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!