Monthly Challenge – December

 

This month’s challenge is again going to be about reaching out to others.  Those who have been reading this blog for awhile know that starting four years ago I have been challenging Christians who celebrate Christmas as Jesus’ birth to do so in a manner that HE would like.  I’ve also encouraged those who don’t celebrate to still take the extra opportunity to reach out the hurting, poor and lonely at this time of year.  Consequently, our challenge this month is going to be about reaching out to others. 

So here we are!

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Take someone out or invite her over for lunch or tea – a friend, relative or anyone you think needs it.

And/Or

Call a lady on the phone who has recently lost a loved one, moved, or has some other large challenge going on in her life right now.

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Firstly, the idea is to minister to individual people that might be needing some compassion this month.  It’s about taking time to really stop to listen and talk with someone who is hurting, lonely, sad, tired, or otherwise overwhelmed by life.  This is not about squeezing a quick lunch in while you’re out Christmas shopping and then rushing off to the next “really important” thing.  This IS the really important thing from a biblical viewpoint.  Matthew 25:35-36 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Secondly, think outside your usual holiday box.  Who do you usually NOT spend time on during the “holiday season”?  That’s probably the life you need to touch with compassion this year.  Is there a shut-in that can’t go out to eat?  Take a little tea party to her where she is. 

Please don’t limit yourself by what’s easy.  If necessary, eliminate some holiday excess to do this.  That is showing the love of Christ and following His example.  He made time, even in the midst of bustle, to stop and talk to individuals who needed Him.  We are His hands and feet today.

I know it will be a challenge for some to work this into their busy schedule this month, but if there wasn’t a stretching element or a sacrifice involved it wouldn’t be a challenge, would it? :-)  It may take focus and effort, but resisting the greed and distractions of this season require that anyway.  Those Christians who do try to live above the excesses know that it takes conscious effort – “striving against sin”, Hebrews 12:14.  If you go into the “holiday season” in a passive “go-with-the-flow” attitude, you will be sucked into the lust of the flesh and won’t do things that reflect the mind of Christ.  So, yes, this is meant to challenge you to step up and do something on purpose that might be inconvenient, but hopefully it will bring the satisfaction that walking in Jesus’ steps brings.

1 Peter 2:21  For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

I’ve asked this before, and will continue to do so – How do you think Jesus Christ would want you to celebrate His birth?  Please give that prayerful consideration.

Monthly Challenge – July

 

A picnic we had with my parents at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in March.

Well, it’s the first Tuesday of the month, and time for our new monthly challenge.

This month it seemed like it would be nice to do something that was in keeping with the summer season since a majority of my readers are in the northern hemisphere.  Maybe you can use this as an opportunity to get outside and enjoy the warm weather while it lasts.  (I know, it’s very warm in some places.  But, remember we’re already on the down side of the year and headed toward shorter days.) 

I think both challenges could apply to either hemisphere, however, keeping in mind those who are having winter now, one challenge is more “multi-purpose”. :-)

Here goes:

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Ditch your schedule for a day and do something you or you and your spouse/kids have been wanting to do but never “have time for”.  (Excuse bad grammar.)

And/Or

Plan and take an outing to a favorite location.

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For some people ditching the schedule may prove challenging, but it can be any day, or part of a day if necessary.  Also doing stuff you “never have time for” could be anything – craft projects, going to the park, picking wildflowers, baking cookies, watching a movie, digging into that decluttering project, fishing, etc.

Going to a favorite location also doesn’t have to be complicated.  It could be going to visit parents/grandparents or other family members, making time to stop at a favorite shop, revisiting a favorite museum, or taking a picnic to a favorite park.  If you want to make it a big thing, go ahead – a vacation or camping trip would be great.  Maybe a quilt shop? :-)  There are lots of options. 

Just try to figure out something that will make you say, “Yeah, it was good to do that.”  And, hopefully, it will also get you out of the house and/or out of your rut.  :-)

As always, Enjoy!

With my parents at our favorite park in Roane County,Tennessee in 2007 (before we were married). :-)

Monthly Challenge – February

 

Illustration property of Holly Hobbie.
There are few things that will add sunshine to any day like receiving an
unexpected package from a friend or family member.

Hebrews 13:16  But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Well, it’s time for our second monthly challenge of the year! :-)  Hope you all enjoyed the first one.  Please go back and read the introduction if you don’t know what is going on. :-)

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Challenge 2

Make a special treat for family or friends.

AND/OR

Send a small care package to someone who needs cheering up.

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You can make these as simple or complicated as you like, but simpler things are more likely to get done.  Just sayin’…as much for myself as anyone! 

The special treat could be as simple as cinnamon toast and hot cocoa or it could be as complicated as a decorated cake.  You could even skip the making part and buy a watermelon. :-)  (Please invite me in that case.)  You could invite the friends over to share the treat with you/your family, or you could deliver something to their house.  You could even combine the two and make a treat to mail to someone. ;-)  [The Lord worked it out that I had the opportunity to make a treat for both family and friends yesterday.]

The care package can be something special or it could be something very simple.  It could be something very useful, or it could be something that is just for fun or “luxury” (like a chocolate bar if the weather where you are is cool).  But, please do send it to someone who needs cheering up, or…as the case may be, someone that the Lord lays on your heart.

My dad and youngest brother making ice cream while my mom supervised. :-)  This was taken approximately ten years ago.

Monthly Challenge – November

 

Since November is a month when we particularly think about being thankful here in the U.S., it seemed like it might be nice to incorporate that into this month’s challenge. 

Here we go:

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Send a “thank you” note to a lady who has been a blessing to you (or your children) spiritually – a pastor’s wife, Sunday School teacher, Bible study leader, etc.

And/Or

Write a letter or email to a missionary lady who is far away from home.

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I am focusing on pastor’s wives and lady teachers and leaders because I was a pastor’s daughter and I know that sometimes people forget to thank the ladies in the church who either are teaching or doing work behind the scenes in the line of ministry.  Verbal thanks is good, but a written “thank you” is really meaningful.  It means someone actually took the time to stop and write down some thoughts, not just say “thanks” in the hall and rush on with their lives.  If you know what I mean…

I will also add that I’m not talking about your mother or grandmother here.  I sincerely hope that if you have godly parents and/or grandparents that you let them know on a regular basis that you appreciate them.  This is about the women who aren’t usually thought of as “needing” to be thanked.  Galatians 6:6  Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

The second part of the challenge is, I think, self-explanatory.  Missionary ladies may not get many personal letters from someone just reaching out in love to thank them or encourage them.  If possible, I really recommend sending snail mail.  It is such a blessing to received a real letter from someone “back home”.  But, when it comes down to it, I think they will be happy with an email as well.  And, please, try to write a personal, friendly letter.  Half a dozen questions about their work and a brief synopsis of the weather is hardly going to make them feel loved and cared for.  Tell them about your kids, your projects, something you’ve learned in your walk with God, maybe even share a recipe if they are in a place where they can get Western ingredients.

Romans 12:10  Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Hope you enjoy this challenge! :-)

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NOTE: I have a question.  Shall I continue the monthly challenges next year?  Are you enjoying them?  Thanks for your input.

Monthly Challenge - March

(An old photo of me cleaning our fridge when we first moved to Texas.)

If you don’t know what the challenges are about, please read the first one. :-)

I had written up a different challenge for this month, but then realized that the northern regions of the globe would maybe be too wintry still for it to practical, so I had to figure out something else.  I postponed the other challenge to April, so that little hint should keep you guessing. :-)

Since it’s March and “Spring Cleaning” is popular with some people, I thought this challenge might be a good one for us to do this month.

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Clean something that you know needs to be done, but you have been putting off.

And/Or

Get rid of 5 things you don’t really need or never use.

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Even if you don’t practice “Spring Cleaning” (which I don’t) this challenge is doable.  A lot of us have some cleaning job that is nagging us that we could get done this month.  I can think of more than one at the moment.  It doesn’t have to be something huge and exhausting.  You don’t have to clean out the whole garage.  Pick something for which you have the time and energy.  Ideas:  Clean the fan blades of ceiling fans in one or more rooms, clean the top of the fridge, wash a load of rags that have been waiting to get done, clean out the bath tub you never use, etc.  Cleaning and getting rid of 5 things could easily be combined in some cases such as cleaning out the fridge.

On the other hand, if you’re not up for a cleaning project at all, you can get rid of 5 things you don’t need, want or use.  That should be fairly easy for anyone, except maybe a pathological hoarder.  (If you feel too overwhelmed by the thought of getting rid of 5 things, and assuming you’re not a minimalist, you might want to seek professional help.  Seriously.)  Some areas to look: clothes closets, storage areas, cleaning supplies, the freezer or deep freeze, shoes, book shelves, seasonal décor, toy boxes, craft/sewing area, etc.

I’m thinking that it probably would be good for me us, if I did both of these challenges this month!  Since some of these challenges are meant to improve our own personal spaces, naturally it can improve things for those around us as well. :-)

Monthly Challenge – August

 

August is a hot month in Texas.  This summer has been milder than any we’ve experienced since we moved here, but we are now hitting the three digit temperatures.  A lot of places in the northern hemisphere are hot this time of year, or at least as hot they are likely to get.  (“Hot” is relative.)  :-)  The southern hemisphere is still having some winter from what I hear.  These challenges will let you stay inside for the most part.

Last month’s challenge was about things we are familiar with – places we like and things we wanted to do.  This month we’re going to try another challenge about pushing ourselves out of our boxes.

So, here it is!

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Try a food you’ve never eaten before.

And/Or

Read up on a country that is unfamiliar to you – one about which you know little or nothing.

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Crawfish Etouffee (I made this batch years ago.  My family still likes it.)

First of all, I don’t just mean trying a new recipe.  We’ll cover that in another challenge, maybe.  What I’m talking about is trying some specific food item you’ve never eaten before to your knowledge.  This could be an herb or spice, meat, vegetable, fruit, grain, etc. 

There are so many different foods available these days; it shouldn’t be hard to find something new to try.  If octopus, scorpions or snake aren’t going to work for you, try something tamer. :-)  Maybe some new-to-you fruit or vegetable would be appropriate.  This is a good time of year to look for different vegetables in the north because harvesting of these things is in progress now.  Maybe visit a farmer’s market and look for something interesting – a new kind of cheese, bread seasoned with flavors you’ve never tried, etc.

Red lentils purchased at an Indian store.

Also, don’t forget the multitude of ethnic foods that are now available.  My personal favorite is Ethiopian food.  (If you find an Ethiopian restaurant near you please be aware that some of the food is very spicy.  Ask for advice if you need “mild” food. :-)  )  Visit an ethnic market and look for something interesting, but be aware that you may find a lot of “strange” things, and be sure you buy something with English instructions or that you can guess how it should be prepared. :-)

My family has had a lot of adventures in this line because my dad is famous for bringing home unusual foods.  I’d have to say that we’d probably have to go to an ethnic shop to find a food he hasn’t tried before.  He’s introduced us to a lot of really good things, but he’s also had some real “duds”.  We remind him about his horrible tasting shark stew (his own concoction), and also the “jelly grass” which basically had no flavor to speak of. :-)  At the very least, trying new foods gives us fun memories to laugh about later.

Nairobi, Kenya.  Taken by my Grandpa Hoover in the 1960s.

Learning about a new country should be pretty straightforward.  If you have no idea just look up a world map and pick a place about which you know little to nothing.  Then begin your search.  Google, Wikipedia, an encyclopedia, and your local library are good places to start.

Need some ideas?

Eritrea – formerly a part of Ethiopia.
Lichtenstein – a city-state in Europe with a famous bank.
Tonga – an Island kingdom in the south Pacific that crowned a “new” king this year.
Andorra  - a tiny country with one of the highest literacy rates in the world.
Belize – the only country in Central America whose official language is English.    [Photo: King Tupou VI]

Nope, I didn’t give any links.  The point is to find the information yourself. :-) 

Enjoy the challenge!  (And hopefully the food you try. ;-)  )

Monthly Challenge – April

 

If you don’t know what the challenges are about, please read the first one. :-) 

Are you enjoying the challenges?  I’m finding it quite…well, challenging, but in a good and sort of exciting way.  I’ve made a long list of possible challenges, so it’s also interesting to decide which ones I should use each month.

This month’s challenge is a little different.  The point in this one is to get us to expand our local horizons a bit, to learn a little more about our own local area.  If you have kids, grandkids or nieces and nephews old enough to enjoy the challenge you choose to do, I recommend you take them along and expand their lives too.  You could also do this with a friend or your spouse or, in some case, with your pet.  The more the merrier. :-)

Here’s the challenge.

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Explore a road or street you have never been down before.

And/Or

Visit a shop, park, cafe or a small museum that you have never been in before.

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When I was a kid my dad would every so often say, “Let’s go on an explore.”  Sometimes he would do this spontaneously when he saw a road he wanted to investigate and he had an idea where it ended up.  Other times it meant he was going to take us somewhere that he had been recently where he found something interesting.  Occasionally it was a longer trip that took up more of the day and a picnic lunch was involved, or maybe eating out somewhere.  It was always more or less exciting, though sometimes I felt a little uncertain about it as I got older, being a rather unadventurous type myself. :-)  But, in retrospect I know it was good for me, and I saw some things that were really neat and even awe-inspiring.  Our family found some favorite places due to his eagerness to “explore”.

I remember some of them well.

Sailor’s Pines near Croton, Michigan was breathtaking.  It is an old growth forest of white pines that is privately owned, but the public is welcome to come and see this living history.  [Photo from Plants Amaze Me.]  We found violets blooming there in autumn!

Camp Newaygo Wetland Trail near Newaygo, Michigan was a favorite destination because it was close and not overly long.  We took friends there more than once.  [Photo from Plants Amaze Me.]

I don’t remember for sure who first found the Roane County Park near Harriman, Tennessee, but it became a favorite place for my family to go when we lived near there.  My husband and I had our first date there.  (I like Texas, but I do miss that park.)

My dad and mom were also inclined to explore some shops and try interesting restaurants.  I remember a few places, including an amazing toy store in Michigan, some great restaurants, Indian and Asian shops, and a fascinating small town museum.  Then there was the Roy Rogers Museum that we used to visit when we lived in California.  Lots of great memories.  :-)

In March 2014 my husband and I explored some of the country roads in our own local area.  One that was a little farther afield was really interesting.  After growing smaller and smaller and rougher and rougher, it opened out into a nice street with a number of large modern houses on it.  Those people are probably not bothered by a lot of unwanted traffic out at the end of that country road! :-)  (See photo at the top of this post.)

We also accidentally turned onto a dirt road right behind a water truck, which, as it turned out, was going to spray the road!  Yuck!

This is what our car looked like when we got home.  At least we got a laugh out of it. :-)

So get out there and do a little exploring this month, if you’re up for the challenge.  You may find a treasure, some great memories, a great “special spot” for repeated visits, or a funny story. :-)  Even if you’ve lived in an area for a long time you may find some little nook you never knew about before.  If not, you can share something you know about with family or friends.

Enjoy!

Ecclesiastes 3:11  He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

Monthly Challenge - February 2016

Children in a Spring Forest with Anemones in Bloom by Hans Andersen Brendekilde

Time for our February challenge.  I can't believe that January is over already.  We've had a very mild winter and February signals the start of early spring in Central Texas, so there isn't much time left for real winter weather here.  (I've already seen butterflies!)

How did you do with the January challenge?  I was really happy that I was able to get them both done, especially since I completely dropped the program in December and still haven't accomplished those challenges! (Ack.  We did have plans to take some friends out to eat, but it fell through, and I just never made the phone call I intended to make.  I know.  I really flubbed on that one!)

This month we're going to to keep it fairly simple because it's a short month.

So...

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Take a walk with a friend or pet.

And/Or

Watch a favorite uplifting movie or documentary with someone you love.

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This challenge should provide opportunities for everyone - those in climates that are pleasant or warm now, and those who are maybe buried in snow. :-)

I included walking with a pet because the reality of life is that there are some people who don't have many options for walking with friends.  I know that might seem strange to some of you, but it's a sad truth, and a sad commentary, on our world today.  Maybe you can think of someone of your acquaintance who may be feeling lonely that you could go walk with this month.  Sometimes single people and the elderly don't have friends with whom they can walk.

Watching something uplifting just makes sense.  Winter is still here in the northern hemisphere and in some places, even where there isn't snow, it may not be pleasant to be outside some days.  In the southern hemisphere it may be too warm to walk outside in places.  But, anyone who is reading this online should have the means to watch something uplifting - hopefully, with someone you love. :-)

Monthly Challenge – September

 

This month’s challenge is about reaching out to others and adding something positive to their lives. 

Once school starts in north America it seems that people’s busyness only escalates until after January 1st.  It can be easy to fall into a habit of being more self-focused, and more focused on one’s own particular set of interests and responsibilities.  I thought it might be a good idea to make a point of remembering others and this is a good month to get into the habit.  It’s also a good time to start making an effort to be more cheerful since the days are getting shorter and the start of SAD (Seasonal Affected Disorder) is upon us.

So…

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Smile more at others both at home and in public.

And/Or

Talk to someone you usually don’t talk to much – at church meetings, at the shops, at your homeschool group, at your Bible study group, at your kids’ activities, etc.

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Proverbs 15:13  A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

Obviously this is about being more friendly. :-)  It will also push some (most?) of us more or less out of our comfort zones.

The first one isn’t going to be a “one-time-and-you’re-done” type of thing.  It’s more in the line of making a new habit, if possible.  I try to remember to smile at people in public, particularly other ladies and children.  Sometimes it’s hard to keep in mind, though, especially if I’m feeling off myself. 

Sometimes I’ve found people either acted like they never even saw me, or they acted almost nervous that I would smile at them.  Some people will readily smile back.  Some will smile almost like it’s a duty or they are embarrassed about it, but at least the try.  The responses are interesting at any rate.  But, the fact of the matter is that people need smiles.  That is why God gave humans this unique, language-less means of communicating.

Talking to people with whom we don’t usually talk may be more of a challenge than the first one for some.  It can take some perseverance trying to visit or have a conversation with some people.  If the first one doesn’t respond, try someone else.  Start with a greeting and friendly comment or question about everyday life.  Don’t ask them something very personal, even if you know they are going through something (unless you have some legitimate reason to do so).  The point is to be friendly and extend some kindness, not to put them on the spot or make them uncomfortable (though some people seem to feel that way for their own reasons).

If you struggle with being friendly with people outside of your little circle of friends and family, I really encourage you to make that a matter of prayer.  We are often the only face of Jesus that many people will ever see out in the world.  Our countenances and the way we speak and interact with others (and our own) will often speak louder than tracts or invitations to “come to church”.  If we look like curmudgeons, why would they want our Savior?

I must say, there is also something very satisfying about transforming a troubled or gloomy face into a smile with one of your own.  I think it has to do with Acts 20:35,  I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

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Links:  (Possible disclaimer on some content.)

Here are 15 Benefits of Smiling.  It can make you happier and healthier!

Jo at “Finding Joy In the Every Day” wrote an interesting post on smiling recently.

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If you missed it, I wrote an update last week on my efforts to do some of the challenges. :-)

Monthly Challenge – March 2016

Original vintage graphic from Old Design Shop. Altered by me.

Time Marches on.  (Sorry, I couldn’t resist that one!)

Here we are in another in-between month – not spring (or autumn) and not winter (or summer) – or maybe it is, because it’s stuck in the middle and that can happen.  In Texas, it is spring!  We can still have frost and frosty weather for sure, but generally things are popping out in March.  In some places it is the "mud month" as snow and ice may be melting during the day and freezing again at night.

This month it seems like we should strive for something a little more challenging again, and it seems like it is time to write another letter or two.

So, here is the challenge:

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Write a list of things you love and appreciate about a loved one.  Make a copy and give it to that person.  [Save your copy to get out and read over when you feel especially provoked at him/her. :-)  ]

And/Or

Write a "love letter" to your spouse, child, parent, grandparent or other family member.

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I know.  This is the “wrong month”.  But, we don’t really observe Valentine’s Day in the first place, and secondly, I don’t like to get stuck doing this or that because it’s the "cultural norm."  I kind of like jumping out of boxes that are not necessary. :-)  Life keeps us in quite enough necessary boxes.

The list part of this is kind of self-explanatory.  It's about appreciating someone we love and letting them know specific things we appreciate.  The list doesn't have to be extensive, but I hope you can think of more than three or four items. :-)

The "love letter" is obviously not just about love letters in the romantic sense, although it could be if written to your spouse (husband, as I don't think I have many male readers).  Rather it's about expressing love to someone close to us.  It could even be a close friend.  It might be a good idea to write the letter to someone who you don't always express your love to in words that have more depth of meaning.

This may prove to be a greater challenge than some, but that's a good thing - stretching ourselves in a different way.

Enjoy!  :-)

Monthly Challenge - May

 

(Click on the graphic to get a copy to save to your computer for your own use.)

If you don’t know what the challenges are about, please read the first one. :-)

This month quite a few people around the world will be observing Mother’s Day so it seemed like a good idea to include that somehow in the challenge – but not in the way you might expect since these challenges are intended to push us outside our usual boxes. :-)

The challenges –

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Finish a project you have been working on.

And/Or

Send an encouraging card/note to or do something nice for a lady who has no children or who recently lost her mother or a child.

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Finishing an unfinished project is usually a good thing to push towards.  I know I have plenty of “scope for the imagination” on that one!  I just need to choose which one (or ones) I’m going to address.  I’m not putting any specs on this.  It could be something you started yesterday or 10 years ago.  It can be something fun or something you really didn’t want to do.  Just get it done if at all possible! :-)

What we do for the lady who has no children or lost her mother/child is meant to be something cheerful and/or comforting.  A sympathy card may be appropriate in some cases where a mother or child died, but don’t send words of sympathy to the childless lady unless you know her very well and know that is what she needs.  (And don’t forget the single childless ladies.)  (For further reading on childless ladies: A Word to “The Mother Club” On Behalf of the Hurting Ones Outside.)

Please don’t write about all your problems or how cute your own kids are or how great your mother is.  Try to be cheerful.  Try to show compassion without emphasizing what she doesn’t have.  This is especially important this month, even though the goal is not necessarily to send something before Mother’s Day.  Use scripture, a hymn, an uplifting poem or a devotional thought if you can’t think of what to write.  You could print something from the internet that was a blessing to you.  Or, if she lives near by, you could take her some flowers from your garden, some homemade treat or some fruit.  Invite her over for tea or take her out for coffee. :-)  She may be a lady you know would appreciate just spending time with your children and you, so share your kids.  But, be sure to pray about it.  You know the Lord is interested in us doing these things, right?  If we ask for His help, He will direct us.  He knows exactly what she needs and He is always ready to help us obey His word.

Romans 12:10  Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

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Update on the April Challenge.

My husband and I didn’t manage to do any exploring till last Saturday, which obviously was May 2nd.  Oh well, it was still fun.  We started by going down Blessing Ranch Rd., which isn’t too far from where we live.  Isn’t that a neat name?  I wonder what Blessing Ranch was like back in the day.  Was it really a blessing to the people who named it?  Or was that their last name?  Maybe I can learn something through Google.  Anyway, we wandered on some back roads and learned a little more about our “neck of the woods”. :-)  I still hope to visit a shop, café, or somewhere that we’ve never been in before.  More later on that if we do.

Monthly Challenge - December 2016

The Quiltmaker by Tozer

James 1:27  Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

As my long time readers know, I have a burden for those who are lonely, sad, and suffering during "the holiday season". I have also been thinking lately about some of our friends whom we have not had contact with for a long while. This month's challenge will touch on both of those things.

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Visit or do something for a "shut in".

And/Or

Phone someone you haven't talked to for a long time.

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In 2014 I did a Christmas Challenge post on Seeing with Compassion. One way to do that is to reach out to "shut ins" - those who cannot get out during the holiday season. Whether we celebrate or not, this is something that we can do that is in keeping with the example of Jesus Christ. He repeatedly reached out to the suffering and lonely (think of the Samaritan woman at the well and Zacchaeus the tax collector). Nursing homes may be an obvious place to look, but don't overlook all those people who are stuck at home for various reasons during the winter (or at any time).

As for the phone calls, think about someone whose friendship you enjoyed who has just drifted out of you life for some reason. Sometimes it was lack of effort on one or both sides, sometimes it was just the cares of life. If you have a phone number, give them a ring and have a chat. If it doesn't go anywhere, at least you tried. If it brings you back into contact, then you have gotten back a friend.

Proverbs 27:10  Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not...

Monthly Challenge – January

 

Here’s another new idea for 2015.  I like challenges, but I like them to be something worthwhile and generally of modest proportions, at least when it’s something that I choose to put upon myself.  We get enough of the more difficult kind just living, right?  Hopefully, this idea will be more of the enjoyable as well as expanding type! :-)

Each month I hope to post a challenge to us on the first Tuesday of the month.  They will vary in type from reaching out to others to working on our own personal space and selves.  I hope it will prove to be interesting, enjoyable and also helpful to us over the course of the year.  I also plan to give two options so that it will be easier to choose something that will fit into each one’s life and schedule.  However, you’re welcome to do both if you like!

To start off with, since I didn’t get this going at the beginning of the month, I’m making it relatively easy.  It’s always better to ease into new things if we can anyway. :-)

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Challenge 1

Write a snail mail to someone far away.

AND/OR

Pick several people on your contact list on your cell phone who you have not communicated with for a bit and send them a kind text message.

Hebrews 13:16  But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

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I already sent text messages to several ladies that I hadn’t communicated with for a week or more.  I won’t always tell you which or what I did, but since I already did this I thought I’d mention it. :-)  I may still also write a snail mail, or two.

ENJOY!

Monthly Challenge - July 2016

Last month we were reaching out to others, so this month it would be good to work on ourselves again.  I've been struggling with using my time wisely of late (hence the late posting of this challenge), so I thought maybe we should have a challenge relating to time management.   I hope it helps us all!

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Prioritize something that is important for you to do and make extra effort on it this month.

And/Or

Set a timer and spend 15 minutes a day on something you've been neglecting.

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The priority item could be anything from sewing to attending Bible study.  It could be getting your preparations for the next school year done if you're a homeschooling mother.  It could be visiting a friend or relative who is shut in or in a nursing home more faithfully.  It could be getting more exercise.  It could be reading more.  The opportunities are immense!

Setting a timer and working on a specific task daily is pretty self-explanatory - sewing, weeding, writing, art, whatever you need to work on daily.  The two challenges could be combined very nicely as well.

As my mother would say, let's "knuckle down and get it done!"  :-)

Enjoy!

Monthly Challenge - September 2016

August was a challenging month for me.  I had some medical tests done that were not pleasant (are they ever?) and I started September with a cold.  At first, I didn't feel like I needed a challenge this month, but I decided that if we did something easy and enjoyable maybe it would work.

So, here it is.

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Get outside and enjoy the sunshine.

And/Or

Have tea, coffee, or hot chocolate with a friend or family member.

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That should be pretty easy, shouldn't it? :-)

Sunshine is so good for our overall health.  Autumn is here, or coming, in the northern hemisphere, so we need to soak up some extra sunshine and out-of-doors time before the shorter, colder, darker days arrive.  In the southern hemisphere spring is arriving and that's always a good reason to get outside!  If you live somewhere in between where there isn't much swing in seasons it's just good to get outside in the sunshine, so... :-)

Having tea, coffee, or hot chocolate with someone is also easy and a good pick-me-up.  It's always nice to pause over a warm drink and a little friendly (and hopefully edifying) chat.

Well, I hope you enjoy this challenge! :-)

Ecclesiastes 11:7  Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun:

Monthly Challenge - April 2016

Well, it's April already!  One quarter of the year is gone.  But, Spring has come or is coming is many places on the Northern Hemisphere, and in the Southern they are feeling autumn - at least where they have such a thing.

This month's challenge will be about nature and routines.

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Slow down and take the time to really look at nature.  Enjoy whatever is available where you live.

And/Or

Simplify your routine or schedule in some way.

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This challenge may be just a little harder than it sounds.

I was walking outside this last week, and by not going quite so fast I noticed that I could look around me more and enjoy the beauties of God's creation.  In most places these days there is something that can be enjoyed from nature, even if it's just the fruit and vegetable section of the local supermarket or a patch of sky. :-)  Genesis 1:31  And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good...

Simplifying our routines may prove somewhat challenging, but the point here is to remove the pointless. :-)  We all fall into habits that are not terribly useful, productive or restful which we could just stop if we're honest with ourselves.  I already deleted two game apps on my cell phone.  One I played quite a bit and the other almost never.  The one was taking up too much time and I thought I could re-appropriate those bits of time to something more beneficial in the long run - such as reading or even writing.  I have a theory that mindless games don't really help the brain in a positive way, even when problem solving is involved.  For my own part I have found myself being frustrated by the game and how does that make a positive contribution to my life?  It doesn't.  So.

(I did keep two games, which I play sometimes, because they are not of the addictive or demanding type and I get bored with them fairly quickly.  I consider these types to be "safer" for long term use. :-)  )

What  could you get rid of from your schedule?  There is a lot of scope for the imagination in this.  It could be something significant that you haven't wanted to acknowledge - the time hog of sports (adult or children's), the too-involved hair and makeup routine, the daily texting or chatting with "friends" who don't really care all that much, the "looking" at the grocery store that isn't actually part of the needed shopping, the piano lessons for the child that is totally not into it, etc.  Or it could be something fairly simple that you just realize is non-essential and dispensable - meticulously folding laundry that could be stored more simply, making complicated recipes, trying to keep alive a house plant that really doesn't want to live, etc.  The idea is to try to use that time for something of more value - realizing that more value may be a nap, pleasure reading, playing with the kids, or some other simple thing you "don't have time for" now. :-)  Maybe it would be a walk outside to enjoy nature.  Of course, if it's simply absorbed into your other usual things, that's fine too.  You've still simplified your life a little.

1 Corinthians 10:31  Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

Enjoy!

Writing Challenge - Introduction and Challenge #1

Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

As 2016 was winding down I was struggling with the "Monthly Challenges". We did them for two years, but I was not keeping up with them like I should, and I was running out of fresh ideas. I wasn't sure if I even wanted to do any kind of challenges this year, or just let it go entirely. However, I've been thinking a lot about improving my own writing skills and in order to do that I need to stretch myself. It occurred to me that at least some of my readers might like to participate. Perhaps some new readers will join us along the way.

Obviously writers, especially those with blogs, might enjoy the challenges the most. Homeschoolers might like to add some of them to their children's learning plan. Some who journal or just write for their own enjoyment might also find some of them interesting as well.

"Rules"

The "rules", for lack of a better word, will be fairly loose.

1. My own original writing and ideas are my intellectual property and may not be copied or printed, except for personal use, without my written permission. (This is the most threatening rule and I state it because I don't know if I may someday wish to publish my ideas myself. It gets better, keep reading.)

2. You can post your participation projects on your blog or in the comments here - or not. You choose.

3. It would helpful if you use a challenge idea for a blog or web site post if you would link back to the challenge, but that is completely voluntary.

4. If you are an educator, while I am delighted to have you use my challenges, I would much appreciate credit for any challenges you choose to use with your students. (See Rule 1.)

5. You are not obligated to leave "encouraging comments" on other blogs or in the comments below in order to participate. (NOTE: Rude comments left here will more than likely not see the light of day on this blog.) ;-)

6. You do not have to connect to me through social media, and you are not required to follow my blog in order to participate.

7. You do not have to participate at all. :-)

8. You may participate in complete obscurity or anonymity (because I know that putting yourself in print online can be intimidating).

9. If you post your efforts in the comment section here, you accept the fact that I have the right to decide if I wish to publish it or not. All comments are moderated. This is my blog. You want to make sure it's seen - start you own blog. :-)  This blog is run by a Christian, so keep comments posted here family friendly, profanity free, and God fearing.

If You Wonder...

There will be no link-up parties for these challenges in the foreseeable future because I don't want all the extra work. I just want to write more, not manage. ;-)

While I want to improve my own grammar skills and such, I am not a teacher nor part of the "grammar police", so there will be no "correcting" or instructing of individuals along those lines. If you're looking for that type of thing I'm sure you can find something online to help you. I may post opinions in my own posts upon occasion, but I'm not here to help you correct your own mistakes. I just thought some others might enjoy coming along for this adventure, so I'm essentially inviting you to participate if you wish, nothing more.

Lastly, since we live in the best and worst of times, to reference Dickens, and very strange things seem to be common these days, if for any reason an ugly situation develops in relation to these challenges, I will discontinue them without warning or reference to the participants' opinions. Sad to have to say that, but as my Grandpa was wont to say, "People are stranger than anyone."

I think that about covers it. I haven't yet determined how often I will publish the challenges. Some will be easier than others. Some will relate to specific types of writing projects. Some may have either/or options.

Kick Off Challenge

Since January is already waning, we'll kick things off with something I've already been doing and am hoping others might enjoy.

CHALLENGE: Get a word from the Random Word Generator and write something about that subject. It can be as short or long as you wish.

Personally, I don't care how many times you hit the button to get a word you want to write about, but it's more challenging if you hold yourself to one to three clicks. :-)

I already did one of these this month.

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For those who are interested in participating: How often would you like to see the challenges go up? I'm just looking for some ideas on time frame.

Monthly Challenge - October 2016

This month's challenge is again reaching out to others, but in a little different way than usual.

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Write a letter to a child or young person.

And/Or

Offer to babysit someone's children so that they can have a date night or make a shopping trip without their kids in tow.

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Why this?

Matthew 19:14  But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

Sometimes we overlook the obvious.  Mothers with children at home may not think about other people's kids as being in need of their ministry.  Women whose children have left home, or who never had any children, may not think about reaching out to kids in this way.  For this reason, I recommend that the children chosen to receive letters not be your own kids - unless they are far from home for some reason and you don't usually write to them by snail mail anyway.  Grandchildren, nieces and nephews, etc. are fine. :-)  Moms, you may want to include your own children in writing letters to other kids.  This would double the blessing.

I am guessing that there are a lot of children and young people in this world now who have never received a snail mail letter in their lives.  This is something that we can help change. :-)

The second part is probably self-evident.  There are moms (and dads) who could benefit from a chance to go out as a couple, or alone as the case may be.  Offering, instead of waiting to be asked, makes it easier for them.  And, please don't expect to be paid for this.  The idea is to render a service free of charge.  Some parents can't even afford a babysitter anyway.

I hope this will be a blessing and help to someone.  ...remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.  Acts 20:35

Monthly Challenge - October

 

Psalms 149:1  Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.

This month’s challenge is about music.  I was a church pianist for years, so music has been a big part of my life.  There are so many great hymns and songs that have been forgotten over the years.  There are also some great new ones being written.

So here we go!

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Learn a hymn or song.

And/Or

Listen to a CD, record or tape you like but haven’t listened to for awhile.

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This should give the option of choosing your difficulty level. :-)

Learning a hymn or song can be as difficult or easy as you want to make it.  If you play an instrument you could learn to play something you’ve never tried before.  Most of us don’t know every hymn in the hymn book, so picking something should be relatively easy.  Or you could learn to sing a new hymn/song.  You could also make a project of memorizing the all the words of a hymn, either one you are familiar with or a new one.  If you have children, think about including them.

If you need some ideas you can look back through the things I’ve posted on Saturday nights for over a year now: Evening Songs.

Listening to something you haven’t listened to for awhile is self-explanatory.  The only question is whether you have a way to play some of the older types. :-)

And, don’t forget, as Christians we are not supposed to be selfish with our music.  We can minister to our own family, even if we feel awkward singing a solo or something in church.  My mom and dad used to sing  Christian songs to us at bed time.  Being able to sing the words distinctly in congregational singing can also be a ministry.  It may help those who are less familiar with the songs, and it can help you to sing out more since you already know the words.  Playing uplifting music in the home is also a good ministry, whether it’s on your own instrument or through pre-recorded music.  If you are single you might still find a way to share your music with someone else – a roommate or friend or perhaps a shut-in, and, of course, congregational singing.

Colossians 3:16  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

1 Corinthians 14:7  And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?

In case your excuse is that you don’t sing well:

Psalms 95:1-2  O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

Enjoy!

Monthly Challenge – August 2016

"Tea Leaves" by William McGregor Paxton
Wikimedia Commons

Things have been rather “exciting” here to start off the month of August.  We have a lot of irons in the fire, as the saying goes.  Consequently, I decided to make the challenge this month something a little easier again.

Here it is:

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Invite someone over for a meal.

And/Or

Share a good recipe (that you actually use) with a friend.

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Inviting someone for a meal might not seem all that easy to some, but I’m not going to put any limitations on it.  It can be family members or friends for whom you don’t feel any need to do extra clean up. :-)  Just extend some hospitality to someone.  Make it a super easy meal if you like, even make it a joint effort where they bring part of the meal.  Enjoy some fellowship and friendship.

I am making a limitation on the recipe by saying that it should be something that you use.  My reason for this is that we see so many recipes shared on Facebook these days that we know the person didn’t try before they passed it on to others.  So, the idea here is to pass on something that you use, something that is actually a part of you and your life, not just something that sounds and looks good on a computer screen. :-)  It’s more interesting to make a recipe that you know your friend uses regularly.  It gives us a connection that internet recipes never will give.

I hope this adds some joy to your life this month, and that you add some joy to someone else’s life through it.

Hebrews 13:16  But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

1 Peter 4:9  Use hospitality one to another without grudging.