Translated?

It was tough coming up with something for the spiritual goal . . . I have already made a goal to go to the temple once a month and I knew April was going to be a crazy month for us -- with all the traveling -- so I didn't want to increase that number this month. I already read the scriptures regularly but since we were going to be out of town I knew I might be skipping a few days. I read the church magazines . . . what can I say -- should I be translated? Bwaa ha ha ha.

Anyways I decided to pass off two personal progress goals. I picked Divine Nature #3 -- a two week commitment. I finished that off . . . but time was running short and I was worried I wouldn't get the second one done. But . . . we had Mormons Helping Hands today so I was sure I passed off a Good Works value. Well, I looked at it and realized I had already passed it off. So I changed strategies and passed off Virtue #3. Whew! I am good. But just barely . . . and there is a LOT of room for improvement. Sigh.

big dumb jock

Well, this month I feel like a big dumb jock. I accomplished all of the physical goals this month plus lots and lots of running. Unfortunately, I did nothing concerning the spiritual goal. That's not completely true. I thought about it and told myself to come up with something…and didn't. A big "well done" to all those that did. I'm more impressed with those that accomplished the spiritual challenge. I'm going to set my own for next month despite no points.

April Report

I know I am squeaking this in at the last minute, but I have just finished my spiritual challenge. I read the Ensign like Mom and Ashlee did, and I too received so much from this challenge. I recommend the talk by Elder D. Todd Christopherson entitled "To Always Remember Him", I received so much from his message. I am going to try and keep up with this spiritual challenge just for my own benefit.
As for the physical challenges, I only completed the push ups. I never got enough completed for points in the other two challenges.
I am grateful for the push that all of this gives me.

Actual report for May

I'm always pushing the enter button instead of the tab button and end up sending you nothing. That's what happens when you turn 75 years old.

Well, my smile isn't as big this month. I was going along really well thinking I had it made when I went back and read Sharon's challenge. What? Did she say I had to do three sets of those darn exercises? So I upped them to twice a day but I could never work in that third one. Sigh! Then I got in three days of walking this week and the stomach flu struck and Thursday I felt like doing nothing so I didn't. I did get up and go to the temple on Friday but came home and went to bed. I slept until 5:00 so didn't get a walk in on Friday. This morning I felt better but I had that darn DUP convention I had to go to. When I got home, Dad said, "Let's go out and get the flowers and veggies for the garden" so we did that and planted them. So, no walk today. I am happy to report that I completed the spiritual challenge. I read the Ensign from cover to cover. I even threw in the New Era for good measure. I will continue with that challenge and you'll probably get tired of hearing me report that I completed that each month. It's interesting that I got the most out of the articles that I probably wouldn't have read if I hadn't read the magazine from cover to cover. I will also continue on with the exercise challenge but I'm not sure I will ever get in three sets a day. But, I will take heart and hang in there.

Mom

Monthly report

End of April Update

Just a quick check in today. I have done all of the strength exercises for the past 3 weeks and have enjoyed the soreness in a new area with each successive week. That was a great challenge, and I really liked that it could involve all of us with all of those variations. I actually was able to progress to a few more difficult push ups by the end of the three weeks. I also completed the spiritual challenge of reading the Ensign. It was great to take advantage of such a great resource. I am looking forward to continuing this goal through the months to come.

Nice "Round" Number

I just want to point out that our money pot has been added to in order to bring it to a nice, solid amount of $250.  What a nice chunk of change.

This was a thoughtful addition from someone who already donated generously.  So thank you "anonymous" donor!  (And, no, don't be thinking it was me!) 

I just want to re-thank everyone for pitching in to this.  I know this is not a time when any of us can carelessly throw around our money but this has been such a fun and meaningful project for me that it really means a lot that you're taking the time and effort to participate.  Even if you don't win back your money, you will make the person who does win it very happy! 

Also, even if you feel like you're not able to participate as much or in the way you like, don't beat yourself up!  This is a fun challenge and ANY steps forward you make this year will be a benefit to you!  Remember my mantra:  "It's about progress, not perfection."

And also remember, if this isn't your year to win, there's always next year... or the next year... or the next!  It's trite, but true:  you don't have to "win" to be a winner!

Love you all!

April Back Exercise Challenge

So here is the final part of April's Physical Strength Challenge.  The steps are as follows:  Continue to do 3 sets of pushups 3 times this week, along with 3 sets of squats 3 times this week and now add 3 sets of a back exercise 3 times this week from the video below. 

Point Value:  1

At the end of the month, you'll have to report how much of this strength challenge you completed.  If you do 3 sets of all exercises 3 times this last week of April, then you earn all 3 points.  Some of you have already completed your Spritual Challenge (good job) and there's still this next week to complete that for another point.

Good luck and have fun!

By the way, Keith was experimenting with different video effects so that's why there's some funky features on this one.

Sharon's Random Report

I call this a random report because I admit I've kinda lost track of the reporting schedule.  Man, who's running this show, anyway?!  I promise next year I'll be much more organized.  It's been a while since I have reported, though, so I thought I'd say Hi.  So far my Spiritual Strength Challenge is going well.  Mine has been to say my nightly prayers.  I'd been getting quite lazy with this one and so far I haven't missed a night this month, so I now have to finish it out before I can give myself a point.  I've seen that many others of you are doing well.  So keep fortifying spiritually!

I have to say the strength challenge has been just that - a challenge for me this month.  I almost killed myself doing the demo video because my neck is in a bad way.  Many of you have already heard me gripe about it so I'll try to minimize that here.  But I just gotta say: it's killing me!  I had a friend who is a physical therapist look at it yesterday and she said I was pretty messed-up.  She said I was really mal-aligned and it would take some work to get me back to normal.  Sigh.  I guess I have to face the music and get some treatment for it.  She did give me some exercises and stretches to work on in the meantime.

Though I find this injury really, really annoying, it's not a deal-breaker for me.  I WILL be running my marathon in December and I'm still determined to keep our wedding anniversary half-marathon date.  I'm just modifying my workouts best I can and having to watch my food intake more closely because I tend to easily gain weight when my activity level goes down.  So I'm trying to be physically strong this month as well - just more in my own way!

I'll be issuing the final phase of the Strength Challenge this week.  Maybe now that you all know the pain and difficulty I went though to demonstrate these exercises, you'll be more likely to do them so that my supreme effort wasn't in vain!

April Challenge

This is your old (and I put emphasis on the old) Mom reporting in.

I have completed the spiritual part of the challenge. I finished reading the Ensign today from cover to cover. It's amazing what you miss out on when you just pick and choose. I gained a lot from my reading. It's amazing to me that the articles I gained the most from were those that I would have missed had I read it in my normal way. Now I'm going to go find the New Era and start in on that.

I also have finally figured how to bring up the video. What's wrong with my brain -- it was easy. I have already been doing the pushups and the squats. Of course, I am taking the easiest route. Now I am looking forward to what is next. Do you realize that I will have a birthday next week and will be 75 years old. So, if I can do it, anyone can. Good Luck! Thanks Sharon, for the push.

April's Squat Challenge

Sorry I've not been as timely with these challenge updates as I wanted, but I blame it on the video editing.  I still haven't learned the program so I have to wait for Keith to do it and sometimes it's tough to pin that guy down.  Anyway, here it is, video and all:

Squat Challenge:

Point Value:  1

First off, REPEAT the push-up challenge.  Add a few reps to each set if you need to amp it up a little, but again get your 3 sets of pushups 3 times this week.  Now, ADD to that, 3 sets of squats 3 times this week.  10-20 reps each set.  Choose which version you want to do from the attached video and squat away!  I'm hoping that even those of you with knee issues will at least be able to do the 1/4 squat.  Start with that and see how it feels.  I suggest alternating squat sets with your pushups.  Saves time and gives you a chance to rest one set of muscles while you're working another.

Have fun!

Spiritual Goal

My spiritual goal for the month is also going to be reading the entire Ensign. I have recently subscribed and it was mostly for the conference issues, and the visiting teaching message. I should do better at utilizing the whole thing. Then I would certainly be getting more bang for my buck. Oh and the whole spiritual aspect as well :) I feel I have a great lesson to learn this month about the importance of the Ensign.

Spiritual Goal

I liked Al's post, I guess excess is bad in everything.
Ashlee and I were talking about our spiritual goal yesterday and we both were thinking we would do the same as Mom/Grandma. She is further along in the goal than I am because she said that this issue of the Ensign has an article that isn't exactly geared to her. I guess there is a article on Infertility, but I'm sure there are lessons to be learned through each life experience that can be applied to the rest of our lives.
She also asked if the push ups were kicking anybody elses "butt" (her word not mine.) I have to admit that my shoulders/pecks are a bit sore.
I love the dual challenge, Thanks Sharon!
Now all I have to do is complete them.

Spiritual goal

I have made a goal to 1) watch one talk everynight from general conference. We have conference on demand on our cable network so I can watch it any time. I am going to apply something that I learn from the talks to my life. 2) Amy and are planning a day to go to the Temple every month, on a day that she doesn't work and the kids are in school. I will block that afternoon from work and we will go to the Temple. I like this months challenge. It is important to have a balanced life. I like the following peom: Excess Express—Peter G. Czerny He worked out for years, to reduce all his fat. His muscles were firm and his stomach was flat. He jogged nights and mornings to keep himself trim. And still found some time to play tennis and swim. He drank protein drinks, and ate health foods galore, Then weight lifted, cycled, and lifted some more. He told wife and kids that it gave him a "high," They said not a word, as he pecked them good-bye. "If things work out right," he yelled back from afar, "I’ll make Healthworld’s cover! I’ll be a big star!" But, why could he not see the truck up ahead? One thud—and his beautiful body lay dead. And then he saw something that filled him with fright— His spiritual body was one sorry sight! A skeleton, covered with nothing but skin, He got up to heaven . . . but didn’t get in. "Another soul’s mine!" Satan started to scream, "Give man something nice, and he’ll take the extreme! O.K. I’ll admit it . . . I’ll outright confess— For the fast way to hell, take the Excess Express."

Spiritual goal

Okay, one thing at a time. I have chosen a spiritual goal. I will read the Ensign cover to cover. I haven't been doing that. I've been picking and chosing. That is my April goal and I will try to carry it out throughout the rest of the year. For some reason that seems easier than exercising. Maybe because I can do it sitting down.

Mom

April Monthly Challenge Part II

April's Physical Strength Challenge.

Point Value:  Up to 3 points.

You will progressively add 3 strength exercises to your current workout regimen this month.  If you're already doing them, great!  This will be an easy challenge for you!.  If you're not really doing an exercise regimen, then this might be your whole routine for the month, which is great too!  You'll be doing something.  But you gotta do it the way I say for it to qualify for points.

The first exercise will be push-ups; the second exercise, squats; and the third, a back exercise. 

This first week, will be the push-up challenge.  You must watch the video and choose a version of push-ups to do 3 times this week.  You must do 3 sets of 10-20 repetitions (if you can pound out more than 20 then you need to choose a more challenging version).  I recommend giving yourself a rest day in between the push-up workouts.  You can do these almost anywhere and any time.  They're quick to do and I suggest just tacking them on to the end of your current workout.

So do them!!!  All of us should be able to find one option that will work for us, personally.  Next week we'll be adding squats to the mix.

April Monthly Challenges

In creating this challenge, I was inspired by two things that happened this week:  our wonderful General Conference and a comment from our awesome sister, Jenny.   Jenny sparked things off for me when she mentioned resting from exercise one night last week to work on her spiritual strength by going to the temple.  Then with the boost I always get from the fantastic conference talks, I thought it would be great to challenge both our physical AND spiritual strength this month.  So, this month's challenge has several parts.  I'll break them down so hopefully it won't get confusing.

There will be several possible points to be earned this month.  Try to earn them all, of course, but even earning a few will still keep you in the running!

April's Spiritual Strength Challenge:

Point Value:  1

Choose a spritual goal to focus on this month that will help fortify your spirituality.  Select something that can be achieved within this month (but feel free to continue the behavior indefinitely!) and that will actually push you to better yourself.

Some possible examples:

• Achieve 100% visiting/home teaching this month.
• Read scriptures every day this month.
• Say personal prayers every day this month.
• Go to temple ____ times this month.
• Take time to read the entire Ensign cover to cover.

These are just some things I thought of, but if you're already on top of all these and on the cusp of being translated, then you'll have to come up with something that will challenge you, personally.  Sorry, no extra (earthly) points for doing more than one activity.  To get the point, you must report by April 30 what you accomplished.

April's Physical Strength Challenge:  TBA tomorrow!  It involves a video!  Exciting stuff!