Monday, March 14, 2011

Appreciate Your Gifts

I hope everyone had a great weekend and that you were able to think about the post from Saturday! How are you a blessing to those around you?

On Saturday, my mom bought me a new study Bible-- from 4.5 hours away, she called a local store, bought the Bible and then called me to tell me to go pick it up. Even if you aren't geographically close to people, you can still make a nice gesture to brighten their day!

Sunday, the service at Transformation was amazing yet again! Pastor Derwin was in Tennessee at a youth conference and two members of the church led the service on Sunday. They are Christian Relationship Counselors and they closed the series on Relationships-- It couldn't have been better! Then, Sunday night, Transformation had a come and go dessert so allow new members to meet others involved in the church. Again, it was amazing! The more time I spend around the people of Transformation, the more involved I want to be. Big changes are taking place there... If you ever have a chance to visit, I highly recommend it!

Nutrition Challenge:
We have made A LOT of changes in our diets so far (diet as in a lifestyle change, not a short-term means to an end). I am very proud of everyone for sticking to it! What challenges are you having the most difficulty with? Today's will probably be the hardest for me... Today, I challenge you to start reducing your sugar intake! Of course, from a fitness and weight-loss perspective, it isn't hard to guess why this challenge is beneficial. BUT, it goes much deeper than that....
--According to the American Diabetes Association (in 2010)::
25.8 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes (8.3% of the population)
79 million people in the United States have pre-diabetes
1.9 million new cases are diagnosed yearly, in people 20 years of age and older
In 2007, diabetes contributed to 231,404 deaths.
As you can see, this is a huge problem in the United States. So, when we are looking at the Nutrition Challenges, please realize that they go so far beyond appearance. More importantly, they will improve your quality of life!

Fitness Challenge:
Okay, how many of you are doing a bracket for March Madness this year? I know I am! How many of you watched the Selection Show yesterday to see who made it to the tournament? I know I did! So, sticking with the theme and adding some fun into the fitness challenges-- go play basketball today! It can be a pick-up game, you can play with your kids or you can shoot by yourself. It doesn't matter! Get some activity in your life and have fun with it-- workouts don't have to be something you dread or put off. The more you enjoy it, the more likely you are to stick with it! You don't have to be good at it-- trust me, I'm not!

Out of Your Comfort Zone:
What is something you are good at? It can be anything. Today, I want you to think about something you are good at and then I want you to see where in your community you can apply your skills. Maybe you can coach a kids team...maybe you volunteer...maybe you start a food drive or serve at a food bank...maybe you offer lessons at a local children's shelter or nursing home...maybe you visit local shelters or homes to see what you can do. The point is, use your skills to get involved and make a difference! Who knows who all can benefit from your skills-- even if you personally find them insignificant-- you have your abilities for a reason!

Change Your Thinking:
You are capable of making a difference and you are worthy of love and appreciation. I think too often, we compare ourselves to others or think that what we have to offer isn't enough. Guess what? It is! How boring would this world be if everyone was good at the same thing? How dull would it be if everyone looked the same? How much of the population would miss out if everyone found the same cause worthy? Be thankful for what you have and what you have to offer... Realize that all of your gifts and talents come from God. He has a great purpose for you-- listen and learn what it is!
Also, as we continue to pray for those affected by the recent tsunami; remember to never take anything fore granted and to constantly appreciate those in your life.

As I have mentioned before, we are teaming up with Transformation Church to provide weekend meals for 54 Indian Land Elementary School students. THANK YOU so much to everyone who has already donated and to those of you who are planning to. You are making a difference in the lives of 54 precious children!

No comments:

Post a Comment