WAYS I CHARGE MY BATTERIES

Someone asked me this weekend how I stay mentally and physically fresh week in and week out. I thought I'd list a couple thoughts...this is not a complete list for certain.

New location. Did you know you can fly to a sunny destination in this country for less than $300...it doesn't need to be a family vacation; sometimes, just seeing the sun for 24 hours can change my perspective.

A novel. I'm serious, reading for absolutely no other purpose than getting swamped in a story.

Short Stories. I think the short story is a lost art in our culture. I'm all for 25 page stories.

A drive. Ok. gas prices are skyrocketing, but that shouldn't keep you from fresh snow at sunrise or ocean side at sunset. Those two word pictures begin charging already...time to load up the kids.

Exercise. Get out those Richard Simmons videos and sweat to the oldies.

Work. There are projects at the church that fire me up!

Clearing a busy day. I don't employ this one often, but if I'm needing a charge I will reschedule the schedule and do things spontaneously. Obviously I try to do this without affecting others too often.

My Bible. Is there anything to add? Nope.

Shop. Sometimes the biggest charge I get is finding a sweet shirt or pair of shoes. Now, I don't do this too much, but enough to keep the holes in my jeans at bay--unless the holes are there on purpose, but that is so 2002.

Barnes and Noble. Ok, most days I shop online at Amazon for books, but some days are better spent by picking up the title, sitting down and reading the flaps and moving on to the next book.

Seattle. I live in one of the coolest cities in America. There is more to do and see in our state than most others. Sometimes to charge the batteries I head to the desert, the mountains, the water, the pier, the islands, the city or the woods. Where else can you reach all those destinations in one day?

Go camping. A four season tent is a great investment and required if you camp in the snow! It's cool (literally) to wake up in the snow! Make sure the bag is rated also so you don't freeze your buttoooskeee off.

PF Chang's. If I need a meal to make me feel healthy there is nothing like Chang's Spicy Chicken.

Prayer. Break away for prayer. Take a prayer retreat. Or drive to a special place to pray. When I do "location prayer" I feel like my prayer is much more un-edited with God. There is nothing more rewarding than waking in the middle of the night, kissing Melinda good bye as I head out of the house to pray. It's like I'm going to a special night ops meeting with God!

Race Car. Ok, this doesn't apply to everyone, but I need a race car night at least once a week. I encourage everyone to have a passion and do it. For Melinda, her passion is fitness and piano and she is dedicated to spending extra time daily with those two things.

Those are a few thoughts...what do you do to stay fresh? I'd love some new ideas to try.