Why did I choose February for this challenge?

I have been known to not think things out and this month's challenge is a prime example of that!  I have been working for Arbonne since November and we have been challenging others to start a 30 day program for healthy living.  It seems easy enough, wake up, drink a protein shake and replace coffee with a fizz stick, then eat two clean meals for lunch and dinner, all while avoiding sugar.  What I neglected to think about was the fact that February is my birthday AND Valentine's day.  Not that I have a Valentine to give me chocolates but I definitely had students giving my cookies and treats and was completely surprised to receive a two layered cake for my birthday.  I could have self control and pass on such things but how do you say no to cookies with M & Ms and two layered cake?  I sure didn't!

I bet you are keeping up with me here to know that I have made a sad sad effort this month.  My only hope is that  I can finish the month out strong!  I can right?

 

While this month has been my most difficult month, last month was a breeze.  I took challenge to listen to nothing but Christian radio for 30 days and I honestly could not have predicted the results.  If I am going to be completely honest, I have always sought the world's approval.  That is how I would get my affirmation.  Years ago, in my accident, I started focusing more on who I was in God but it has been a struggle.  Last month however, I was exposed to nothing but God's promises.  I started listening to songs, that I had heard and sung along to millions of times, differently.  While it was nice to start listening to country again, my radio mainly stays on a Christian radio station.  Words cannot express how much it uplifts my mood listening to songs that are about the God who created me to be exactly who I am today.  I am more in love with my savior now then when I started one month ago and I challenge all of you to seek that love out too!

My schedule finally caught up with me this past month and I felt completely overwhelmed.  I had no time for myself and I was struggling with finding balance.  On countless occasions, this song would come on at the exact moment I needed it.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiGb14tTaH4

1 Peter 5:7 says, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you".  God took my "overwhelmed" feelings (my stress and anxiety) and gave me a sense of "overwhelming" love and passion for him.

The 30...or in this case...31 day challenge

I have always been known at the goody goody church girl....shocked?  For years, I would get embarrassed when people would comment on my faith and for some reason, from time to time, I still do.  For example, one of my friends was commenting on the fact that I don't get overly excited about things but I do about church.  I gave the, "shut up"/embarrassed response again.  While I no doubt am confident about my faith, I no longer want to respond like that.  Instead, I want to be proud that someone sees that excitement in me.  Is there a better testimony than to be completely and wholeheartedly excited about your faith? 

The message this past Sunday set up the scene we are going to see as we go through the book of Ephesians.  There was a verse in Acts 19:15-16 that talked about how the priest of Ephesus went into a house to cast out a demon but because they were not true followers, the demon said to them, "Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?"  Chris followed with the questions, Are you a threat?, Does Satan even know your name?, and, Are you living life in such a way that someone in your life is seeing that's different?  I was definitely hit hard by those questions.  My hope and prayer is that I am a HUGE threat to Satan because the way I am living my life is taking people away from his kingdom and leading them towards God's.  I hope Satan knows my name and doing whatever it takes to get me to stray because that means his hold on my life has slipped away.  And I hope that people see that I live differently.  That I don't live according to the ways of the world because, while people may think I am crazy, I know that my obedience only helps grow my faith and helps expand them kingdom of my God.  You can call me crazy or overzealous but I am standing for what I believe in and for once, am not going to shy away.

So what is with the 30 day challenge?  I have heard it on the radio for months and have always brushed it off.  One of the Christian radio stations challenges it's listeners to listen to only Christian radio for 30 days but since January has 31 days, I thought I could go one more.  I am going to admit, it's difficult so far and I am only in day 5.  Some of the music is super cheesy, I must admit, and with only two Christian stations, it's sometimes hard to find a good song.  Plus, I don't always get the best reception.  I know it sounds like I am making excuses but I am not.  I am just sharing with you why it can become a challenge.  Good thing Pandora exists because there is an unlimited supply of music there!  The reason I have finally decided to take this challenge though is so I can start the new year off right.  What better way to fill my soul than with Christian music that is constantly reassuring and affirming me?  I think this is a monthly I will be successful in!