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Strengthening Our Daughter’s Knee – Purposeful Living

These posts written by Todd (Amy’s husband) are designed to model a system of purposeful living. At least once a month, he spends time setting meaningful goals around one of seventeen core priorities.

If you missed it, consider reading the foundation post – Purposeful Living #1.

Correct Priority

Priority #5 – Children (Physical Health)

Goal – March 2013

Assist my daughter Colsie in daily completing her physical therapy to strengthen and repair the damage in her knee.

Goal Status

Completed

UPDATED Thoughts About Goal – June 2013

After setting this goal in March I spent an entire week reminding Colsie in the kindest and most motivating manner I could muster that she needed to be doing her leg and knee strengthening exercises multiple times a day.

I offered to help her with her exercises, but she had no interest in this whatsoever. She gave me that “absolutely not” look. So I limited myself motivational reminders.

{Isn’t she a cutie?}

It was a struggle most of that first week. She wasn’t in a habit of doing her exercises twice a day, didn’t like doing them, and lacked motivation. But my gentle reminders did result in her completing her exercises more frequently.

After a week of consistent exercising, Colsie returned to the physical therapist and received a report that she had made significant improvement. Her knee was healing and strength was improving in her leg.

Colsie was so excited at this report that she started doing her exercises four times a day instead of two and completed many more repetitions than was required. She no longer needed my encouragement and was working hard on her own. Each week of therapy her diagnosis continued to improve and at the end of April she was told her knee was back to full strength.

This is a big deal because she has been suffering from this injury for nearly a year and there was a general feeling through the first few weeks of therapy that things were not improving and more surgery might be needed.

I am proud of Colsie and the hard work she did to get better.

ORIGINAL Thoughts About Goal – March 2013

I purchased several volleyball training videos and had planned to use this time right now to work with my middle daughter Colsie on developing her volleyball skills to prepare for playing on a team this spring.

Instead she was diagnosed with a severe knee injury which will prevent her from playing sports of any kind for some time.

Since this diagnosis I tend to forget about it most nights. I depend on Colsie to find the motivation on her own to put in the work to get better. Reviewing my Correct Priorities list today I felt I needed to be much more active in motivating and working with her in strengthening her knee. I can transfer the time I was going to spend with her on volleyball to helping her get better.

Foundation Post

Build Your To-Do List Around Correct Priorities – Purposeful Living #1

Outline Of All Purposeful Living Posts

Purposeful Living Outline

FAMILY/ HEALTH

Physical Health Comes Eighth – Purposeful Living

If you missed it, consider reading the foundation post – Purposeful Living #1.

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Correct Priority

Priority #8 – Physical Health

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor god with your body.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Being physically healthy is not the most important element of personal health. In fact, among the five core elements of personal health (spiritual, emotional, social, mental, physical), I have placed physical health last on the list. In my list of priorities, I have it as number eight.

I view all personal health first through the lens of how effectively it enables us to be in proper relationship with others. God has called us to love our people, and being a healthy person better enables us to love people.

In the specific area of physical health, I know many people who are overweight or sick, yet are able to have profound positive impact in the lives of others because they are spiritually and emotionally healthy.

With this caveat out of the way, it is still extremely important and there are many benefits to being physically healthy, and that is why it is number eight on my list of correct priorities.

Having stamina and energy to fully engage with people and with life is a benefit. Living as many years as possible to care for and enjoy family and friends is a benefit.

I imagine someone who is extremely sick, debilitated, or battling a life-threatening illness would give just about anything to regain physical health. I watched my wife fight cancer, and I saw this first hand. A healthy body is precious gift. It is something to be valued and cared for.

In addition to personal benefits, we have a responsibility and a duty to be physically healthy. Our bodies are the dwelling place of God and He desires that we care for them.

For me, physical health includes the components listed below.

Weight

Nutrition

Sleep

Aerobic Conditioning

Strength Training

Like many people, I am doing well in some areas of physical health, okay in other areas, and poorly in a few areas.

Future posts will detail where I am currently in regards to physical health, goals to improve, and hopefully details about how I have managed to improve my physical health.

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{Try it for free, keep it for $9.95 a month}

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Foundation Post

Build Your To-Do List Around Correct Priorities – Purposeful Living #1

Outline Of All Purposeful Living Posts

Purposeful Living Outline

FAMILY

Family Devotions – Purposeful Living

If you missed it, consider reading the foundation post:

Purposeful Living #1

Build Your To-Do List Around Correct Priorities

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Correct Priority #5 – Social Health- Immediate Family-Children (Spiritual Health)

(click here for outline of Correct Priorities)

Goal -November 2012

Develop a detailed family spiritual plan to better ground my three girls in God’s word. Specific elements of this plan include the items listed below.

Identify appropriate Bible study materials for a once-a-week family Bible study time.

Thoughts
I have developed a family Bible study plan (the topic of a future post), but am suspending that plan for the time being to do something else.

The History Channel is broadcasting a ten-hour miniseries called the Bible. The Bible is produced by Mark Burnett and covers Genesis to Revelation in one grand narrative. Whether you have watched this miniseries or not, my guess is that you have probably heard of it. It has generated blockbuster ratings for the History Channel.

I decided that for now the Bible miniseries would become our weekly family Bible study. Each week we are identifying a night when everyone is home and watching one hour together as a family.

So far we have watched episode 1 (hours 1-2) focusing on Abraham and Moses. We all know these Bible stories, but were still blown away seeing these stories come alive in such a dramatic way. The production value is high and acting is strong. We stop the DVR occasionally to discuss the broader
themes and details of the stories. It has been a fun and rewarding time for our family.

Thoughts – (From Previous Posts)

I spent a great deal of time over the past year planning our family Florida vacation. This planning paid off with an amazing trip. It may have been the best two weeks of my life.

But in the process of planning this vacation I neglected many other things, including being a good parent. I have been convicted since returning from out trip that I need to dedicate more time and

do a better job in a variety of areas that are far more important that vacation.

One area in which I know I need to improve is being the spiritual leader of our home and doing what I can to better ground my girls in their faith. Each time they step out of our home they enter a world where many despise the gospel of Jesus Christ. They enter a world that is hostile to God’s word.

When my children our older they will have to decide for themselves what they believe. But there is zero chance I will stay silent while they are bombarded with messages contrary to what God wants for them every day of their life.

My first responsibility is to model for them what it means to live a Godly life and be sensitive to His will. My next responsibility is to make sure they know what is true and right. I will not ignore either of these responsibilities.

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Amy’s Thoughts:

It has been precious family time to watch this series together. Usually I get annoyed when we have to pause a show. With this show, I look forward to the questions and discussions, and pushing pause.

I love how it takes all the Bible stories we have been reading to our girls since they were young and brings them to reality. It is a series that is very well done and I look forward to our weekly family time.

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Today’s Purposeful Living

Family Devotions Part 1

Goal Setting & Reflection

February 2013

Foundation Post

Purposeful Living #1

Build Your To-Do List Around Correct Priorities

Outline Of All Purposeful Living Posts

Purposeful Living Outline

FAMILY

Helping My Daughter Grow Her Business-Part 1 – Purposeful Living

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These posts written by Todd (Amy’s husband) are designed to model a system of purposeful living. At least once a month, he spends time setting meaningful goals around one of seventeen core priorities.

If you missed it, consider reading the foundation post – Purposeful Living #1.

………………..

Correct Priority
Priority #5 – Social Health – Immediate Family–Children

Goal Setting & Reflection Date
November 2012

Goal
Help Teagan (my 13 year old) deepen her knowledge about how to effectively run a business.

Identify a small business book that we can read and discuss together.

Goal Status
In Progress

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{My Teagan didn’t want to get her new shoes muddy}

Thoughts – ORIGINAL
Teagan desires to continue growing her Twisted Tape business. Amy has done a great job helping Teagan with the mechanics of starting this business. Teagan has asked me to help her grow in her understanding of how to run an effective business.

I am definitely not an expert in business and/or sales. But I am a learner and know how to go about deepening my knowledge of subject matter I am interested in.

I am going to first help Teagan by finding an appropriate book for us to read and discuss. Whether the book is related to growing a business or more specific to being an effective salesperson, I want to find something that will be of genuine help to her to support her in this project.

Thoughts – UPDATED

I have identified three books to read and discuss with my daughter to help her grow her Twisted Tape business.

The first book is The $100 Startup by Chris Buillebeau. This is a book focused on the necessary elements to start and grow a small business. I chose this book because we already had it in our home library and I didn’t have to spend any money to purchase it. I think it is important Teagan view this project as a business rather than just a “how can I get more sales on Etsy” endeavor. We will read this book first.

The second book is The Sales Bible by Jeffrey Gittomer. I browsed through every sales book at Barnes & Noble and liked this one the most. In addition to approaching Twisted Tape as a business, I also want Teagan to learn the art of the selling. I believe her business will depend on her ability to effectively sell her product. We will read this book second.

The third book is The Handmade Marketplace by Kari Chapin. This book outlines how to sell handmade products locally, globally, and on-line. Exploring in more depth the various ways to sell handmade items seems appropriate. We will read this book third.

What I am not interested in, at least not right now, is a book specifically about how to sell products on Etsy. I am not convinced this is the best way to sell her products. If it becomes evident after reading the books above that Etsy is a legitimate tool to market her products, we can further explore Etsy at that time.

My plan is to read a couple chapters a month. When I finish a chapter I will share with Teagan what I learned in the evening when we talk before bed. When I complete a book, I will compile the information and use it to work with Teagan on a business plan.

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Foundation Post
Build Your To-Do List Around Correct Priorities – Purposeful Living #1

Outline Of All Purposeful Living Posts
Purposeful Living Outline

FAMILY/ Kids/Family

Goal Setting & Reflection – January 2013 – Purposeful Living Series

Goal Setting & Reflection-January 2013 – Purposeful Living

If you missed it, consider reading the foundation post – Purposeful Living #1.

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Correct Priority #5 – Social Health – Immediate Family–Children (Emotional Health)
Goal – January 2013
Support my daughter Colsie in her desire to become a strong volleyball player and join a volleyball team. Specific things I can do include the items listed below.

Research and purchase an effective youth volleyball instructional video.

Thoroughly review the video and develop a volleyball skill development program for Colsie.

Thoughts
My sixth grade daughter recently communicated a desire to play volleyball. She has never expressed an interest in sports before, but she assured me this is a genuine interest. She has been hitting a ball around a lot at school with friends during recess and really enjoys it.

Volleyball is a huge sport in Nebraska with large numbers of children playing from a very young age. Even playing in a youth recreation league Colsie will be way behind without some help.

My plan is to assist Colsie in the same way I have assisted my other two daughters – Teagan (basketball) and Avery (soccer) – in the sports they play. I will find quality instructional material, learn the game, and teach Colsie how to play volleyball. Specifically I am interested in teaching Colsie proper technique, not just the rules of the game.

I understand the rules of volleyball, but I don’t know the first thing about volleyball technique. I don’t know the proper way to set, bump, serve, or pass a volleyball.

But I can learn. The key is finding quality instructional material. There are many resources, but most of it is junk. I will find as many websites as I can that sell instructional material, identify DVD’s that focus on technique, read the descriptions and reviews, and then make a purchase.

It was so much easier when it was just Avery playing soccer. Supporting three girls in their athletic endeavors takes a considerable amount of time.

But it is a fun way for me to participate in their lives. And athletics are a fantastic way to build resiliency in children.

It is worth my time.

Correct Priority #5 – Social Health – Immediate Family–Children (Social Health)

Goal – January 2013
Provide ongoing encouragement of healthy friendships for all of our girls. Provide support wherever appropriate and possible. Specific items are listed below.

Discuss with Amy the possibility of allowing our girls the opportunity to invite friends over and spend the night more often.

Discuss with Amy the idea of turning our basement into a teen hangout area.

Consider additional ideas to help our girls build healthy and positive friendships.

Thoughts
Encouraging healthy relationships for all of our girls is a huge priority to me and one that never ends. It has become even more important as they enter the teen years. It is a routine topic of discussion with Amy during dates.

Children and teens who surround themselves with positive influences are far more likely to make healthy choices. Children and teens who surround themselves with negative influences are far more likely to make destructive choices.

I can’t choose friends for my girls. But there are many things Amy and I can do to nudge them in the right direction.

Two of my girls have close friends who do not live in our neighborhood and do not attend the same school. Allowing them to come and spend the night on a regular basis would allow them to spend more time with these friends than they are currently able.

Turning our basement into a teen hangout area would better ensure that as our girls enter middle school and high school that everyone will want to hang out at our house. Having everyone at our house improves our ability as parents to positively influence their activities.

Either/both of these ideas would place additional demands Amy and myself. These are items I want to thoroughly discuss with her and get her input.

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Outline Of All Purposeful Living Posts

Purposeful Living Series

Related Posts

Goal Setting & Reflection

November 2012

December 2012

FAMILY/ HEALTH

Have I Become A Nutritarian? – Purposeful Living

These posts written by Todd (Amy’s husband) are designed to model a system of purposeful living. At least once a month, he spends time setting meaningful goals around one of seventeen core priorities.

If you missed it, consider reading the foundation post – Purposeful Living #1.

Correct Priority

Priority #7 – Physical Health

Goal Setting & Reflection Date

December 2012

Goal

Thoroughly review every section of Dr. Fuhrman website. to gain better understanding of his philosophy of nutrition.

Goal Status

Completed

Thoughts – UPDATED

Today I spent two hours on Dr. Fuhrman.com – How to live, for life website and was blown away (in a positive way)!

While I still have a bit more research and learning to do, my preliminary thought is this is it. This is the best approach to food, diet, and nutrition.

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Prior to researching his site I thought Dr. Fuhrman was vegan. I have come to believe over the past couple of years that plant-based foods are most healthy, while animal-based and processed foods are to be avoided. Basically, I had come to believe that a vegan diet was the most healthy diet.

But Dr. Fuhrman is not a pure vegan. He is the father (creator) of nutritarian eating. A nutritarian diet has many similarities to a vegan diet, but there are some differences.

Most fascinating to me is the Health Longevity Equation created by Dr. Fuhrman.

H (Health) = N (Nutrients) / C (Calories)

Healthy life expectancy is proportional to lifetime intake of micronutrient diversity and quantity per calories. In other words, the bulk of our diet should consist of food high in nutrients and low in calories. Foods high in nutrients fill us up and keep us full much more effectively than foods low in nutrients.

These foods are outlined the Nutritarian Food Pyramid he created.

The next step for me is to write a new set of goals to deepen my knowledge of Nutritarianism and begin to modify my diet to include new foods.

Keep an eye out for next month’s Goal Setting & Reflection post to see my new set of nutrition related goals.

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Thoughts – ORIGINAL

Dr. Fuhrman is a board certified family physician, best-selling author, and nutritional researcher who specializes in preventing and reversing disease through nutritional and natural methods.

I first became familiar with Dr. Fuhrman after watching the documentary Fat, Sick, & Nearly Dead with my wife several months ago. He was only in the documentary for a few minutes, but I was intrigued by what he was saying.

I was specifically intrigued by the Nutritarian Food Pyramid which he developed and was highlighted in the movie.

Ever since watching that documentary I have been toying around with the idea of becoming more vegan (or maybe completely vegan). The key for me in making this switch is that I would have to thoroughly enjoy the food. It would have to taste good.

A thorough review of Dr. Fuhrman’s website is a good place for me to start. He is a leader in this field and can likely both provide me with great information and also point me in the right direction to new information as I embark on this journey to further transform my eating habits.

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Foundation Post

Build Your To-Do List Around Correct Priorities – Purposeful Living #1

Outline Of All Purposeful Living Posts

Purposeful Living Series

Related Posts

Documentary Review – Fat, Sick, & Nearly Dead

Documentary Review – Forks Over Knives #4

FAMILY

Praying During My Drive To Work – Purposeful Living

If you missed it, consider reading the foundation post – Purposeful Living #1.

Correct Priority

Priority #1 – Spiritual Health

Goal Setting & Reflection Date

November 2012

Goal

Deepen my prayer life by turning off the radio and praying during my ten-minute drive to work in the morning. Focus on specific elements of prayer:

Praise

Confession

Waiting

Petition – Myself

Intercession – Others

Thanksgiving

Goal Status

Completed

Thoughts – UPDATED

I am happy to report I have been faithful since setting this goal in praying each morning during my ten-minute drive to work.

It has been a rich time with God and a great way to start my morning.

Especially rewarding has been spending time in confession. Being able to admit my failures and know that He both forgives me and provides a path to change feels like a huge weight being lifted off my shoulders each day.

Also rewarding has been time spent in personal petition. There are some big things going on in my life right now which can easily lead to anxiety and worry. Being able to offer these things to God knowing that I can trust Him frees me from the burdens of life.

Thoughts – ORIGINAL

For years when I was teaching, I used my morning drive to school to pray. But since moving to Lincoln and starting a new job a few years ago I have gotten away from this. My prayer life has not been nearly as consistent or rich as it used to be. Praying in the car is a great use of time and is something I need to bring back.

Foundation Post

Build Your To-Do List Around Correct Priorities – Purposeful Living #1

Outline Of All Purposeful Living Posts

Purposeful Living Outline

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