Phil Parham (35 page)

A Word from Amy

Everyone wants their life to count. God placed inside each of us the desire to do great things. I like to think about my life as a little seed planted in the world. God has a purpose for my life, and as I grow and try my best to be led by Him, I will do what I am made to do. One purpose we all share is to help other people. We are all created to make a difference in the lives of others.

One way we can make a difference is by sharing our gifts. No, I'm not talking about a beautifully wrapped package. Do you know we all have something special we can do that someone else may have trouble doing? You might be good in math and your brother might be good in English. You can help your brother in math because it's easy for you. Maybe you're a really good artist. You could draw a picture for someone to cheer them up. There is always something we can do to help someone else.

The Bible says in Galatians 6:7-10 that we reap what we sow. This is a spiritual law drawn from a natural law that says when we plant something, the plant that grows from it is determined by the kind of seed we planted. What we put into the ground, we will get back. If we plant a watermelon seed, we will get a watermelon.

Think about what you are sowing into the lives of other people. Are you sowing seeds of kindness? Are you sowing seeds of love? Are you sowing seeds of a good attitude? Whatever you plant will be what you will harvest. So be sure to plant good things.

1. Why is it good to do things for other people?

2. What does making a difference in the lives of others have to do with being fit?

3. What are your gifts that you can use to help others?

Take a minute to think about the gifts you have that you could use to help others. Look for an opportunity to use one of those gifts to help someone today.

A Word from Amy

One part of this journey into good health is to use what you've learned to make a difference in the lives of others. I am truly blessed to have a wonderful sister-in-law who is a giver. Recently, she gave of her time to help me move and even organized all my kitchen cabinets. She is always there if we need someone to watch the kids. But the cherry on top of her giving sundae was when she gave me almost an entire wardrobe when she sorted out her closet. She has great taste in clothes, and some of the items she gave me were ones I always liked when she wore them.

Have you ever had a friend who gave you something really special? Did you feel warm and fuzzy inside? Did it make you feel valuable? Wouldn't it be nice if you could make others feel that way? Well, you can.

You have the power to make others feel special by being a giver. Just think of some things you can give to others. Do you have a special talent you can share? Can you say an encouraging word to make someone's day? Can you spend time with someone who is sad?

When you're a role model to your friends and family, you are making a difference. See, it's easy to do! Keep up the good work and keep making a difference.

1. Has someone given or done something to you that made you feel special?

2. What is something you can give to others to make them feel special?

3. How can you use this fitness challenge to help others?

Clean out your closet. Give away some of your old things to people who might need them. One man's trash is another man's treasure.

A Word from Amy

Like many students, when I was in college and Bible school I worked as a waitress. It was a tough job. I spent long hours on my feet, carried heavy trays, and relied on the kindness of strangers to give me good tips, since that was where most of my earnings came from. Many of the waitresses would grumble and complain about the customers when they were out of earshot. I'll admit, it was tempting to do if someone was rude or they didn't leave you a tip.

One day at work I started to feel bad about talking about the customers. I decided to change my attitude and serve them as Christ would want me to. It was amazing that with this mental change, I started enjoying my job so much more. It also made a difference in the tips I got. I started making more money than any of the other girls in the restaurant.

When we do things God's way, we are rewarded for it. He made us, and He knows what is best for us. We are made to serve and to help each other. So find ways today to help make the lives of the people you come in contact with better. There are plenty of negative complainers in the world. Be the positive light that makes a difference in a good way.

1. What are some ways you can serve others in your life?

2. What tasks can you do with a better attitude?

3. What happens when you grumble and complain?

When you go to a restaurant and you get good service, make sure you give the waitress a generous tip. Remember that many of them are taking care of their families with the money you leave on the table.

A Word from Amy

What does it mean to be a good citizen? Does it mean that you need to say the Pledge of Allegiance every day and put your hand over your heart when you hear the national anthem? That may be part of it, but being a good citizen is about serving the people in your community who need your help.

Serving others is another way you can make a difference. Here are a few ideas how you can do that. You could pick up trash on the side of the road or plant trees. You could volunteer at a nursing home and read to an older person. You could serve at a soup kitchen or you could give clothes and food to a relief organization. There are a number of ways to give back to your community.

When my son Rhett was younger, he was a part of an organization called the Miracle League. This organization was for kids with special needs who couldn't play regular baseball. They had a special field made of recycled tires so that wheelchairs could roll on it. Each child had a buddy who helped them hit the ball and assisted them around the bases. My older sons decided to become buddies for the team. They enjoyed helping the kids, and it helped them to be thankful for their health.