Tuesday: Keeping focused in the COLD!

It's getting that time when the weather changes...the temperature drops and it becomes more difficult to work out. Whether you are usually an out-door runner or just loading up and heading to the gym can become a task you don't want to do.

You must stay focused! Generate some back-up plans. There's no need to build an in-home gym just choose to accept today's challenge to ready for Winter Workouts!

Today's Challenge: Here's three ways to get ready for the Winter Workouts.

1. Hit the thrift shop or re-sell bin on videos--you'll find some. Even if they are old they'll still come in handy.
2. Invest in some cheap free weights-you don't need a set of 10 just some basics-5lb, 10lb.
3. Get an Accountability Partner or commit to a "Skinny Santa" or similar program.

Choose One...Challenge Issued!

Saturday: Return IT!

Borrowers Beware!

Extra, Extra! Read all about it...borrowers get ready for the challenge of a lifetime...

For more than two years I have borrowed maternity clothes unreturned--seriously two years People! This is the day that the Lord has made to purge the stuff....if you have items that don't belong to you-Get ready this will be a tough challenge.

Today's Challenge:

Return the Borrowed STUFF! So my list begins with maternity clothes, ice chest, toys, etc. etc. etc. You will be amazed the space and freedom you'll feel after you've made your runs around town and return was is not yours!

Challenge Issued!

Relationship Challenges: Loving Life

Too many times we go thru life complaining...we don't smell the roses and realize how incredibly short our time is here on planet Earth.

This morning I was running with my training partner and the moon was BEAUTIFUL! It was huge and orange...I wanted to get a picture and we thought waiting till we made a certain turn would give me a better angle to take the picture...we ran for less 7 minutes to get to the right spot and it was gone!
---Seriously---GONE!  I kinda don't know where it went. In that short span of time a beautiful tapestry that had been designed for us to see by our great CREATOR was wiped clean. Life is too short! Time flies!  It's the same with people--don't waste the moments.

Today's Challenge: Be grateful! We waist too much time complaining and miss out on all the moments that matter-Snap your picture and enjoy the moments along and with others!

Challenge Issued!

Spiritual Challenge: Stretch to Understanding

The term Christian strikes each person differently...whether it's pride at being able to claim Jesus or fear and anger that wells up for those that have experienced judgement, pain or criticism from a "Christian".

As a follower of Christ, we must stretch to a new understanding...the gospel message was meant for everyone-even those we don't understand. It's our job to deliver that message thru our actions and love-not our accusing stares and pointed fingers. We need to learn to stretch and love those around us.

Today's Challenge: Create safe space and love people where they are. Stretch yourself and open some doors for the Holy Spirit to work.  Accept others and be ready to share the Good News!

Challenge Issued!

Friday Challenge: Be Open!

Today's relationship challenge is geared around being open-minded to new people...you don't know what's in store for you till you open the door of your heart and let others in. I recently watched a movie called "Lemonade Mouth" with my kids. It was a cute Disney movie about  some high school teens who made a band..great story of friendship.

These teens had to "Be Open" to new people. We get stuck in the same circle of friends and rarely do we roll the dice on newbies-

Today's Challenge: Branch out-roll the dice-take a chance on a new face! Reach out to one new person today! Don't be shy-the blessing is your to receive.

Challenge Issued!

Thursday: Know How You Roll

Just recently I was sitting with a group of women who are all within 5-10 years of retiring. One plans to retire at the end of the year. She has had several health problems along the way and is ready for the downtime.

She disclosed she was concerned about retiring because she wanted to maintain her standard of living  and not feel a financial pinch. She has had her investment portfolio reviewed by two different people. One told she'd be fine the other said he didn't think she'd make it--now she sits in limbo concerned over the conflicting views.

Today's Challenge: Know what you have and why. Your best financial planner is YOU! If you don't understand your investments for the future-stop investing till you know what your doing. This is your future-this is your money-don't blow it!

Challenge Issued!

Sunday Challenge: Support Those You Love Most

Today's Family Challenge is inspired by a woman's dream and the excitement on her spouses' face when it was completed. Sometimes we don't understand the choices and decisions our family members make.  The job they have, their choice to run a marathon, the decision to take the long way to dinner, sometimes their choices don't make sense to us.

Do they have too? Not always...when your child switches major from accounting to art...or marries the boy in the band, or choose to run 26 miles-support it!

Today's Challenge: Support the decisions you always dint understand.  Their victory will become yours!

Challenge Issued!

Physical Challenge: Are You Ready To Fight?

At the age of 42 my mom had a heart attack. Youth was on her side-yet her physical condition wasn't.   Since the age of 14 she smoked. Fried food and rich meals were part of our daily menu...exercise consisted of sprinting from baseball to basketball and she worked to keep up with three very active teens. It wasn't easy and it took it's toll.

Multiple surgeries, insane bills and a life that will never be the same. My mom wasn't ready to fight. We never know what blows are going to be thrown our way...we need to be ready to fight....for our lives, our futures and our families.

One of the best ways to prepare is to get healthy!

Today's Challenge: Examine your physical condition-be honest-do you need to lose weight, quit smoking, eat a healthier diet? Can you run for one mile? Make changes to get where you need to be. Choose two key health changes that will make a difference. Prepare to fight-you never know what life will deal you.

Challenge Issued!

Thursday: Go Green!

Today's money challenge is a bit of a repeat, however, I feel like we get away from the basics and miss out on the chances to save. The weekend is right around the corner. Instead of plopping down the plastic-pull out the cash.

Today's Challenge: Be focused on your weekend spending. Plan ahead what you will do and what you will spend. Get your cash out today. Be prepared.

Challenge Issued!

Wednesday: National Headlines

Today's SmaterU challenge is easy...there is so much going on international with foreign nations today we will check the headlines and feel the pulse if America.

Today's Challenge: Log on to a major paper-wall street journal, New York Times, Dallas Morning News and get the scoop. Scan the headlines and try to read one international story and one random special interest story. Be informed!

Challenge Issued!

Tuesday: Forming Good Habits

It can take as long as 90 days to truly develop and maintain a habit. The good ones are the toughest to train your body for and keep. Having a written plan helps motivate you toward that positive impact and keep you on track. 

People say give it 2-weeks...give it 90 days. What's 3 months?

Today's Challenge: Choose a healthy habit and plan how you will work it into life and stick with it. Drinking water, sleep, yoga, exercise, healthy shopping...what's your commitment going to be?

Challenge Issued!

Monday: Facing The Giants-Stonwall!

I love football...some of my favorite movies are: Rudy, Remember The Titians, Friday Night Lights. I have seen Facing The Giants several times, however last night I watched with fresh eyes a great story about our Saviour unfold. There is a scene in the movie when the team is playing for the championship and they are working to stop a touchdown on the goal line.

The defense was so tired, yet their leader yelled "Stonewall" which is related to a Nehemiah and how everyone was responsible for building the wall in front of their own house. Spiritually we are responsible for our own house...just like the defense was responsible for their own man/section.

Today's Challenge: Examine your own space...what part of the stonewall do you need to work on? Is it prayer life? Devotion time? Church attendance? Whatever it is-Remeber all things are possible with God. Get your tools and start building!

Challenge Issued!

Sunday: Mutual Respect

Josh McDowell says, "Rules without respect leads to rebellion."  Recently a friend was having a tough time with her teen...instead of yelling and scolding him her response was, "I respect your opinion but I need you to respect me."

What grace and wisdom she exhibited in that short phrase. Instead of diving into a deeper argument she walked away diginity intact and showed her son, honest respect. In return, he gave her the same. Whether your family member is 2 or 22 treated them with respect will train their hearts.

Hebrews 13:7--"Remember your leaders. They taught God's message to you. Remember how they lived and died, and copy their faith."

Today's Challenge: Lead your family members with respect and love. Show them a solid Christ-like leader!

Challenge Issued!

Saturday-Two Chipmunk Songs

As I zone out and watch college football I hear my children downstairs singing an Alvin and The Chipmunks song. If only I could clean and organize as fast as they sing....well, lets try to beat the music.

Today's Challenge: Turn on a chipmunk song or something really fast and upbeat-do a quick clean to the music. Maybe do a fun dance with your kids as you help with their room or do the bathroom (a small room). Use the music as your timer. Make it fun!

Challenge Issued!

Relationship Challenge: Invest Wisely

Relationships are all unique. One week "Joe" is your best friend then the next week "Joe" acts like he barely knows you. Sometimes you need to do an honest evaluation of your friends and decide if they are worth your time...investing in others is a painful challenge-so choose wisely your investments.

Today's Challenge: Evaluate your relationships and consider the investment. Don't be afraid to close the friend account or pour it all in...

Challenge Issued!

Thursday Challenge: Something Random

Yes...I am remaining behind which makes me sad and concerned however, this entire blog is suppose to be about being a BetterU365 days. Never resting from positive reinforcement and striving to impact others with grace, love and good.

However, it's tough to pour yourself out when your inside is empty. Is your heart and soul empty? Are you struggling to be a BetterU? Are you just struggling to make the next decision.

Today's Challenge: Remember those who have poured themselves out for you. Don't let hate, sadness, depression fill you up. It would be better to remain empty. Instead be filled with the beauty and love in life.

Challenge Issued!

Monday: Spiritual Strong

Have you been hitting the gym of JESUS lately?  Or are you missing the workouts He's prepared in advance for you?

Challenge: Read Joshua 1:1-9...Theses few verses tell us to be strong and courageous...how can we do that if we aren't working our spiritual muscles to be strong! Get grounded!  Choose a workout plan that works and get started.
       1. scripture memory
       2. daily devotional
       3. private/personal worship
      4. accountability
These are all aspects that your workout should include. Evaluate your spiritual health and get started. Let the verses in Joshua encourage you that GOD wants us to be strong and courageous, but we still have to prepare.

Challenge Issued!

Sunday: Family Treasures

Recently, I bought a necklace that has all my children's birthstones in it and has a little charm that says family. I adoringly put it on and wore it several times last week. Each time I saw it in the mirror at the bathroom or car I would whisper a little prayer from my kids.

Today's Challenge: Choose a family treasure that reminds you of several family members... wear it or put it where you will see it several times...not a picture but maybe artwork or a shoe, etc. Make a point to pray for family member each time you see it! The real challenge is remember what is the treasure-it's not the stuff but those behind the stuff that is the treasure!

Challenge Issued!

Saturday: BED CHECK

There is a mystery that looms in house and it's under the children's bed...we see all kinds of crazy stuff come out from underneath the bed.

Today's Challenge: Be a more organized and clean you and do the BED CHECK for all your rooms.

Challenge Issued!

Friday: Relationship Demands

No matter the relationship there are always demands...
 I demand my children help clean their rooms
 I demand my husband stay loyal
 I demand my dogs stay in the yard
Even though we play demands on others-those demands aren't always met.
 My children to not always help clean their room
 Husbands and wives don't always remain loyal
 My dogs get out!

What are your demands? Evaluate them.  Are they too much? When people fail to meet the demands we have placed on them-where does it leave you? Heart-broken?

Today's Challenge:  Think thru the demands you've placed on others-maybe they are simple and maybe they are hard-should you re-think them?  Have you correctly expressed them and is there a clear understanding of what you are asking? Eliminate at least one demand you've placed on someone close. It may just be the difference in your heartbreak.

Challenge Issued!