Cold Water Challenge Grace Style

     Starting out as a 24 Hour Challenge the Cold Water Challenge has gone viral. From fun and games to charity support to whole organizations; with many variations and additions this challenge is on a new level.

     Here is the one that has hit my hometown works: Someone challenges another person to jump in a river or creek or bathtub full of ice. Those who accept the challenge pay $20 to the charity of their choice. Those who don’t accept pay $100 to the charity of their challenger’s choice.

     The following link is an article covering this challenge in a nearby town. http://www.ky3.com/news/local/24-hour-cold-water-challenge-dives-into-marshfield/21048998_25294316

     Many of all ages have taken the plunge and it wasn't long before I was challenged. It's for a great cause so today I completed the 24 Hour Cold Water Challenge (with time to spare!)

My Club Team's Pool

 

 

Preparing to Embark

 



     As you can see from the pictures, I really added my own twist. Some might say that a pool isn't cold enough and I kind of would have to agree. The thing is whole else that did this challenge spent an hour driving to location, then an hour and a half in the water of a pool feed by a hose (although not freezing today), and after yet an hour drive home? Go the extra mile, right? (I did take a cold shower after since I deviated from the actually challenge so much. It was freezing, but as in a locker room I couldn't get any footage. The younger swimmers thought it was hilarious and tried it too!)

     The organization I am donating to is Amor Ministries and I challenge you, my reader. I know that monetary means are not always readily available so I challenge you to give your time. No money can buy a 25 hour day so the gift of time is very valuable. Or you can give a donation of words, encouragement can bring someone up and is a very strong tool. Or you can give as much as your heart leads. In one form or another pay it forward.

     I say, "Challenge you" because as an competitive person this motivates me, but I also want to "Inspire you!"

 

 

Acts 20:35

Broken Art

Broken things can be turned in to lovely works of art.

 

 

As seen below a cracked bowl was fixed into a piece of art.

You may still be able to see its cracks, but this bowl is once again functional and now defined by gold.

  



Or

 

 

Art can be made by 

taking something broken and creating it into a new, beautiful design.

 

 



With time, love, and dedication brokenness can become beautiful once again.

One will still be able to tell it was once damaged, but that is not all to be seen.

The elegancy of what it once was and the charm of what it is now

can be found when something destroyed is created into a different and unique thing.



Exactly four years ago my world was shattered.

My hero, my role model, my dad

went to be with our Heavenly Father.

He was no longer suffering and feeling pain, but now I was.

Everything changed - some in radical way and others were just minor.

I was broken and in more ways than one,

but with

time to heal,

love from family and friends,

and the dedication of God to show me His will

I have become a delightful creation, a captivating work of art.

Sure, there are times where I still feel "broken" and hopelessly crushed.

I know just as super glue or duck tape can't always fix things,

I will never be exactly what I used to be.

I also know that God has turned my brokenness into an exquisite creation 

and that I am exactly what He planned me to be.

 

 

 

 

Dedicated to Daryl D. Reichard 1965-2010