2010 June :: Putting God First Place

Ten Things I Want To Do Before 2011 Is Here

By Ashley Wells, on June 29th, 2010

I love lists! So, I’m not sure why this is the first time I am joining this carnival. But, I like it and like the idea of organizing some of my thoughts and goals!

So, without further delay…Here is my first Top Ten Tuesday Feature:

Ten Things I Want To Do Before 2011 Is Here:

1. Read at least 12 more books. I know that I am not going to meet my original book list goal. But, with all my changes (Moving, Working Again, etc…) I think that this goal might be more realistic.

2. Become licensed to adopt in the state of KY. Yes, you read that right! We have decided to go ahead and start the process of adopting here in KY. We won’t be able to get a placement until we move next year…but at least we will be licensed!

3. Finish my e-book. I have so many thoughts and ideas go through my head about my book. I just need to carve out some time and get typing!

4. Finish reading through the Bible. I am well on my way to accomplishing this task. I started in Acts last week!

5. Visit my family at least 4 times. Since we moved to KY I’ve seen my family once, for my sister’s baby shower. My goal is to go visit at least 4 more times.

6. Get a new job. When we were moving to KY we knew that I was going back to work to help with tuition costs and moving costs and transition costs…So, I found a job close and fast. Now, that I am here and have been for about 6 weeks or so…I am ready to find a job with more purpose and meaning.

7. Get another car. I actually won’t be able to do #6 until this one happens. We are hoping to get our inherited car (From Michael’s Aunt, there have been a few legal delays) in the next month…But, if not we are definitely wanting to get a car some way that way I can get a different job.

8. Go away overnight with Michael just for us! This is always fun to do! That means not to visit family or for an event…Just to go away and be together for the purpose of spending quality time with each other.

9. Do something special to engage our new community for the purpose of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Michael and I have been thinking about ways that we can realistically do this. We live 2 blocks from the church we are attending and it is a busy area, so we are in a very ideal area. Right now we are thinking about doing some type of event where we give away food and gospel tracts and invites to the church from our front yard.

10. Lose 15 lbs. Since we moved I’ve been telling myself I need to be more active and start purposefully get more fit and healthy. I think that this could be a great starting place and goal for my to accomplish that!

So, what are some things you want to do in the next 6 months?

How I Afford to Read

By Ashley Wells, on June 25th, 2010

Now that I’ve talked about why I read and how I find time to read…you may be thinking, “Books are expensive! How do you afford to read?”

I’m going to share that information today!

I have paid very, very little out of pocket (I mean like fifty cents here and there at a thrift store or yard sale when I find a book I want to read) for books in the last 2 years. Here’s how!

1. The Public Library

I love the library and this is always my first place to look when I find a book I want to read.

2. Publishing Companies

If my library doesn’t have it…then I usually see who publishes the book and request a review copy (I work with several publishing companies already…so sometimes this step is really easy). This is simple…they send me a free book to read. Then I review it here on my blog.

3. Swagbucks

If you are not using swagbucks, what are you waiting for? I’m not super active with swagbucks but I still earn about $5 in amazon gift cards every single month…That adds up quickly and allows me to purchase books that I want to read!

I do not count this as out of pocket spending because I am very simply earning this money and it never goes into my bank account.

4. Graduate Studies

This is the same concept as swagbucks…I do surveys for Graduate Schools and they pay me in amazon gift cards.

The surveys can last anywhere from 1 minute to an hour…This week I did an hour long survey and they paid me $15. I found this concept on a blog (I don’t remember what blog) about 2 years ago…since that time I’ve probably made close to $200 doing this…so that is a nice book fund!

Here are some schools that I generally work with: UCLA, Yale, Stanford.

So, that’s how I afford to read books! Let me hear from you…

Do you have any creative methods of affording books to read?

How I Find Time to Read

By Ashley Wells, on June 24th, 2010

This is where most people struggling with reading. They may have that desire to read more…but, how do you find the time?

Now, I want to be honest upfront and let you know that right now, I am having to cut back on my reading time and wanting to find more time (Please leave your tips below!).

Even though I am still searching for more time to read…I do have some very practical tips on how to find time here and there.

1. Take a book with you everywhere!

Keep a book in your purse and/or in your car. That way if you are stopped by a train, or waiting for a doctor’s appointment you can just pull out your book and make use of the time!

My aunt keeps a few books in her car door storage like The Power of a Praying Woman. She uses time waiting on a train or at a stand still in traffic to pray!

I personally keep a book or two in my purse and take my purse everywhere! Now that I’m working…I especially love this because I just pull out my book and read on my breaks!

2. Think of “dead” time and read instead!

I don’t watch tons of television. But when I do, I take advantage of the commercials. I can be found cleaning, or reading on most (if not all) commercials! This time can add up! If you are watching an hour long show, you will probably have about 20 minutes of commercials!

3. Plan to go to your bedroom early.

If you plan your day and go to your bedroom a half hour early each night and read during that time, you will get far! In one week you would have been able to read 3 and a half hours! I love this because not only do I find time to read…but it also helps me relax and get prepared to go to sleep.

So, there are my tips! Now, your turn…

How do you find time to read?

Got tips? Please share!

Why I Read

By Ashley Wells, on June 23rd, 2010

I was a geek. A nerd. I know it, and I am ok with that! I was the girl who volunteered, went to church, and actually liked school.

I will admit…I miss school. I miss it for 2 reasons…and these are also the reasons why I read.

1. I love learning.

Simply put, I love to learn! I love to learn new things. I love to learn how to do something better. I just love to learn all around!

I know it’s simple! But, I love to learn! And I do that very efficiently through reading quality books.

2. I love gaining wisdom from others.

In school, I loved being around my friends and sharing our lives together. We would study together, teach each other new things, and just grow as people together.

I love to read because how else could I connect with great Christians and gain wisdom from them? I love taking a peak into other’s lives and learning more how to live mine for the glory of God. Again, it’s simple…but it’s powerful.

When I think of my Christian walk…I can think of several things that defined major growth periods. Most of them are reading a great book by a strong and wise Christian that planted a desire to grow deeper with God or convicted me to strive harder towards the upward call of a Christ-follower.

So, those are the two main reasons why I read. Let me hear from you,

Why do you read books?

I Love to Read!

By Ashley Wells, on June 22nd, 2010

I have gotten several comments from readers and friends about my reading habits over the past year (Since I’ve really been more intentional about reading). I love to read! Since I’ve gone back to work…I’ve been reading less…but I am still reading!

The rest of the week I am going to be sharing with you about why I read, how I read, and how I afford to read! I hope you will like my tips and tricks!

In the meantime, feel free to check out my book list from last year or this year. And I would love for you to share with me about what you are reading!

So, what you are reading right now?