I intended to update everyone at the beginning of December...which is now a month ago... Oops! Between the stress of finals and the craziness of Christmas, I haven't had a chance to sit down to write! However, that doesn't mean I forgot about ReChallenge :)
Reflection on November: Fasting Facebook was extremely hard for me. The first week, it was about all I could think about. But then...I kinda enjoyed the freedom! There were a few things I missed (like pics of a friend's baby), but other than that I did not miss much at all. There is something quite satisfying in denying yourself something that you thought you would struggle to live without. It was a success. :) But sadly, I am now on it a lot again... :/
Introduction about December as well as reflection: Through the past months, God has been placing the topic of generosity and giving on my heart. Thus, this month, I chose to give 20% of what I earned as tithe. Usually I faithfully give 10%, but God has been showing me that 10% no longer feels like sacrifice to me because I have done it for so long. As I listened to a chapel later on in December, this calling was confirmed in my heart. This is a challenge that may last must longer into my life than just a month! It is hard to put into words how my heart has changed over this month. I did not earn much this month, especially with heading home for Christmas, but what I did earn, I faithfully put 20% away. My heart is changing.
Introduction about January: For the month of January, I will be writing a thank you note a day. This seemed fitting since I have many thank yous to write for Christmas, but also many people in my life I want to express gratitude to. For one of my homeschool co-op classes in high school each of us was required to write one thank you note per week. My heart longs to write those notes again. It may seem weird, but that concept changed my life. Now to see what how it changes me in January!
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Thursday, November 1, 2012
November 1: October/November Update
How did the baking and sharing of bread go this month? Better than last, but still tough! At the start of the month I managed to bake quite a few loaves. (For me this means 12 loaves which is quite an accomplishment for a tiny apartment kitchen!) I made Hawaiian, Pumpkin, Banana, and Banana Chocolate Chip bread. Yum!
The passing out of these breads, however, proved more difficult. My roommate and I first gave the bread to the other three apartments in our "foursome" (the way the apartments are laid out there are four doors per "opening"). One of the women was hugely pleased by the bread. We had made a prior connection with her so she at least knew who we were. One apartment almost rejected the bread thinking we were solicitors! When she realized we were neighbors, she welcomed the bread. Later, when we were both unlocking our doors, she expressed how much she enjoyed it! At the third apartment we found nobody was home, so we left the bread with a note on their doorstep. They later also remarked on how much they enjoyed it. :)
The next time we passed out breads, the two people who answered seemed to find the gesture odd and awkwardly accepted the bread. The third apartment we tried had no one home.
I plan to pass out more goodies to the neighbors in our foursome in the future :) As for how many of the other breads will make it to neighbors...I'm not entirely sure! I count this month a semi-success. ;)
What's the plan for November? I will be fasting Facebook for the month of November. This will be especially challenging since this is my birthday month. However, I found the LORD leading me in this direction. Facebook is a way for me to cope with stress, but recently it has gone overboard. I need a break--and a refocus time. I've only been at it one day--and it's already been tough! This may be the hardest month yet... But here goes!
The passing out of these breads, however, proved more difficult. My roommate and I first gave the bread to the other three apartments in our "foursome" (the way the apartments are laid out there are four doors per "opening"). One of the women was hugely pleased by the bread. We had made a prior connection with her so she at least knew who we were. One apartment almost rejected the bread thinking we were solicitors! When she realized we were neighbors, she welcomed the bread. Later, when we were both unlocking our doors, she expressed how much she enjoyed it! At the third apartment we found nobody was home, so we left the bread with a note on their doorstep. They later also remarked on how much they enjoyed it. :)
The next time we passed out breads, the two people who answered seemed to find the gesture odd and awkwardly accepted the bread. The third apartment we tried had no one home.
I plan to pass out more goodies to the neighbors in our foursome in the future :) As for how many of the other breads will make it to neighbors...I'm not entirely sure! I count this month a semi-success. ;)
What's the plan for November? I will be fasting Facebook for the month of November. This will be especially challenging since this is my birthday month. However, I found the LORD leading me in this direction. Facebook is a way for me to cope with stress, but recently it has gone overboard. I need a break--and a refocus time. I've only been at it one day--and it's already been tough! This may be the hardest month yet... But here goes!
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
October 3: September/October Update
So...just as I had predicted, staying on top of this blog while being a full time student, being involved at church, working part time, and having a social life has proved difficult! I intended to write weeks ago. That came and went. At least on October 1 I fully intended to post! That too came and went... Today is my "catch up on life day," so the post is hopefully gonna happen this time. :)
Of all the months I should have stayed on top of this, September is the month I should have! Things changed paths within the first week. Baking the breads didn't happen. Praying every day didn't happen. Going to the neighbors' really didn't happen. At first I was discouraged at my inability to get it done, but God showed me that He had a different plan. Since this is about allowing Him to lead...I suppose I was not a complete failure! ;)
What did happen during the month of September then, you ask? I went back to the plan I had before I had the idea to get to know the neighbors! Lol. I had turned off the data on my phone mid-way through August since I had over used my allotted amount for that month. My bill restarted September 10. I intended to turn it on again at that point (having an iPhone, data actually matters!). However, when I went to turn it on, I couldn't figure out how again. Ok, God, I hear you! No data for September! I listened. :) Data was off on my phone for the month. I still used my internet when I was on wifi, but did not use any internet when out of wifi range. Furthermore, I could not receive pictures on my phone for the month (sorry people who I forgot to warn about this!). And some of my apps on my phone did not work. Honestly, I didn't miss much of it. Except the pictures. There were moments, but every time, I remembered why I was doing it. The discipline taught me a lot.
However, God did not let the idea I had originally thought I was doing die. Instead, He laid a similar idea on two of my roommates heart. I had briefly mentioned a general idea to them, but at separate times, He spoke to them about it! God works in His own way, in His own timing.
Now it's October. What's my plan?! The plan is to bake the breads and distribute them this month. :) What will that look like??? We shall all have to find out together! :)
Saturday, September 1, 2012
September 1: September Start
As I reflected on and prayed about this month, thoughts floated wildly around my head. At first, I thought I would do another fast (as I had planned). Yet as I prayed and reflected more, I realized that this year is not just about giving things up (fasting), but also about learning to live a life that is glorifying to God...and living out the commands of the Bible on a new level. Even in this though, I realize a risk. Just as with fasting, I don't want it to just become about "doing." That's the last thing I want this Re-Challenge year to become is a lesson in becoming more legalistic. This is a danger I've seen from the beginning--and through God's grace will avoid. All the same, it is something that has been pressing on my mind very heavily.
All that being said, this month will be different than I had expected! This month will not be a fast, but instead an intentional month of loving my neighbors. Having just moved into a new apartment complex, there are many people around me that I don't know yet. This all basically began the day I moved in, and God began stirring in my heart a desire to meet my neighbors.
What does this mean practically? That part is still taking shape. I know for sure it'll involve praying for my neighbors. Taking intentional time to lift up each apartment full of people to Him. I also plan on going to each door and bringing a baked something to them. :) I'm not sure how it'll pan out realistically, but ideally I would like to go to a different door every day and meet new people. My roommate may do this with me...or I may go alone... I'm not sure. Although God often sent people 2x2 so we shall see!
Thank you for your prayers!
All that being said, this month will be different than I had expected! This month will not be a fast, but instead an intentional month of loving my neighbors. Having just moved into a new apartment complex, there are many people around me that I don't know yet. This all basically began the day I moved in, and God began stirring in my heart a desire to meet my neighbors.
What does this mean practically? That part is still taking shape. I know for sure it'll involve praying for my neighbors. Taking intentional time to lift up each apartment full of people to Him. I also plan on going to each door and bringing a baked something to them. :) I'm not sure how it'll pan out realistically, but ideally I would like to go to a different door every day and meet new people. My roommate may do this with me...or I may go alone... I'm not sure. Although God often sent people 2x2 so we shall see!
Thank you for your prayers!
September 1: August Wrap Up
As I predicted, life got crazy--and blog posts fell behind. This doesn't mean that Re-Challenge hasn't been on my mind. Quite the opposite. It has been on my mind probably more than ever.
Yesterday marked the end of August--and the no drinks besides water fast. So today I celebrated with hot chocolate and tea. ;)
The three hardest challenges of the month came at the very end. The first one was Wednesday of this week when the dad of the family I nanny for brought me home a smoothie. So there it was, sitting on the table, with all the members of the family waiting for me to drink it. Thankfully it was towards the end of my shift, so the parents understood when I said I thought I'd take it on the road with me. The seven-year-old however did not. She actually unwrapped the straw and put it in the drink for me. I was touched. She asked me when I would drink it. I wasn't sure she would understand the concept, so I just told her I didn't know (which I don't know when because it's still in my freezer ;) ). I fed the twin 17-month-olds their smoothie...and longed for mine...
Then I was on the plane flying to see my family for Labor Day weekend. And the drink cart came by. I had to ask for water...both times they came...
After landing my family went to Red Robin (family tradition really!). I could have had a milkshake...and my parents would have paid for it...but instead I ordered water.
This is not to mention the Keurig machine that's been staring at me since August 9...
Yet I'm thankful for this month. It has really gotten me thinking about the things I value in my life, and it taught me to treasure the tastes of different things like tea and juice and soda. It's not a right. It's a privilege. Many around the world do not even have clean water. Yet it's hard for me to only drink water? Water that is clean. I needed this month to gain perspective.
I was going to combine this post with my September announcement, but I think I shall separate them for the sake of keeping the reader on one subject. ;)
Yesterday marked the end of August--and the no drinks besides water fast. So today I celebrated with hot chocolate and tea. ;)
The three hardest challenges of the month came at the very end. The first one was Wednesday of this week when the dad of the family I nanny for brought me home a smoothie. So there it was, sitting on the table, with all the members of the family waiting for me to drink it. Thankfully it was towards the end of my shift, so the parents understood when I said I thought I'd take it on the road with me. The seven-year-old however did not. She actually unwrapped the straw and put it in the drink for me. I was touched. She asked me when I would drink it. I wasn't sure she would understand the concept, so I just told her I didn't know (which I don't know when because it's still in my freezer ;) ). I fed the twin 17-month-olds their smoothie...and longed for mine...
Then I was on the plane flying to see my family for Labor Day weekend. And the drink cart came by. I had to ask for water...both times they came...
After landing my family went to Red Robin (family tradition really!). I could have had a milkshake...and my parents would have paid for it...but instead I ordered water.
This is not to mention the Keurig machine that's been staring at me since August 9...
Yet I'm thankful for this month. It has really gotten me thinking about the things I value in my life, and it taught me to treasure the tastes of different things like tea and juice and soda. It's not a right. It's a privilege. Many around the world do not even have clean water. Yet it's hard for me to only drink water? Water that is clean. I needed this month to gain perspective.
I was going to combine this post with my September announcement, but I think I shall separate them for the sake of keeping the reader on one subject. ;)
Monday, August 13, 2012
August 13: Midway Thru
Wow! I have had a crazy 2 weeks! Over the past few days I have had many thoughts about this challenge, but have been without internet due to moving to a new place.
Throughout this month, I have faced many temptations to have a "non-water" drink. However, each time, I remember why I have given it up. It feels good to know that I have made it this far! My body honestly feels WAY better without all the sugar and caffeine being pumped into it... Perhaps I should keep this scaled back for the rest of my life.
One of the hardest parts of this month has been serving at the coffee cart at church. My friend and I both help out with it...and are both doing this months challenge... On a normal week, we would make ourselves drinks which we can have for free since we volunteer. The first week of not being able to make a drink was really hard. I would have loved to make myself an iced chai or iced mocha. It was tough! Yesterday, the second week of this month, the temptation was not nearly as strong. I had a cup of water with me at all times...and the only time I was sad was when I had left over steamed soy which I couldn't drink! Lol. Other than that, I didn't miss it.
The other really challenging day was move in day! It was HOT...and I wanted something more than water. One of my friends kept saying we should have some Gatorade. The thought crossed my mind that I should have some. But after praying about it, I realized I did not feel peace about making this decision. At the end of the day, I was so glad I had chosen to stick with water (and lots of it!!).
I do walk by people drinking lemonade and want some. Or I buy a hot dog at Costco which comes with a drink that I fill with water. Or see someone making coffee and want it. Yet most of the time, I am content with water. Frankly, I think I am a lot better at keeping myself hydrated this month than I ever have been before. I thought when it started getting hot that this was a bad month to pick to have no drinks besides water, but in retrospect this was the best time to only have water. I keep myself hydrated!
Honestly, I can't say that I have had any huge revelation through this experience...any AH HA moment of what God's showing me. I'm not even sure I could explain in words what God is showing me. All the same, I know He is at work. The simple act of denying myself what I want when I want it brings me closer to God. So often I pout when I don't get I want. Yet through choosing to say no to something, it reorients my life so that I am not the center. God is drawing me closer to Him as He teaches me to trust Him. After all, HE is the LIVING WATER! I need to spend more time hydrating my soul on His WATER instead of filling it with all the other "drinks" in this world that "taste better." (Wow. That revelation came to me as I was writing. ;) )
I have begun to have an idea for September...but nothing for sure yet... One thing I'm DEFINITELY learning this summer is that God likes to work very last minute. For a planner, that's a bit hard to adjust to, but oh how freeing it is!!!
Anyone else doing this with me??
Throughout this month, I have faced many temptations to have a "non-water" drink. However, each time, I remember why I have given it up. It feels good to know that I have made it this far! My body honestly feels WAY better without all the sugar and caffeine being pumped into it... Perhaps I should keep this scaled back for the rest of my life.
One of the hardest parts of this month has been serving at the coffee cart at church. My friend and I both help out with it...and are both doing this months challenge... On a normal week, we would make ourselves drinks which we can have for free since we volunteer. The first week of not being able to make a drink was really hard. I would have loved to make myself an iced chai or iced mocha. It was tough! Yesterday, the second week of this month, the temptation was not nearly as strong. I had a cup of water with me at all times...and the only time I was sad was when I had left over steamed soy which I couldn't drink! Lol. Other than that, I didn't miss it.
The other really challenging day was move in day! It was HOT...and I wanted something more than water. One of my friends kept saying we should have some Gatorade. The thought crossed my mind that I should have some. But after praying about it, I realized I did not feel peace about making this decision. At the end of the day, I was so glad I had chosen to stick with water (and lots of it!!).
I do walk by people drinking lemonade and want some. Or I buy a hot dog at Costco which comes with a drink that I fill with water. Or see someone making coffee and want it. Yet most of the time, I am content with water. Frankly, I think I am a lot better at keeping myself hydrated this month than I ever have been before. I thought when it started getting hot that this was a bad month to pick to have no drinks besides water, but in retrospect this was the best time to only have water. I keep myself hydrated!
Honestly, I can't say that I have had any huge revelation through this experience...any AH HA moment of what God's showing me. I'm not even sure I could explain in words what God is showing me. All the same, I know He is at work. The simple act of denying myself what I want when I want it brings me closer to God. So often I pout when I don't get I want. Yet through choosing to say no to something, it reorients my life so that I am not the center. God is drawing me closer to Him as He teaches me to trust Him. After all, HE is the LIVING WATER! I need to spend more time hydrating my soul on His WATER instead of filling it with all the other "drinks" in this world that "taste better." (Wow. That revelation came to me as I was writing. ;) )
I have begun to have an idea for September...but nothing for sure yet... One thing I'm DEFINITELY learning this summer is that God likes to work very last minute. For a planner, that's a bit hard to adjust to, but oh how freeing it is!!!
Anyone else doing this with me??
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
August 1: Start of Month One
Well, today is the day! I'm beginning an adventure that I have no idea how it will go or end! And man, I'm starting off with a bang--working both jobs and volunteering at church.
Now, what you've been waiting for! (Or maybe not...but I'll pretend :P) For the month of August I am giving up all drinks besides water. Basically, I will not be drinking anything besides water. This includes soda, tea, coffee, lemonade, etc. Non-water (sugary) drinks are often a way for me to "de-stress" or make a day better. Instead of turning to God for strength, comfort, and renewal, I find myself turning to Starbucks...or the fridge... This month, I want to, through God's strength, turn to God Himself for those things.
I've already faced temptation today: a coupon to Juice It Up (my favorite smoothie place) that expires before the month is over, volunteering at my church's coffee shop and being offered an ice mocha, and having a long day that makes me want caffeine. But stronger than all of those is the temptation to take this all into my own hands instead of living a life surrendered to God. That challenge is going to continue through the rest of the year... My prayer is that I remain faithful and do truly use this time to draw closer to God. I don't want to use this for attention, but that temptation is there as well.
Prayers appreciated!
P.S. I also love comments just so I know whose reading. ;) Not necessary, but I do enjoy them!
Now, what you've been waiting for! (Or maybe not...but I'll pretend :P) For the month of August I am giving up all drinks besides water. Basically, I will not be drinking anything besides water. This includes soda, tea, coffee, lemonade, etc. Non-water (sugary) drinks are often a way for me to "de-stress" or make a day better. Instead of turning to God for strength, comfort, and renewal, I find myself turning to Starbucks...or the fridge... This month, I want to, through God's strength, turn to God Himself for those things.
I've already faced temptation today: a coupon to Juice It Up (my favorite smoothie place) that expires before the month is over, volunteering at my church's coffee shop and being offered an ice mocha, and having a long day that makes me want caffeine. But stronger than all of those is the temptation to take this all into my own hands instead of living a life surrendered to God. That challenge is going to continue through the rest of the year... My prayer is that I remain faithful and do truly use this time to draw closer to God. I don't want to use this for attention, but that temptation is there as well.
Prayers appreciated!
P.S. I also love comments just so I know whose reading. ;) Not necessary, but I do enjoy them!
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