The Power of 30

Don't forget the strategy at the bottom!
We want to help you actively practice what you are reading today!  

I just came across this little gem from nearly fifteen years ago when I wrote a weekly column for a local paper.  When I think back to where we were as a family, I am so amazed at what God has done in our lives.  At this time, our kiddos were nine, seven, and little Emmie just three years old.  Oh my goodness, time really does fly.  But I couldn't help but think of how relevant the lesson still is for today.  I pray you get a giggle and a little nudge in your britches when you realize the power of thirty!  

"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin."
  Zechariah 4:10

Original post date: February 10, 2010

Has anyone else felt a little cabin fever (to put it mildly) the past few days?  I feel like I'm drowning in the growing snow, laundry, clutter, dust, mail, dishes and Christmas decorations. I can't believe I'm still finding ornaments under the couch and snowmen I forgot to pack away.  Did I mention laundry?  
Well, let's just say I'm about to go a little crazy on this Saturday morning, wanting (no scratch that) desperately needing to get out of the house.  
Needing exercise
Needing to eat healthier
Needing to stop eating leftover birthday cake from my husband's birthday.
Then, sensing the volcanic activity in my head I suppose, out of nowhere my husband suddenly pipes up with "Let's go find a hill!"
Wait. What?  Why?  So you can throw me down it?  No thanks.  
Nah, he's got a better idea.  
He wants to take three grouchy kids, and a whiny wife  sledding.  Really?  
I, on the other hand, in my right, and very negative mindset am confident that this will only add to the frustration mounting around our house.  Yet, grudgingly I get myself and kids dressed, all huffing and puffing in unison we all follow him down the street.  
(He just witnessed that the couple with the steepest hill in their backyard just leaving for the day.  Or long enough for us to make tracks in their yard.)  Lucky us.  
Before I can even get around the back of the house to the hill, my husband has already taken off, flying down the hill, leaving all three kids at the top mind you, screaming like a 12 year old.
"Come on Julie, do it!  It's Awesome!"  
Before I could get out, "I don't want to," I was on the sled, flying down that very steep hill, snow blowing up in my face, giddy like a school girl, and a rush like I haven't had since I went sledding back in high school.  
The whole experience lasted about thirty seconds!
 But it was thirty seconds of pure freedom, fun, laughter, and a release I desperately needed in that moment.  And the walk back up?  Well let's just say, four times down the hill and two days later, my thighs are still burning.  Who knew?  Just letting go. Giving in.  Going sledding, or as Tim would say, "listening to your husband," could have such an impact.  Not only was my cabin fever alleviated for a short time, I had muscles moving that had been too sedentary for too long.  And we spent some amazing, hilarious, quality time together, experiencing the beautiful, wonderful, miraculous creation of our Creator.  It changed our whole outlook for the day.  What could have been time spent fussing and fighting, ended with cocoa, cookies, and cuddles.
So the moral of the story is this;  Give it a try.  Whatever it may be for you and yours.   But never underestimate the power of thirty.

Let's Pray.
Dear God,
I want to embrace the power of thirty today.  Thirty seconds of deep praise to You.  Thirty minutes of Bible reading, embracing what You want me to know about Your plans for me.  Thirty seconds of gratitude for all You have done.  Thank You God for continuing to remind me in every aspect of my life.  It's so much more about quality over quantity.  I will use the power of thirty today!
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ I pray,
Amen

E4M DAILY STRATEGY
The Power of Thirty
Try it now!  Thirty seconds of something powerful.  Below are examples of activities that you can do for thirty seconds that will definitely have a positive impact on your day!  
I lovingly challenge you to implement them ALL today.
30 seconds of exercise
 (lunges, sit-ups, push-ups, arm circles; whatever you can do to get your body to move!)
30 seconds of laughter
(allow yourself to laugh; it's sometimes the very best medicine there is!)
30 seconds of kisses and hugs for someone you love
(physical touch has proven healing benefits; never hold back your hugs!)
30 seconds of praise and worship
(we should always have time to praise the One who is always making a way!)