Day 31: I Hope You Dance

entire series-all 31!!! posts-listed here

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder,

You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger,

May you never take one single breath for granted,

GOD forbid love ever leave you empty handed,

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,

Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,

Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance,

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.

I hope you dance....I hope you dance.

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance,

Never settle for the path of least resistance

Livin' might mean takin' chances but they're worth takin',

Lovin' might be a mistake but it's worth makin',

Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter,

When you come close to sellin' out reconsider,

Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance,

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.

I hope you dance....I hope you dance.

(Leann Womack)

I hope this series was not only marked the start of the new year, but that it also jump-started a renewal in your life and soul.

After this series, I hope you choose to make time for yourself. Make time for tea. Make time to read.

I hope you paint your nails and buy yourself flowers. I hope your make your bed with hospital corners and un-make it by making love. I hope you laugh out loud for everyone to hear. I hope you let your soul be encouraged, stirred, comforted and fed with music.

I hope you make lists and make new experiences. I hope you purge out the junk and focus on the important. I hope your heart overflows in gratefulness to God, the giver of every good and perfect gift, and to others. I hope you make giving a priority as well as volunteering.

I hope you will throw a party and bundle up and get some fresh air. I hope you walk and I hope you dance.

I hope, as we finish this first month of this new year, that you are feeling encouraged and challenged. Refreshed and renewed, in body, soul and spirit. I hope you are excited about all this year holds.

Thanks for sticking out this 31 Days with me! I'll see you again on Monday!

Day 30: Cut it Out

entire series listed here

Many new year's resolutions are along the lines of quitting something. Whether a bad habit or a certain kind of food. 

We've come and gone through almost the entire month of January. Many resolutions that were resolutely set out upon, have by now been abandoned. And the most common reason is, "I'll start it tomorrow." Procrastination...the enemy of resolutions since time immemorial.

What are you waiting for? Make today your tomorrow, and start now. 

My challenge for you is to give up one thing today, forever or for a defined period of time.

One food. One habit. One indulgence. 

Television, social media, chocolate, caffeine, chips, alcohol, eating out.

It could be something that is downright bad for you.

It could be a good thing that is just out of balance priority-wise.

Resolutions are not easy. Depriving yourself of something is not easy. We make a mistake in thinking that it will be. It is always rough-especially at the beginning.

The right thing isn't always the easy thing. Often it is the hard thing.

Resolutions take will power. Choosing and doing despite...

I am, once again, going to give up sweets-except for twice a week. That is a big sacrifice for me. My sweet tooth wants indulging every day. But, it pays off big in my waist line and how I feel.

Join me! What are you giving up-today?

Day 29: A Breath of Fresh Air

entire series listed here

I commented yesterday that this is the cabin fever time of year. Today's challenge is another remedy for that.

Get a breath of fresh air.

So, I know in some States this week, the possibility for getting frost bite is measurable in minutes, not hours. A breath of fresh air must of necessity be very brief.

I know, I know. It is a pain to bundle up in all the layers. Hats, gloves, snow pants, socks, boots, scarves, jacket. For five minutes?! Cray-zy!

Our tendency is to hibernate in this weather. Buckle down and endure.

But fresh air is worth it.

Fresh air is good for your health. Its briskness is rejuvenating. Its cleanness is refreshing.

Go on a short walk. Ice skate. Sled. Build a snowman. Shovel the walk. The activity will get your blood flowing and keep you reasonably warmish.

And then, once the temps warm up just a smidge (like Thursday or Friday this week), open your windows and air out your house. I know-that sounds certifiably cray-zy. But my midwife told us to do it a few years ago when we weren't getting over colds.

Let out the musty air and air out the germs. Open the windows-not ALL the way-just a few inches, set your timer for 10 minutes and let fresh air seep in. Then close the windows and turn up the heat. I usually do the upstairs, and then the downstairs. Not at the same time.

I can almost 100% guarantee that the fresh air in your house will NOT give you pneumonia. But, don't do it with your hair wet, 'cause then you'll get a cold. At least, that's what my mother always told me...

Day 28: Plan a Party

entire series here

We are buried in snow here. Again. Snow days have abounded. Cabin fever abounded.

Get.me.out.of here.

Winter is (by the calendar) almost half way over. The end is not quite in site. We are knee deep in always winter-never Christmas.

Which is why I just scheduled my annual Cabin Fever party.

We are hosting a pie social. Not a old-fashioned, bid on your sweetheart'e/wife's pie. Just a bring a pie, and we'll wash it down with lots of coffee and conversation.

This is the third year we have thrown a winter party. We plan it for the end of February or the beginning of March. That way it is generally still winter, but holiday harried-ness is over and spring is within realistic hoping distance.

Today I want to challenge you to plan your own party. Open your home within the next 5-6 weeks for a formal or informal event. You can host a wing night, or a cheese tasting party, a game night or a sledding party. To lighten your load, ask everyone to bring something.

I am all about online stuff too, and Evite makes it really easy to invite people to your party. I even found some very hippie-ish looking invites for my party. Evite is awesome-if you want to take invitations a step beyond a FB event. Though no one is saying you have too.=)

When are you going to have your party? Who are you going to invite? Me?

Day 27: Doing Poetic Justice

entire series listed here

If you have read this blog for any length of time, you know that my love of poetry is newly acquired. It all started with Robert Frost about two years ago, and I have been hooked since.

Poetry is so high brow. Unless your preferred form of poetry is Mother Goose. (Which I love, btw. Richard Scary's version.)

But, while poetry may seem high-browed, it has always been well received by the plebes-i.e. the masses. There is something gripping and beautiful about the rhythm and rhyme of a good poem.

It usually takes me a few reads to get the gestalt of a poem. It is work-unlike reading a chick flick. But, poetry also feeds the soul-in a way that a chick flick never will.

I enjoy finding humor hidden in between the lines. Robert Frost is very good at that. I like poems about history. I enjoy romantic poems.

I found (this post) full of good tips for understanding poems. My favorite online compilation of poems is Poem Hunter.

My Day 27 challenge is to read a poem, and I have included links to some of my recent favorites. Pick one to enjoy today.

Robert Frost...Old Man's Winter Night...I just love Robert Frost's poems-almost all of them. I love picturing his poems in my mind.

Sir Walter Scott...MacGregor's Gathering...a lusty poem somewhat romanticizing the Jacobite rebellion.

Robert Burns-Scotland's poet, born January 25. Anyone up for a Burn's Night party?...Red, Red Rose (I told Freckles he should memorize this one to have in his repertoire if/when he has a girlfriend. He declined the privilege.)

William Blake-artist and poet. His art is rather interesting. He would paint on an object, then press paper to it to lift the painting. Pretty cool...To Winter

Alexander Pope...Ode to Solitude...who doesn't love solitude?

Isaac Watts-prolific hymn writer and poet...The Incomprehensible.

Do you like poetry? What is your favorite poem? 

Day 26: Sunday Rest

entire series here

The idea of a day of rest is often scoffed at as legalistic, old fashioned, ridiculous and unnecessary.

Yet, that is not how God sees it.

And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. (Genesis 2:2)

The fourth commandment states...

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. (Exodus 20: 8-12)

A sabbath...a day of rest, a holy day-set apart to God. A day of worship.

As Christians, we are absolutely not bound to fulfill the 10 commandments because Christ has fulfilled the law. But, the principal and practice of a day of rest is actually a very good idea.

In our culture we have conditioned ourselves to go-go-go. We push ourselves at a frenetic pace 24/7, and there is supposedly some merit in that.

There is no time to pause and reflect. There is no time to let our bodies and minds rest.

Rest is renewing-to our bodies and souls. Renewal brings with it...joy.

This week, today, I am encouraging you to take a day of rest.

Choose to not do any but the most basic chores. We often look at Sundays as a catch-up day or a day to get a head start on the week. Forego the laundry and the cleaning and instead, rest.

Choose to worship corporately. To sit under the sound of the teaching of God's Word. To praise the Lord in song. To worship in prayer.

Choose to relax and rest. (maybe even take a Sunday afternoon nap...)

Choose to make this day about God and His pleasure.

Choose to enjoy family and friends in a low key manner.

For some ministry families, Sunday is not a day of rest. I would encourage you to find another day for your rest day.

If you keep from doing what pleases you on the Day of Rest, on My holy day and call the Day of Rest a happy time, and respect the holy day of the Lord, and if you honor it by turning from your own ways, and from following your own desire and by not talking in a foolish way, then you will have joy in the Lord. (Isaiah 58:13-14a)

There is nothing to be lost, but much to be gained, from taking a day of rest.

Rest well...

Day 25: Random Act of Kindness

entire series listed here

It is Saturday, and I can't believe I have reached the 25th day in this series! Wow! Being it is January 25th, it also means it is the BFF's birthday.

Happy birthday, best BFF in the whole world! 

I met my bff years ago-when we were both 12. Her dad had heart surgery or a stroke or some major medical condition and I heard about it through church. I didn't know this girl from Adam, but I suspected it might be pretty unsettling to be 12 and have your dad experience something like that. (whatever that was...)

So, I wrote that girl a letter to say I was praying for her. And the rest is history...

We became pen pals, though we lived in the same zip code. We wrote letters back and forth, and ended up meeting in person at her 13th birthday party.

Over 20 years later, we are still friends. Who (once again) live in the same zip code. And who have dinner together every other Tuesday-kids and all. We talk school, business, books, fashion and much-much more.

She is truly my best friend. Because of a random act of kindness.

Today I am challenging you to perform a random act of kindness. It can be for an absolute stranger or for someone you know well.

Not calculated by you. Not expected by them. Think outside yourself (T-O-Y) and your often busy and harried life, and bless someone else.

It can be big or small....

Paying for someone's groceries or drink/meal in the drive through.

Shoveling someone's walk. Brushing the snow off a stranger's car.

Giving an extra generous tip at a restaurant.

Doing someone else's chore for them.

Writing a note to a missionary or a shut-in or...a girl who might become your BFF... 

In what ways have you been unexpectedly blessed? Pay it forward to someone else today!

Day 24: Do the Dreaded Task

entire series listed here

You know which one that is...

That task looming like a weight over your head. You feel rather like Atlas-burdened, weighed down, unable to move. The task that is stealing joy, peace and motivation.

Any time of year, but especially this time of year (tax time), my dreaded task is paperwork. I greatly dislike paperwork. I'd rather walk across hot coals barefoot than do paperwork. Or climb Mount Everest. Or...

I avoid doing the accounts because I know it is going to take a while, it takes lots of concentration and is rather bothersome. . But, truthfully, it never takes as long as I think it will. I can enter most of our year's expenses and income into the computer in a couple hours. Two hours. Done.

Another hour to compute payroll and fill out 1099s. And it's done-for another year.

Three hours. But dreaded as if it were 3 days. Or 3 years.

Maybe, for you, your dreaded task is sorting a stack of mail or folding a mountain of laundry. Maybe it is washing dishes or running around the block. Maybe it is visiting the dentist or getting a mammogram. Maybe it is scrubbing the toilet or reading a certain book.

If you start now, you will be done sooner or later. Chances are, it will take less time and effort (and pain), than you thought it would.

We procrastinate by doing everything BUT what we need to do. Trolling social media for hours...Dead-heading plants in the dead of winter.... Sorting the toothpicks....

You know exactly what I am talking about...

Something I pinned a while back...

-if you went running when you first started thinking about it, you'd be back by now.

That goes for most dreaded tasks. If you did it when you first started dreading it, the task would be over with.

One more piece of wisdom...

source

Stop dreading and start doing. Just do it! Whatever your it is.

Day 23: Let Your Lights Shine

entire list here

I am rather a frugal gal. I mean, I have my excesses like anyone else, but I am a penny pincher. Certain wastes in our household make my skin crawl. Like water running-running down the drain. It's money flowing away, gallon by gallon. My kids don't seem to have this same concern.

Or how about lights and lightbulbs? The watts and the cost of illuminating in pennies per hour? Whoa!

My family goes through the house, turns each and every light on, and subsequently leaves the lighted room. Me, the cost-conscious one of the family, goes through the house, turning off the lights.

Hmmm...

Did I mention that I live in a State that averages about 160 days of sunshine per year? Yeah, that makes for 205 days per year that are not sunshiny. Gloomy. Cloudy. Overcast. Rainy. Gray.

Rather depressing, actually.

I have found that my moods and motivation correspondingly rise and fall with the amount of sunshine or gloom that we have. Gloomy day=no motivation. I want to burrow in my bed and not come out. Sunshiny day=look out world! (in a good way) I whiz through my to-do list like no one's business.

One of my friends visited me one gloomy day, and knowing my propensity for weather influenced mood swings told me to turn the lights on girl!

Even the artificial light made the gray winter day seem brighter.

So, I have sworn of penny pinching when it comes to lights. I turn on the lights, and enjoy the brightness. 

I burn candles for coziness and light. I open the blinds. I turn on every light in the room I'm in.

I let my lights shine.

I choose to save fewer pennies in order to save my sanity and brighten my days.

God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5)

Today, why don't you shine some light on your subject too!

Day 22: Just Say No

entire series listed here

I must admit that I do see the irony in the fact that yesterday's post was about volunteering and today's post is about saying no.

But, actually, volunteering and saying no are not mutually exclusive actions. You have to learn to say no, in order to be able to say yes. 

Saying no to the good and better in order to say yes to the best.

No to what others think you should do in order to say yes to what God wants you to do.

Saying no is hard. Especially when you must say no to people you love and respect. It is hard to say no to good things. But, saying no is a must in order to preserve your sanity and to keep your time free for what God wants you to do.

None of us can do everything we are asked to do. There isn't time or energy. Just because someone is asking you to do something does not mean it is what God wants you to do.

But, there is always the necessary time and energy and resources to do everything God wants you to do. It is called unbounded grace and enabling.

Which is why we must always be in prayer about the activities of our day to day lives. I often pray for God to order my day how He wants it. And, I pray about opportunities and activities that cross my path-do you want me to do this, Lord?

I also find it helpful to ask...“Is this going to take time and effort away from my most important priorities?” and "where is the time to do this going to come from?" Because there always is a give and take. A yes for one thing means a corresponding no for something else. Always.

Last spring was a season of saying no for our family. I have alluded to that on this blog before. We stepped out of many ministry and church responsibilities. And we got flack for it. But, saying no allowed us to rest and be renewed. It allowed God to refocus our ministries and lives. We are doing things now that we wouldn't have had time to do if we had kept on in the old.

When saying no (or yes) say it confidently and respectfully and graciously. Then let your yes be yes and your no be no. Don't second guess yourself. Don't stumble over guilt trips-your own or someone else's. Guilt is a bad motivator. Have a reputation for integrity, cheerfulness and faithfulness. You may say no, but also, when you say yes, you keep your word and don't waffle out at the last minute.

like most 2 year olds, Meres is really good at saying no. Confidently. Unapologetically.

One more point...sometimes we have to say no to others-which is hard. Sometimes we must say no to ourselves-which is infinitely harder. Often we lay burdens on ourselves that we are not meant to bear. we hold ourselves hostage to our own expectations.

Where must you say no in order to say yes?

Day 21: Volunteer

entire series listed here

J-O-Y...Jesus-Other-You, is the best way to spell joy. Our action today focuses on the others part of joy.

Today's call to action is to volunteer. To volunteer is to freely offer to take part in an enterprise or undertake a task.

Volunteering is both doing something without expectations of compensation and it is also offering to do something without the crunch being put on you.

People who volunteer are happier people because they are investing in other's lives. Volunteering is an investment. It does cost you. It costs time, talent and sometimes even money.

In this day and age, volunteering takes many, many forms. You can volunteer civically, privately, or at church. Volunteers are the fuel that make many enterprises and ministries possible.

You can volunteer to...

listen to a child read. Kids only become good readers through practice. But listening to a child practice reading can be very tedious (annoying, time consuming, hair-pulling...can you tell I've taught several kids how to read?) Whether at a school or for a home school mom, this is a very easy, low effort  and necessary task that blesses both the child and their teacher.

be a chauffeur. There are many (especially older) people who love to shop and such, but need a ride. Or they need someone to drive them to doctors appointments. Very practical.

teach a Sunday School class. Adult or children, I don't think I have ever heard of a church that couldn't use another Sunday School teacher.

dish out soup. Soup kitchens and homeless shelters are very busy this time of year. Serving food to those who have less than you is a great way to realign priorities and attitudes.

cook or clean. For a shut in, a new mom, an expectant mom, or...

race official. All the races I have participated in rely very heavily on people from the community-to direct the runners and traffic, pass out refreshments and t-shirts, and much more.

shelve books. At your local library or your church.

usher. At the symphony or at church or at a conference.

coach. A baseball team, or a soccer team.

our volunteering opportunity in the Asia Pacific region

There is so many things to be done. No matter what your talents or interests are, there is a way you can share the load with someone else. Volunteering is one way that the body of Christ demonstrates the sacrificial and abundant love of Christ to each other, Christ and nonbelievers.

Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these MY brothers, you have done it unto Me. (Matthew 25:40)

What volunteer opportunities will you look in to today? Tell me in the comments.

Day 20: You Made Your Bed

entire series here

If I was at all poetic, I write an ode to my bed. But I'm not, so here are my musings in prose form...

-Some days it seems like NOTHING is getting accomplished and yet the to-do list is miles long. On those days I try to take a big breath and remember step by step. Step by step is how a mountain is climbed, how a race is run, and how life is lived.

The first step to most of my days is to make the bed. The daily ritual of bed making-smoothing the sheets, pulling everything taut, plumping pillows-takes 2-3 minutes, and it a very simple way to restore order to a mildly chaotic situation.

(which is it's own musing. I love seeing the blankets and sheets all messed up. It makes me smile-like flowers.)

There is something wonderful about a well made bed. Which is why hotels make them every day, even if you opt out of fresh sheets. It is luxurious!

-Pillows are a two-edged sword. Everyone knows piles of pillows are romantic. Which is why they figure prominently in all bedding and bedroom advertisements. We have 4 full-sized pillows, plus 5 toss pillows, on our bed. Which looks amazing, but produces a veritable mountain range down the center of the bed as we pile in each evening. Mountain-his/her sides= not very romantic. Just saying.

-A proper mattress makes a huge difference. We have a Tempur-Pedic. Expensive, but worth every penny.

-Beds need stripped and bedding needs washed once a week. Washing sheets regularly is necessary to kill bacteria and the stinky sheet smell. Clean sheets are good for your health.

Pick a day. My day is Friday. I always wash all the sheets but I only do the blanket and mattress pad every month or so.

Making the bed from scratch-layering on the sheets and blankets nice and tight-helps keep the bed looking nice for the rest of the week. Especially if you do hospital corners.

Which is the topic of my very.first.ever.YouTube.clip. This is my Hollywood debut folks. And you are here to see it. (snort)

Ignore the sounds of Meres clamoring to get in the room. This was filmed by my handy helper, LC. (who has her own budding iPhone videography profession.)



After watching that, I hope you are inspired to make your bed with hospital corners, to make your own YouTube video clip, and to not lock your emotional 2 year old out of your bedroom while trying to make your breakthrough film project.

Day 19: Play a Game

entire series listed here

It has been said that you can learn a lot about a person by playing with them. Whether they are honest, a good winner/loser, etc..

Playing a game is great for a whole lot more than simply getting to know someone's true personality. Games are fun. Games keep your mind sharp. Games, by nature, are social.

Today I am challenging you to play a game with someone. Not a game on your phone or computer. A face to face game.

It can be a card game, or charades, or a board game. A number game or a word game. Strategy game and game of luck. It can take hours or minutes. There are literally hundreds of games to choose from. 

Checkers, chess, monopoly, risk, boggle, scrabble, rummikub, shoots & ladders, candy land, apples to apples, rook, poker, bridge, sequence...

Don't worry about winning or losing. Have fun.

What game will you play today?

Day 18: Turn Up the Tunes

find the entire series listed here

Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent. -Victor Hugo

Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world. -Martin Luther

Music is motivating. Music is stirring. Music is comforting.

Music sticks in the mind when words fail.

Music is the cries of the heart made audible. Cries of joy and triumph and pain and suffering.

Music is powerful. It sets moods. Music makes you want to linger or puts pep in your step. Music is a tool of worship and a call to worship. 

Growing up, several of my siblings had to have their tunes before they would work. They would haul out their headphones and Walkmans (it was the 90s), tune in and get to work.

Growing up, my dad would play Christian records on the record player at 5:15 in the morning as a signal that it was time to rise and shine.

Growing up, and even now, my piano playing would reflect my moods. Reflective or motivating.

Music calms my kids down. Hymns and classical as well as the tones of Motown and Celtic and the Beach Boys. I forget this truth in the desire to have a golden silence. But, as my kids hear familiar strains they leave off fighting and bickering to sing and dance. 

the pied piper knew the draw of music

I find myself humming the hymns I am currently practicing with the kids. The tunes of the week are stuck in my heart and mind. The truths of those hymns filter into my consciousness. I am subtly encouraged.

Today, Mr. Hippie and I are going on a symphony date. It is always a feast for the ears and eyes. A feast for the soul.

Whether you can make it to the symphony this weekend or not...whether you still listen to records and cassettes...whether you are an iTunes and Pandora aficionado or not...I challenge you to turn on your own brand of tunes today. 

Play your tunes loud and proud. Be fed. Be encouraged. Be comforted. Be motivated.

Day 17: Winter Extravagance...Fresh Flowers

entire series listed here

One of my regular extravagances is to buy fresh flowers.

Fresh flowers feel extravagant because they aren't edible (for the most part), but I am using part of my grocery budget to buy them.

Fresh flowers feel extravagant in the winter because they have traditionally been a perk of the rich and famous. "Hot-house" flowers and all....Who but the rich have their own hot-houses filled in the winter with buckets overflowing with fresh flowers?

Fresh flowers in the winter are no longer exclusive to the wealthy. Nor are they ridiculously expensive....

Most grocery stores have bouquets that run less than $10. Aldi has bouquets of fresh flowers for $3.99, which includes their 1/2 dozen roses bouquet. A lot of florist shops will have a dozen roses for around $14.99, every day-except around Valentine's Day.

Fresh flowers are a worthwhile investment. Especially mentally.

Fresh flowers provide a pop of color to the white-washed backdrop of winter.

Fresh flowers are cheery and make me smile.

Fresh flowers are a reminder that spring is around the corner. Maybe not the next corner, but one of these corners...

Fresh flowers give hope.

I really love having fresh flowers around. In the spring and summer I cut them from my own gardens. In the winter I buy them.

So, buy yourself some flowers today.

Fill your favorite vase with lukewarm water. Trim off the ends for a fresh cut, and immediately place the stems in the vase. Arrange artfully and place in a highly visible and prominent position.

my vase was a wedding gift from our friends in Japan
There is a glass factory in their town.

What kind of flowers are you going to buy?

Day 16: LOL

entire series here

I love to laugh
Loud and long and clear
I love to laugh
It's getting worse every year

The more I laugh, the more I fill with glee
And the more the glee
The more I'm a merrier me, it's embarrassing
The more I'm a merrier me

Some people laugh through their noses
Sounding something like this, dreadful
Some people laugh through their teeth goodness sake
Hissing and fizzing like snakes
Not at all attractive to my way of thinking

Some laugh too fast
Some only blast
Others, they twitter like birds
You know you're as bad as he is

Then there's the kind
What can't make up their mind

When things strike me as funny
I can't hide it inside
And squeak as the squeakelers do
I've got to let go with a ho ho ho
And a ha ha ha too

We love to laugh
Loud and long and clear
We love to laugh
So everybody can hear

The more you laugh
The more you fill with glee
And the more the glee
The more we're a merrier we
-Mary Poppins, We Love to Laugh

Well, at 16 days into this thing, I have an easy challenge for you today...Laugh out loud. 

A merry heart does good like a medicine...(Proverbs 17:22)

I have a few humorous suggestions to get your funny bone tickled....

-Watch an I Love Lucy episode. I think the funniest are Cousin Ernie Comes to Visit (Season 2) and Flying Back from Europe (Season 4). Both of those are guaranteed to make you laugh. Out loud.

-Peruse the Reader's Digest jokes. There are multiple funny sections in each magazine. Find a good joke that makes you laugh, and then share it with someone else.

-Have your kids read Calvin and Hobbes to you. My boys have 2 collections of the comics. Oh.my.word. I love hearing them laugh. It makes me laugh.

-Read a funny book. The last book that made me bust a gut was Auntie Mame: An Irreverent Escapade. I was laughing and laughing.

-You can also watch these hilarious clips....



Remember, the key is to laugh out loud. Loud and long and clear. So everybody can hear.=)

Day 15: Expand Your Horizons

entire series here

My word for this year is NEW.

It has been on my heart since last fall.

Behold I make all things new....(Revelation 21)

“Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:18-19)

A new thing...

This has definitely been true of my life the past couple months and already this year. New ministries, new business, new venues. New.

The thing is-I don't like new. New is scary. New is a gamble. New is uncomfortable. New is hard work.

Seriously, I have my favorite dish at every restaurant we visit. I rarely try something new. Unless they are out of my favorite. Then, because I must eat, I pick out something else.

I'll stick with my tried and true, trustworthy favorites, thank you very much.

Hmmm...

Today, for this New Year: Renewed You, I want you to try something new. Something big and life changing or something very small in the scope of things. Something that won't radically change your world if you don't like it or it doesn't work for you. Something that may radically change your world if you discover you do like it or it works amazingly!

Try a new recipe. New class. New food. New look/style. New book genre. New paint. New color. New make-up. New Accessories.

Try something new that isn't you at all. Think outside your box. Challenge yourself.

Last week Lisa was out of town and visited a new gym. It was totally not her style. But, she challenge herself to walk through the doors of a new place and do what she came to do. She even made some new friends. (here) Her story will make you laugh.

I have been trying out lots of new recipes for my new meal subscription business. I am committed to not foisting a recipe on others that I haven't previously made and enjoyed.

I tried two recipes that had raisins in them. Fruit with meat. Yuck! I NEVER put fruit with meat. EVER. And my relationship with raisins is very regulated-by the handful or with granola. That's it. But, I decided to try both recipes, and I especially loved the Chicken Mole'. It was amazing. It totally makes the cut, and will be appearing on a plan soon.

The thing about new is that is a clean slate. No prejudices. Fresh. The unfamiliar waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. New is exhilaration perched on the cusp of the unknown and, as yet, unexperienced.

New is good.

I dare you to try something new today!

Day 14- Write a Thank You Note

entire series here

Yesterday I challenged you to write out a thankful list, because thankful people are happy people. Thankful people also shed joy and sunshine into other's lives. By not only writing a thankful list, but by writing thank you notes.

Chances are, something on your thankful list has been made possible by someone else. A tangible person-not just God. Today I want you to pick one of those people to whom you are grateful and write them a thank you note.

Maybe you will thank someone for a Christmas gift you are loving. Maybe you will thank someone who has invested in your life and it has made all the difference in the world. Maybe you will thank someone for something big. Maybe for something small.

A thank you note is a note. It isn't a 5 page epistle. It is short, sweet, direct and full of appreciation. It doesn't take much time. It doesn't take much effort, but the pay off is huge. It will bring joy to someone else's life. Guaranteed. Everyone loves to know they are appreciated. Everyone loves to know how they are making a difference.

Overcoming 5 Obstacles to Handwritten Notes

*Two of the items on my thankful list yesterday was this blog and you, my online friends. Thank you for coming by faithfully as I share my heart and life. Thanks for your encouraging and challenging comments. Thanks for the give and take you provide. I do very much appreciate all of you. I am always amazed when someone tells me that they read and enjoy my blog. I mean, I hope people do...but every time you read my blog, you are making a choice to read it. And I appreciate that. I appreciate that you have made me a part of your days and life. Thank you, my reader friends! *

To whom will you be writing a note to today?