Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Final 2009 Call Info -- Wow what a Year!

Playback Dial-in Number: 1-218-486-8703
Playback Access Code: 863213

Be sure to use this telephone number and access code, and not the previous Dial-in Number and access codes associated with the conference call itself.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Becky

Monday, December 28, 2009

Celebrate by Cleaning Out, Giving Up, and Selling Off!

Greetings! I'd like to just say a few words before I post our final assignment for 2009. I trust that each of you have been able to celebrate this holiday season with a great sense of God's presence in your life. I hope you read the entire book of Luke as it is such a wonderful presentation of the entire life of Jesus, bringing His passion and purpose on earth into our daily lives even in the 21st century!

Final Assignment: Clean Out, Give Up, and Sell Off! This is a perfect weekend to clean out your closet! For every piece of clothing or kitchen utensil that you received, consider giving away the same piece or utensil to your local charity. For every unforgiveness or unmet expectation, consider journaling about it and giving it up for good. Clean the slate of your heart and start 2010 emotionally fresh and new. (Why not?) And finally, look around your home and office or even in the trunk of your car or storage unit and consider having a garage or Ebay sale! Books, coats, toys, and fitness equipment can make for a great "slush fund," donation, or college books fund.

This is the week to set aside 30, 60, or 90 minutes a day and clean out, give up and organize a sell off so that you can start 2010 with a no-junk-drawer, no excess in my closet/garage/storage unit/trunk/make-up drawer. This last assignment will cost you nothing but TIME! Give yourself the gift of clean, fresh, and ready!

Happy New Year!

Love you all,

Becky

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Merry Christmas-- Dec 23 call info

Playback Dial-in Number: 1-218-486-8703
Playback Access Code: 201812

Be sure to use this telephone number and access code, and not the previous Dial-in Number and access codes associated with the conference call itself.

Be encouraged,

Becky

Dimdim Webinar Registration Widget

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Week One: A Reflection and Time to Rejoice!

Saving money, calories, and time in 2009 has been a coaching series designed to encourage each of us to be more aware of what we fill our lives with.

Some of us, at the beginning of our series, might have (1) struggled to fill our lives with material things to make us feel more important to ourselves and others, or (2) eaten food to comfort us when we're feeling hurt or empty, or (3) wrestled with ourselves to be timely or productive, somehow wasting away precious minutes.

I believe that the first step in changing our lives is awareness. After awareness comes the step of admission--to acknowledge that we need help to save money, calories, or time. (So many of you have done that over the course of this year through your postings on the blog.) Though the admission step is humbling, it is also releases shame and guilt from our lives and allows us to put the past behind us (seeing how destructive it has been), no longer admiring or wanting those things that have ultimately kept us from being successful businesspersons, faithful partners or calm parents, and spirit-led children of God. When we're aware of our weaknesses, willing to admit that we have a problem and need help, we CAN CHANGE with an action plan. This is where your dreams turn into goals because you've given yourself specific deadlines. (Each week we've considered how we would save (or spend) money, count our calories (because they matter), and spend (or give) our time to people and projects. Finally, we can celebrate that we have connected weekly as accountability partners, knowing it is the only way to sustain change.

Now, as we come to this week of the year--when we celebrate the reason for this season--the birth of Jesus, son of God who came to earth to take away the sins of the world, we realize that we have been given a second, third, fourth, or fiftieth chance to start over. We have been given--through the person of Jesus Christ--the power to change, the passion to change, and the purpose to change.

God loves you--just the way you are and the way (and who) you are becoming.

God need you--to be His storytellers, the witnesses of His love to all who are searching for Him.

God wants you--He chose you to be His. He sent His beloved son to earth as a baby who grew to be man who would die for you and me.

Now is the time to stop chasing, stop wishing and wanting and simply worship Him.

This is the day and the week to bow down on your knees and with all sincerity tell Him that you love Him, need Him, and want Him. Dallas Willard, author of Hearing God said, "God wants to be wanted."

Take this challenge and I believe that the last few days of this year will be the best days of your life!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Week Two: Call Info + Commencement Link

FYI -- On Saturday Dec 19 from 10:00 to noon EST, I will be giving the Commencement speech at my graduation ceremony. Here is the "live" streaming link that should be accessible real time or shortly thereafter. (Please pray for good travel weather!)

http://www.bgsu.edu/offices/sa/vp/commencement/

Today's call info:Midwest
Playback Access Code: 842323
Be sure to use this telephone number and access code, and not the previous Dial-in Number and access codes associated with the conference call itself.

Be encouraged (and thank you for encouraging me),

Becky

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Week Two: Fast from Fluff, Get off Your Duff!

If you recall, during Week 12, I asked you to prepare your "whole" self for the Christmas season by asking three questions:

1. What eating and exercise plan will you follow until January 1, 2010?
2. What amount of time will you spend with God through the holidays?
3. How much money do you plan to spend on gifts this Christmas?

One of the only ways I know to achieve long-term goals is to keep tabs on them daily and to keep them in front of you (in writing).

I chose this week's topic knowing that one week before Christmas, some of us will have to seriously re-evaluate how to achieve our goals--either fasting from stuff or finally getting off our duff! (I don't mean to offend, but coaching all these years reminds me that many people struggle to achieve their goals because they give up on them, stop charging after them, or fatigue when they get close to the finish line.)

Let's each review the three questions (above) and set our sights on the finish line of saving money, calories, and time in 2009!

Be encouraged,

Becky

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Week Three: Call Corrected Info

Call Back Dial-In Number: 1-218-486-8703
Playback Access Code: 592479

Be encouraged,

Becky

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Week Three: Call info NOTE--still waiting for info

The Playback #'s were not correct this time; as soon as FreeConference advises me of the correct numbers I will post! Sorry!

Be encouraged!

Becky

Dim Dim Webinar for today's call -- 20 can sign up!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Week Three: Deliver the Good News to the Desperate

Have you ever shared your testimony before--in public, with friends, family, or strangers?

This week, I'd like you to consider how you would share your God story in each of these situations.

Start with an outline: before I knew God, how I met Him, since I've known Him. Then imagine yourself in each place.

For example, if you were in a public setting, maybe you could share your God story at your church (in Sunday School class), at a neighborhood Christmas coffee (where you invite a few friends), or at work in a breakfast bible study. If you shared with friends and family, you could incorporate a spiritual sharing time and/or scripture reading before or after a traditional meal or gift giving. With strangers, you can be alert to opportunities God gives you with clerks, transportation agents, or by intentionally seeking out an opportunity at a homeless or food shelter.

Role play with someone what you would say, how it would feel to tell your story, your opening comments and a closing comment or prayer. Then get ready for God to use you.

As you prepare yourself to be used by God to share your story (and His story) with others, imagine that this is God's plan and He's inviting you to be a part of sharing the Good News with those who are desperate for change, hope, peace, and forgiveness. You have the answer that people are searching to find!

Be encouraged,

Becky

P.S. Saving money, calories and time update/evaluation is next week, so stay focused!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Week Four: Call Info

Playback Dial-in Number: 1-218-486-8703
Playback Access Code: 910515

Be sure to use this telephone number and access code, and not the previous Dial-in Number and access codes associated with the conference call itself.

Be encouraged,

Becky

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Week Four: No Dimdim option this week!

I will be making our call from Los Angeles, therefore, I can't rely on video connection. Hopefully, we'll try next time!

Becky

Week Four: Make Room for the King

This week, we continue the theme of making room in our HEART and our HOME for the King! (Hopefully you've been reading along in the book of Luke to prepare your heart for the meaning behind this Christmas season).

As for your home? How are you going to prepare it to embrace and exhibit the celebration of the birth of Jesus? Do you have a manger? Can you make one with friends? Do you have Christmas ornamentation that is primarily about Santa or Jesus? (I'm just asking...:)

Take this week to prepare your heart and your home with the foundation of saving money, calories, and time and please post any ideas that will be an encouragement for all of us!

Be encouraged,

Becky

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Week Five: Call Info (Happy Thanksgiving--don't miss the call!)

Playback Dial-in Number: 1-218-486-8703
Playback Access Code: 218399

Be sure to use this telephone number and access code, and not the previous Dial-in Number and access codes associated with the conference call itself.

Be encouraged,

Becky

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Week Five: Encounter with the Living, Loving God through Luke

(Note: I've moved all remaining weeks up one week since we combined two weeks during Week Six: Assess, review and be grateful!)

This week I'm giving you an assignment that will last at least 24 days! Are you ready? I am asking ALL 100+ in our group to read the book of Luke over the next 24 days (give or take a few) AND to keep a separate, ongoing LUKE journal.

I did this last year with a few college girls and we each circled or underlined the verse EACH DAY that stood out to/for us. We were amazed at how timely, or personal, or inspirational each chapter became to us. I'm giving you the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend as a headstart BECAUSE it takes up to 15 minutes a day to read one chapter! But my hope is that reading through the book of LUKE during the next few weeks will inspire you afresh to know and love Jesus!

Be encouraged,

Becky

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Week Six: Call Info Plus

Please read Week Six assignment below. Take this week as a serious challenge to review your original goals by writing a letter to yourself, recommitting to the ways you desire to SAVE MONEY CALORIES AND TIME this year. Weigh in weekly until the end of the year. Be honest with your plan. Be intentional. Be encouraged that you are not alone--post your progress.

If you want to be a part of the 2010 Online (or personal) coaching Groups--click here for more information or register by clicking here.

This week's call info is as follows:

Playback Dial-in Number: 1-218-486-8703 Midwest
Playback Access Code: 319098

Be sure to use this telephone number and access code, and not the previous Dial-in Number and access codes associated with the conference call itself.

Be encouraged,

Becky

Week Six: Give Thanks

The First 20 to sign up can join today's call in a a Dimdim webinar

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Week Six: Give Thanks with Money, Calories, and Time

This is the week we take the opportunity to evaluate and refocus how far we've come toward reaching our money, calories, and time goals since the beginning of this quarter.

The way we're going to do this is to look back and write down one or two (or more) small or big strides we've made in each area. Then we're going to honestly assess where we need to go to make/meet our goals.

As we get closer to the holidays, I've noticed that the number of blog comments have lessened. And it happens about 1/2 way through each quarter--we get busier, overwhelmed, even fatigued...we lose endurance. T

I want to encourage you to take time to review what goals you set 6 weeks ago. Ask yourself, "Did I mean them? Did I really want to do them?" If so, now is the time to evaluate what is (or is not working) and what it will take to stay focused (or get refocused).

Begin with a thankful reflection and an honest review of what it will take to accomplish the goals you set for yourself at the beginning of the quarter. What will it take for you to spend your time and money this holiday season being grateful, sacred, and rested?

Be encouraged,

Becky

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Week Seven: Call Info Plus...

This week's call details the story of my detention center visit--in the hope it inspires you to think out of the box and ask God to give you a specific "service" plan for giving of your time (and money) during the two upcoming holidays. (The story can be found on the October 18 column of the Little Changes Big Results blogor on page 83-84 of Let God Talk to You.

Also, if you are interested in the new coaching programs for individuals being provided along with the 2010 Online Series, click here and download the 2-page document.

Today's call info is as follows:
Playback Dial-in Number: 1-218-486-8703
Playback Access Code: 143493

Be sure to use this telephone number and access code, and not the previous Dial-in Number and access codes associated with the conference call itself.

Be encouraged,

Becky

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Final Quarter of SMCT

The first 20 are welcome to join me for today's call/webinar.

Week Seven: Execute your Service Plan

As an individual or a family member, you and I have 2 weeks until Thanksgiving and 6 weeks until Christmas to design and implement a GIVING plan for either or both holidays. Very often churches, offices, and or communities offer a myriad of ways to get involved--from shopping and packaging a dinner for a needy family to visiting a family with wrapped gifts. Now is the time to check into the possibilities that will work best with your family dinner, travels, and commitments.

Why now? Because if you wait (and procrastinate) until the last minute, you might not have the money or time or energy to engage in the ministry to those in need.

Make a phone call, visit the church website, or call a local homeless or food shelter and ask about "shifts" for serving meals, etc. over the upcoming holiday weekends. Then report on the blog what you and/or your family has decided to do.

***Note: posting comments requires a little persistence. Please hit "enter" or "post comment" twice. It ALMOST ALWAYS rejects your first post for no reason. And it ALMOST ALWAYS accepts your second post of no reason!

***Plus: I'm hoping to use the DIMDIM webinar feature for the first 20 who can join me on the call who have a camera/computer on their desktop or laptop. You'll be able to see and hear me, but you cannot be heard. If I can arrange it as I did last time, your "link" will appear on our/this blog with instructions on how to sign up and enter the call at noon PST.

Be encouraged,

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Week Eight: Call Info PLUS 15 Rules for Effective Communication

Below is this week's call info, but as detailed on today's phone call is a list of the 15 Rules for Effective Communication (taken from Roger's Seriously Dating or Engaged Premarital Workbook and reshaped for our purposes to communicate our "SMCT" goals with our family and friends).
Note: This is copyrighted material.

1. Don't use Never and Always
2. Don't Blame or Shame
3. Don't Name call or Belittle
4. Don't Use "You" statements, use I statements
5. Don't tell others you're angry at them
6. Don't lose control
7. Don't withdraw
8. Don't speak until you've listened
9. Don't make demands
10. Don't use threats, such as..."If..."
11. Don't criticize.
12. Don't interrupt (ouch).
13. Don't use hateful words or phrases.
14. Don't use generalizations--be specific.
15. Don't tell others they've broken a rule.

Also, click here to link to the 2010 Life Coaching Series Options.

Call Info for Week 8:
Playback Dial-in Number: 1-218-486-8703
Playback Access Code: 606222

Be sure to use this telephone number and access code, and not the previous Dial-in Number and access codes associated with the conference call itself.

Be VERY encouraged,

Becky

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Week Eight: Express Yourself (Communicate Effectively)

Timely for this week's group meeting, Express Yourself, I'm adding a free Webinar option to this week's call/blog.

Note: On the Blog (immediately below this post is the DimDim sign up/sign in) with an opportunity for the first 20 people who can attend the Live Call to also attend a webinar. To join the webinar, you will need to have access (at the time of the call--noon PST) to a camera/computer. We normally have about 20 on the Live call, so everyone should be able to access the video of me during this week's call. I will still be on the phone conference call as usual (meaning--I will be wearing head/ear phones so all can hear or see the call) and it will be audio taped as usual--though the video is recorded for viewing after the meeting. (I'm trying this company's webinar system as a test for the 2010 Online Group to include video and audio--so your feedback will be welcome.)

This week, your assignment is to communicate effectively with your family, friends, and co-workers how you are celebrating this holiday season. For example, if you are saving money, then it is important to communicate IN ADVANCE of gift lists and party favors to discuss what/when/where and how much everyone is planning to spend, eat, and give in your "spheres." For example, by suggesting a "draw one name out of the hat" for office or extended family gift giving (or drawing for adults, giving to children only) and/or setting a dollar value weeks in advance, everyone can get on the same page and no one will feel as if they are surprised. Communicating with family, especially, includes BRAINSTORMING, not telling people what to do.

As for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, meals, snacks, and desserts...unless you plan who is bringing what, you might not have healthy options. Magazines, such as Prevention, always have healthy, organic, or vegetarian recipes. Be sure to offer to bring healthy options to parties and shared meals.

As for time, planning your quiet time and workouts IN ADVANCE when you are scheduled to be with family and/or traveling for full days takes skill. Having an ipod or music to drown out crowds is helpful. Awaking early, or traveling late at night instead of during the day can provide quiet time in the car--but you'll need a travel lamp for reading.

Once again, communicating your plan with your closest friends and family, brainstorming "win-win" ideas for food and gift-giving, and even creating a family exercise walk after a big meal will help everyone experience a healthy and more meaningful holiday season.

Be encouraged,

Becky

final quarter of smct in 2009

Dim Dim Webinar Link

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Week Nine: Call info

Playback Dial-in Number: 1-218-486-8703
Playback Access Code: 978005

Be sure to use this telephone number and access code, and not the previous Dial-in Number and access codes associated with the conference call itself.

Keep posting your calendar results and other MUSTS/WON'T lists...

Be encouraged,

Becky

New 2010 Group info on home page at www.beckytirabassi.com

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Week Nine: Work Your Plan and Assess Your Reality

The best way to work a 12 week plan (now with 9 weeks remaining) is to continually "work" your plan by assessing your DAILY reality. Are you saving money, calories, and time on a daily basis?

The best way I've found to do this in each of the 3 categories is as follows:

Money--save on simple things, spend on special things. During the next nine weeks, rather than buying a coffee, magazine, or impulse (at the counter) purchase, just don't! Walk away. And spend on special things. As you think about gifts for family members, watch for sales or online outlets that will allow you to purchase the desired gift at a minimal cost. Additionally, consider this idea for immediate family members: 3 gifts -- one that is special to THEM (something affordable that they REALLY want), one that is spiritual (a journal, a bible, a commentary, highlighters for bibles, online bible, etc.), and one that is personal (a favorite store gift card, a favorite soap, perfume/cologne or spa certificate). For kids--something FUN, Faith-based, and FAMILY oriented (a game, etc.).

Calories--chart your daily progress with a food journal and regular weigh ins. If you need a 60 day journal, the Change Your Life Daily Journal is a helpful resource designed to keep a daily record of your eating and exercise plans. Note: Don't forget to measure inches too!

Time--plan for margin. As the holidays approach, so will waiting in line at stores and in traffic. Don't minimize this. You will lose time in automobile or mall traffic if you shop at the busiest times. Plan accordingly. If you can't help when you are available to shop, then plan for snacks/meals on the road and/or when you tell others you can meet them or be back home! Remember to bring walking shoes, an extra journal and bible, and/or book to read if you are waiting for others at appointments, lessons, or meetings.

This should get you started working your plan...

Be encouraged!

Becky

This should get you started on working your plan--daily for the next 9 weeks.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Week Ten: Call Info

Playback Dial-in Number: 1-218-486-8703
Playback Access Code: 885436

Please be sure to use this telephone number and access code, and not the previous Dial-in Number and access codes associated with the conference call itself.

Post on the blog when your calendar is filled in--updated, color coded, with travel, etc. filled in...see Week Ten post below for more details.

Be encouraged,

Becky

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Week Ten: Plan with Calendar in Hand...

Okay everyone, the rubber meets the road now. We've stated our goals, but putting them on the calendar is another thing. It takes (a calendar) your good intentions and turns them into action steps FOR THE NEXT TEN WEEKS (as much as possible this week, and filling in blanks at least one week in advance).

Money--if you have a specific Christmas budget (some of you mentioned cash only, or a set amount), where are you going to save it (which paycheck, savings account, etc.) and how much will you set aside each week. Put these memos into your calendar--check them off when you have completed each commitment. Begin your Christmas list by name, dollar amount and gift ideas (look for the 3-gift idea in coming weeks for closest family members and/or drawing names--a traditional method of sharing Christmas with extended family). Start to watch for sales or order online gifts now/early to avoid rush shipping charges.

Calories--plan your regular meals one day in advance, but NOTE NOW any dates on your calendar for parties, travel or events that require your attention to your goals: shopping for groceries in advance of needing to pack travel snacks and sandwiches or preparing early dinners (so you are not hungry) before holiday parties or meetings. Also plan your exercise schedule for the next 10 weeks. Plan one more workout a week than necessary, in case one of your "regularly scheduled" workouts falls through. If you don't need it, it can be a bonus or a relief!

Time--take care to plan MARGIN now into your calendar. Are you traveling, having company, attending church and having folks for dinner on the same day? Begin now to do ANYTHING you can to prepare ahead of time. As you look at the next 10 weeks, pencil in your "time alone with God." Will you be in a car for hours, in a hotel with TV watchers, or visiting family? Think/plan ahead for protecting your appointment with God...

10 Weeks will come and go quickly...and very often, last minute details add stress and extinguish the reason for the season. 10 Weeks--find a calendar (week at a glance, month at a glance, outlook, or iCal, OR "google" a free calendar and fill in all the days/dates and create a colorful, joyful, important place to record your goals.

Be encouraged,

Becky

A noble man makes noble plans and by noble plans he stands...Isaiah 32:8...

Thursday, October 15, 2009

A Thought for the Week...

My friend recently sent me this quote:

"The only measure of what you believe is what you do. If you want to know what people believe, don't read what they write, don't' ask them what they believe, just observe what they do." Ashley Montagn

Our MUSTS and WONT'S are what we do...

Becky

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Week Eleven: Call Info

Playback Dial-in Number: 1-218-486-8703 Midwest
Playback Access Code: 575625
(Toll-free access is not available for Telephone Playback)

Be sure to use this telephone number and access code, and not the previous Dial-in Number and access codes associated with the conference call itself.

Be encouraged,

Becky

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Week Eleven: A List of Musts and Wont's

This week might well be the secret to your success. Hebrews 12:11 says, "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those that have been trained by it."

What I am challenging us to do this week is to resolve to change--to do/think/talk/eat different than we've ever done before--by making our "yes" be a "yes" in each of our 3 areas: money, calories and time.

I often tell college kids that they can't make a decision in the heat of the moment. I'm pretty sure that temptation will get the best of them, but if they will make heart-felt decisions in advance, they will have great success in staring down their tempter! I also tell them that "trying" is not the same as saying, "I will not."

This is the week (before we're barraged by choices) to become even more intentional about what we really want to accomplish.

Over the next few days, (and I'm guessing you've been thinking about these things already) prayerfully consider THEN POST what you will or will not do when it comes to money, calories and time during this holiday season (the accountability will be incredibly helpful because others are watching and rooting for you). For example, you might say, "I will not be impulsive and buy a gift that wasn't on my list" (that alone can cost $100 dollars)! Or I will eat breakfast everyday, even when I'm running late. Or I will plan my QT one day in advance for the next 77 days...to be sure that the KING gets all of me every day (no snooze buttons, etc.). Or I won't overcommit to more than...

I love the discussion we're having and the camaraderie that is developing between us. Let's keep encouraging each other!

Becky

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Oct 7 Call Back Info (Week Twelve)

Playback Dial-in Number: 1-218-486-8703 Midwest
Playback Access Code: 111878
Be sure to use this telephone number and access code, and not the previous Dial-in Number and access codes associated with the conference call itself.

Remember to BLOG your answer to the 3 questions (below). Also, today's Proverb (from the CYL Daily Bible) says,"Do your planning and prepare your fields before building your house."

Even with 100 in the group and 30 of us on the phone call, your comments and posts are meaningful to everyone.

Be encouraged,

Becky

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Week Twelve: Prepare Your Whole Self

This past week, you were asked to journal about the areas that need the most attention in your life. Under the umbrella of saving "money, calories, and time," I encourage you to verbalize your greatest challenge (or area that is most vulnerable). Many of you know what this will be (finances, eating, over-scheduling) and can candidly share it. Others will be afraid to be honest with themselves or others. Yet, without "confessing our sin" to one another, we just won't get healed (James 5:16).

As you prepare yourself this week for a 12 week journey toward Christmas (without debt, without weight gain, without losing or wasting time), please consider these three questions:

1. What eating and exercise plan will I follow for the next 12 weeks--even on weekends and holidays?
2. What amount of time will I spend with God daily for the next 12 weeks--even on weekends and holidays?
3. How much money--in total--do I/we have to spend on gifts this Christmas?

In the next few weeks, we will get more specific, but unless you have a foundation to prepare yourself (physically, spiritually, mentally, and financially) for this journey, temptations will immediately begin to get you off course.

This week, please journal and post the answer to these 3 questions.

Be encouraged,

Becky

Monday, October 5, 2009

Here we go!


Please read (and print) this post (below) that details our journey in the next 12 Weeks before Christmas. Put this outline in a few places...your purse, your prayer notebook, on your bathroom mirror. SEE the plan daily. Pray for courage for yourself and others.

Before our first call next Wednesday, on October 7th, please sit down with a journal and consider what in your life needs the most attention: your finances, fitness levels, time management, and/or relationships. (Don't feel overwhelmed, just be honest and trust that with God's help, we will all see progress and be encouraged by each other.)

Next week, we'll set specific goals for saving money, calories and time. This week, be prayerful--ask God, "What, when, where, how..." and listen for His marching orders.

We journey together and this quarter, I am planning to get us through the toughest part of the year with the highest of standards. As we go through the holiday season--when money, calories, and time--can flit away, you will be challenged to save, conserve, and plan ahead.

So get ready for the last 12 weeks of the year are upon us! Here is where we're going:

October 7/Week 12: Prepare Your Whole Self

October 14/Week 11: Make a List of MUSTS and WONT’S

October 21/Week 10: Plan Your Start—Money Calorie and Time Savings Calendar

October 28/Week 9: Work Your Plan…Assess Your Reality

November 4/Week 8: Express Yourself (Communicate Plan to Fam/Friends)

November 11/Week 7: Engage Your Service Plan – Take Christmas to ____

November 18/Week 6: Give Thanks with your Money, Calories, and Time

November 25/Week 5: Assess Your Plan and Progress to Date: Recommit

December 2/Week 4: Encounter the Living Loving God through Luke

December 9/Week 3: Make Room for the King in your heart and home

December 16/Week 2: Deliver the Good News to the Desperate

December 23/Week 1: Fast from Fluff, Get off your Duff!

December 30/Final Week of the Year: Celebrate by Cleaning Out, Giving Up, and Selling Off!

Note: On October 1st, I will post an assignment for your review!

Be encouraged,

Becky