“Believe” – The Challenge (Wk 20)

This past SpRinG as I trained for a marathon I had a friend SuRpRiSe me with this necklace.  On it is an engraving of the the word “BeLiEvE”, a runner, and May’s birthstone representing the month of the race.  During the long winter months of training it was a constant ReMiNdEr of the finish line and what I was working so HaRd for.

In pursuing your dreams you may find it motivating to have something TaNgIbLe to stay focused on.  It can be a PiCtUrE that you rip out of a magazine, a rock that you paint and use as a paperweight or whatever it is that InSpIrEs you.  Find that thing that PoInTs you to your dream and DrEaM On BaBy!

Robynn~

R.S.V.P.

How many times have you sat with a guest list after your R.S.V.P. date and had guests left that did not respond?  I think this is something that happens to all of us.  I for one have been guilty of not ResPonDiNg to invitations on time and each time it happens I feel so silly for not picking up the phone or sending a quick email with my response.  Why is something that is so EaSy to do so hard to get done?    

With the new school year so close and lots of fun holidays on the horizon, I am VoWiNg to R.S.V.P. to all InviTaTioNs not only on time, but as soon as I know if my family and I are able to attend.  Whether it is a 1st birthday party, GirL’s NiGhT oUt, or a Tupperware party, your response is ImPoRtAnT to the person who is taking the time to plan the event.  Responding on time not only shows that you CaRe, but it will save friends and family from making an awkward call or email to find out if you can make their event.

~Guest Writer, Robyn From New Jersey

Funky Vacation

This week I’ve been in a “funk” that I can’t seem to kiCk.  Do you ever have those?

We’ve talked or written many times about hitting the reStart button.  I’ve been trying to hit the restart button for days now and it has frustrated me because I wake up and my feelings haven’t chaNged.  I know the things I’m suppose to say, “Be positive…count your blessings…start new today…etc” but it isn’t always that

It’s ok to have down days every now and then. We occasionally need down days like these to help us appReciate the good days.  I guess you can relate it to taking a vacation…eventually it’s time to go hoMe and get back to norMal life :)

~Lara

Kiss From God

A few days ago my family and I were driving and my 3-year old said, “Momma look at that PeTtY (pretty) SuNsEt.”  To which my 5-year old replied, “That’s a KiSs from God”. 

From time to time when we see a bLuE sKy with white puffy clouds or another one of God’s BeaUtiFuL masterpieces we use this phrase.  It is a reminder to us of God’s daily little BleSsiNgs.

What are your “kisses” from God?  It may be a SuRpriSe call from a dear friend wanting to “catch up”, a ReWaRdiNg day at work, an enjoyable evening with the family, or maybe your “kiss from God” actually comes in the form of a kiss from your ChiLd.

So as you experience little blessings throughout your day, remember, it might just be God sending you a message:

XOXO

Robynn~

Click It! – The Challenge (Wk 19)

Have you found your SwEeT sPoT?  If you are still trying to figure that out, take a look at what “CliCks” for you.  Where do you seem to get good ReSuLts and in almost an UnCaNnY way things just work out for you?  It is sort of like jumping into a river and the CuRrEnT sweeping you downstream.  You may have to paddle a bit to stay on course, but there is an underlying FoRcE moving you forward.  Some people may refer to this as the stars aligning or just plain ‘ole luck, but I believe that finding your “sweet spot” will bring the FaVoR and pLeAsUrE of God in your life. When you find your “sweet spot” you find what God created you for and that brings God great DeLiGhT! 

Find that thing that “cLiCkS” for you, that thing that brings so much sAtisFacTion to your soul that you feel as though you get “lost” in the moment and where time stands still.  Because when you get to the point that you can “click it” it may be that you have found your TiCkiT! 

Robynn~

Trash to Treasure

SuMmerTime has always been my favorite time of year, and living in New Jersey I am able to spend lots of time at the beach.  I was probably around 8 years old when I found my first piece of sea glass and I immediately became a CollEctor.  Over the years I’ve found thousands of pieces: green, brown, clear, aqua, and my favorite…blue!  I love Guessing if my pieces came from sunken ships, old medicine bottles, or just garbage that made it into the sea. 

Too often we get CaughT uP in our day to day routines and neglect to make time for ourselves.  Collecting sea glass has become my way of taking time out to do something for MySelf that makes me hAppy.  Whether it is gardening, scrapbooking, photography, etc…set time aside for yourself and see what “trEaSures” are waiting for you to discover!

~Guest Writer, Robyn from New Jersey

You Are Who You Hang Around

If you want your life to head in a certain diRection, you’ll get the best results by surrounding yourself with people that “liVe” the life you are striving for.

My husband I have found that ImProving our marriage, finances, parenting or how we treat other people, is much eAsiEr when we hang out with friends that push us to improve in all of these areas. Our friends don’t necessarily have to talk about these things, but simply hanging around them and observing their acTioNs keep us in check!

Are you hanging out with people that help you become a better “YOU”?  Are you being a good exaMple to your friends?  The people you spend the most time with will refLeCt the direction of your life.  What diRecTion are you headed?

~Lara

All There

In this age of smart phones, Facebook, Twitter, and all the other distractions we deal with throughout our day it’s sometimes hard to “be all there” as exhorted by missionary/martyr Jim Elliot in his famous quote:

“Where ever you are, be all there.”

Where are you?

  • Home –“Be all there.”
  • Work – “Be all there.”
  • Prayer –“Be all there.”
  • In conversation with your child, friend, spouse, co-worker, associate, client, acquaintance – “Be all there.”
  • Church – “Be all there.”
  • Your Child’s Event – “Be all there.”
  • A Volunteer Meeting/Event – “Be all there.”
  • Dinner with friends or family – “Be all there.”

I think this is what is meant by savoring the moment.  It’s embracing life.  Because as we all know, life is short so be all there.

Robynn~

Change Your Family Tree

If you could cHanGe an area in your LiFe, what would it be?   Would it be your bad temper, financial decisions, work ethic, eating habits, etc.?

I listen to a radio talk show that occasionally talks about “changing your family tree”.   I’ve always loved this concept because we all have areas in our life that we would want to iMproVe or change.  The good news is that we have the power to do something about it!

If you feel like you are in a rut or don’t like the diRectioN your life is headed, take heart!  Make a diFFereNce for generations to come and begin working on your improving your family tree today!

~Lara