PRABE 8

This week was actually pretty rough for me to get all of the reading minutes in; however, I read around 80 minutes.

I read a lot of children books to my cousins! Lord only knows how many of those I read. Most of them were princess books or just super random books that they had available. I love reading to children! During my summer job at Cowley County Mental Health I read many books to kids! They absolutely loved it!

I also read the Relevant magazine. This months description talked about going to the seminary and furthering education in ministry which is something I'm very interested in! It's my dream to teach across the sea doing mission work! So exciting!!

One Of My Life Changers

One of my life changers:

So, about 4 years ago...I was sitting in my car listening to all kinds of crazy music...Eminem, Black Eyed Peas, Gwen Stefani, Shaggy, Destiny's Child...the list goes on. Needless to say, all of these singers/writers were secular who portrayed horrible messages. I couldn't turn my radio/ipod on without hearing something about drugs, sex, alcohol, disrespect, or just plain stupidity. But, it was what everyone was listening to...it was the "cool" thing to know all of the top billboard songs that MTV showed once a week.

I started realizing that what I was listening to was corrupting the way that I thought...the way that I handled situations...the way that I danced...the people I hung out with...everything. I was drowning in a bunch of gross media that made me a person that I didn't want to be. I never acted upon any of the songs that I heard or my life didn't change due to the songs; however, my brain was submerged with all kinds of filth. Those songs would run through my head day after day. It was like my mind was stuck in a jail cell full of enemies: lust, violence, insecurity, death, drugs, alcohol...sin. I would catch myself singing a lyric from a song, but then I would realize how gross the lyric was. Something had to change. Yes, back then I still listened to Christian music, but it wasn't my primary option. I only listened to it when I felt like it. I was an addict to the secular music life.

I deleted every secular song from my iTunes playlist...reset my car radio...and transformed my way of listening to music completely. I made a promise to myself and God that I wouldn't voluntarily listen to secular music for a whole year! Guys, my life flipped upside down. God used Christian music to change me. The House FM and KLove became my best friends in the car! I started downloading all kinds of contemporary Christian music that would inspire me to be a better follower of Christ.
I realized something: I didn't need secular music. I can find the exact same thing, the exact same style, a way better message, and REAL talent when listening to Christian music. I only listen to Christian music now...and that's 4 years later. It was a process.

I am thankful for Christian music and all of the artists that produce their gifts for people like me who have struggled with the urge to fall into the trashy scene of the secular life. Jason Gray, Brandon Heath, Bethel Music, Hillsong United, Sidewalk Prophets, Rend Collective, Jeremy Camp, Matt Maher, and Tenth Avenue North just to name a few of my favorites. :]

Now it's your turn, go into your cars...change your radio settings and start hearing the word of God through your speakers. Fix those playlists on your ipods...You won't regret it! 89.7 and 99.1 are my favorites.

Love ya guys!

PRABE 7

180 minutes of reading

This week I read The Man Who Loved Clowns. I remembered reading that book as a young child and I absolutely loved it. It's about a girl named Delrita who wanted to be invisible at her school. She hated who she was. Her uncle who had down syndrome changed her way of thinking throughout the book.

I have a huge heart for physically handicapped people; therefore, this book has always been close to me. Delrita's uncle changed her life; however, she didn't notice it until it was too late. Even though this book makes me cry every time, it's one I can't put down.

Fun fact: Delrita's uncle is named Punky...when I was little I named my cat Punky after him. :]

I also read a lot of Paul's letters in the New Testament. It always amazes me how much wisdom Paul had within his letters to the churches. I always find myself questioning the world as to why we don't revert back to Paul's letters to help us go back to following God.

PRABE 6

I read about 130 minutes.

This week I spent a lot of time by the fire reading. I reread my experiencing God book and I also read all kinds of things in the Bible. As opposed to other weeks, I read all over in the Bible in many different places. Most of those places were in Paul's letters. I always like to read his letters to bring encouragement.

PRABE 5

Approximately 200 minutes of reading.

This week I read Luke, Acts, and some of Romans. I find it interesting that Acts is a sequel to Luke. I read Romans a lot because I believe that a lot of what Paul says in his letters should be applied to current life.

I also read most of Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. This book is amazing and very insightful to how a Christian relationship should play out. I absolutely fell in love with this book and I couldn't stop reading it. I think that it is supposed to be a chapter per week study book but I definitely didn't follow those guidelines.

PRABE 4

Approximately 180 minutes of reading.

This week was pretty taxing for me. I found myself struggling this week with being extremely busy and I found myself wanting to read more and more at nights to calm myself down. I know this sounds crazy but there is nothing better after a crazy, busy day than a long bubble bath and a good book.

During these times, I like to read an inspirational book. This week I picked "Lost" by Danneh Gresh. This book talks about getting lost in God. While getting lost in God, you tend to find the true answers to questions that are frequently asked during life. I absolutely love this book and I highly recommend it to girls!

Also, I do my nightly Bible reading of at least 30 minutes. This week I focused on Proverbs with a little bit of Psalms. I absolutely love Proverbs...especially Proverbs 31!