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
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
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.
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
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...
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
"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
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
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
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
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
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