This week my journal readings focused on Acts 2 and some of chapter 3.  In chapter 2 verse 42, the Bible speaks about "The Fellowship of Believers".  The one word/action I have seen throughout the Bible when it speaks about fellowship is devotion.  Act 2:42 states "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.  Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 

Throughout the readings in my journal and using the Bible as a reading reference, the above passage really speaks to me in reference to what it takes to be a "Christian".  You have to be devoted, break bread, pray, and allow God to awe you in his many wonders and miraculous signs.  If you read on into chapter 2 it speaks about sharing with one another and giving.  I feel like this is such an important chapter to read and re-read on a regular as it reminds us what is expected from a disciple/christian.

This week during my journal reading I focused on not only talking the talk but walking the walk.  It is easy to tell someone you are a "Christian" and then turn around and work for the devil.  In Matthew 7:24 it references a man that builds his house on rock versus a man who builds his on sand.  When storms come through the house on rock is stable where as the house on sand is destroyed.  What I took from this is that although you will encounter storms in life, if you build your foundation on the rock of Jesus then no amount of wind or rain can destroy you.  However, if you are weak and lack trust then your house of sand will be destroyed.  This journal is very helpful in that the journey it takes you on is useful.  Many Christian books only preach at you but you can't take anything personal from it.  Every time I read my journal and write in it I feel that it was made just for me and I can apply the teachings to my every day life.

The other part of my journal lesson was centered on James 1:22 which states "Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says."  Put what God is telling/showing you into action.  Don't just read the Bible, live it!

Reading Log

Mon- 45 mins
Tue- 15 mins
Thurs- 10 mins
Sat- 35 mins

I really focused my readings on what it means to properly "seek" God.  This was the topic in my weekly bible study as well as my PRABE journal.  I thought it was really great how what I was learning through my studies I was also learning in my journal.  The bible talks about seeking God and his righteousness.  That the road to righteousness is narrow and few will seek it.  I was so confused by this until I read more into my journal and found that there are a lot of answers to this in Matthew, Luke, and Corinthians.  For me, it all boiled down to my lesson on self-denial and dedication to fellowship, worship, and commitment.  My journal provided the following statement "God feeds the birds and dresses the grass.  Of course He is going to provide for His children. So don't worry-trust".

I am absolutely in love with this journal.  The studies are so personal and carry such a profound impact.  This week was about believing in the promises that God has stated that he will keep.  The first section I completed this week referenced Romans 4:25 "He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.  Also, Hebrews 6:9-20 which was an eye opening read.

My next study was teaching how to basically love one another regardless of who persecutes you.  There were two chapters in II Corinthians that literally had me in tears.  II Corinthians 12:9-11 and also all of chapter 13.  I really loved the passage that states if someone asks you to walk a mile with them, then walk two.  It is so easy to react to the negativity in the world with negativity but according to the scripture we must fight negativity with kindness, understanding, and love; all which are hard to do when faced with challenges.

The third study was in reference to how God will judge us and how his judgements are justified.  The scriptures referenced were Psalm 7:11 and I John 3:20.  Again through scripture we are challenged to whole heartily trust in God, his word, and the promises that are given.



Reading Log

Tues: 45 mins
Wed: 25 mins
Fri: 15 mins
Sat: 30 mins

Over the break I was able to locate my next text for PRABE.  I tried to get into the self-help book but it was just all over the place, not much help at all.  About 6 months ago I bought a journal/book is called "God's Promises for Women".  The journal gives you scriptures to read as well as a place to write down what you have learned from what you have read.  I have decided that sharing what I have learned would be more beneficial than a self-help book.

Each week I will go over 3 parts at a time so that I can have a way to break up what I have read/worked on.  For the first part I read about how God has assigned a "helper" for each and every person; whether that be a helper via marriage, via family, or even those who choose to do covenant work.  The scriptures that really stood out to me were John 15:16 "You did not choose Me, but I chose you." and also Hebrews 13:1-19.  I am reminded that God chose me to be his helper, to spread his word, to be his child just as he chose my husband, a special partner that was meant just for me.  This made me feel like I was special and so when I am down I remind myself that I am chosen for a greater purpose and this too shall pass.

The second part I read was about letting go of what we cannot handle and turning our worrries over to Christ as well as being encouraging to others.  The bible reference that came to mind during this part is Hebrew 10:23.

The third part speaks on the Lord being a shield around us.  Psalm 3:3 "But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the one who lifts my head.  The other scripture I read in relation to this was James 2:14-26.

Reading Log
Sund-45 mins
Mon-25 mins
Wed-30

Until I find a book that I am interested in reading, I have decided to read into a self-help book called Find Your Purpose, Change Your Life.  It is a book by Carol Adrienne that helps you understand what your purpose is in life, how to accept that purpose, and then how to obtain your purpose.  I find this book interesting because many people, including myself, go through life thinking that what they are doing at the moment is what they are suppose to be doing for the rest of their life.  Mothers think that their job is to be a mother their whole life, homemakers think that tending to the home is all they are meant for and so on.  Most people are content with what they are doing because they have not challenged their full potential.

The first chapter of the book is almost like a life checklist or test in that you get honest with yourself and find out what is really important in your life; what makes you wake up in the morning and seek life.  There is a quote in the beginning of the second half that states "Our relationship to time is what it is because we lie to ourselves about what we are and what we can do and we hide from ourselves what we are meant to be and what we are meant to serve. -Jacob Needleman."

If you look to much into this statement it can be a tongue twister but if you take it for what it is, the statement is actually really helpful.  To me this statement pushes me to always be honest with myself in terms of what makes me happy and it also pushes me to keep going in school as I know that I was meant to help students achieve greatness. 

I finished The Secret Life of Bees today, and am so glad that I decided to read it.  At the end of the story Lilly comes face to face with everything she had runaway from.  Lilly went through a morning stage where she felt lost, angry, and confused over her mother leaving her with her father and also with the idea that she had been the one who had accidentally killed her.

Just as Lilly is getting over her morning and gets back into living, T-Ray (Lilly's Father) shows up and demands that she come home.  T-Ray hits her and basically is physically forcing her to go with him when the Daughters of Mary surrounded her with support.  She ended up staying with August and being raised as one of their own. 

Throughout the story I could almost feel the heat of South Carolina and I can picture the pink house and bees to be a real place.  I have already said this once but will say it again, the author did such an amazing job building the story with her creative use of language.  When you are reading this book you can actually feel the words.  I am still trying to find my next book but I am looking to read more of her novels.


Reading Log: June 3-9
Monday- 25 mins
Thursday- 15 mins
Friday- 20 mins
Saturday-45 mins

I have almost finished The Secret Life of Bees and I am almost sad that it is over.  What a great author and such a beautiful yet sad story line.  The language within the book is so vivid that I can almost feel the words as I read them.  I never thought that I could say that as I was never a reader but I have thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Towards the end of the book there is so much that goes on, it is hard for me to even put it all in words.  Zach, a young boy who helps on the bee farm, is imprisoned unjustly.  The news travels to May and it drives her to suicide.  After the morning of May the family begins preparing for a feast of worship to celebrate their "religion" and saint, Our Lady in Chains (Mary, or a form of).  As the worship begins Lilly's secret of being a runaway unravels but to her surprise the members of the house, August, May, & June, already knew who she was.

The truth of her identity led to August telling Lilly about her mother and the truth of her life.  The information about her mother is heartbreaking and it turns out that she did leave Lilly behind as a baby.  This news throws Lilly into anger, which is an emotion that is carried on throughout the story.  I left out with Lilly and August going through a hatbox of her mothers items.

I am in the portion of the story where Lilly and Rosaleen have now arrived at their destination and are meeting the ladies that have taken them in from their long journey.  My favorite part of the book this week has been in chapter five where May, one of the sisters of the women who took them in, has taught Lilly the "honey song". 

Since I saw the movie before, I use the characters in the movie and place them with the characters in the book.  I can imagine May, who has some mental challenges from trauma, singing with Lilly and how calming this song was for May.  It seems that this song is sung throughout the whole family throughout the book.


Reading Log: May 20-26th

Sunday- 40 mins.
Tuesday- 20 mins.
Wednesday- 45 mins.

Secret Life of Bees

   The first book I will be reading for this PRABE assignment is The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd.  When choosing a book for this assignment I wanted to pick a book that my grandmother enjoyed.  My grandmother loved to read and one of the things I was about to start doing with her was reading the same book and sharing our thoughts, unfortunately she passed away before we could begin that adventure.  She loved the author, Kidd, saying that her books took you exactly where the book took place as she uses such descriptive language as to not forget a single aspect of a scene.

   The first chapter of this book gives the reader a little background about a girl named Lilly Owens.  Lilly lives with her father and is taken care of by Rosaleen, the care taker.  The book is written to take place during the early 1950's and into the 60's were African Americans were on the verge of freedom but yet still oppressed in many ways.  Lilly's mother passed away when she was young, her death is still some what of a mystery.  Lilly only has a few items from her mother that keeps her presence close. 

   In the end of the first chapter Rosaleen and Lilly are walking to another town so that Rosaleen can vote.  Along the way the run into a few racist men that harass Rosaleen and long story short, Rosaleen and Lilly go to jail.  Lilly finds that she no longer wants to live with her hateful father so she decides to run away and find the truth behind her mother's death and life.  When Lilly gets to the jail Rosaleen has been taken to the hospital due to her being beaten by the very men that harassed her to begin with.

   Lilly breaks Rosaleen free, sneaks the two of them out of the hospital and sets out to find a more peaceful place to live.  They are both heading to Tiburon, SC which is where Lilly believes her mother might have ties too due to one of the articles left behind of her mother have the name written on the back.


Reading Journal:  May 14th -20th
Mon-20 mins.
Tues- 10 mins
Wed- 0
Thurs-20 mins
Fri- 15 mins
Sat- 0
Sun- 45 mins

This is the final PRABE blog, I don't see me keeping up the blog but I will continue the reading.  This week has been very hectic so not a lot of reading going on, basically just enough to meet requirements.  I am currently in the book of Leviticus, still in the early chapters.

Exodus was about God's approach to the people, their salvation, and the suffering endured if they were not worshiping God.  In Leviticus it speaks of the peoples approach to God and how they became holy unto God.  There were offering options revealed as well as details on what the offerings consisted of.

My favorite little quote in my Daily Walk section states "A drop of praise is unsuitable acknowledgement for an ocean of Mercy.".  This is such a powerful quote, I think I will carry this around with me and let it's meaning slowly sink in.

   In Exodus 32-34 you can see the fall of the convenant and the renewal.  Once Moses was thought to be dead, the people needed something to follow so they built a replica of the Egyptian God.  As previously stated in the commandments to have a false God and worship it is against the convenant made between Moses, his followers, and God.  When Moses returned from the mountain and saw that the people had made a false God he was angered.  In his rage he shattered the stone tablets on which the commandments were written.  

   As the chapter progresses Moses had another encounter with God and out of this visit new stone tablets were created stating the same as the original.  One of the side notes associated with these chapters reminds us that regardless of how devoted and set you are on doing whats asked of you, it is human to slide back into old habits that are unpleasing to God.  Just as the people of Israel slid back into their old habits of false worshiping in a time of fear, so do the people of today.  I don't know how many times my intentions are set for good and yet out of fear I fall back into a mode of old habits.  The quote associated with this daily walk says "Never Look Back Unless You Want To Go That Way".  I personally want to move forward with God's plan for me so looking back is not an option despite the temptation.  

the Daily Walk Bible

Genesis is complete and I am currently reading the book of Exodus.  Thus far I have read the story of Moses, how God uses Moses, the first 9 plagues of Egypt, the tenth plague and Passover.  These are all stories I heard as a child but did not know, remember, the details or meaning behind these events.

Before I read about each one of these events I first asked myself what I knew about them already and then as I read cleared up any confusion or false ideas that I had on the situation.  The one event that I was not aware of nor understood was the Passover.  I am sure that I was exposed to the purpose and story of Passover as a child but as an adult have been completely ignorant on the event.  I was happy to finally understand what Passover was and how people celebrate it.

All I can say is I am glad I did not live during the Old Testament.  If you compare how people/followers of God had to prove their loyalty compared to what we do now, wow what a difference.  If I walked up to someone today and said that an Angel from God sent me to deliver a message, I would surely be locked up in an insane asylum.  With that being said at what point did people stop believing in and acting on the messages that God sends us to carry out and act upon?

    I am moving right along in Genesis and have stopped in Chapter 36.  Thus far most of the chapters have laid out the lineage of our forefathers and the covenants that were made between them and God.  While reading I notice that each person starts out on a mission from God, stops in the middle to do their own thing, then ends up back on the path that God intended for them to be on.

    Throughout Genesis God makes himself known in various ways.  Sometimes through a personal appearance and other times through hidden meaning.  In the days we are living in it is not likely that God will appear in your home and give you face-to-face orders but the signs and advice are there we just have to know where to look.  Many times if we ask for help or answers and don't receive the answer we want we move on to plan B, which is to take someone else advice.  Just a thought, in God's eyes there is no plan B!

I have began an adventure through the Bible with the help of a book called the Daily Walk Bible.  The idea of the breakdown is that you will read and understand the bible in 365 days.  Each new chapter begins with a new "Walk" which describes what you are about to read and it's contribution.  There are also "Inspirations" throughout each chapter to make you really analyze what you are reading so that you can apply it to everyday life.

I am reading in the book of Genesis, of course since that is the first book of the Bible.  Genesis accounts for our whole creation as well as our true ancestry.  I do have to admit that there are more names than facts throughout Genesis but those names are important pieces of history that must be accounted for.

What I have learned/read about thus far is how God's true followers were forever faithful and loyal.  People sacrificed what ever was asked of them.  In Genesis 22 God tests Abraham in asking that he sacrifice his only son, Isaac, as a true testament of his faith.  Abraham was just about to make the sacrifice when God stopped him as God had seen enough and was pleased at Abraham's loyalty.

I stopped and asked myself what was I willing to sacrifice to show God I am a loyal follower.  God does not ask that we sacrifice our first born or trade our possessions, he merely asks for us to be faithful, forgiving, honest, and righteous.  Are we, am I, capable of doing this simple act in turn for God's ultimate prize?

This week I read a short novel by Louisa May Alcott.  The book was The Mysterious Key and What It Opened.  The book is centered around four main characters, Lady Trevlyn (Mother), Hester (Nanny/Nurse), Lillian (daughter), and Paul (various roles). 

The story begins with a pregnant Lady Trevlyn loosing her husband and giving birth around the same time.  The child Lillian grows up not really having a mother figure due to her own being ill and depressed by her husbands passing.  Hester develops a relationship with Lillian that would mirror that of a mother-daughter relationship.  The story begins with Lillian stumbling upon a young boy, not much older than she, asleep on the property.  Hester rushes to find out what is going on and finds out that the young boy, Paul, has been sent to inquire about working for the family.  He begins working with the horses and becomes a riding partner for Lillian.

Throughout the story Paul has a very sneaky and particular demeanor that the house staff cannot pinpoint.  The story leads you in and out of theories as to what motive Paul has in being there as you can tell it's not for the reason he stated to the family.  As time progresses and Lillian & Paul age he begins to tell her that he carries a locket of the women he will one day marry.  Not too long after this Paul disappears without notice.

The family soon dismisses Paul's absence and carries on.  One day while Lillian was visitng a friend she is told of a proposal in the town to a wealthy french man.  Upon visitng this man it is clear that it is Paul but he acts like he doesn't know her.  Soon Paul visits the house and explains that his proposal is gossip and although he does intend to marry it is not with whom the town stated.

Meanwhile the story continues with Paul acting very peculiar until at the very end his motives are revealed.  He was sent to locate a family document that could prove the fortune of a lady back in France.  Once he discovers the information and announces that Lady Trevlyn is not the actual heir to her fortune but the french girl Helen, the story progresses to him confessing his love for Lillian.  The picture he had in the locket was of her and he had intended on marrying her all along.

I have come to the end of my book and it has proven to be a great read.  The last chapter of the book simply recaps what each chapter has to offer.  As I went through chapter 10 I thought about what I had learned from this book and how greatful I am for the assignment that required pleasure reading.  

I think that the most important part of this book was the interviews that were captured.  The people that were included in this book took the worst of a situation and created something amazing, true happiness.  It made me appreciate the life I do have and helped me conceptualize how I want my future to be.

I do believe that my next book will be another self-help as I have enjoyed this one so much.  I will have to search for one tomorrow.

This week my reading was more focused on the exercises in the book versus the interviews.    Me and my husband are contemplating several business decisions that are weighing heavily on the both of us.  As I was reading I came across an exercise that was especially meaningful to me.  One exercise in particular has really helped us weed out business options that might not be the best.  I want to share this exercise so that it might help others.  The exercise is called Inviting Grace.  It is basically a tension reliever which in turn helps clear your mind and reduce stress.


Steps:


1. Sit quietly and write a letter to your Higher Power about a situation in your life that you would like assistance with.


2. Ask that the perfect people, places, and circumstances be brought to you for the deepest fulfillment of the situation.  You may want to ask for the right understanding or forgiveness, if appropriate.


3. Put the letter somewhere meaningful to you where it won't be disturbed.  


4. Now. LET GO!  Turn the situation over to a Higher Power. Relax, feel grateful, and invite yourself to beleive that the universe is always supporting you.


5. Notice what happens over the next days or weeks.  You may want to look at your letter in a month or two and see how the universe responded.




I did this exercise in more of a religious fashion.  I know that God has a plan for me and so instead of worrying about decisions that are difficult or uncertain I wrote them down and turned it over to God.  If it is meant to be it is meant to be!

This book is taking longer to read than I had expected.  This is a good thing though because it has exercises that make you stop and think about what you have read and how it applies to your life.
 
I want to share a few interesting exercises that I have been reading over and trying to interpret and apply to fit my life.  Most are more mental exercises more so than physical.

Exercise 1: Happiness Habits for Empowerment

(This exercise helps you break free of old patterns and begin fresh)


1. Focus on the Solution- What this means to me is look at my life, are there un-resolved issues?  If so how can I began to create solutions to those issues rather than holding on to worry and the power of complaint.


2. Look for the Lesson and the Gift- I have begin to ask myself in uncomfortable or trying situations, "why is this happening and what can I make of this situation?"  I have had several instances this week where instead of complaining I looked for something positive in the situation.  Let me tell you, it was HARD!


3. Make Peace with Yourself- There is actually a physical exercise you can do to help release anything mentally holding you back.  It is called the M-Power March.  Google it and it will go through the physical motions that help you release negative energy from your body and mind.




Exercise 2: Happiness Habits for the Mind


(This focuses on the mental part of being content)


1. Question Your Thoughts- I am now trying to actively process my thoughts.  I also try to validate whether my thoughts are real or just insecurities.  I think a lot of women can associate with how our own "mind games" can affect our day to day emotions.


2. Go Beyond the Mind and Let Go- This was a challenge for me as I didn't really understand what this truly meant.  After I re-read a few times I somewhat can attempt to do this.  I would say this relates to letting go and being free.  Process your thoughts and then release them.  


3. Incline Your Mind Toward Joy- I have to say this is very hard to do.  It's almost as if our bodies are wired to find negativity in every situation.  I have been making an effort to think joyously.  Re-citing bible scriptures has helped me do this.


Over all these 2 exercises or train-of-thought modifications have really been neat to experience and use on myself.  There is also an idea in the book about a complaint jar.  Every time you or someone around you makes a complaint they must put money in the jar.  I took this idea to work and we are thinking about doing it.  

Happy for No Reason-Marci Shimoff (Week 1)

When I discovered that I was going to have to read for 90 minutes a week, blog about it, and record my time I was like "Oh Brother!".  I actually do not get pleasure out of pleasure reading so this is going to be a challenge, but in a good way.  I am looking forward to re-opening my mind to the world of books.

The book I have chosen to read is a self-help book.  I bought this book a little over 3 years ago because at the time I felt that I was unhappy with almost everything in my life, yet I couldn't pinpoint an exact reason why.  The book I have chosen is called Happy for No Reason by Marci Shimoff & co-writer Carol Kline.  Marci has written books such as Chicken Soup for the Soul and various other helpful reads. 

What my intention is with this book is to re-evaluate my life and find out how I can become more reliant on simply being and less reliant on worldly and social beings to make me happy.  The book not only provides evidence that being happy for no reason is possible, but also stops you in various chapters and asks that you do a self-inventory of what you have learned thus far and also to help you set goals.

In the first couple of chapters Marci speaks on why she wrote the book and what inspired her to do so.  Marci states that she was inspired to write this book after doing a mission trip in the Himalayas.  What she learned is that not only was she giving to the people but they were teaching her how to be truly content and pleased with your life.  Considering that this tribe had no material possessions, medical care, or the luxury's we take for granted, they still managed to be thankful for what they did have and were joyous.

There are 7 steps to really meditate on in the beginning of the book, steps that I believe will be the stepping stones to being happy for no reason.  1. The Foundation - Take ownership of your happiness 2. The Pillar of the Mind- Don't believe everything you think 3. The Pillar of the Heart- Let love lead 4. The Pillar of the Body- Make your cells happy 5. The Pillars of the Soul- Plug yourself in to Spirit 6. The Roof-live a life inspired by purpose and finally 7. The Garden- Cultivate nourishing relationships. (Pg. 9)

I looked at those steps and realized I am not doing any of these.  As I read on Marci shares some facts about the happiness factor in the United States.  Did you know that by 2020, The World Health Organization predicts that depression will be the second leading cause of illness/death, only to be beat by heart disease. (Pg. 12)  Scary prediction!

As I continue reading through the chapters, the stories of interviewed people that claim to be truly happy are shared.  I am loving this book thus far because it proves that there is still a way to be truly happy without turning to electronics, or social outings, addictions, or whatever some people use to put a smile on their face.  I want to be able to look at myself at the end of the day knowing that I am going to be/am truly happy and waking up the same way.  

I know that this book is going to take me on a journey, some parts will be bumpy as I have to face the facts, other moments will be an "aha" situation.  Sometimes it takes someone else putting life in words for our minds to truly grasp the concept.  I'm excited!