Have You Ever?

Have you ever taken on a challenge that was pretty big? Have you ever felt the changes you go through as your taking on a challenge? The mental changes, the emotional changes, the spiritual changes, even the physical changes? As I pursue several challenges currently, I feel more alive than ever before. I can feel changes going on in all four of the areas I listed above. I see my understanding growing and developing. I am more aware of and feel like I am more in control of my emotions. I can feel my spirit bubbling up with excitement. I even feel a confidence so strong that I feel like I walk taller. I don't write this to say look at me. I write this to encourage you to take on a challenge that by just being in the hunt makes you feel alive. Pursuing it boosts your confidence.

The challenge I want to present to some of you is to simply pick up a book and read. For the rest of you it is to read more. I am challenging myself to read 52 books this year on top of the Bible. Maybe your not ready for a challenge that steep. Maybe for you it is to read 5 books this year, or even just one book. I found some stats that were pretty alarming to me (it also helped me realize why our country might be heading down the path it is currently). I was one of these stats until recently, so don't beat yourself up if you are too.

• 1/3 of high school graduates never read another book for the rest of their lives.
• 42 percent of college graduates never read another book after college.
• 80 percent of U.S. families did not buy or read a book last year.
• 70 percent of U.S. adults have not been in a bookstore in the last five years.
• 57 percent of new books are not read to completion. 
• (Source: Jerold Jenkins, www.JenkinsGroupInc.com)

Let me know if you accept my challenge (or let me know what you have set for yourself this year). Write me a note in the comment section letting me know what you are choosing for your personal challenge. I look forward to reading your challenges. God bless!