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.