealthierU Challenge you pick--just focus on implementing it for 21 days--at that point it should be a new habit formed to help you be a BetterU!

Challenge Issued!


PS--It's only 21 days--you can do it. One thing for 21 days!

Spiritual Challenge: How are U Starting Your Day?

My mornings often start with me feeding animals, making coffee and checking what happened on Facebook last night. There are some mornings my day will start with a run or a trip to the gym.

 I must say that the best days I have start with me sitting at my desk downstairs or my kitchen table and give the first 30 minutes to God. It puts the whole day into perspective and fuels me spiritually. Often if I'm not in the middle of teaching/leading a bible study I'll map out other things to do with my morning...however today's challenge should stop you in your tracks and help you to remember where to start your mornings!

Today's Challenge: Read Mark 1:35...this one verse sums up how Jesus started his day and so should we.

Challenge Issued!

Family Challenge: Review the Tube!

As a society we have become very desensitized to the television. We watch Disney which has absentee parents letting a nanny raise their kids, kisses between Austin and Alley and a few questionable cartoons. But when it hits the big screen we read the views and check the violence level but rarely do we review the violence on our own screen in the cinema of our living room.

Kids are only suppose to watch an hour of tv per day. Most televisions are on all day with little break.

Today's Challenge: Limit the number of hours a child can watch t.v. Review the shows or at least watch with them so you can discuss any issues that may come up.

Challenge Issued!

More OrganizedU: DVD Mania

We have about 75 empty DVD cases in the shelf in our living room...why? Where are the movies? Do they even work or are they old and scratched?  Geez... What a mess and a waste if space. If I have that problem I'm sure there are others who could use a movie revival.

Today's Challenges: Clean the movie cabinet up...throw away old boxes and put the movies in one large holder or sell them-make some cash!  Maybe some need to be retired or donated. Be a more OrganizedU!

Challenge Issued!

Mom Reminder....

Today's Challenge focuses on the relationship you have with a mom. Not just your mom but others. Unfortunately your mom maybe gone or due to circumstances difficult for you to celebrate with...however, celebrate the relationship of motherhood. If you see a mom carrying groceries carry them for her. Hold the door open, compliment her parenting skillls. Remember all the moms who have made a difference in your life.

Today's Challenge: Look for a special way to encourage a mom in your life. It doesn't have to be your mom... Just one whom you see her sacrifice and no she's trying.

Challenge Issued!

Summer Fun while Saving Cash

In a few short weeks the kids will be home for the summer...Yahoo!  Sometimes summer fun can be limited by the summer budget. Camps and vacations can get expensive...Below are some summer activities that you can do with your kids that is free or very cheap.

Today's Challenge: Create/Choose a kid-friendly free summer activity from the list below and enjoy the summer with your kids...You don't have to always spend a ton of money to make your summer a success!

Summer Fun Activities

Plan a Family Picnic

Visit the Library 

Camp in the Backyard

Create a Backyard WaterPark with your water hose and playset

Plan a Scavenger Hunt

Make Music: Old buckets and pots, spoons and create a symphony

Make a map of the neighborhood as you walk it together

Conduct simple experiments--baking soda, eggs, all kids of average kitchen items

Put on a Play--go ahead and dress up! 

Visit a local zoo-most are free and a nearby park is usually close for playtime

Challenge Issued!

Wednesday: Leadership Challenge--Develope the Skills

Leaders are not born but made over time as they work to develop skills and qualities that attract others to them.  Certain personality traits may make it the road easier for some individuals; however even some that is an introvert can teach themselves new skills and become a successful leader. Listed below are Ten Basic Skills of Outstanding Leadership...

Which ones do you possess? Think about how you can change or cultivate the skills you don't have.

Today's Challenge:  Identify the skills from that you feel weak in and choose one to work on for a week-how will you change and make that weak link a strong one?  Maybe you should read a book targeted on that skill or implement certain tools (i.e. calendars/memos) that would help you become stronger in that area.

Ten Basic Skills of Outstanding Leadership

• Integrity
• Vision/strategy
• Communication
• Relationships
• Persuasion
• Adaptability
• Teamwork
• Coaching and Development
• Decision-making
• Planning

Challenge Issued!

Physical Challenge: THE QUEST!

This morning it was easy to get out of bed and put on my shoes...the hard part came when I realized in the middle of my run due to time constraints I wasn't going to reach my distance goal...so I almost quit early not maximizing the time and getting the most out of my run but just being lazy and saying, "Oh I'll make it up later."  We are given THIS DAY to strive for excellence and be the best we can be--we are not promised tomorrow. 

Some people struggle with just getting out of bed, others maybe at a point that they have limited abilities due to health, or other reasons but no matter the number of excuses you can come up with all you do when you settle for less than your best is fail. There is no nice way to put it--Failure!  

If you are ok with being unhealthy and you aren't on a Quest to be Your Physical Best...you are failing yourself and those important to you. This is a daily process...it's a lifelong process...because the second that you settle for less than your best you will need to start over!

Today's Challenge:  Consider where you are at on the physical fitness level. Examine your abilities--maybe you have health issues to consider when you are thinking about your life-long Quest for Your Best--not everyone can just start running when they've never done it before--so don't put unreasonable boundaries on yourself while trying to determine your best. Then as NIKE says it, "Just DO IT!" Putting on my shoes was easy but sticking to the end wasn't--don't let a day go by without maximizing all it's potential.

Challenge Issued!

 

"The quest for excellence is a lifelong process."

Spiritual Challenge: What Are U Wearing?

How much time do you spend in the morning choosing your clothes?  If you totaled up the amount of time that you look for the right outfit, socks and shoes, etc--I bet it would over 140 minutes in a 7-day week. Approximately 20 minutes a day. Some days maybe shorter and some may be longer but a good average is 20 minutes per day.

What are you choosing to wear? Jeans, that perfect little dress, athletic clothes--what are you clothing yourself in? The time you spend and what you are 'putting on' is probably getting more attention that GOD does in your daily life...Sure you got Sunday wrapped up because you go and spend a whopping 2 hours at once focused on GOD but really...during the week-your personal wardrobe gets more time than the SAVIOR of the world!

Today's Challenge: Read Colossians 3:12.  It give you a good idea what you should be concerned about wearing and if U change your focus to these stylish pieces you'll begin to desire more time with the ONE who created U!

Challenge Issued!

Family Challenge: What's on Their Mind?

After a busy evening, I sat down with my husband last night and the conversation wasn't much of one at all instead it was "instructive" ...when most of the phrases begin with 'You should' or 'You need to' things obviously went downhill fast.

We often don't realize that friends and family already know what they should be doing and really don't need the additional instruction. I was wrong for assuming my husband didn't have things in order--we should be more sensitive to the those and instead of instructing be engaging!

Today's Family Challenge: Ask the question...."What's on Your Mind?" before you begin with anything on yours. You may be surprised at what's on their heart. Just engage in conversation and not provide a instruction book for them to follow.

Challenge Issued!

OrganizedU: Summer Calendar

As you race thru all the graduation parties of May and begin thinking thru the summer--I hope today's challenge helps you stay on top of the baseball games, birthday parties and other events that will make your "not so lazy days of Summer" organized and family fun.

Today's Challenge: Purchase or Make a 3 month calendar that spans June, July & August.and begin plotting camp, baseball, family vacation, etc. stay on top of your summer and don't fill it up so full that you can't enjoy some family time. Don't let the summer run away without enjoying it.

Challenge Issued!

Relationship Challenge: Considerate Commitments

"I promise when I finish the dishes, I'll sit and read that book."

"Sorry, I'm late...I figured 10 minutes wouldn't matter."

"Honey, let' just do____________ tomorrow...I'm so tired."

How many times have you said these same phrases?  Keeping commitments to your friends, spouse/significant other, children, or the others you have a relationship with are so important. There are children crushed because mom and dad continuously make promises they never truly intend to keep. What do we teach others when we don't value their time or efforts by always running late.  

Guilt should plague our hearts on this issues. Tears stream down faces of wives and husbands who don't keep their marriage commitment. Children act out in rage due to the pain of mom or dad valuing drugs more than them. The issue of commitments can be as small as playing a with your kids to committing to paying for something yet knowing the funds aren't there. 

Today's Challenge: Be considerate in your commitments. Think thru your time commitments--can you really make it happen? Think of the consequences and what you are saying to others if you cancel. Don't under estimate the pain your commitment can leave behind if you don't keep it.

Challenge Issued!

RicherU Challenge: Pack It and Snack It!

As a "Dave Ramsey" convert I am only allowed/budgeted $50 of blow or spending money for two weeks.  I usually spend it on my lunches or small tokens for my kids. Last week was the book fair at the school. I allowed my daughter to buy some books and I paid for it out of my spending money.  I then used a portion of my funds for other family activities...basically all my spending money was GONE before Thursday!  What was I going to eat for the next week and 1/2?

Sandwiches and leftovers--that's what!  Snacks?--no vending machine/snack shop/coffee for me!  I brought them from home.  I am proud that as a family we managed to stick to the budget-use some free coupons and not dip into our account for personal unnecessary expenses.

Today's Challenge: Pack It and Snack It! Bring your lunch and own snacks from home for one week--and see how much money you'll save...Quick Calculation Below:

Lunch x 5 days= 7.00 avg. cost per lunch x 5 days=$35.00
Snack x 5 days=$1.50 Sonic drink/Vending machine x 5 Days=$7.50

Total: $42.50 (Honestly, it's probably more like $50)

 If you just Pack IT and Snack IT 1/2 the year you would save: $1,105.00 --A small family vacation!

Challenge Issued!

Challenge 120: Leadership for the Ladies

Today our leadership spotlight is for the ladies...Not only do women have to wear the mom, wife, employee, nurse, chef, financial manager....and "You-Name-It" hat we have big challenge of being a leaders for our children and those around us--so just add one more hour to the day and no problem ladies will tackle that assignment too.

Let's take a lesson from: Linda Rottenberg who is was recognized as one of America's Best Leaders by US News & World Report.  Rottenberg said, "I woke up originally with this great vision, and now I come to work every day and try to make other people's visions work."

WOW! Can we say mentor and investing in others...Her entire goal is to make other people's vision's happen.

Today's Challenge:  Click on the link below and read a little about who Linda Rottenberg is and be Ladies be inspired to set your sights high and know that leaders are all about others! Determine who you will invest in?  How will you invest in them? Commit and make dreams come true!

http://www.usnews.com/news/best-leaders/articles/2008/11/19/americas-best-leaders-linda-rottenberg-entrepreneur


Challenge Issued!