Peace on Earth Challenge

Here we are.

Christmas is over and the year is almost gone.

2010. Where did you go?! 

It always amazes me how fast the years seem to be flying by. I often worry that I am not "stopping to smell the roses" often enough. 

As I take time this week to process 2010, Courtney's challenge for the week is a good one.

The final challenge of the December Peace Challenge is this: Find a minute this week to get alone...outside is best. There is something about the big open sky, the trees, and the sounds of nature that help us to see and hear God clearly. Take your Bible with you - visit Matthew 27 and 28, evaluate 2010 and commit 2011 to living your life completely for God.

1. Evaluate Your Walk with God in 2010 - Were you daily in God's word and in prayer? How can you improve your walk with God in 2011?

2. Your Marriage - What is one word you'd use to describe your marriage in 2010? Easy, frustrating, growing, romantic, hard, strong, amazing. What is one thing you know your husband wishes you'd change in your life?

3. Your Children - What was a high point and a low point for each of your children in 2010? What is one thing that each of your children need from you in 2011?

4. Health - What healthy habits did I maintain in 2010? What unhealthy habits did I create in 2010 that I need to change going into 2011?

5. Ministry - What ways did I use my talents for God in 2010? Pray about what God would have you do in 2011.

Choosing a Theme Word:Pause and look over your evaluation. Now choose a theme word for the new year.

 

 I have some work to do here, but that is why it's a Challenge, right?! :) 

 http://womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com/2010/12/my-theme-word-for-2011.html

Peace on Earth Challenge

I realize I am late in posting this weeks challenge.

I think it's funny how Courtney has this challenge titled "THIS MEANS WAR", lol. I am at war this week, well, my body is. I am sick. Super sick.

I can easily say that things are not going according to plan. I had plans to finish up school this week. We aren't at a good stopping point in my opinion and I wanted to get there. We have holiday baking that needs to be finished. I have presents to wrap and homemade gifts to finish up. The box for my mother in law was to be mailed. The house needs cleaned. Instead, I can't breathe, I can't stand, I can't even sit at the computer for more than a few minutes. I cough, cough and cough some more. I spend time hanging over the edge of the tub with hot water cascading down the curtain, or I'm asleep. Sigh. This is NOT what I envisioned for the week. 

 

Here's this week's challenge: Christmas is just 5 days away and so much of our time is often spent helping the children to remember the "Reason for the Season". Now it's our turn. Once the kids are in bed get yourself a HOT drink (again we are warming the body as we warm the soul.) Get ALONE and turn out the lights by your Christmas tree, a lit fire, or a candle and just be alone with God. Pray, talk to him, I encourage you to sing Christmas carols or songs praising him, and just rest with Jesus.

After reading this however, I think I need to check my attitude. :/  Yes, I feel crappy! But is the focus of Christmas on cookies and fudge or Jesus? On presents given or THE present we received in Jesus? Thanks Courtney, for this reminder. 

While I am resting my body and fighting this illness, I need to rest in Jesus and spend time with him. And instead of bellyaching how awful I feel, try praising him for all the blessings I have! 

 http://womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com/2010/12/this-means-war.html

Peace on Earth Challenge

Are you rested or frantic?

lol. Hmmm... it's hard to rest. I'm a mom. I have four kids, a husband, house keeping, critters, school, work, mental health appointments, doctor appointments, 4H, church, youth group, bell choir....we only have one vehicle right now so if I need it I have to take Good Ole Boy to and from work. Add to that Christmas activities - program rehearsal, shopping, making presents, baking, etc. 

So while I don't feel frantic every day, neither do I feel rested daily. 

Courtney's challenge this week is a nice one! 

This week's challenge: Pull out your calendar and SCHEDULE a night where you will go to bed very very early. Take your Bible with you to bed and read in bed for at least 5 minutes. Read in Isaiah 7:14, Micah 5:2, Jeremiah 23:5, and Isaiah 53. These are prophecies that were fulfilled by the birth and life of Jesus. Get extra blankets for a warm nights rest, pray God gives you deep rest and that no one wakes you. Then turn out the lights and sleep. I pray that when you wake, you face the new day of Christmas stress with extra strength and vigor.

http://womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com/2010/12/because-we-do-not-rest-we-lose-our-way.html 

Peace on Earth Challenge

Here's this week's challenge: Take out your calendar and SCHEDULE a night where you will take a warm refreshing bubble bath. Bring your Bible. Read the story of the birth of Jesus in Matthew 1, 2 and Luke 1,2.

 Well, hmmmm.....

This SOUNDS like a wonderful challenge to me! Actually, aside form the scheduling difficulties, it doesn't seem that challenging. 

Unless.... you can't take a bath. 

I dream of a huge, claw footed bathtub. Nice and deep, full of hot water and yummy smelling bubbles. 

Mmmmm.... heavenly! 

But in my reality, we have a shallow tub that refuses to hold bath water. Sigh.  

But - I can take a hot shower.  

Courtney gives some tips for a successful bath here.  She also stresses that THINGS will never be done. Give yourself permission for a relaxing bath and have PEACE. 

 http://womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com/2010/12/girl-you-need-bubble-bath.html

 

Peace on Earth Challenge

Courtney over at Women Living Well is having another challenge. I so enjoy her challenges! :) This one is to remind me to draw nearer to God during this busy season. 

Today's assignment is to write on the top of my December calendar 1 Peter 5:7

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

The challenge is to look at that daily and remember to turn things over to God.

 We are also to be burning our candles daily. I have still been doing this almost daily and just bought 3 new jar candles on Black Friday. :) Just lit one when I got home from work a bit ago too. Sugar Cookie. Yummmm.   

Remember to pray for peace in your home.

Why don't you join us here for this challenge?