Feb, Week 4 Day 3&4: Choose the Promiseland

Sorry I have not been posting daily this week, but mommy duties have required more of my time.

As we close out this month, how are you choosing? Are you choosing God daily? Are you choosing to make your health a priority? Are you choosing to make your house a refuge (not a storage unit)?

I pray you begin to desire God more everyday. I pray you realize the benefits if better health and desire to take care of yourself. I pray you desire less stuff and make your home a place of refuge for you and your family. And I also pray that you desire God's promiseland more than creating your own promiseland.

You have to choose whether you want to follow God to the promiseland or if you will continue to sit in the desert and try to create your own. Now, you are probably saying, why would I do that? My answer is I do not know, but you might be.

Life tends to wear us down and make us miserable. But our first response is not to fall in God's arms. It is to grumble and complain. And we want to be happy so we start trying to make ourself happy. Some of you buy more stuff and think if I just had this or bought my kids this, we will be happy. Others choose to dive more into work and spending all time and energy trying to feel good by being successful. And then there are those whose dreams were crushed, so we push our kids in sports at an early age so they will be the next big star (which is to make us feel better not them.) And then some of us just give up and decide to stop and camp in our tent and be miserable.

I do not know about you, but I do not want to settle for being in the desert. I am tired of trying to make my own Promiseland. God has promised me so much more. We can choose to build our own Promiseland or we can choose to know and follow God to the Promiseland.

Each of our journeys may be different amounts of time. Our deserts will be different. But each of us need to choose to follow God, choose to be in good health for the journey and be willing to choose to get rid of some junk if God asks.

So will you choose the journey to the real Promiseland or will you choose to settle for the desert?

February Action Plan
Choose an exercise routine and program that fits your schedule.

Week 4 Action Plan
Choose to find an exercise buddy to hold you accountable and tell you to get off your butt.
Memorize "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come" Prov.31:25


Week 4 Day 1&2
Choose to thank God for His promises.
Choose to read Exodus 16. Are you like those who did not obey and tried to do it their way instead of being obedient?
Choose to do try one of your new exercises.
Choose to wipe down the bathrooms.
Choose to go to bed on time.

Feb. Week 4 Day 1&2

Wow, it is already the last week of February. Spring is just around the corner (which is hard to believe when many of us are seeing snow again!). But the last week also means having an exercise schedule worked out for you.

If you are still having difficulty with your schedule and routine, do not worry. Remember, you want to make it fun and easy. And do not forget, you can do a workout while doing something else.

Here are a few examples:

1. Go up and down on your tiptoes while cooking dinner to workout your calves.
2. Do lunges while you walk across the living room.
3. Do bicep curls with the laundry basket while you carry it through the house.
4. Vacuum.
5. Do a squat against the wall while you wait for your preschooler to go potty.
6. Sit on an exercise ball at your desk or while you watch TV to work your abs.
7. Park far way from the entrance and walk briskly.

These are just a few examples. If you really stop and think you will find many ways to add to your exercise routine. Please make sure you get in cardio even if it is by cleaning the house or chasing your child around the park or outside. Just choose to get up and move.

Please avoid:

1. Sitting on the bench at the park while you watch your kids run around.
2. Sitting on the couch for two hours to watch TV instead of exercising while watching TV.
3. Use being tired as an excuse.
4. Sitting in the car while your child practices, go walk around.
5. Sitting while playing the Wii.
6. Doing nothing.

I want you to have a plan before the end of this week. Please do not hesitate to ask for help. Let's choose to get in better health and better shape.

February Action Plan
Choose an exercise routine and program that fits your schedule.

Week 4 Action Plan
Choose to find an exercise buddy to hold you accountable and tell you to get off your butt.
Memorize "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come" Prov.31:25


Week 4 Day 1&2
Choose to thank God for allowing you to be able to get out and exercise.
Choose to read Prov. 31:10-31. Can you laugh at days to come? Do you have your Physical Strength but also find strength in the Lord?
Choose to do a chore workout.
Choose to clean up the kitchen and do a Family 15.
Choose to go to bed on time.

Feb. Week 3 Day 5: Choose to say thank you today

Thank You by 33 miles

What if in morning when I wake up
Even before I fill my coffee cup
I said thank You
Thank You

What if I look at the day and the hours ahead
And before I move forward I bowed my head
And said thank You
Oh I said thank You

What if I looked at my life in a different way
Took a little more time to stop and pray
I know it would change all the moments in between
So here I go

Thank You for everything
Thank You for loving me
It don't even matter what tomorrow brings
Well I will sing my

Thank You for sun and rain
For what You give and take away
For all Your goodness I will always say
Thank You
Oh I'll say thank You
What if I lost everything that I had
I could smile and somehow still be glad
And say thank You
Thank you

'Cause life is joy, life is pain
But the prayer on my heart will never change
I say thank You
Oh I'll say thank You

To listen click: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYdfH71lHAE

February Action Plan
Choose an exercise routine and program that fits your schedule.

Week 3 Action Plan
Choose to love yourself and others enough to get into better health.
Memorize
"6And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. " Hebrews 11:6


Week 3 Day 4
Choose to say thank you .
Choose to read your verse Hebrews 11:6. Thank him for the rewards of following Him.

Choose to play at a park, outside, go for walk with friends or family.
Choose to put up all laundry so you may enjoy your weekend.
Choose to go to bed on time.

Feb. Week 3 Day 4: Choose to Persevere

"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

10Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, 11and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. "

2 Peter 1:3-11

As I said yesterday, choose not to give up. You are on a journey. You are choosing to change your life and live for Christ. You are choosing to grow closer to Christ, be in better health and getting your life back together. It will not happen over night. It is a daily process. Just keep making wise choices. The blessings and benefits are coming. Do not lose faith! Don't be like the Israelites and give up. It will make the journey longer.

I really would like to pray for you specifically. Please share with me so I may.

February Action Plan
Choose an exercise routine and program that fits your schedule.

Week 3 Action Plan
Choose to love yourself and others enough to get into better health.
Memorize
"6And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. " Hebrews 11:6


Week 3 Day 4
Choose to trust in a powerful God and tell Him you do.
Choose to read scripture above.
Choose to try just jogging outside or in the house.
Choose to pick up your room.
Choose to go to bed on time.

Feb.Week 3 Day 3: Choose Not To Quit

A generation of immediate gratification, that is who we have become. A hunger for immediate rewards consumes us at times. When it doesn't, we stop and walk away. And when it comes to our weight and health, we want the pounds to drop immediately. And we quit way too soon if we do not see the results.

I do not mean to be so blunt, but it is time to stop acting like a child and demanding it your way. Years of poor eating or not exercising cannot be changed in a week. You will have to be patient to get the result you want. Stop the tantrum of I did all the work, but did not lose the weight I wanted so I quit. You need to choose a lifestyle change and choose to be patient while it changes your body and health.

Nothing is more frustrating than working out and giving up your chocolate for a couple of pounds. But that is just one week. Week after week those couple of pounds add up. Eventually you will put on those pants and they will be too big. Choosing to stick it out will have great rewards. You may just have to wait. (Side note: losing a small amount of weight on a consistent basis, will actually help you keep it off.)

Please do not give up, choose to make a lifestyle change that leads to better health and stick with it. The awesome rewards are coming, just be patient and wait.

And before we close, the same goes with your walk with God. You may have started being with Hm everyday, but do not feel the change you want. Maybe you feel things should be going easier or you should feel closer to God. Remember, God answers His way. Open your eyes to fully see how He is working in your life. Or maybe you want God to do a certain thing in your life, but He wants to do something else. God is working. Don't give up on change in your life. God's timing is perfect. Keep seeking Him and growing closer to Him. He has plans for you, I do not think you want to miss out.


February Action Plan
Choose an exercise routine and program that fits your schedule.

Week 3 Action Plan
Choose to love yourself and others enough to get into better health.
Memorize
"6And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. " Hebrews 11:6


Week 3 Day 3
Choose to give God your frustrations and ask for the courage not to quit.
Choose to read Psalm 69:13-18 as a prayer.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2069:13-18&version=NIV
Choose to try an outdoor exercise.
Choose to do wipe down the bathrooms.
Choose to go to bed on time.

Feb. Week 3 Day 2: Choose Faith Over Reality

We have looked at several choices over these past months. Some of them make you realize you need to make better choices. Other choices you do not even attempt because you feel like there is no hope. Well you are wrong. You are choosing to believe a lie.

"When you say a situation or a person is hopeless, you are slamming the door in the face of God.” Charles L. Allen ...

No matter where you are in your life, whether it is a complete mess or just a little mess. No matter where you are in your health or weight. No matter where you are in your relationship with God. The situation is not hopeless.

We choose to believe in God, but we believe in reality more than we believe God. You read this blog and think the theory is good, but your life or health is too far out of whack. Nothing is impossible with God. His will and timing may be different from ours. He may ask you to sacrifice certain things to get there. But nothing is impossible.

Now will you choose to believe God and what He is able to do? Or will you continue to do a reality check and not believe?

Stop just reading this blog and thinking about what life could be like. Instead, truly believe what God can do. Be obedient in what He asks of you so He can.


February Action Plan
Choose an exercise routine and program that fits your schedule.

Week 3 Action Plan
Choose to love yourself and others enough to get into better health.
Memorize
"6And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. " Hebrews 11:6

Week 3 Day 2
Choose to believe God.
Choose to read Hebrews 11.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11&version=NIV
Choose to try another type of exercise.
Choose to do a Family 15.
Choose to go to bed on time.

Feb. Week 3 Day 1

This morning I will be attending a funeral of sweet, loving woman of God. She was one of the first to welcome my son and I into the Pipes family. I always felt accepted and loved by Jerry. She was a simple woman who loved her family, church and God. I would be surprised if she had any enemies. And even though she will missed by many, we get to celebrate her life and her being in the presence of the Lord now.

Today, pause and think about your love ones, your neighbors, your friends. Are you sharing Christ with them? Are you loving them with the love of God? Are you impacting their life? Or are you waiting to tell them about Christ? Do you think you have plenty of time to share the love of Christ with them? Are you too busy with your life to care about their eternal future and their own relationship with Christ?

There are a lot of bad choices we will make in life. Most of them have consequences. But choosing not share Christ with those He puts in our lives has eternal consequences for that person. So do not put it off another day. Choose today to share Christ and His love. There is a lost and dying world around us that needs Christ. Choose to share the the awesome news of a loving, forgiving God with them.

February Action Plan
Choose an exercise routine and program that fits your schedule.

Week 3 Action Plan
Choose to love yourself and others enough to get into better health.

Week 3 Day 1
Choose to thank God for giving His Son for you.
Choose to Psalm 23
Choose to try a new exercise today.
Choose to clean up the kitchen.
Choose to go to bed on time.

Feb. Week 2 Day 5

So today especially if you live in the DFW area, enjoy God. Sit in awe of who He is and all He created. The view outside is amazing and beautiful.

Getting your exercise today is easy if you live here too. Go play in the snow and become five again. And if you live somewhere with no snow, still go play like you were five again.

And while you play like a child, have faith like a child. Believe not just in God, but believe God.

Many, O LORD my God,
are the wonders you have done.
The things you planned for us
no one can recount to you;
were I to speak and tell of them,
they would be too many to declare. Psalm 40:5

February Action Plan
Choose an exercise routine and program that fits your schedule.

Week 2 Action Plan
Choose to find a way to get your fruits and veggies and memorize Psalm 139:13-14.

Week 2 Day 5
Choose to praise God for all He is and all He created.
Choose to read Psalm 40
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+40&version=NIV
Choose to have fun exercising by becoming 5 again.
Choose to pick up your room.
Choose to go to bed on time.

Feb. Week 2 Day 4 (the real one this time): Choosing Joy

So why am I talking about joy during our week of physical health? Mmmm...well they do kind of go together. Your joy is probably effected more by your physical health than you realize.

Think with me for a moment. When you are tired, you are more irritable. When you eat too much junk, you feel guilty and crash when the sugar wears off. When you look in the mirror, well we all know how we get sometimes. And when you let stress build up...should I even say how we get?

Now lets think about it the other way. When you are getting the rest you need, you start your day more refreshed. When you choose to eat healthy foods, you feel better about yourself and have more energy. When you exercise, you not only burn off calories, but stress too. When you make all these choices, you enjoy seeing the changes to your skin and appearance in the mirror.

Ultimately, we need to seek Christ and find joy in Him. But how we take care of ourselves will influence our mood and how we respond to situations. Between giving our burdens to Christ and a good workout, a bad mood can turn into a much more peaceful, happy mood. By getting a good nights rest and starting the day with God, we start our day much more happy. By eating the nutrients throughout out the day and having communication with God, we handle things a lot better.

It is simple. God created you. God created you to need Him. God created your body to need different things. So choose God and choose to provide your body, heart and soul with what it needs. It is much easier to be joyful when you do.

(Side note. I know some of you are thinking how the bible does not mention exercise routines. But remember, they walked even when they traveled. Their work was physical labor even getting water for the house. If we had to do their daily routines, we would be in much better shape.)

February Action Plan
Choose an exercise routine and program that fits your schedule.

Week 2 Action Plan
Choose to find a way to get your fruits and veggies and memorize Psalm 139:13-14.

Week 2 Day 2
Choose to seek God and find joy in him.
Choose to read Isaiah 40:28-31
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2040:28-31&version=NIV
Choose to have fun exercising.
Choose to do a quick vacuum.
Choose to go to bed on time.

Feb. Week 2 Day 4: Choosing Your Exercise Routine

I hope you are just having fun exercising this week. It is a great start to getting healthy!

There are some other choices that need to be made in your exercise routine. Since they vary so much from person to person, it is really hard for me to cover it in a blog. I am going to give you a couple of suggestions, but please contact me individually to get the best routine for you. (I taught fitness classes for 6 years and stay current on fitness programs.)

Everyone needs to choose to get at minimum 30 minutes of cardio six days a week. Cardio can include playing with your kids, cleaning your house (vacuuming), or just a going for a good walk.

Another choice is toning and strengthening three times a week. The more muscle on your body means the more calories you burn even when you sleep. What type you do really depends on your ultimate goal.


I wish I could go into more detail, but it needs to be done on an individual basis. The choices above help you stay healthy not necessarily lose weight. Depending on the amount you may need to lose to be healthy, different workouts are required.

If you have any medical conditions, please seek a doctor about the best exercise program for you. If you are overweight and have not been working out, please see your doctor so they can set up up on a program and monitor your health. But please choose not to put it off any longer. Your health and life are important to many people. It is also very important to your Creator.


February Action Plan
Choose an exercise routine and program that fits your schedule.

Week 2 Action Plan
Choose to find a way to get your fruits and veggies and memorize Psalm 139:13-14.

Week 2 Day 2
Choose to ask God to remind you how important you are to Him and His purpose for you.
Choose to read Genesis 1:26-28
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1:26-28&version=NIV
Choose to have fun exercising.
Choose to do wipe down the bathrooms.
Choose to go to bed on time.

Feb. Week 2 Day 2: Choose Fun Exercise

You and I like to have fun. We are more likely to do something that is fun more than we are to work. If you have struggled with exercising it is because you make it a chore. It is time to have fun getting healthy.

Establishing an exercise routine will be easier if you make it something you enjoy or fun. There are so many options out there. You just need to find what you enjoy.

I used to love kickboxing because I worked out a lot of stress. I also enjoy dancing. I will just dance or use a ballet or Dancing with the Stars workout DVD. Last night my workout ended up being a wrestling match with both my boys (By the way they still cannot take me.) When it is pretty, I want to be outside. I take the kids to the park and play with them. I swing, slide and even try the obstacle course. And a game of tag is a great workout, too. I just pick my exercise for the day depending on my mood. I pick something I will enjoy.

So the rest of the week, try different things that are fun to you. Check the stores for workout DVDs of things you enjoy. There are plenty out there under $10. If you have a baby, crawl around with them. You will wear out faster. If you have kids or a spouse, dance around the living room. Getting healthy is not boring, it is fun.

Your reason to exercise is you are God's. It is your choice to enjoy it. So go have some fun and get in shape!!!

February Action Plan
Choose an exercise routine and program that fits your schedule.

Week 2 Action Plan
Choose to find a way to get your fruits and veggies and memorize Psalm 139:13-14.

Week 2 Day 2
Choose to thank God for creating you and making you so unique.
Choose to read Psalm 139 again. Do you really get believe? Do you mean it?
Choose to have fun exercising.
Choose to do a Family 15 and pick up.
Choose to go to bed on time.

Feb. Week 2 Day 1: Choosing To Remember Your Reason

I hope you took time to get some rest this weekend. It is a new week with new choices to discuss.

We are going to continue discussing choices about our physical health. I know this is a sensitive subject for many of us. So I would like for us first to choose to remember why we should make better choices about our health and weight.

First of all remember, we are not making this choice to lose weight to meet the world"s standard (too thin is not healthy either).

Today, you and I are going to choose to be healthy. Our focus for being healthy will be because we our God's. As David said we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. God created these amazing bodies. Isn't it time we treat them like His creation? It is not just the trees we need to save, but ourselves too.

I am keeping this short so you can talk to God. Please spend time giving God your struggle with weight, eating habits, smoking, laziness etc. If God has even numbered the hairs on your head and created you in your mother's womb, He cares about your health.

February Action Plan
Choose an exercise routine and program that fits your schedule.

Week 2 Action Plan
Choose to find a way to get your fruits and veggies and memorize Psalm 139:13-14.

Week 2 Day 1
Choose to lift your burdens that effect your health to God.
Choose to read Psalm 139:1-18. Read it aloud to God.
Choose to jog, dance, kickbox and/or jump rope.
Choose to clean up the kitchen.
Choose to go to bed on time.

Feb. Week 1 Day 5: Choose to Rest in Him

Today, just stop and come before God. Find rest in His arms. Renew yourself in His Word.

Psalm 63
A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah.
1 O God, you are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you,
my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.
2 I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.

3 Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.

4 I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.

5 My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

6 On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night.

7 Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.

8 My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.

9 They who seek my life will be destroyed;
they will go down to the depths of the earth.

10 They will be given over to the sword
and become food for jackals.

11 But the king will rejoice in God;
all who swear by God's name will praise him,
while the mouths of liars will be silenced.

February Action Plan
Choose an exercise routine and program that fits your schedule.

Week 1 Action Plan
Choose to rearrange your schedule to get 7-8 hours of sleep and memorize Luke 12:7.

Week 1 Day 5
Choose to sit in God's presence and refresh your spirit.
Choose to read Psalm above or any scripture that encourages you.
Choose to jog, dance, kickbox and/or jump rope.
Choose to put up laundry laying around.
Choose to go to bed on time.

Feb. Week 1 Day 4: Choose A Day of Rest

Have you noticed how our weeks seem to get longer and longer, but go by too fast? I know this may be surprising, but there is still the same amount of hours and days in a week. No extra time has been added over the years even though we keep trying to add it. So, I am thinking that may be the reason you are so tired and worn out. But, besides a good night's sleep, there is another choice you can make...have a sabbath, a day of rest.

I hear you already telling me why you cannot take a day of rest. As I tell my son, please don't interrupt. Please just give me your complete attention with an open mind.

You start your day with a cup of coffee sitting on your porch or in your room. You turn on some wonderful worship music and just sit in the presence of God. You take a few moments to sit in awe of a loving Father. (If you choose your day of rest to be a Sunday, you get up a few minutes earlier to enjoy this time and keep the music going while you get ready.)

You take this day to eat sandwiches or eat off the dollar menu for lunch. You plan ahead so you do not have to cook today. And it is ok if you use paper plates.

You go to the park to play or for a walk. If it is cold, you stay inside and read a book, watch a movie or play a game with the kids.

You take a nap with your child or everyone has quiet time in their room.

And if your day of rest is a Sunday, you go to worship and fellowship with other believers. But if you are working the whole time at church and spend 6 hours there, you might want to find another day of rest or reevaluate your Sunday.

You choose to do all these things from when you get up and at least until 5 pm. You do not check emails or do any work. You let your mind and body rest. You refresh your spirit by being with God. I want you to realize the importance of recharging your batteries.

Now for all of you rolling your eyes because you have little ones at home. You and your spouse need to decide how you can both take that time in the morning once a week. Maybe you alternate and the other one can feed the kids breakfast. And the rest of the day, they are resting and playing with you. Most kids do not act up when they have your undivided attention. If this becomes part of your routine then they will fall into it.

Just please give it a chance. We were created to take this day. God himself took a day. Choose to have a day of rest. You have all week to be busy, it can wait until the next day.

February Action Plan
Choose an exercise routine and program that fits your schedule.

Week 1 Action Plan
Choose to rearrange your schedule to get 7-8 hours of sleep and memorize Luke 12:7.

Week 1 Day 4 Action Plan
Choose to seek God.
Choose to read Exodus 20:8-11
Choose to exercise by doing squats and lunges during commercials and jog during the show.
Choose to pick up your room.
Choose what day will be your day of rest.

Feb. Week 1 Day 3: Choose Rest for the Rest

Short tempered...Little patience...Grouchy...Irritated...Sound familiar?

If you have ever been a new mommy or been around one, you know that new mommies can be very cranky and irritable because the poor things get little sleep. A new mommy does not have a choice. It is part of being a new mommy. But the rest of us (unless it is due to a medical condition) have no excuse not to get rest so we are not cranky.

For the sake of your loved ones, coworkers and friends, please choose to get the rest you need. Yes there may be times that due to sickness or emergency keep you from a good night sleep. But most nights you just have to choose to get rest.

Please choose to get rest for all those others you may interact with today. It is hard to reflect Christ when you are snapping at everyone you meet.

Tonight choose to go to bed and get a full night rest for the sake of others. And we will say thank you when you do.

February Action Plan
Choose an exercise routine and program that fits your schedule.

Week 1 Action Plan
Choose to rearrange your schedule to get 7-8 hours of sleep and memorize Luke 12:7.

Week 1 Day 3
Choose to sit in God's presence and refresh your spirit.
Choose to read Matthew 11:25-30
Choose to get up and move. Play a Wii game with the kids or dance around the living room.
Choose to wipe down the bathrooms.
Choose to go to bed on time.

Feb. Week 1 Day 2: Choose To Say Goodnight

Is rest really important? You only have to look at the first chapter of the Bible to answer that question. So why do we try to do so much and put rest on the back burner?

Our bodies were made by God. He created us to get rest. Why fight with the way we were made? Or why drink all these different things for energy instead of healthy eating and sleep for energy? If the creator and Lord of all things can rest, why shouldn't we?

What is keeping you from a goodnight sleep? Too busy? TV? Cannot fall asleep? Children?

If children are keeping you up then maybe you should give them an earlier bedtime. Children require a lot more sleep than we do. Depending on the age they may need 10 hours of asleep. You can put them to bed an hour or two before your bedtime and give yourself enough time to get ready for bed. Choose to set a bedtime for all of you.

If it is your favorite show on TV, then record it or catch it online at a later time. Let technology benefit you. If it is the news, you can catch it online or catch it earlier. I know in my area there is local news on at least one of the channels from 4 pm to 10 pm. Choose your bedtime and watch your shows around it, instead of a choosing a bedtime around your shows.

If you cannot fall asleep, you may need to look at a few things. You may need to cut out caffeine earlier in the day. You may need to read instead of staring at a computer or TV before bed. Some people need a warm bath to relax. Find a way to let your body unwind sooner to help you fall asleep when you get to bed. Choose to take steps to relax (including your mind) before bed.

If you are too busy and getting home too late most of the week then you definitely need to reevaluate your priorities. It is not healthy for you or your children. Choose to put your health over too many activities.

If you get your body on a bedtime schedule, it will become easier for you to fall asleep and get a goodnight's rest. Choose to do it for you, your body, your work and your family.

February Action Plan
Choose an exercise routine and program that fits your schedule and life.

Week 1 Action Plan
Choose to rearrange your schedule to get 7-8 hours of sleep and memorize Luke 12:7.

Week 1 Day2 Action Plan
Choose to ask God to show you how to get the rest you need.
Choose to read Genesis 1-2:2
Choose to work out your abs during commercials and lift cans during the show.
Choose to do a Family 15 and pick up at least the living area.
Choose to go to bed on time.

Feb. Week 1 Day 1: Choosing Good Health

The first month of the new year of the new decade is over. We have started a new month that comes with new choices everyday. Some of the choices are very important especially the ones concerning your health. We are going to start this month looking at our choices to get in better shape and better health.

We have talked about the three choices that effect our health in previous blogs, but let's do a quick review. You have to choose to exercise, eat healthy and get plenty of rest. They are all choices you have complete control over. You know if you choose to eat too much or not enough there are consequences. You know if you choose to get little sleep several days in a row, you are not productive. You know if you choose to not exercise, you are at risk not only for weight gain but also heart disease.

Making three better simple choices could lead to feeling better, more productivity, and probably happiness. The reward of choosing to take care of your health is too great, yet so easy to reach.
And these choices are not just for people who are over weight. These choices are important for everyone. The question to you is, "Is your health and life important to you?"

I hope you said yes. If you want to say yes, but are hesitant here are some reasons.

1. You were created by God. You are His masterpiece. Treat yourself like one.
2. You were created for a purpose. Your good health effects you fulfilling that purpose.
3. You may have been blessed with a precious gift, your child(ren). Your health is important in raising them.
4. Your success in work, raising a family, etc depends on good health.
5. Exercise and rest can lower you stress level.

Let's choose to start making our health important. Let's choose to start today.

February Action Plan:

Choose an exercise routine and program that fits your schedule and life. (we will be discussing it)

Week 1 Action Plan:

Choose to rearrange your schedule to allow for 7-8 hours of sleep and memorize Luke 12:7.

Day 1 Action Plan

Choose to thank God for creating an unique and special you.

Choose to read Luke 12:6-8. Reread it again. Do you get your importance?

Choose to exercise by jogging, jump roping, dancing during your TV show.

Choose to clean up the kitchen and give it a fresh start for the week.

Choose to get a full nights rest.