i dare you to MOVE.

my brother, Joe, jumping off our deck into a huge snow pile

Back in October or November, a friend of mine (I believe it was Hannah) was talking about how she makes goals for each day. It really got me thinking. Especially in my half a month without a job, I needed to have a reason to get up. Before I had to get stuff done, I had to be to work, I had places to go. But with no job, I'm trying to spend the money I have wisely (which most of the time, means not at all). And I've spent a lot of time with my Gram, which I am so grateful for.

If you read my last two blogs, you can see how I am learning about how I need to care more for others. I had a friend who used to tell me that there was always someone worse off than her. At the time, it drove me nuts. But there is some truth to it. And it's always miserable for anyone to get caught up in their own problems. I find the best way out of that is always to help someone else or encourage someone else. And so, I think back to the words of my friend, setting a goal for each day. And so my goal has been to encourage someone, in some way, each day. I've never been incredible at setting New Year's goals. But I want this to be a life goal of mine and we'll see where it takes me. But I want to constantly be investing in to other people's lives, praying for people, and encouraging them.

I've never been one to watch the news (and I can't guarantee that's going to change), but lately my heart has really gone out to the people in Haiti. And I haven't wanted to watch or listen to the news because I often find it terribly depressing. And I don't see how constantly flooding my thoughts with negative things could be productive. In fact, the Bible speaks of thinking on positive things.

(Philippians 4: 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.)

On the other hand, I believe God's heart is totally for people. And so, I have been watching a lot on Haiti and praying for the people there and their families. I do care about people's lives that are in the news. So, this is my challenge to you, whoever you may be:

i dare you to MOVE

move and do something good.

do something good for someone else.

today.