tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10823665194597747142024-03-05T09:59:34.600-08:00Our ThirtyA teen's 30 Day Fast from secular mediaUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger506125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082366519459774714.post-60981412842068022582018-04-11T08:59:00.000-07:002018-04-11T09:04:29.044-07:00Just When You Think It's Over...<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After 16 years of encouraging Middle School and High School students to do something unthinkable in our culture, I've learned a few things:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Fasting from something that hurts your relationships is always worth it</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Don't under-estimate what a young person can do (or who they can influence)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We grow closer in our relationship with God when we cut out the extra noise</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When families make a commitment to place "WE" over "ME", the whole family wins</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Just when you think something is over, it usually isn't</span></li>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>FASTING FROM SOMETHING</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The reason you decide to avoid something is that you realize how it may be hurting you or others. Smoking, drugs, addictions, even media have a negative impact on our relationships. Lori and I noticed that many parents at restaurants and stores have been handing their kids electronic devices to watch movies or cartoons or play games while they are involved in conversations or activities with other adults... and we have also noticed that many young people have a really hard time carrying on normal conversations with their peers, let alone other adults. I think our tendency to try to "keep our kids entertained" so that they don't interrupt us is a bigger problem than we realize. I remember getting in trouble with my brothers when we started being a distraction or started to act up when my parents were trying to talk... you know what I learned by getting in trouble? I learned to pay attention to other people and not to spit spitwads at others when people are talking. Parents: it's ok to put your kids in situations where they will probably not act perfectly... and it's even wiser to remove things from our lives that distract or hurt our relationships with others, and God!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>DON'T UNDERESTIMATE TEENS</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Teenagers want to do something that matters. They want to make a difference. They are also incredibly influential and inspiring. When we hear of a 30-year-old making a decision to avoid certain media, we think "that's interesting... good for them", or "what a weirdo". But when a teenager makes the same decision, we think, "That's amazing! I wish I could do something like that!" There are countless stories of students who have jumped into this fast and have impacted their friends, their teachers, their parents, and others. We need to expect more from teenagers, not less.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>CUT OUT NOISE; GROW CLOSER TO GOD</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'm not sure I have to get into this one. It's kind of a "no-brainer". But I do think that while we know this is true, how often do we actually do it? It's like when we want to lose some weight and we know we need to avoid certain foods and exercise... and then we still grab a tub of ice cream and sit and binge-watch our favorite show. We need to take time to cut out the things that are hurting our relationship with God... or we won't grow closer to God. I guess we have to decide whether our media choices and our time choices are more important than the things we need to do to grow closer to God. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>WE OVER ME TIME</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've heard this every year from families... "This past month of the fast was amazing! We did it together and it seems like there was less stress. We had so much fun together." But by the end of April, they are stressed out and tired. I know this because it has happened in my house for over 16 years. And while I'm not advocating that we should always fast from media distractions (although maybe I should and I'm just being selfish), I think there is incredible value in focusing on "we" over "me". It is so incredibly selfish for someone to say "I just need some 'me' time." I get it... we all need time away from chaos, complaining, crying, and everything else that comes from being a human on planet earth with billions of other people... but parents, you need to hear this: WHEN YOU HAVE DECIDED TO HAVE SEX, YOU DECIDED TO GIVE UP "ME" FOR "WE". And when you have kids, you have a responsibility to put your family above yourself. If you don't, you will regret it... trust me. I have heard more stories than I can count... I gave up a lot of things I like to do while my kids were at home, and I don't regret not doing those "me" things. I stopped playing golf; I said "no" to side jobs or extra responsibilities that would have taken time away from my kids and family; I even cut out working out every day (I play basketball 1 day a week for 2 1/2 hours) in order to make sure I was there for my kids. I learned how to coach softball. I went on field trips. I worked on projects... and while it sounds like I was amazing, I still see areas where I regret focusing on "me" over "we". I wish we had played more board games together. I wish we had gone on more hikes and walks. I wish I had prayed more often with my kids and wife. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>JUST WHEN YOU THINK IT'S OVER</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We are wrapping up year 16... and it's been an awesome adventure. Over 400 students, 400 families, nearly 10,000 sponsors, have been a part of this yearly event. It has brought in over $250,000 in money raised to send kids on mission trips and camps. But even more important, is that teens and families have grown closer to each other, and to God. Just because it's April and everyone is "back to normal" in their routine, doesn't mean that the fast is over. Prayerfully, we called people to spend time with God... and if they did that, hopefully, they have a habit of finding time to spend with God, daily. Many of these kids will be involved in mission trips to help point others to Jesus... and that's an eternal outcome that we can't quantify. People throughout the year come across this website and read the posts from kids... and they are inspired to do something about their relationship with God... how awesome is that? Just when you think it's over... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Thank you all for another great year on this adventure... I can't wait to see how God uses this challenge over the next year!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082366519459774714.post-27665476580667681452018-04-02T20:50:00.001-07:002018-04-03T08:22:49.150-07:00Over Already? Man, I can't believe that the media fast went by that fast! I remember at the beginning of the fast when I thought I would be dreading every day and would have nothing to do but, it happened to be the opposite. I had a lot of work at school because of spring break and during spring break we were pretty busy with family and trips. Even though we were busy I still feel like I got a lot more connected to God through all the movies I watched, songs I listened to and through reading my bible. This media fast really helped me with the way I reacted to things and after the fast I can see myself getting a little more angry over small things. So, even though the fast is over I am going to try to limit myself on media and read my bible more often. All in all, I can't wait for next year's media fast and I am grateful for all the people who supported and prayed for me throughout the fast.Jacob Ganagahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11214893262348251914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082366519459774714.post-35511533385066128142018-04-02T11:50:00.002-07:002018-04-02T11:50:39.839-07:00The End?Well here we are, the media fast has been over for a couple days now and we can go back to media. However when I went back on Instagram and Snapchat I realized that I wasn't that interested in what was on there. I have learned to take a step back from everything going on in the world and see Gods point of view instead of people's point of view. There were a few times that I slipped up like when we were in the store and a song was playing I realized that I was humming along with it and I have to stop myself. Overall I have learned to focus more on God and learn more about him. Thank you to everyone who prayed and everyone who sponsored me during the fast. And to everyone who participated in this with me I hope we can remember what we have learned and not forget what the fast was about.<br />
-JordanJordan Gilberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266315650941141111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082366519459774714.post-64038951985683590392018-04-01T23:11:00.000-07:002018-04-01T23:11:28.340-07:00Return of The MediaI tried to make a good title, probably too cheesy but the blog post won't let you down... hopefully. The end of the media fast will come differently for others. Some might look back and say "thank goodness I'm out of this mess". Others might think that "it was fine" and "it won't affect me later" but when I look back I'm going to remember this journey and how it will improve my future life. I know that media has became apart of our lives because we see it everywhere. We see it in our friends, our school, politics, pretty much everything except the Amish. We care for it and we use it for a lot of things. That transition from straight media to straight non media was a punch in the face. As I look back I realize that punch was knocking sense into me showing me that I have been blinded from the true power of God. When I was on this media fast I saw things through my daily life that seemed like it was influenced by God. I would ask him questions through my prayer and hope for an answer like he was actually talking to me but instead I would listen to music or read passages that would be like little puzzle pieces. Those puzzle pieces would be put together and form a big picture. That picture would be the answer to my questions, something that is not showed and covered when we are sucked into the excessive amount of media. I guess the real point is that we should all cut back on media and make sure that we are aware of Him and what He does for us. As I continue my journey to get closer to God I know I have to change some of my previous habits so I can make cutting out media a habit. I am so glad that I was able to do this and I'm looking forward to doing more than just one month of fasting next year.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09292098515165339930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082366519459774714.post-68186625181487588462018-04-01T17:32:00.001-07:002018-04-01T17:32:29.347-07:00A forever kind of loveHe Has Risen! (I know right?)<br />
Happy Easter! This wonderful day also coincides with April Fools' Day and the end of the media fast. A lot to be thinking about today. Here are a few of the things I've been thinking about:<br />
I can't believe the fast is over already! And this is the end of my "official" fasting as I am a senior, but I'd love to continue to fast in years to come. I've memorized almost every Silly Song in existence and can quote <i>Courageous </i>and <i>Moms' Night Out </i>almost perfectly, but I've also been able to spend more time with my family and with my loving Creator. I've seen His power and majesty in everything, from the rain just a week ago to the brilliant sunshine now, from the rush of a spring break band trip to the peace and quiet of an "Easter nap."<br />
I really don't want to go full into media again. Though I was exposed to some music and some social media while I was around my friends, I had no longing to go back to it. The more I think about it, the more overwhelmed I become with even considering letting that stuff back into my life. A lot of it isn't positive and encouraging, and I think that I should be trying to keep my life as positive and encouraging as possible. If the occasion does arise where my family wants to go out for a movie, I would most certainly love to join them, because the movie is only half the fun of the outing. Getting to spend time with my family is a blessing, even though we can be a little... strange... sometimes. But that's just one of the things that comes with being in a family. And to be honest, I'm glad that God decided to throw in a little weird, cuz that makes ordinary things (and now, I'm noticing, things without media) way more fun!<br />
This fast has helped me be patient with a lot of things, because I am learning to not just jump on Google to look up an answer or open Snapchat to see what's going on in the world <i>right now</i> because I don't really need to know everything <i>right now</i>. It's good for me to wait, because God's perfect plan will come in time. I don't have to know exactly what He has planned for my future right in this very moment (though sometimes I'd really like to know) and I can rest assured that whatever is in my future is for a reason. He's got a reason for everything, even when it seems like those things might not be so good.<br />
Thanks to all of our sponsors! Your prayers are greatly appreciated and your financial support has done and will do amazing things in the lives of so many people. I am so looking forward to this mission trip, and I can't wait to come back with more stories of how God has changed my life!<br />
The media fast may be ending, but God's love NEVER ends!!<br />
Remember, God made us special, and He loves us very much. Goodbye!<br />
-Madeleine JonesMadeleine Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00907530018333626819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082366519459774714.post-68359307965085572112018-03-31T23:13:00.002-07:002018-03-31T23:14:21.738-07:00Crossing the *Finish* LineAnd the media fast is officially over...<br />
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I have to say, I have mixed feelings. I think I’ll like being able to watch TV again (I went to a friends house and had to miss out on watching Thor 3), and I’ve missed some of the other things too. Don’t get me wrong, I think it was good to take a break from those stuff, it kinda serves as a reminder of where your priority’s are it life, and helps you refocus on God. </div>
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I’m excited on how much I grew these past few weeks and I’m looking forward to the Mission trip this July.</div>
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Until next time...</div>
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-Erik W Washburn</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07136730155141812888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082366519459774714.post-67073446448107883162018-03-30T16:53:00.001-07:002018-03-30T16:53:23.178-07:00Not the EndWow. Thirty days ago, I was telling myself, "Just get through it, it's only thirty days and then you can go back to everything." Now I'm telling myself, "It doesn't have to end, you can continue and you don't have to go back." I DO NOT WANT TO GO BACK. AT ALL. I feel so connected with God and I'm scared I might lose the connection if I let the distractions back in. Life is so so much better without media and with God. So many christian movies have inspired me, for example: "I'm Not Ashamed". Because of movies like that and music and reading devotions and stuff, I have realized that nothing else of this world satisfies me as Jesus does. And that is why I am so so thankful for this media fast. I have also decided to get baptized. I have grown to love Jesus with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. I really truly believe that this media fast has changed my life so much. It has made me realize that I want to live my life for him. Jesus gave his life for me, so I will give my life to him. Thanks for the prayers over the fast, they obviously really helped. I know God has something great planned for my life, and I can't wait to find out what it is and serve, love, and make him proud while doing it. Please pray that I continue my walk with Jesus, and that this love I have grown continues to grow even after the fast. Thanks again. :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04118842451569844061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082366519459774714.post-38265783995232358942018-03-30T14:49:00.000-07:002018-03-30T14:49:22.924-07:00It's Almost Over!I can't believe the Media Fast is already almost over. To be honest, it has changed my life in many ways. I realize how much I have been on my phone, and how much social media has been pulling me away from God. So much of life has passed me by while I am on my phone. I have missed out on many things. That is a hard thing to realize, but I know now, and I won't let it happen again. I have been keeping a Gratitude Journal this month, naming three things each day I am grateful for. I have been reading my Bible a lot. In fact, I read through the Book of Esther and some of the Book of Proverbs. I am also working on daily devotionals on my Bible App. <br />
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Stay 2 Serve was amazing. I loved teaching all the little kids about God and Jesus, and how Jesus died on the cross for our sins. The language barrier was hard, though, because sometimes the kids couldn't understand what we were saying. Sometimes the kids could understand the basic concepts of what we were saying, but all the time, the kids could understand our smiles and laughter. God has changed my life in so many ways this month, and I am already looking forward to next year!Audrey Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00377326771268473142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082366519459774714.post-7061838207854493642018-03-29T20:16:00.002-07:002018-03-31T10:56:45.616-07:00Almost There! Stay 2 Serve ended yesterday and we had so many kids and parents. It was a lot of work but it was really cool. I'm excited that the media fast is coming to an end. Even though I don't want to go back to the same old habits I still kind of want to watch my shows especially "A Series of Unfortunate Events". In the beginning of the month, I was kind of struggling but now it feels like normal daily life.<br />
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Aleksandra Avetisovhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04274456580319048470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082366519459774714.post-82951912776854715112018-03-29T11:59:00.001-07:002018-03-31T10:56:18.495-07:00Few more days!I can’t believe that the media fast is coming to an end! Stay 2 Serve just ended and we had A LOT of kids and I thank God because He gave us an opportunity to share the gospel to so many different people and in so many different ways! The fast hasn’t been that bad so far, because I’ve been keeping myself busy with writing Bible verses in my journal. I don’t want to go back to my normal habits of being attached to my phone more than usual after the media fast is over.Jessica Kapelkin http://www.blogger.com/profile/18044355837784880995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082366519459774714.post-46287701297757305652018-03-27T17:19:00.000-07:002018-03-27T17:19:02.489-07:00ForeverIts coming to the end of the media fast and I realize that this doesn't last forever. I think to myself for a little bit on how I've done and what I have learned. I go back to my Spotify playlist and shuffle my songs and the first song I hear is Forever from Chris Tomlin. I was listening closely to the lyrics and I thought it related to the media fast and questions I have today. One verse says "he is good he is above all things". When I heard this a thought clicked in my head as if It was meant to tell all of us that God is above all media, all technology, and anything on this Earth. I also thought to myself the word Forever. I realized that even though this media fast may not last forever our faith in God will and my striving to get closer to God will also last forever. I think God shows signs to everyone through there daily life even if its in a song or a book or media. God has worked through me all month and I now know that when your on media it covers or blinds you from what God has given us. This media fast is almost over and Easter is coming up and i'm making sure I notice everything that comes my way.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09292098515165339930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082366519459774714.post-35545018797816554392018-03-27T09:26:00.004-07:002018-03-27T09:26:49.639-07:00Home StretchFor every person who participates in any kind of fast, there is the home stretch where your mind takes over. You start thinking about the day after your fast, the things you can finally do (watch, listen to, read, play) when it's all over. The problem with this thinking is that we begin to forget what we have done and why we did it. Here's some questions everyone needs to wrestle with this week:<br />
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<li>What was I fasting from?</li>
<li>Why was I fasting from it?</li>
<li>How has this fast changed me? My stress? My everyday life?</li>
<li>What have I been doing to grow closer to God during my fast and how can I keep that moving forward?</li>
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This is when leaders become leaders... when they recognize how a decision they have made has made their life better or worse... then responding to it to continue to be successful. </div>
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Success during this fast IS NOT avoiding media... it was to remove something in our lives that was taking up time we could spend, growing closer to God. My hope and prayer is that you have grown closer to God through taking time to read His Word, prayer, memorizing Scripture, and listening to music that helps you focus on Him.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082366519459774714.post-10560323044720675152018-03-25T21:11:00.000-07:002018-03-27T08:52:54.932-07:00The Last WeekTomorrow is Stay 2 Serve and I am so excited! This is my first year doing it and I'm kind in the middle of being nervous and excited. I can't wait to work with the kids and to teach them and bring them closer to God. The media fast has been good even though on our field trip last week everyone was on their phones the whole bus ride. At least my friend brought slime so I can occupy myself. To be honest, I don't really want to go back to media after March 30th. Yeah I want to watch my shows but I think to myself, "What a wonderful world that God has created and being on secular media has drawn me away from it". I'm thankful for the people who are praying for me and supporting me. Aleksandra Avetisovhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04274456580319048470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082366519459774714.post-35355601427590210342018-03-24T19:14:00.000-07:002018-03-24T19:14:32.752-07:00feelin good :))It's day 24 of the media fast and I have never felt so connected with my family, friends, and most importantly, God. The first few days of March I found myself picking up my phone to check for notifications because I was so attached to my social media accounts and I felt like I needed to know what was going on all of the time. I feel so much different now. I have more time to spend reading God's word and reflecting. Instead of reaching for snapchat, I have been going through some daily devotions in my Bible app. I've been feeling less stressed and I am focusing on things that are actually worth my time. Thank you for all of your prayers and kind words. God is doing awesome things! :)Camille Kistnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12002606102600163028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082366519459774714.post-68237299542439021172018-03-24T12:08:00.001-07:002018-03-24T12:08:35.815-07:00Open eyesIt is day 24 and I am happy to say this has become normal. Not only that, but i'm loving it, and i'm sad it is going to be over soon. My whole life I have grown up being told, God is always here, he is always with you. But I have never really felt like he was. This media fast has allowed me to grow so much closer to him. Now, I feel like he is right by my side, helping me through everything. And as cliche as it sounds, it feels like a missing part of me has been filled. Like the part of me that wasn't content with who and where I am in life, is content. And all the credit goes to spending more time off media, and focusing on God instead. Sometimes it's hard when all my friends are on their phone, looking at things. But then I am reminded that it kind of sucks to be glued to these devices because you miss so much. For example I got this camera app that I have been taking a lot of pictures of God's creation with. Getting off instagram, and opening my eyes to see everything that I have been blessed with has been amazing. It is almost embarrassing to remember how much I was on my phone before. And it always makes me giggle when I see groups of kids with their eyes glued to their screens, because I know what they are missing. God has opened my eyes, and I am so thankful. Please pray that I continue this way even when the fast is over. Thanks so much.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04118842451569844061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082366519459774714.post-38390305959345924092018-03-23T15:30:00.000-07:002018-03-27T08:52:39.336-07:00Almost thereBefore I started the media fast I thought this fast would be really hard but, it's a lot easier than I imagined. I have to admit I had a few slips for the first few days and wasn't really used to no media. Luckily, every day that went by got easier and easier and soon it became more of a routine. I've found myself thinking about God and admiring his creations a lot more than usual. I hope to carry on these habits of focusing on God and becoming stronger through him throughout the rest of my life.Rachel Ganagahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12314901142230561755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082366519459774714.post-60660846831223230422018-03-22T17:49:00.002-07:002018-03-22T17:49:37.226-07:00Checking InHow is it going,<br />
<br />
Just checking in, letting you know my media fast is going pretty good. It has kinda gotten to the point where I’m not even bothered by wanting to do the medias. I also like all the the new Christian music I’m listening to, it is giving me a lot of ideas for Sunday morning worship.<br />
<br />
Praying for everyone<br />
<br />
Erik W. WashburnAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07136730155141812888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082366519459774714.post-78067059272638714162018-03-21T11:42:00.000-07:002018-03-21T11:53:49.718-07:00Almost Done...<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> A<span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span>s week three draws to an end, my whole family is sick with the flu, including me. Ugg. I hope I can get better in time to be at Stay 2 Serve. But, this sickness was a blessing in disguise. This week an important project was due in my language arts class. There were four projects due this school year, one for each quarter. I reviewed the packet I received at the beginning of the year and found the due date for this quarter. It was set for the 19th. I clarified with my buddies in a different class since they usually have the same due dates (this is a grade wide project). However, they said that the due date is the 23rd. I also asked one of my friends in my class and they said that it was due on the 23rd as well. I dismissed my suspicion and assumed that the packet had a typo. Yesterday, the 20th, one of my friends was texting me and asked me how I am going to get my project in by spring break. Suspicious, I asked her if the due date was the 23rd or the 19th. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She replied and said that it was actually due the 19th! If I had not been sick, I would have had to turn my project in late and, as a result, would have points deducted. Though it isn't fun to be sick, I'd say it is worth it to get a project turned in "on time". Thanks God!!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">😃<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">😃😃</span></span></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">⭐P<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">lz continue to pray for me for the remaining <u><span style="color: red; font-size: small;">10</span></u> days, especially during Stay 2 Serve! <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">⭐</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.33px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">⭐</span>Stay 2 Serve is from March <u>26th</u> through the <u>28th</u>.⭐</span></span></span></div>
Lana S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07616680007956659695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082366519459774714.post-62277395754083879942018-03-20T17:24:00.001-07:002018-03-21T20:23:40.008-07:00week 3 So the fast has continued to work well for me. I have continued to grow closer to god and read my bible more and I have written four songs and have like three I haven't finished. I plan to record these with some friends and with Andrew soon and I'm super hyped about that. but I have forgotten about the fast a couple times... I was a Ethan's house and well we played like two hours of mine craft with his little brother... very disappointing I know. And in class once I listened to on song that was secular. besides those I have done well with the fast and have been enjoying it a lot.<br />
<br />
Tyler<br />
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<br />
I was at the library after school because my moms the librarian and I was shelving books with my friend Sal and my mom was in the bathroom and Sal wanted to show me a video called "Loca the pug" And then I showed him the "little lad dance"<br />
<br />
Lily<br />
<br />
Tyler and Lily Bonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17927570000914852718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082366519459774714.post-88217948976919039932018-03-18T15:56:00.001-07:002018-03-18T15:59:54.586-07:00Second week... NO WAY!!! Wow, time has flown!!! I think it is so crazy that I am half-way through this journey. 😆 Today I was tempted to watch my little sister's favorite TV show, but I knew I couldn't. I really wanted to watch the TV show even though it was for second graders (hey, sometimes I surprise myself!). I have been craving TV a lot lately, and playing games on my tablet too. I decided that I would find a God-centered show, and I am determined to! Still looking. I'm also using my OCD to clean up some of the messy areas of my house (I don't have OCD, but sometimes I wonder... 😜). My mom really loves that. I'm finding lots of old games around the house, which is kind of strange, but still fun to pull out ancient relics of the past. All in all, these two weeks haven't been too bad!Lana S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07616680007956659695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082366519459774714.post-86353467190428452742018-03-16T22:46:00.001-07:002018-03-18T21:23:23.333-07:00Small things!<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #674ea7;"> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Small things♡</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"></span><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Oh wow, has it really been this long(only two weeks)! My past other two weeks have been amazing. I haven't really checked my calender much because I've been way too busy observing and focusing on Gods creation. My dad recently got flowers for my mom and I have just been looking at how each of the flower's petals and how much detail is on the ONE flower! I also have been gazing at my fingerprint. It is super crazy how God has put so much detail and many,many,MANY creases on my fingerprint! I try to pay close attention to all of Gods creation,but I will not forget about the small things he has created.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"> <span style="color: #0b5394;"> Psalm 103:2</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"> ♡"Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me."♡ </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"> <span style="color: #38761d;"> ★Please continue to pray for the other two more weeks!★</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;"> <span style="color: black;">*Y'all got this! I believe in YOU</span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082366519459774714.post-70466352659405446752018-03-15T22:26:00.001-07:002018-03-16T12:42:54.374-07:002nd Week!? No way! It wasn't until I was reading other posts when I realized this is the 2nd week! The month is passing by so fast. The media fast is going good. I'm so happy about all of this . The last few days has been raining and it has been amazing. Stay2Serve is almost here. About a week and 4 days. I'm excited and I can't wait.Aleksandra Avetisovhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04274456580319048470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082366519459774714.post-84158686889659607172018-03-15T20:55:00.001-07:002018-03-16T12:42:40.228-07:00Another Week Gone! Another week gone just like that! This month is going way more faster than I thought it would. I expected myself to dread every day, yet I just find myself enjoying the small things a lot more. For example, I was driving home from IKEA and I look at the sky (I was bored since would usually be on my phone) and I see the clouds. It was honestly one of the coolest things I've seen. They were just all so fluffy and big like in the movies, yet seeing it in person was a lot more different. I had a little humbling moment and realized once again that God is way bigger and greater than I can ever be. So, that was pretty awesome but, there is still another couple of weeks left so we must all stay strong till the end!Jacob Ganagahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11214893262348251914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082366519459774714.post-16086511120053872352018-03-15T14:08:00.001-07:002018-03-15T14:08:45.188-07:00Another one bites the dustWell here we are, the media fast is half way finished. I honestly thought that I would have a hard time with letting go of media for a month but it's been really nice not being on it. Of course there have been some times where I really wanted to listen to or watch something that wasn't focused on God but then I remembered why I am doing this, to take a step back from the worries of the world. One of the hardest things for me this week was people talking about playing video games and being on social media. However with finals coming up for me I am glad that I can't play games or be distracted by social media, I will have more time to study and prepare for finals. Any way I am looking forward to enjoying the rest of this media free month and I'm praying for everyone who is doing the fast that they will succeed and not be tempted.<br />
<br />
-JordanJordan Gilberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266315650941141111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1082366519459774714.post-67015855362902545642018-03-14T08:04:00.001-07:002018-03-14T11:16:23.769-07:0014 Days and Counting! My goodness! It has been 14 days already!? It has past by really quickly and really good. The media fast is actually not that bad for me. Sometimes my mom turns on cartoons for my brothers in the morning and I usually watch with my brothers but now I can't and I want to for like the teeniest bit. I'm excited for Stay 2 Serve. Can't wait to teach kids about God! Aleksandra Avetisovhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04274456580319048470noreply@blogger.com0