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!