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!
Saturday, September 1, 2012
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!
Monday, July 30, 2012
Reflections: Before I Begin
Over the past few days I've been reflecting on starting this challenge and what it'll mean. There are challenges and hurdles I hadn't previously thought of. Yet I'm excited to begin. I'm ready to start and embrace what is to come.
At the same time, idols in my life are coming more and more to view. Almost everywhere I look I see something that has distracted me from communing with my God. Things I never had thought had a hold on my life... Worry. Money. Worry about money. Pleasing people. Not getting in trouble. At times things I want. Insecurities that prevent me from living my full potential. Plans that *I* want. Dreams. Busyness. Schedules. Needing another roommate. It all screams at me. And frankly, the past few days I've been listening more to those things than I have to the voice of the One who I should be listening to. I have been doing the talking...not the listening. And that needs to stop. Perhaps that is part of the challenge...slowing down enough to listen... How will I practically do this? Not sure yet. I often think as I write, so in a lot of ways this idea is as new to me as it is to those reading this.
So...as I prepare to begin...I realize just how far I am from perfect--and just how much I need God's grace. Life is stressful, empty, overwhelming, loud, scary, and...heavy...without the help of the LORD.
Perhaps this seems a bit off topic from the challenge itself, but it is where my heart is right now. I need to "cease striving and know that HE is God" (loosely Ps. 46:10a). This is not mine. Yet it is easy to let the thought that I have some control take over.
God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father.
At the same time, idols in my life are coming more and more to view. Almost everywhere I look I see something that has distracted me from communing with my God. Things I never had thought had a hold on my life... Worry. Money. Worry about money. Pleasing people. Not getting in trouble. At times things I want. Insecurities that prevent me from living my full potential. Plans that *I* want. Dreams. Busyness. Schedules. Needing another roommate. It all screams at me. And frankly, the past few days I've been listening more to those things than I have to the voice of the One who I should be listening to. I have been doing the talking...not the listening. And that needs to stop. Perhaps that is part of the challenge...slowing down enough to listen... How will I practically do this? Not sure yet. I often think as I write, so in a lot of ways this idea is as new to me as it is to those reading this.
So...as I prepare to begin...I realize just how far I am from perfect--and just how much I need God's grace. Life is stressful, empty, overwhelming, loud, scary, and...heavy...without the help of the LORD.
Perhaps this seems a bit off topic from the challenge itself, but it is where my heart is right now. I need to "cease striving and know that HE is God" (loosely Ps. 46:10a). This is not mine. Yet it is easy to let the thought that I have some control take over.
God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Introduction
I have a list of 101 things I want to do before I turn 30. It all began because I thought doing a bucket list at age 19 was rather depressing...but I loved the idea of trying new things! One of the things on my list was to do a 365 day challenge. About a year ago I tried to do one of posting a different picture everyday on Facebook. But I quickly realized that remembering to post a picture a day in the middle of a crazy college semester was impossible... So I dropped the idea. And decided to wait until I had an inspiration.
That inspiration came last Sunday during a sermon. Pastor Matthew was talking about the dangers of coveting as addressed in Micah 2. Towards the end of the sermon he shared about a book (7 by Jen Hatmaker) that involved fasting from various things. It was then that God placed the idea on my heart. I would fast a different thing each month for the next year (a.k.a. 12 different things). They would be things that had either become idols in my heart or things that would purposely place my eyes back on God. But I can't do it alone. And so, I am creating this blog to have you, friends...and new friends...to keep me accountable as well as join in on sharing in God's work. God did not create us to do things alone! He put us as part of the Church. And thus, I want to share it. There will be high points and low points, but I know that God will use this year to change me. If you feel so led, please feel free to join me at any point! Fast whatever you feel the LORD is calling you to fast.
My launch date is August 1, 2012. As for what I'm fasting, I am not sure yet. I am praying about that right now...and have an idea, but I will wait to share it until I am sure that is what I'm doing. Each month I will ask God what He wants me to fast for the next month. My instinct is to plan it out, but I know that this will give me a level of control in this journey that I don't want. I want God to lead. I am also refraining from sharing my ideas as of now because I want you to discover along with me what I am doing. On the 1st of every month, I will write about what I have decided to fast for the next month and why. During the month, I will post about what I'm learning. And then hopefully at the end of the month I will share my reflections. Since I will be entering another crazy college year I cannot promise how many times I will post per month, but I will do my best! :)
Why am I calling it Re-Challenge? Well, because it to do with a lot of "re"s: a time to repent of idols in my life, a way to refocus my heart on God, a time of refreshment in seeking the LORD, and also a "retry" of a 365 day challenge.
Please join in praying for me--and fasting if you so feel called! Join whenever you want...it doesn't have to be August 1st. I know that God is going to do amazing things--and I can't wait to see what they are!
That inspiration came last Sunday during a sermon. Pastor Matthew was talking about the dangers of coveting as addressed in Micah 2. Towards the end of the sermon he shared about a book (7 by Jen Hatmaker) that involved fasting from various things. It was then that God placed the idea on my heart. I would fast a different thing each month for the next year (a.k.a. 12 different things). They would be things that had either become idols in my heart or things that would purposely place my eyes back on God. But I can't do it alone. And so, I am creating this blog to have you, friends...and new friends...to keep me accountable as well as join in on sharing in God's work. God did not create us to do things alone! He put us as part of the Church. And thus, I want to share it. There will be high points and low points, but I know that God will use this year to change me. If you feel so led, please feel free to join me at any point! Fast whatever you feel the LORD is calling you to fast.
My launch date is August 1, 2012. As for what I'm fasting, I am not sure yet. I am praying about that right now...and have an idea, but I will wait to share it until I am sure that is what I'm doing. Each month I will ask God what He wants me to fast for the next month. My instinct is to plan it out, but I know that this will give me a level of control in this journey that I don't want. I want God to lead. I am also refraining from sharing my ideas as of now because I want you to discover along with me what I am doing. On the 1st of every month, I will write about what I have decided to fast for the next month and why. During the month, I will post about what I'm learning. And then hopefully at the end of the month I will share my reflections. Since I will be entering another crazy college year I cannot promise how many times I will post per month, but I will do my best! :)
Why am I calling it Re-Challenge? Well, because it to do with a lot of "re"s: a time to repent of idols in my life, a way to refocus my heart on God, a time of refreshment in seeking the LORD, and also a "retry" of a 365 day challenge.
Please join in praying for me--and fasting if you so feel called! Join whenever you want...it doesn't have to be August 1st. I know that God is going to do amazing things--and I can't wait to see what they are!
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