Up for a Challenge?

I have a confession....Challenges intrigue me. Especially challenges that provide a step-by-step guide to complete the task at hand. For example, when it became obvious I needed to step up my cardio by moving from powerwalking to actually running, I found the Couch Potato to 5K Program. I completed it, just as the directions told me to, and yes, now I can run 3 miles or a 5K. Then I found the Hundred Pushups Challenge, again, with step-by-step directions. (Can you guess that I don't cook from scratch?) I am now on week 3 I can complete 20 pushups on my toes in one set. It would be very difficult to make it to 100 pushups in 6 weeks, but I still have that goal to work toward. After I hurt a muscle inbetween my shoulder blades this week, Tray asked me why it was SO important that I actually be able to complete the 100 pushps. I didn't have a solid answer for him...I just knew I WANTED to be able to finish the challenge. This all goes back to this really frustating character trait I have of being a great started and a not so great finisher....but that is another post for another day.

Both of the challenges were great additions to my workout program, but really didn't have any impact on anyone except for ME. Now, what good is that? So, I'd like to share two challenges with you that will have a direct impact on your husbands and your kids. These challenges don't offer step-by-step directions, (don't let this be a deal breaker, Type As) but the directions are pretty crystal clear.

Challenge #1- This is a 7 day challenge that calls us to respect our husbands for 7 days straight....no yelling, no arguing, and see what God does. You might not agree with EVERYTHING she has to say, but I guarantee it will make you think and you'll take something away from it. Promise me you'll give it a try. Start here and scroll down to the very bottom of the post. It reads in reverse order. And it might help to have a visual reminder...like a rubberband or string around your wrist.

Challenge #2- This is a daily challenge that stems from the question, "Do I serve my family with reluctance or honor? What is my heart-response to all the day-in-day-out jobs of motherhood? In the words of Tony Evans, "If you cannot say, Amen, you'd better say, Ouch!" Start here and think of a way that you can write this reminder on your heart.

We're all in this together, gals, let's continue to share ways to serve in excellence.