Monday-How Handi is your Work?

Ephesians 2:10 states: "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Consider the word handiwork.  When you think about other items that are made by hand I always think about the amount of time and effort and forethought that goes into creating and designing things by hand. As the passage says: We are GOD's handiwork...we are created and designed by HIS thoughts, plans and hands!

Today's Challenge: Live out the second 1/2 of that verse--CREATED TO DO GOOD!

It tells us GOD has already planned out all the things we are to do...geez! Thanks! It's hard making the decisions so knowing the hard part is already done for us...makes living it out possible...DO GOOD! We are GOD's unique designs made by HIS hands to do the good HE has already planned...GET STARTED!

Challenge Issued!

Sunday-Baby Picture Memories

Even though my kids are small...they get so excited to hear about when they were a baby. Seeing their eyes light up about little stories of when they were tiny and what their favorite baby food was is so moving. Even when teenagers roll into the picture and the time is right--not in front of the football team--I think they will still like to hear the baby memories.

Today's Challenge: Write a note to your child and if they are to little to read-Read it to them-of about a special moment. Maybe their first word-or when they walked. Try to include a picture of that moment. Showing your children that you cherish all the small things about them will help you build lasting relationships.

Challenge Issued!

Saturday Challenge: Organized Yet Creative Gift-Giver

Just recently I had a brilliant gift idea. It would require work up front but after catch up time it would get easy. To catch those lifetime memories start a scrapbook as a gift for grandparents. Each year for the special holidays give them a new page to add. You'll have great fun putting together one page at a time with family members, you'll always have a gift, it will capture all the special moments.

Today's Challenge: Be an organized gift-giver! Come up with a unique idea for a gift and start a tradition! 

Challenge Issued!

Friday: "I Can't Do Anything With That Kid..."

Just recently my husband read a little article to me about "How to Raise A Delinquent Child". It was great-it listed 10 things you should not do for your kid.  One if my favorite was, "When he gets into trouble, apologize for yourself by saying, 'I never could do anything with that boy/girl anyway.' "

Why not? It's your child...as an adult you should be apologizing to the child for failing them if you are always having to make excuses.

Challenge Issued: Man-Up and parent! You job with your children will effect many. Don't sit on the sidelines just praying be involved and be a sculpture with your clay.

Challenge Issued!

Thursday: The Lucky Lotto Numbers Are....

Very few people win the lotto. And yes I've heard "you can't win if you don't play" but seriously-if you just want to flush a few dollars down the toilette please don't do it at my house. I understand the random power ball buyer. A ticket or 2 a year or the scratch off gift you give to grandpa at Christmas because you don't know what else to get him. But there are tons of people who waste there hard- earned money trying to win the lotto.

Today's Challenge: Save the lotto dollars and consider a retirement account instead. Don't be foolish be smart with your dollars and cents.

Challenge Issued!

Wednesday: SmarterU-Hablo Espanol?

The United States I a melting pot of culture. Statistics say Hispanic population will become the majority ethnic group within the next 10 years. When we look at the world population the Asisn population is probably the greatest. Overall, our ability to change and grow in this diverse world we live in should become a priority.

Today's Challenge: Learn 5 phrases in another language. I would challenge you to even consider taking a class, but let's start small.

Challenge Issued!

Tuesday: Dedicated Few

Early in the morning when running I usually pass about 5 people or when I'm at the gym I typically see 7 faces dripping with sweat. If I go to the gym at lunch I'll usually see 4 individuals pumping iron. The evening is the busiest time at the gym and I bet there are about 25-30 different folks working out between 5 pm and 9 pm.

Why have I just rambled off these numbers? Because even in the small town we live in less than 10% of the population are exercising. I am sure there are more people exercising at home or midday that I don't see. But on the whole we live in an unhealthy society where television time is more important than an evening walk and where a exercise program is always put off till tomorrow.

Today's Challenge: Be one if the dedicated few! Exercise! Take a walk, hit the gym, change your schedule and become healthier.

Challenge Issued!

Monday: Get Up and Shower!

Right now my husband is doing a sermon series on "Scars"....focused on how family can leave emotional scars. It is a very intense series that has so much depth about hurting and healing. This past Sunday he compared people to David after his son died-how many people are hurting and they stay on the ground wallowing in the ashes and the heartbreak...David did not. He got up and moved forward.

I know there are so many hurting people and that's exactly where they are. They stay on the ground and wallow. They never get and rejoice in what God has done for them. They complain about the job,  marriage, life-they are letting the pain steal thier life.

Today's Challenge: Get Up and Shower! Eat dinner and get moving in the blessings you have been given. Erase the words of contempt from your lips and live for today.
"Today is the day The Lord has made-Rejoice and Be Glad!"

Sunday: Family Vacation

We've discussed family vacation from an expenses standpoint, importance and value view. I've even posted the top places to go in the US...but we haven't actually dealt with the people portion yet-who is invited on the family vacation?

I'm sure you think you can survive one week with your crazy sister or extreme mother-in-law...but is it much of a vacation? If you are having to spend the entire time wondering and worrying it will sap your joy. Maybe you should opt for a smaller trip for the first trip together and just go in knee deep to the pool rather than fully plunging into a situation that will drown your fun!

Today's Challenge: Weigh your decisions carefully when choosing your family fun. Enjoy yourself and don't extend the invitation to quickly.

Challenge Issued!

Saturday: How's the Car????

We've had the clean your car challenge...however, remember the inside of your car is a direct reflection of the inside of your life...is if clean and neat? Or does it need a few minutes attention. The summer brings trips, summer sports, pool adventures and lots of trash in the car.

Today's Challenge: Go ahead and hit the car wash! Vacuum and wash the car. It will help you better organize your life when the little things are taken care of!

Challenge Issued!

Friday: Opening Your Mind

Working with new people on huge projects can be difficult. You don't want to think that someone can make things happen like you and your team...however, sometimes just opening your mind and heart to new people can make a world if difference in you and your perspective.

Today's Challenge: Be open to new relationships and change-let God use you in the life of others and let him change your heart and perspective by using 'others' in your life.

Challenge Issued!

Thursday: Farmer's Market Bank

The summer produce prices often depend on the weather in 'wherever' it's being imported from. One money saving tip and a great way to support your local farmers is to hit your local Farmer's Market. You get top quality, fresh produce, locally grown without the handlers fee.

Today's Challenge: Find a local Farmer's Market and plan a visit. Buy your produce home-grown and save!

Challenge Issued!

SmarterU: Biting Off More than U can Chew!

Readers: I owe you a huge apology...it has been a week since I have posted a challenge and today's SmarterU challenge addresses the issue. In the past 2 weeks-I've traveled to Texas for 5 days, embarqued upon a new career/job, filled a huge volunteer role for my church and tried to maintain some semblance of a home...well-maybe just piles of laundry and toys. To say the least I've over committed and horribly planned!

No exercise in a week, eating chocolate, not getting enough sleep etc. has all contributed to my demise. But the biggest contributor is me. Tomorrow, I'm back on track with challenges! So please forgive my failures and......

Today's Challenge: be selective in your commitments. Don't Bite off more than U can chew. Be a BetterU and learn from my mistake! Be a SmarterU!

Challenge Issued!

Wednesday: SmarterU-History Check

Tomorrow is July 4 if you've been following the challenges.  Most of us know why we celebrate Independence Day--do we?  How about why our flag is red, white and blue?  Or what's in the phrase-"Whistling Dixie?"  Why do we shoot off fireworks?  So many unique historical events surround this holiday. 

Today's Challenge: Plan your July 4 holiday to include a historical quest-understand why fireworks are part of the holiday?  Is there a local event that captures some of the tradition for you to experience. Historical recreations are a great way to create teachable moments for kids. 

Don't just grill your burgers and dogs-make history by understanding it better.

Challenge Issued!

Tuesday: Heathier U: Wagon Pitfalls

This past week while traveling (which I posted on before and didn't reread) I truly had a wheel fall off my eating wagon.
                 Starbucks twice.
                 Big meals.
                Not tracking calorie in-take.
                Skipped exercising
You name it and I failed-my BetterU wasn't good! The scale proved it with my Monday morning weigh-in. The trick to staying healthy is realizing that you are human and you will mess up. The wheel may fall right off your wagon too--don't try to keep riding it broken-get off and fix it.

Today's Challenge: Don't give up working on healthy eating due to a slip-up...examine your meals and get busy playing catch-up and refocusing. This isn't a short-term fix it's a life-time reward.

Challenge Issued!

Monday: Spiritual Challenge--WHOM SHALL I FEAR?

There is a very good Christian song out by Chris Tomlin that states
                 "Whom shall I fear...."
                 "I know who goes before me.."
                 "I know who stands behind..."
                 "The GOD of Angle Armies is always by my side."

Psalms 27:1 says: "The LORD is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear."

Living a totally surrendered life allows us to live without fear. GOD is going before us clearing a path--standing behind us catching us as we may slip and has an army at our call. 

Today's Challenge: Live life without fear! Listen to the Chris Tomlin song and process the fact that HE is always by your side.

Challenge Issued!

Sunday: Embrace the Moments

Whenever a new child is born is never ceases to amaze me how very tiny they are...I truly believe that holding a new born infant is about as close to GOD as we can get on this Earth. There is no way within our own capabilities that we could design or make something so perfect.

As adults, we loose sight of those tiny fingers and tiny toes-even if it's not our kids or we never plan to have any....you still stand amazed if you are truly honest with yourself.

Today's Challenge: Embrace the moments that will never be replaced with your family.  Births, Prom, Graduations, First Break-Ups, etc.  Realize that there are experiences that only come along once in a lifetime and can never be duplicated! Embrace them!

Challenge Issued!