M2/Start- Media

Well, Raychel's worst nightmare favorite month is here. No media. Why?

Let's recap. This is a link to the first blog post, explaining what and why. (http://smiths98.blogspot.com/2013/03/m1d1-stress.html) We, as a family, have decided to work on living with less excess. Learning to think about others first. Truly taking the phrase 'treat others as yourself' to heart. Bringing it to life. Putting it into practice.

What is media (for us)?
-facebook/twitter
-email
-phone apps
-texting
-tv
-radio
-internet
-ipads/tablets

NONE OF IT. Cold Turkey. Done. ONE MONTH.

Bryan and I are actually really excited about it. Excited for the additional family time. Quality time. Sitting and enjoying each other.

What, if any, exceptions are there?
-Bryan and I have computer things we need for work
-We can all use our phones (just not texting) for verbal voice calls
-Occasionally I will be blogging to keep you updated. It will be on here and NOT facebook linked. If you want to know how the month is going, you will have to call or check this blog often.

God has prepared our family for this project. Even though Raychel is sad about doing without her media, she will in turn be thankful for the family time. One day, she will look back and see how fabulous this time is/was for her. She just might not admit it right away. :)

You can pray with our little family. Pray that we will grow as a family. Pray that we will learn more about each other. Pray that our time will not be wasted.

May 1st through May 31st. Smith Family. No media.
Here we go...

M1/Done Stress

Month One. Done. Over. Finished.

How did we do? Not great. However, we did more than we were doing before. We all wished we would have been more vigilant in our four times a day. However, I think we all feel much better after a month of praying for others. Focusing our prayers on others. And for taking time to just be thankful. I mean, seriously. Praying only in thanksgiving? Yikes. That is rough. Don't get me wrong, I am eternally thankful for so many things. But I have grown so accustomed- and I'm ashamed to say it- but so accustomed to asking for stuff. But turning my focus to praying in only thanks has been a nice change.

A welcome change.

Shifting my focus to Him. His blessings. His faithfulness. I have seen more things to be thankful for in just a month. More than the usual things. More than fresh air, clothes on my back, food to eat, my family and friends.

Beyond the things I am thankful for, I'm glad to have the focus of our family turn to something more better than we have had in the past. Yes, I said it. More better. Thoughts of others. Helping others. Reaching out to others. Finding ways to bless others. Being more aware.

How many times does God cross your paths with someone who needs help, but we keep walking. Keep driving. Tune out. One of our prayers was to be open to hear and see the opportunities that God provides. Be aware. Be the one. The one to listen. Hear. See. Hug. Give. Whatever God brings you. Me. People are all around us needing help.

I recently wrote a blog on my other page, about Being the one. You can read that one, here. (http://staciasramblings.blogspot.com/2012/09/be-one.html)

As we wrap up month one of our Project 8, I have to once again thank the Lord for bringing Jen Hatmaker's book into my life. That woman has been a true blessing in my/our life. I feel like I have known her forever, and I've never me her.

Now we prepare for Month Two: Media. Yikes. NO MEDIA?? Whatever will we do? :)

Interested in joining us for Month Two? Let me know!
Interested in learning more about the whole Project 8? We would love to share our hearts with you.

With love,
Bryan, Stacia and Raychel

M1/D25- Stress

As our first month begins the final descent into the end of month one,

I thought I would reflect on a couple things of note.

 

1. Setting a time is a must.

Trust me, you will NEED a timer to remind you to pray.

A timer set to remind you of what you are praying for.

A timer just to remind you.

 

2. Just because it's a month of stress and prayer,

doesn't mean you have to stop praying at months end.

There are many things to pray about before, during and after the month.

What's important to remember, is why you are praying and for who. 

 

 

3. Saying a prayer of THANKSGIVING ONLY is really hard.

Seriously, it is really hard to just pray with thanksgiving in your heart.

Without asking for something.

Without needing something.

 

4. Involve your children.

They need to learn the importance of prayer.

They will enjoy praying for others.

AND you will enjoy hearing their tender hearts praying for others.

Trust me.

 

5. Rest is important.

Jen Hatmaker suggests a time of Sabbath.

While I believe that is truly important, with all this school work it isn't quite possible.

At least not a full day or rest.

 

We will continue our prayer time, even after April 15th.

We will try really hard to incorporate more rest time in the coming weeks.

 

I don't know how many of your are along on this journey with us,

bur Project 8 has really been eye opening to our family.

Eye opening to the needs around us, those hurting, the things we are thankful for.

 

 

I pray you are learning and growing along with us.

With love,