Being in the People Business (part 1)

We were placed here on earth, not to build buildings or sell products or even to enjoy all the world has to offer. No. Our purpose here is not to be happy, but to engage people. We were created for community! Even the most introverted of all introverts needs someone around every now and again. The "things" in this world will get wiped away, broken, burned up, stolen- you name it- but, relationships remain. And, if in the end, that's what we are left with, we should probably be concerned with getting them right in the beginning. God isn't concerned with how much money you make or how much "success" you have. He cares about people. About the hearts and lives of the people He created.

Yes, this is a HUGE topic. There are not enough words or time to go into it all here. Here, what I want to talk about is living healthy and healthy living- and relationships are part of a healthy life. Don't ask me why, but we need each other. All of us. That's just the way it works.

Be helpful. When you see a person without a smile, give him yours. -Zig Ziglar

So, when you are at the grocery store, tell your cashier, "Thank you." Tell your kids you love them. Work hard to show your boss you care. Even if you don't. I tell my kids all day long to, "be kind to one another." Start with the relationships you are already deeply involved in: your family. Outside of that, start smiling at people! You will be amazed at the way you feel when you lay your head down at night after a day full of smiling.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

stay tuned for more on this topic...

When life hands you lemons

Hey there! Sorry it's been so long since my last blog- life gets crazy and things don't always go the way they should. I have been reminded again that sharing real life experience is the best teacher.

Allow me to share my story with you:
In the last couple of years, I have learned one of the most valuable tools in succeeding at life: goal setting.

*Live life on purpose and for a purpose.*

Recently, one of my goals has been to teach group fitness classes and Zumba at a gym nearby. There are certain things I have had to do to get ready to reach those goals, and one of them has been to get into better shape. My favorite way to get into shape is to have someone do it with me, so my husband happily volunteered. We got back to eating healthy and exercising regularly. I was going to the gym for about an hour or more in the mornings for a class, then we would go back together in the evenings for weights and cardio. It was textbook for success. By the end of the week, Luke had lost 8lbs, and I had GAINED 8LBS!! Do the math, that's a 16LB difference! So guess what? I got discouraged. To be honest, I wanted to give up and pig out.



So what happens when things don't work out the way they should, when formulas fail and the going gets tough? What do you do when discouragement sets in? What do you do when the only thing that sounds good is giving up and giving in?....

I don't know.

Here's one thing I do know: Brownies are not the answer.

When the budget is tight and you can't seem to pinch any more pennies, going on a shopping spree is not the answer. When your marriage gets tough, leaving is not the answer. It might bring temporary satisfaction, but it won't last long. I know I could really enjoy a plate of brownies, but when weigh-in day comes, I would regret every bite.

So what do you do? Stick to what you know is true. Choose salad over pizza, water over Dr. Pepper, rearranging over shopping for new things, praying over fighting. In the end, it will pay off. And in the End, these things won't matter.

Share your stories!