What's Missing?

This morning when I went downstairs to make my coffee, I noticed that we were out of stevia (a natural sweetener derived from a plant...). But, we still have that wonderful creamer I wrote about previously, so I made the coffee anyway. The cup is sitting beside me right now and I am drinking it-- but it is a lot more bitter than I would like. It will do, but it's not as good as I know it could be. Point-- Sometimes the things that are missing in your life (or in this case, your cup of coffee) make a bigger difference than the things that you have. Also, who would agree that I have some of my best thoughts while drinking coffee (joking)?

Reflecting on the Point Above-- In the past six weeks; my significant other, our house, our jobs, our cars or anything else that we possess haven't changed at all. But, six weeks ago we found a church and starting going together. I started waking up early enough to read, "The Purpose Driven Life," or do a devotional before the day started. A couple weeks after that, I started writing this blog.
Now, we are looking for more ways to get involved in the church and everything about our outlook on life has improved. Not saying we were always down or that something was always wrong before-- life was okay-- but something was missing.
We have both been Christians for a long time-- going through the motions, praying and all that. But, now we are actually doing what we are meant to do and building a relationship with God. Now, that relationship and that faith is something we turn to first. I grew up in a church-- so did Chad-- but that doesn't, by default, mean that we had the personal relationship with God that we were supposed to.
Now, even though we still go to work, go to the gym, and go through all the motions of a typical week-- we are much more positive and focus on building each other up at work-- we go to the gym together. The amount of time in the day hasn't changed, but we are definitely making the most of it! Tonight, we are going to our first small-group Bible study-- and I can't wait! I've been excited about it all week. So, the day is still 24hrs-- but we are getting so much more out of our time (and more importantly, because of the shift in our attitudes, we are giving a lot more back!!)!

Nutrition Challenge:
Since I mentioned Stevia at the beginning of the post, I challenge everyone to purchase some (I prefer the individual packets, but it is completely a personal preference). It is a natural, zero calorie sweetener (without all the chemicals found in things such as Sweet n Low). There are pages upon pages of the benefits of Stevia. You don't have to take my word for it-- look it up and start using it anywhere you would use sugar or another sweetener!

Fitness Challenge:
How is everyone feeling after the wall squats from yesterday? I hope you remembered to stretch afterwards! Yesterday was my back, biceps and triceps day-- intense workout, for sure!
Today, we are going to learn how to do a Dumbbell Row (works your back, biceps and rear delts). There are many variations-- so feel free to find the one that works the best for you. If you don't have dumbbells, thats okay-- we can improvise with canned food or anything else that will provide a slight resistance. Start with a light weight and focus on proper form before you increase the weight!
1. Stand straight with a dumbbell in each hand. The closer your feet are to each other, the more challenging the exercise will be (because you are having to stabilize yourself).
2. Bend forward at the waist until your torso is almost parallel to the floor. Your knees should be bent slightly.
3. Keep your arms close to your sides and pull the dumbbells up until they touch the sides of your chest.
4. Lower slowly and repeat.
5. Keep your shoulder blades pulled in towards your spine and really focus on lifting with your back and not your arms.
**If you have any questions about this exercise or need a visual, please don't hesitate to watch a video or search for images. Proper form is necessary.
Start by doing 3 sets of 10 repetitions.

Out of Your Comfort Zone:
Sticking with the theme above, what is missing from your life? If it's a group of supportive people around you, find one. If it is a close friend to hold you accountable for the changes you are making, let them know that you need their support. If it's a place to serve and help your community, stop putting it off and get involved. The fact is, we can always come up with excuses to put off doing what we know we should-- so today, stop with the excuses and do what your heart has been telling you to do! It takes a leap of faith to get involved-- but trust that God will never call you to do something that you can't do with His help! It's a different concept to think about what we can add to our schedule instead of always thinking about how busy we are-- but, focusing on the right activities will make a huge difference in the way you think and feel!

Change Your Thinking:
We have been focusing a lot on serving and what you can do with your time. In the world's standard, people typically serve to get recognition from others or to prove that they are good. So, I want you to focus on being different and serving the right way.
Serve for what you can do for others... not for the recognition you can gain for yourself. Serve because you want to... not because you feel like you have to. Serve in whatever way you can--big or small-- instead of thinking that you have to wait around for a huge opportunity. Make opportunities out of the circumstances you encounter everyday.

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:5 (NIV)

"Love cannot remain by itself-- it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action, and that action is service." (Mother Teresa)

Meet Granny-- One of the best ladies I have ever know. She lived with my family from the time I was 2years old and had such a huge impact on all of our lives. I could write pages upon pages about Granny and still not say enough. Losing her was one of the hardest things I have ever experienced-- even though I know she is in a better place with God, her husband and both of their daughters. She was strong and helpful and was always doing something for others-- and she never expected anything back. She didn't help others because she wanted recognition-- she did it because she wanted to and because she knew it was right. If you have someone in your life like my Granny, please let them know that you love them and that you appreciate all that they do for you and for everyone they come in contact with. I can't explain how much you will miss them when you can't tell them those things anymore....

Unexpected Generosity

This morning, my day started at 5:30am. If you know me personally, you know that is insanely early for me (I am the person who never started college classes before 11am--and still had a hard time making it on time). If you don't know me personally, you can probably still guess that 5:30am is early. If Chad reads this, I am probably going to regret this sentence-- but, it was nice to be up before the sun and be able to see the day getting started. Honestly, I haven't seen the sun come up in ages.

The reason for such an early start was that we had a couple of health talks scheduled at a local business starting at 8am-- No, that in itself wouldn't require me to get up at 5:30-- but I knew that in order to get my day started on the right foot, I needed to set aside time to read and not rush (if you have been reading this blog for a while, you know that setting aside time for yourself was a challenge about a week ago). Starting the day off positively really does become a habit that you can't do without!

This morning, at the close of the talks, I told everyone that we were collecting food in our office to donate through Transformation Church to feed 54 students at Indian Land Elementary. One of the men at the talk really touched my heart. He made an appointment with us-- at settings like this, we do special offers for employees as a thank you for allowing us in their business-- and paid the $20 donation fee (that I will be using to buy food for the cause) and then gave me an additional $10 because he said he really believed in what we were doing and wanted to be able to help the kids. Then, he took it a step further, and told me that he knows a man who donates clothing and other items to local kids and said he would be glad to help in that aspect, too. This is a man who has never met me before, doesn't live in the Indian Land community and has never been to Transformation Church... but he still took a step-up and is helping to feed those children! I thought it was amazing-- and his gesture is the inspiration for the post today!

Nutrition Challenge:
Did anybody make the guacamole last night? I did-- well, Chad did (he makes it better than I do). It was delicious! Today, the challenge doesn't directly involve you or your nutrition. Stick to all the challenges and tips put forward until this point and keep up the good work in your lifestyle change-- but today, I want you to donate at least one food item to a local shelter/food bank/church/any other place that collects food to feed the hungry. We are spending so much time focusing on what we eat and maybe not even thinking that some don't have anything to eat at all. Today, give back to your community!

Fitness Challenge:
Did anyone go to the gym yesterday?? If you did, great job! I know everyone probably chose the, "easiest," muscle for them to work yesterday... so today, do a different muscle group! If you go to the gym--either with your membership or free trial-- great! If not, use some weights or resistance bands you might have at home. If you don't have weights, improvise. You can use paint buckets, canned food, or anything else you might have around the house to provide resistance. In later post, we will continue going through specific exercises... but at this point, I want you to be able to work on what YOU want to. It will give you motivation and satisfaction to stick to your new lifestyle!

Out of Your Comfort Zone:
Today, we are following the man from this mornings lead. We are giving more than we are asked and going out of our way to help those around us. Is there an elderly or disabled couple in your neighborhood who might need help with chores around the house? Heavy lifting, mowing the grass or maybe even something as simple as picking up groceries. If yes, help them! Does a local school or non-profit need volunteers for an event? If yes, volunteer! I don't expect everyone to actually volunteer or help a neighbor around the house today-- but start looking for opportunities to make a difference! Suggestions: Womens Shelters, Animal Shelters, YMCA's, Food Banks, Nursing Homes-- I am sure everyone can think of somewhere in their community that could use a helping hand!

Change Your Thinking:
In our culture, we are taught to be selfish and to look out for ourselves-- so, today's challenge is going to be hard and is going to take a lifetime of work. I want you to make it a focus to think of the needs of others and to help meet those needs. Whether it is a family member, a friend or a stranger-- start looking out for and taking care of those around you. Do this in whatever way you can-- give financially, give of your time, give whatever you can-- just give!

"One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:24-25 (NIV)

"If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one." (Mother Theresa)

Continuing with the introductions of the people who impact my life... 

Meet Chad. He is my boyfriend and, in addition to my parents, a main part of my support system. He is the reason I live in Fort Mill and a huge part of my daily life. He supports me in everything that I do and always listens if I need to talk. He is a great man and has a passion for helping others... He makes me want to be the best person that I possibly can be and helps me on the journey called life.