Make the Difference that Only YOU Can!

"Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function; so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully." Romans 12 4-8 (NIV)

It's amazing to be how well things fit together and make you really think about what you should be doing. On Sunday at Transformation, Pastor Derwin used the analogy of us being, "appetizers," to those around us. Meaning, we are to live our lives and be a witness to make those around us, "hungry for what we have." (What we have being a personal relationship with God). Today, the entry I read in, "The Purpose Driven Life," was about being a witness to the world and sharing our personal stories with nonbelievers to lead them to Christ. Then, to take it a step further, the devotion I read this morning was about a young girl who was told about heaven and hell by an older lady who was worried about the children in her neighborhood. Again, the older lady was a witness to those around her-- and the little girl grew up to be a missionary. Another cool concept we talked about at Transformation-- we are ALL missionaries. It doesn't matter if you are overseas or in your office, there is always someone you can share your story with.

I hadn't really planned on writing about that-- but when so many things come together to make the same point, I felt like I had to!

Nutrition Challenge:
Today, I challenge you to change your cooking oils (or at least pay attention to what you are cooking with). I suggest cooking with coconut oil! If you don't like the taste of coconut, use extra virgin-- it does not have a coconut taste! Coconut oil is a solid until heated-- and can then be used like any other cooking oil you are previously using.
Why is using coconut oil the challenge today?? Check out all these benefits (both with cooking with it and using it in different ways)::
-Great for hair!
-Stress Relief!
-Skin Care
-Fights Premature Aging!
-Protects Against Heart Disease!
-Great for Weight Loss!
-Helps with Digestion, Immunity and Healing!!
(The list goes on and on-- but I am sure some of the reasons above are good enough for you to give it a try!)

Fitness Challenge:
Today's fitness challenge is going to be a little bit different. Yes, I still want you to get some activity in (whatever you have learned from previous challenges and want to do today). But today, we are going deeper than that. I want you to think about your reasons for following a nutrition and fitness plan. Is it to look better in a bikini (or trunks, for the guys)? Is it to be more confident? Is to to catch the attention of someone you have had your eye on? Is it to prove that you can do it? Is it to be healthier? There are endless amounts of reasons-- as unique as the person you are. There is no right or wrong reason, but what is yours?
Now, going deeper than that. What is the, "reason behind the reason?" Is it to be able to play with your kids and grandkids longer? Is it to stay healthy and active longer? Is it to look younger and be more physically fit longer? Again, the reasons are endless. But, what is the BIGGER picture behind your initial reason? Knowing the big reason you are committed to something will help you stick to it because it will help you stay focused on the long term.
Also, please please please commit to this for YOU and not because you want to conform to what someone else expects of you. There are no right or wrong reasons to do something, but you will be more satisfied if the changes you are making in your life are for you.

Out of Your Comfort Zone:
Not long after I started this blog, I challenged everyone to contact a person who used to be a big part of their life and to apologize or put whatever came between you out in the open. The day after that challenge, I wrote a personal reflection to let everyone know that it took me a solid 24 hours to get the nerve to do it. Yesterday morning, I woke up to a reply from the person I needed to fix things with. It was great and honestly brought tears to my eyes. Yes, it has taken us a while to get back in contact with each other-- but, as it turns out, our big falling out is something we both put behind us a long time ago and just didn't have the nerve to tell each other. I won't go into detail about her response-- or about what I sent. But, just know that the challenge was good for me and it took people holding me accountable to do something that needed to be done.
With that being said, I am sure there are plenty of you who haven't followed through with the challenge yet-- and there are others who haven't been reading long enough to know what I am talking about.
So, yes, today's challenge is a repeat. If you haven't done it yet, make contact with someone who used to be a big part of your life. Email or a message on Facebook would be my suggestion-- it's the easiest way to get your thoughts out without being interrupted or having past issues brought back up and made into a fight again. I promise, it will make you feel so much better.

Change Your Thinking:
How many of us have ever felt inadequate of felt like we could never accomplish what we want to do with our lives? Guess what-- today, we are pushing those thoughts out of our heads! We all have a purpose... a unique purpose and story that only we can tell. No, it's not the same as anyone's..... and that's what is so great about it! No matter what limitations you might have, there is something that ONLY YOU can bring to this world. Some experience or lesson that nobody else can share. Don't let yourself think that your life doesn't have a purpose-- because it does! If you don't know what that is yet, you will figure it out! To help you do that... first of all, pray. Then make a list of the things you feel strongly about... the things you are passionate about and want to stand up for. Then, think about all the skills you have. You don't have to be an expert at your skill-- but if it is something that goes hand in hand with your passion, refine the skill and use it to make a difference and to leave your mark!

Meet Papa! Growing up, he was the best toy anyone could have asked for... a life-size, walking, talking playmate! I used to put bows in his hair and then cling to his leg every time he was leaving our house to go back to his (one time he made it in public with a bow still in his hair...oops)! He was the band director at Calhoun High School and now is Santa Clause during Christmas season. It is a job that takes a patient person to do-- and he is great at it! He was in a Country Music Video and also was the Santa for Montel Williams.