B90 Starts Again!

It’s here – TODAY!  The new session of the Bible in 90 Days, hosted by Mom’s Toolbox!  Are YOU reading along with us?

I’m a graduate of the B90 program (Summer ‘10 session) and am serving as a mentor for the 2nd time.  Last session, I didn’t read along.  I started to, thinking I could use a different Bible – so I started using the B90 reading plan with my ESV Study Bible.  I don’t normally think of myself as easily distracted – but I’m a researcher by nature, and those study notes were a HUGE distraction to me.  I couldn’t keep up.  So, this time, I’m going back to my Bible in 90 Days Bible. I love how this Bible is marked with where to start and stop each day; and there are very little notes or extra distractions.  I’d recommend it!

During last summer’s session, I shared my thoughts while reading through the Bible.  They’re far  from profound – they’re just the things that struck me as I was reading.  As I was reading today, I wondered how much different my thoughts might be this year.  I know that each person might see something very different as they are reading – God will put exactly what’s needed on each persons’ heart.  I’m not sure I’ll share all my thoughts this year. 

 

But since today is Day #1 and several things jumped out at me already, I thought I’d share:

 

• Satan will use any means possible to keep us from reading!  I woke up early this morning and knew it was my sign to get up and start my Bible reading (up until this morning, I wasn’t 100% sure I was going to read along this session).  However, about 2/3 of the way through, Ian decided it was time for him to get up too.  He yelled at me to come upstairs, distracting me from my reading.  And it’s only Day 1! 
• Ian wanted to start school last week and 2 of today’s verses are his Bible memory verses.  I just love hearing his little voice recite them.
  Gen. 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
  Gen. 1:31a “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.”
• As I was reading the part about God creating Eve, this little clip by John Branyan popped into my mind.  Do you think God has a sense of humor?  I do.  And I think it’s important for us to laugh!  And as I was watching this, it also reminded me of how, as a woman, even when I’m reading my Bible, my brain is going in a million different directions.  Does that happen to you too?  Or is it just me?
  
• I hate snakes!  I cannot even imagine being tempted to sin by a snake!  We took our youth group to see In the Beginning at Sight & Sound several years ago.  They depicted the serpent as a very large, shimmery creature with legs (of  course, he DID have legs at the time of Eve’s temptation).  I’m thinking that he must have been attractive to look at – otherwise, Eve would have turned her back on him and walked away, right?  What are the things that entice you and me to sin? 
• Noah.  Yep, this first day of the reading schedule covers A LOT!  While reading the account of Noah, I was reminded of this (I was raised on the Statler Brothers, what can I say?!):

• Today’s account ends with the story of Hagar.  Why is it that we women are always trying to take matters into our own hands?  When I read about Sarai and her “giving her maidservant” to Abraham, it angers me.  Yet, I think we do things like this all the time.  I know I’ve been guilty of not waiting on God’s timing for things – and it NEVER ends up happy when I do.  What about you?  Can you learn a lesson or two from Sarai’s impatience? 

All that from one day’s reading!  I promise that, if I do weekly check-ins, I won’t post this much each day! 

Coming Soon! Bible in 90 Days!

Yes, you read that right.  It’s about time for another session of the Bible in 90 Days.  Last year, I blogged through my Bible in 90 Days experience (you can read those posts here).

Here’s a quote from a post dated December 4th, 2010:

One of the very best things to happen to me in 2010 was reading through the entire Bible as part of The Bible in 90 Days blog  challenge hosted by Amy @ Mom’s Toolbox.

I went on to mentor a reading group for the spring session (though I did not read along), and plan to mentor for this coming session as well. 

I’d love to have you sign up to participate in this challenge.  While I can’t promise that it will change your life, I’m fairly certain that it will! 

I’d also be honored to be your mentor.  If you’d like to request me, you can do so by adding a little note to the last question on the sign-up form (something like “if possible, I’d like to have Heidi Strawser as my mentor”).

If you have teens who would like to participate, I’d TOTALLY encourage that!  My daughter Ashley has done the challenge and will be serving as a mentor as well.  She’d love to see more young people getting involved.  Have your teen request Ashley as his/her mentor.

B90 Week 2

Yesterday was the official Week 2 Check-in for B90 Days. I wasn’t really planning to sharing a daily journal of my thoughts, since I just did that a few months ago, during my first trip through B90.  However, some things popped out to me that I felt led to share, so here goes ---

Do you ever feel like you have the whole world on your shoulders?  I know I do.  And I often feel inadequate to the task.   I find myself wishing I could juggle – both time and myself.  I wish I could be in more that one place at a time, so that I could accomplish my housework, TOS work, and schoolwork with the kids all at the same time.  Instead, I often find myself feeling like I am being pulled in too many directions and I’m not accomplishing what I want to in the way that I want to.  In addition to these daily tasks, then I add in extra things that I need or want to do, and I end up feeling extremely inadequate. 

In my reading of Exodus, several passages struck me as applicable to me at this point in my life, and I wanted to share, with the hopes that maybe these verses will speak to YOU too. 

Moses was talking to his father-in-law about a  very similar situation he found himself in – a lot of people were looking to him as their leader and he was feeling overwhelmed and torn in many directions. 

Exodus 18:17-23 (English Standard Version)

¹⁷Moses’ father-in-law said to him, "What you are doing is not good. ¹⁸You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you.^(A) You are not able to do it alone. ¹⁹Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you! You shall^(B) represent the people before God and^(C) bring their cases to God, ²⁰and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know^(D) the way in which they must walk and^(E) what they must do. ²¹Moreover, look for^(F) able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. ²²And^(G) let them judge the people at all times.^(H) Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will^(I) bear the burden with you. ²³If you do this, God will direct you, you will be^(J) able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace."  [emphasis mine]

I realize that Moses had a bit more on shoulders than I do, but the feelings are the same.  So, what is God saying to me?  Maybe it’s ok that I can’t do it alone.  It’s ok, and even encouraged, to ask for help.  If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to say “no” or ask someone to help carry some of the burden with you.  Maybe the kids could take on more household responsibility, your husband could pick up a few areas of your homeschooling, you can designate more responsibility at work.  Whatever. Just don’t let yourself become so weighted down that you lose sight of what’s important. 

Here is a bit more confirmation that man was not created to be an island:

Exodus 17:10-13 (English Standard Version)

¹⁰So^(A) Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought with Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and^(B) Hur went up to the top of the hill. ¹¹Whenever Moses^(C) held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. ¹²But Moses’ hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and^(D) Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. ¹³And^(E) Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword. [emphasis mine]

Bible in 90 Days – Spring Session

The Spring Session of the Bible in 90 Days reading program is about to  begin! 

I had so much fun reading through the Bible during the last session, that I’ve decided to participate again.  I really enjoyed using the Bible in 90 Days Bible – it was nice to read through the Bible without the distraction of study notes, etc.  However, this time through, I am planning to use the schedule, but read my English Standard Version – just for a little bit different perspective.  If I find I’m caught up in all the notes, though, I may switch back.  We’ll see. 

Since I did my weekly posts last time through, I’m not sure I’ll do that again.  I am honored to be serving as a mentor this year though.  If I can play a small part in helping others to read through their Bible, I’ll be thrilled!  So far, I have a team of 14 readers – 13 girls and 1 guy – 4 of which have read through their Bible in the past, 10 will be doing it for the first time.  I’m looking forward to getting to know them throughout the 90 Days!

It’s not too late for YOU to sign up to participate - just head over to this post at Mom’s Toolbox.

Christmas Idea #9 – The Bible in 90 Days

One of the very best things to happen to me in 2010 was reading through the entire Bible as part of The Bible in 90 Days blog  challenge hosted by Amy @ Mom’s Toolbox. 

My friend Wendy had posted about the challenge, and I decided to give it a try.  Originally, I had planned to just print out the reading schedule; but after some thought, I decided to go ahead and order a copy of The Bible in 90 Days Bible.  The reasons for ordering the Bible made sense to me – it’s a large-print Bible with very few notes in the margins – causing little to no distractions as you read.  I was so glad that I decided to order this Bible.  Both of my other Bibles are Study Bibles and, while I love them, it would have taken so much longer to read my daily readings with those Bibles because I want to read all the notes too.  This way, I was able to concentrate JUST on the Bible. 

I made it through the entire challenge and actually finished early!  It was my first time to make it through the Bible – all the way.  I had previously attempted several of the “through the Bible in a year” reading programs, only to fail.  The group support at Mom’s Toolbox definitely helps.  Reading more each day also helps – you are able to get into it better that way. 

My mom kept saying that she’d like to try reading the Bible in 90 Days and would like to borrow my Bible when I was done with it.  Instead, I purchased The Bible in 90 Days Bible for her too!  She’s doing great with it and will be finished by the end of the year.  She said it’s one of the best gifts she’s ever received – now, she would like to pass on the gift by getting 90 Day Bibles for her friends!

Amy has a new challenge starting on January 3rd.  I haven’t yet decided if I’m going to read along this time or not.  I think that I might use the schedule, but read through my ESV Study Bible instead this time around – having already read it once, I think the study notes might help this time and it will be nice to read a different translation this time.  (FYI: The Bible in 90 Days Bible is an NIV, which is my translation of choice.)

Click the button above to go to Mom’s Toolbox and find out how to sign up for the 2011 Challenge!  I promise, you’ll be glad you did.  Buy yourself (or a friend) The Bible in 90 Days Bible – Merry Christmas to YOU!

90 Day Bible . . . DONE!

I’ve neglected to post about my 90 Day Bible reading over the past couple of weeks, and for that I apologize. 

I did want to make a quick post letting you know that I completed the Bible in 90 Days schedule . . . in 85 days!  It was a wonderful experience and I would recommend it to anyone who has been considering it.

If you think you can’t, you won’t.  But, if you are willing to make a commitment, you’ll be so glad you did!  I know I am.

And I’d like to encourage you, if you’re in the journey and falling behind, it’s ok.  Just commit to reading SOMETHING each day and you’ll finish – late is better than never, right?  There were days that I read double the regular reading, and days that I read 1/2 (depending on my schedule at the time).  God isn’t going to care about the volume that you read each day, but about the commitment you are making to get into His word. 

Special thanks to Amy @ Mom’s Toolbox for hosting this great adventure! 

The Bible in 90 Days #71-77

Day 71 -  Today’s reading picks up with Judas hanging himself.  Despite the fact that he betrayed Jesus, I can’t help feeling somewhat sorry for him.  What he did was done to fulfill the prophecies for one thing – I mean, someone had to do it.  And, I’m glad that he was at least repentant and felt guilty after doing it.  Another thing that really struck me as neat about this little passage was the fact that the prophesies were fulfilled right down to the exact amount of money that Jesus would be betrayed for – 30 pieces of silver.  I just find that amazing.

My heart breaks over the account of Jesus’ crucifixion.  I cannot imagine living in a time when people were so heartless and brutal.  I mean, demanding that Jesus be released in order that they might crucify him and then actually standing by to watch the whole process – absolutely morbid.  It makes me sick inside just thinking about it.

Day 72 – I found it really neat to read the gospel account as told by Mark right after reading it in Matthew.  Much of it is so similar, and I thought I might be bored to read through it 4 times in succession; but, rather, I’m finding it quite intriguing to read through it all over again. 

The thing that really struck me about today’s reading was this ---

At the very end of the book of Mark, we read the burial account of Jesus, and verse 46 of chapter 15 says “So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock.”

Then, we start into the book of Luke and finish today’s reading with the account of Jesus’ birth.  Chapter 2, verse 7 says “and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

The emphasis is mine.  Normally, we read the account of Jesus’ life from birth to death.  This was the first time I think I read it this way, right from one account into another, and it struck me that Jesus started out life wrapped in cloth, and ended life exactly the same way.  I don’t know why – that just struck me as neat.  (I’m currently reading a book about the Shroud of Turin, so that could have contributed to the fact that I picked up on the whole “cloth” thing.)

Day 73 – I’ve decided that if there was one of those quizzes entitled “Which Gospel Writer Are You?”, I’d most likely be Luke.  I’m loving this book!  Luke goes into so much more detail than the other books do – and being that I’m a detail-oriented type of gal, I appreciated that approach. 

I mentioned the other day about the Statler Brother’s Holy Bible album which was some of the music I grew up listening to.  I did some checking this morning (9/6) and found that it’s available on iTunes. I do believe I’ll purchase it and share these fun songs with my family.  It’s amazing to me the things that I’ve retained from my childhood because I’ve learned it set to music.  This has nothing to do with reading my Bible (except for the fact that it flares up songs in my memory) – but I’d like to encourage you to share music with your children that will help them remember Bible stories and verses of Scripture.  Someday, they will thank you for it!

Day 74 – As I was reading the account of Zacchaeus this morning, I was reminded of the Casting Crowns concert that we attended in March.  I was excited that we were given tickets on the floor and even more excited when I saw what a clear view we had of the stage and what awesome pictures we could get with my camera.  However, when the VERY TALL man stood up in front of me, the excitement really diminished.  I spent the entire  concert leaning from one side to another to peer around him.  I wish I had a tree to climb!  How much more exciting must it have been to have a clear view of Jesus! 

Luke 19:40 says “’I tell you,’ he replied, ‘if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.’” That phrase reminded me of a favorite FFH song:

Update – We spent the past week in Williamsburg, VA.  I was reading ahead the week before, just in case I didn’t have time to read while there.  I’ve only got a few days left to complete my Bible reading!  I’ll post the end sometime this week, I’m sure! 

The Bible in 90 Days #64-70

Day 64 -  I “cheated” and read to the end of Daniel last night. This morning, I read through the entire book of Hosea (I don’t always stop where the schedule tells me to – but read through to the end of a chapter or good breaking point).

Anyway, one of my mom’s all-time favorite fiction books is Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers.  That book is loosely based on the lives of Hosea and his adulterous wife Gomer.  It’s amazing to me how Hosea just keeps taking her back to him, despite her unfaithfulness to him.  What a very clear picture of God’s love for His people.  This is certainly a story that very many people in today’s society can relate to.  In a society of throw-away relationships and marriages, we need to remember that our God doesn’t throw things away – He’s willing to patch things up, forgive, and move on. 

Day 65 – Today’s reading – the minor prophets Joel, and Amos. 

Day 66 – Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, and Nahum. I’m wondering why the book of Jonah is so much more familiar than Nahum – they bother prophesied to/against Ninevah.  Must just be because Jonah resisted and got swallowed by the big fish.  God definitely has a sense of humor – that whole account just reminds me of a fairy tale – hence the fact that the author of Pinocchio portrays Gepetto being swallowed by the whale.

I like this verse from Micah:

6:7 He has showed you, O man, what is good.
     And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
     and to walk humbly with your God.

Day 67 -  Today’s reading covered Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, and the beginning of Zechariah.  Some of my favorite verses from today are some that I committed to memory as a teen (set to song) – Habakkuk 3:17-19:

17 Though the fig tree does not bud
     and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
    and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
    and no cattle in the salls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
     I will be joyful in God my Savior.
19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
     he makes my feet like the  feet of a deer,
     he enables me to go on the heights.

Day 68 – Today I finished Zechariah, read through Malachi, and started the New Testament!  It felt so refreshing to start into the book of Matthew.  I found that I even enjoyed reading the genealogy of Jesus this time through – yes, normally I skim it – but I read it thoroughly and it meant so much more than normal having recently just read about so many of these people in Christ’s family tree. 

Yesterday the girls and I finished up a biography on Abraham Lincoln.  (9/2/10)  We were surprised to read that he had so much of the Bible memorized.  The book we read said that “He could quote by heart all the Psalms, entire chapters of Isaiah, and almost all of the New Testament.”  Because I had that fresh in my mind, I was very in tune with the familiar verses – I think sometimes we have Scriptures in our minds and hearts and don’t even realize that they are there.  So many verses are so familiar to me and I have to hope that they are “treasured stored up” in the event that our Bibles and/or our freedoms are taken away from us.  We cannot imagine not being allowed to read our Bibles, but it’s a very real possibility. 

Today we started the Sermon on the Mount.  Many familiar verses in this passage - - -

The Beatitudes

¹Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, ²and he began to teach them saying:
³"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
      for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴Blessed are those who mourn,
      for they will be comforted.
⁵Blessed are the meek,
      for they will inherit the earth.
⁶Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
      for they will be filled.
⁷Blessed are the merciful,
      for they will be shown mercy.
⁸Blessed are the pure in heart,
      for they will see God.
⁹Blessed are the peacemakers,
      for they will be called sons of God.
¹⁰Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
      for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹²Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Salt and Light

¹³"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

¹⁴"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Love for Enemies

⁴³"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor^[h] and hate your enemy.' ⁴⁴But I tell you: Love your enemies^[i] and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ⁴⁶If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? ⁴⁷And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? ⁴⁸Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Day 69 – Matthew seems to be moving so fast.  I’m feeling like his is a condensed version or something, and as I read through the rest of the Gospels, I’ll get a clearer picture of some of these accounts.  Anyway, here are some favorite passages from today’s reading - - -

Prayer

⁵"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. ⁶But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. ⁷And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. ⁸Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

⁹"This, then, is how you should pray:
   " 'Our Father in heaven,
   hallowed be your name,
¹⁰your kingdom come,
   your will be done
      on earth as it is in heaven.
¹¹Give us today our daily bread.
¹²Forgive us our debts,
      as we also have forgiven our debtors.
¹³And lead us not into temptation,
   but deliver us from the evil one.^[a]' ¹⁴For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. ¹⁵But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Treasures in Heaven

¹⁹"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

²²"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. ²³But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

²⁴"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

Do Not Worry

²⁵"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? ²⁶Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life^[b]?

²⁸"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? ³¹So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' ³²For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Ask, Seek, Knock

⁷"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ⁸For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

⁹"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? ¹⁰Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? ¹¹If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! ¹²So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

The Narrow and Wide Gates

¹³"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. ¹⁴But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Rest for the Weary

²⁸"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Day 70 – Wow.  I’m just thinking how amazing it would have been to have lived when Jesus lived and to have possibly crossed paths with him.  To have had the opportunity to listen to him teach, or to witness the miracles he performed, would have  been nothing short of awesome. 

Thanks to Bible Gateway for the Scripture passages.  To read more Bible in 90 Days experiences, visit Mom’s Toolbox.

The Bible in 90 Days #57-63

I have a confession to make - - - I got extremely hung up in Jeremiah, Lamentations, and Ezekiel.  I think there are parts of Jeremiah and Lamentations that are a bit confusing; and Ezekiel . . . well, it reads  very much like a fantasy story.  Fantasy is not normally my genre of choice, though I did recently read through the first 5 Narnia books (after many years of resistance!) 

Anyway, just thinking about the differences in these books of Scriptures reminded me of the various and different men that God chose to write His Words.  Not only were their personalities and circumstances different from each other, but so was their writing style.  I’m sure (because all Scripture is God-breathed) that God knew exactly what He was doing when he picked these very different men – different styles communicate to different people – yet the message is the same.  Just something to think about.  I’m sure there’s someone out there who just loved Ezekiel. :)

And, Day 63 – the book of Daniel.  What can I say?  It was like a breath of fresh air for me.  It makes sense, it’s familiar, yet it’s stories have profound significance.  Many of the accounts in the book of Daniel are things we’ve heard from little on up – Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace; Daniel in the Lion’s Den, Daniel interpreting Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams, Daniel interpreting the writing on the wall for Belshazzar – it’s all familiar, yet it makes you really think when you read it.  I know I’m going to bed tonight with lots to ponder. 

I love the historical aspects of this book.  And after going through The Mystery of History series in school, it’s even more interesting to think about how this Biblical history was intertwined with the world/ancient history we learned about in public school. 

When I was growing up, my mom had a bunch of records that we listened to over and over.  One of my favorite record sets was The Holy Bible by the Statler Brothers (a family favorite).  I was reminded this evening of one of my favorite songs on that album set – The Fourth Man in the Fire.  I couldn’t find the Statler version on YouTube, but I did find this one:

Sorry my post is rather pathetic this week.  I really have been reading, I promise! 

The Bible in 90 Days #50-56

Day 50 - Day 53 –  Isaiah seemed like a long book to get through.  I’m finished with it now, though, and there are certainly some awesome verses in this book.  I thought I’d share some of my favorites - - -

From Isaiah 40:

³¹ but those who hope in the LORD
       will renew their strength.
       They will soar on wings like eagles;
       they will run and not grow weary,
       they will walk and not be faint.

From Isaiah 43:

       "Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
       I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

² When you pass through the waters,
       I will be with you;
       and when you pass through the rivers,
       they will not sweep over you.
       When you walk through the fire,
       you will not be burned;
       the flames will not set you ablaze.

³ For I am the LORD, your God,
       the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

From Isaiah 53 (prophecy of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection):

¹ Who has believed our message
       and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?

² He grew up before him like a tender shoot,
       and like a root out of dry ground.
       He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
       nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.

³ He was despised and rejected by men,
       a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
       Like one from whom men hide their faces
       he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

⁴ Surely he took up our infirmities
       and carried our sorrows,
       yet we considered him stricken by God,
       smitten by him, and afflicted.

⁵ But he was pierced for our transgressions,
       he was crushed for our iniquities;
       the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
       and by his wounds we are healed.

⁶ We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
       each of us has turned to his own way;
       and the LORD has laid on him
       the iniquity of us all.

⁷ He was oppressed and afflicted,
       yet he did not open his mouth;
       he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
       and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,
       so he did not open his mouth.

⁸ By oppression ^[a] and judgment he was taken away.
       And who can speak of his descendants?
       For he was cut off from the land of the living;
       for the transgression of my people he was stricken. ^[b]

⁹ He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
       and with the rich in his death,
       though he had done no violence,
       nor was any deceit in his mouth.

¹⁰ Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer,
       and though the LORD makes ^[c] his life a guilt offering,
       he will see his offspring and prolong his days,
       and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.

¹¹ After the suffering of his soul,
       he will see the light of life ^[d] and be satisfied ^[e] ;
       by his knowledge ^[f] my righteous servant will justify many,
       and he will bear their iniquities.

¹² Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, ^[g]
       and he will divide the spoils with the strong, ^[h]
       because he poured out his life unto death,
       and was numbered with the transgressors.
       For he bore the sin of many,
       and made intercession for the transgressors.

And from Isaiah 55:

¹ "Come, all you who are thirsty,
       come to the waters;
       and you who have no money,
       come, buy and eat!
       Come, buy wine and milk
       without money and without cost.

² Why spend money on what is not bread,
       and your labor on what does not satisfy?
       Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
       and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.

⁶ Seek the LORD while he may be found;
       call on him while he is near.

⁷ Let the wicked forsake his way
       and the evil man his thoughts.
       Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him,
       and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

⁸ "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
       neither are your ways my ways,"
       declares the LORD.

⁹ "As the heavens are higher than the earth,
       so are my ways higher than your ways
       and my thoughts than your thoughts.

¹⁰ As the rain and the snow
       come down from heaven,
       and do not return to it
       without watering the earth
       and making it bud and flourish,
       so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

¹¹ so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
       It will not return to me empty,
       but will accomplish what I desire
       and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

¹² You will go out in joy
       and be led forth in peace;
       the mountains and hills
       will burst into song before you,
       and all the trees of the field
       will clap their hands.

Day 54 - Day 56 – I apologize for not having much to say about the readings of late.  I’m hung up in these major prophets.  I am doing the readings daily, though – continuing to plug along. 

*Verses copied from biblegateway.com.

The Bible in 90 Days #43-49

Days 43 & 44 – Continuing through the book of Psalms (will finish it tomorrow).  The neatest thing is that we have tickets to go and see Psalms of David at Sight & Sound this afternoon (8/11/10). 

I’m also excited to report that as of today’s reading, I am now officially 1/2 way through my Bible, using the 90 Day schedule!  Yippee!!!  This has been GREAT!

Day 45 & Day 46 – We’re now in the book of Proverbs.  I’m trying to mark as I read – the verses that I’ve committed to memory over the yeras.  The Proverbs are easy to memorize and are great little verses to carry with you.  Some of  them were memorized to songs, some to rhythms; and others were just memorized “as is” – but they remain.  I’d encourage you, if you’ve never memorized any Proverbs, to commit to memorizing some of your favorites – or at least to mark them as you’re reading through the book.

Day 47 – Today we finished up Proverbs and started on Ecclesiastes.  I always love the reminder at the end of Proverbs about “the wife of noble character”.  So much to aspire to is these verses.  I feel like I’ve still got a long way to go to even compare to her. 

I read through the end of chapter 3 in Ecclesiastes today (even though the schedule said to stop before this section).  I love the reminders at the beginning of this chapter:

¹ There is a time for everything,
       and a season for every activity under heaven:

² a time to be born and a time to die,
       a time to plant and a time to uproot,

³ a time to kill and a time to heal,
       a time to tear down and a time to build,

⁴ a time to weep and a time to laugh,
      a time to mourn and a time to dance,

⁵ a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
       a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

⁶ a time to search and a time to give up,
       a time to keep and a time to throw away,

⁷ a time to tear and a time to mend,
       a time to be silent and a time to speak,

⁸ a time to love and a time to hate,
       a time for war and a time for peace.
(emphasis mine)

In my life, I’m trying to get past the time of weeping and mourning, and work toward the laughter and the dancing.  That is so where I want to be!  And the reference to keeping and throwing away reminds me of my desire to simplify and declutter.

Day 48 – Wow.  The beginning of Ecclesiastes chapter 4 really spoke to me about Sue today:

¹ Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun:
       I saw the tears of the oppressed—
       and they have no comforter;
       power was on the side of their oppressors—
       and they have no comforter.

² And I declared that the dead,
       who had already died,
       are happier than the living,
       who are still alive.

I know that she’s in a better place and is so much better off than I am right now!  She doesn’t have to see the problems that the world is facing, the pain, the sorrow – she only experiences the good because she’s in the presence of God!

But then, I read a little further in this chapter and see these verses which also remind me of Sue and how much I miss having her here with me.  Guess that’s just selfish.

⁷ Again I saw something meaningless under the sun:

⁸ There was a man all alone;
       he had neither son nor brother.
       There was no end to his toil,
       yet his eyes were not content with his wealth.
       "For whom am I toiling," he asked,
       "and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?"
       This too is meaningless—
       a miserable business!

⁹ Two are better than one,
       because they have a good return for their work:

¹⁰ If one falls down,
       his friend can help him up.
       But pity the man who falls
       and has no one to help him up!

¹² Though one may be overpowered,
       two can defend themselves.
       A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Day 49 – Starting into Isaiah today and this is what is on my mind:

At the Christian school I attended, we sang this song many times as part of our annual spring concerts.  Can you imagine little kindergarten kids singing this song?  They did!

To read other’s experiences and thoughts on the Bible in 90 Days, check out Mom’s Toolbox.

The Bible in 90 Days #36-42

Are you reading through the Bible in 90 Days?  This post is my thoughts on the daily readings from week 6.  My daughter Ashley is reading through the Bible using the same schedule – she is keeping her thoughts in a notebook, so that she has them to reflect back on later.  I’m drafting a new post each week, and come into it each morning to record my thoughts.  This method works for me.  How are you recording your progress and thoughts?

Day 36 – I’ve always found the book of Esther interesting.  Did you know it’s the only book of the Bible that contains no reference to God?  Why, then, is it included in Scripture?  I’m not sure.  But, I love that it teaches that God is fully in charge of our circumstances and surroundings and that we need to consider every situation in which we are placed as though we are there “for such a time as this”.  You just never know how God might use you!

This passage reminds me of the song by Wayne Watson, appropriately titled “For Such a Time as This” ===>

Today’s reading also started into the book of Job.  I just read Job recently, as I had attempted a through-the-Bible-in-a-year chronological schedule. I think Job is a tough book.  First of all, Job’s suffering is so much more than any of us can imagine – it really puts any suffering I may be going through into perspective.  Second, his friends are so deep in their speeches to him, that I find them draining.  Can you imagine having friends like that – that just drone on and on?  I’m afraid I’d have gotten lost and drifted off – not really listening to them. 

A few things stood out to me in today’s reading ===>

7:13 says “When I think my bed will comfort me and my couch will ease my complaint,  . . .”

Since Sue passed away, I find myself wanting to sleep more.  I’m tired all the  time.  I think it’s a sign of depression.  I’m glad to see that Job felt the same way.  For one thing, misery loves company.  For another, it makes it seem more normal.

5:7 says “Yet man is born to trouble as surely as the sparks fly upward.”

I’m a big Anne of Green Gables fan and I can just hear Mrs. Harris (from the Anne of Avonlea movies) quoting this!  Sorry, I just had to add that in here. :)

Day 37 & Day 38 – Job --- not sure what else to say about this book.  I just find it hard to get through.  I’m glad that we accomplished it in 3 days, rather than 30. 

Day 39 - Day 42 – The past several days have been spent reading through the book of Psalms.  The Psalms are beautiful, but this is one area of the Bible that I think would be more meaningful read in smaller chunks at a time, rather than larger.  I feel as though I’m rushing through them, rather than soaking them in.  Many of them are familiar.  I think that, after the 90 Day reading is complete, I’ll come back and revisit the Psalms – maybe reading just one or two each day. 

To read more Bible in 90 Day experiences, visit Mom’s Toolbox.

The Bible in 90 Days #22-28

Day 22 – Today’s reading covered A LOT of material.  Two of the things that particularly stuck out to me were David’s reaction to his friend Jonathan’s death, and the story of David and Bathsheba.

When Jonathan died, David mourned.  Jonathan was such a good friend to him – a friend who stuck closer than a brother.  Having recently lost my best friend, this part just really touched my heart, as I could so relate to David’s feelings of loss.

The David and Bathsheba account really struck me in that it just got me to thinking how much better the world would be if we could learn from the mistakes of others.  Sure, David lived several thousand years ago, but the temptations he faced are still very real today.  How many times do we say to our kids things like “if only you could learn from my mistakes”.  That’s how I feel about David (and many other accounts in the Bible) – if we could learn from their mistakes, we’d certainly make less mistakes and the world would be a much better place to live.

Day 23 – Every time I read this portion of the Scriptures, I can’t help but wondering if things would have played out differently if David had been a more “hands-on” father. It seems to me as though he just stood back and really had no idea what was going on; and, as a result, his children were self-destructing.  Up until the last portion of today’s reading, where David’s Song of Praise is recorded, it’s pretty much a depressing read. 

Day 24 – David dies and Solomon becomes king.  The account of the building of the temple and the king’s palace is amazing to me. My homeschool mom mind is imagining what a field trip to these places would be like.  I’m picturing a lot of open mouths and pictures with lots of glare.  Wow – both structures must have been simply amazing. 

I love the account of Solomon’s dream, and his asking God to bless him with wisdom.  I see a lesson in there for me.

But probably the passage that struck me the most in today’s reading was David’s Charge to Solomon at the beginning of chapter 2 of I Kings, where he says:

“I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, show yourself a man, and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in his ways, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go, and that the Lord may keep his promise to me . . .”

Day 25 – Lots of information about the kings of Judah and Israel.  It’s disheartening to read of the ones who “continued to do evil in the eyes of the Lord, following in the way of their fathers” (my words).  But, it’s encouraging to read of the ones who followed God and His ways.

Day 26 – Today covered the account of Elijah, which I always find amazing.  I remember teaching my Jr. High Sunday School class about Elijah and thinking how awesome it must have been to have lived during that time and have seen the miracles that God performed through and with Elijah.  Can’t you just imagine the looks on the peoples’ faces when Elijah called down fire on the altar and it came immediately and burned up everything (including water?!)  This after the prophets of Baal called out to their god for hours on end.  I think I’d have had to stifle a chuckle.  Just sayin . . .

Day 27 & Day 28 – I’m glad that I & II Chronicles will be a repeat of some of this material because I know there’s a lot about the various kings that I’ve missed while reading through it the first time.  In my mind, I’m picturing a laminated chart (I think I had purchased it for my 4th, 5th, and 6th grade S.S. class at one time) with a list of all the various kings of Israel and Judah with dates – set up similar to a timeline, but running top to bottom.  Hmmm . . . I need to see if I can get my hands on one of them to cross-reference while reading through Chronicles in the days ahead. 

I’m also thinking that I need to try to read through the Bible chronologically again.  We recently studied Jeremiah in our adult S.S. class at church, and it’s funny to me that the book of Jeremiah is so far after II Kings in the Bible – it’s hard to tie them in as you’re reading straight through.  Anyone else confused by this?  I didn’t realize I was a timeline-kind-of-girl; but I guess I am. :)

To read more Bible in 90 Days posts, click through to Mom’s Toolbox. 

The Bible in 90 Days #15-21

Wow – I can’t believe I’m starting my 3rd week of reading through the Bible in 90 Days. So far, it’s actually been easy – which makes it abundantly clear to me that it’s a God-thing. :)

Day 15 – Today we finished up the  book of Deuteronomy.  I enjoyed this book because it was a nice re-cap of everything that God commanded the children of Israel since bringing them out of Egypt.  I kept thinking “what would the USA be like if God would send a messenger with these same sort of rules and regulations for us?”  Makes you wonder.  

Day 16 – Moses has died and Joshua takes over as leader.  Now, after 40 years of wandering in the dessert, they finally gain access to the Promised Land.  The main message in today’s text seems to be “Don’t be afraid or discouraged!  Be strong and courageous!”  These words are used over and over again in these first 14 chapters, which leads me to believe that Joshua and the people needed the reminder – just like we still do today.

Lately, I’ve been depressed – I’m not going to lie.  One day, I might feel pretty good, then the next day I’m in the depths of despair (quoting my friend Anne of Green Gables).  I think I need to write these words and post them somewhere that I’ll see them every day – maybe even several places.  What I’m going through isn’t exactly the same thing as having nations to conquer in battle; but the message still applies.

Day 17 – Today we finished up Joshua and moved into the book of Judges.  One of my favorite Bible verses comes from the book of Joshua (24:15) and was included in today’s reading -

But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the  gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. {emphasis mine}

Day 18 – It’s interesting to me how the children of Israel are on such a cycle of serving God, then going astray, over and over again.  I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, as we’re still like that to this day.  I just find it frustrating.  God is gracious, that’s for sure!  I’m not sure I would be so gracious if I were the one in charge.

I find the account of Deborah interesting, though the whole story of Jael, Sisera, and the tent peg murder are rather graphic!

Today’s reading ends with the story of Samson, which we’ll finish reading tomorrow. 

Day 19 -  I’ll admit that I’m glad to be finished with Judges and moving on to I Samuel.  I was thinking, though, as I read through the accounts of the judges, what life would be like in the US today if God would send some judges our way.  It was very clearly spelled out what was allowed and what was not, and what the punishment for disobedience would be.

The account of Samson, too, is interesting. Though it’s a familiar story for all of us (from childhood on up), there are a lot of implications there – I’m sure many men today can relate with Samson’s situation – weakness brought on from the temptations of a woman.  Scary stuff!

Day 20 – I am so not a political person.  As a matter of fact, I try to steer away from political discussions (probably also because I’m not the confrontational type).  However, this whole account in the early verses of I Samuel is so political that it’s hard to not get drawn into it.  The children of Israel remind me so much of the US as a nation today – they didn’t like the way things were so they started begging for a king, “we” didn’t like the way things were so we started demanding change.  Pretty much the same thing, huh?

Where did it get them?  Well, they got the king they begged for, but it didn’t turn out too pretty, did it?  Saul ended up turning away from God and His ways and God did the same to Saul (turned his back on him and found a replacement).  Hmmm . . . wonder how long it will be before the US sees this same type of thing?

Day 21 – Today’s reading was a classic “good vs. evil” story. No matter how many times I hear of or read the account of Saul and David, it is always exciting and interesting. 

I cannot believe that today marks 3 weeks of faithfully reading through the Bible – 12 pages a day. Tomorrow we’ll be starting into II Samuel and by the end of the 4th week, we’ll be finishing up II Kings.  Lots of interesting stuff coming up, I’m sure!

The Bible in 90 Days #8-14

Day 8 – Would I be awful to admit that I found today’s reading to be a little tedious?  I feel bad saying that about God’s Word – because I know He put it there for a reason – and it’s supposed to be useful for me. 

I will say that the homeschool mom in me showed up again this morning as I was reading --- I am managing a team that is putting together a new series of unit studies for TOS, and I found some great new topics for future studies!  I prayed  before my reading this morning that God would use His Word and that He would reveal to me what I was supposed to see; so I can only assume that this is it!

Day 9 – Today’s reading almost brought us to the end of Leviticus.  Because I’m kinda weird and don’t like to stop my reading in the middle of a chapter, I read through the end of 26 and almost continued through 27 (I may actually read that later today – just because!) 

When I was reading about The Year of Jubilee, the song “Days of Elijah” was running through my head.  I used to love singing this song with the praise team at our former church. 

Day 10 – Wow, already finished with Leviticus and starting Numbers.  I see where it got its name.  I’m thinking that God put this information in the Bible for numbers lovers like Brian and Gracie. :)  They relate to numbers.  Personally, I found today’s reading to be somewhat tedious with all the records and numbers; but I know there’s a message there for us somewhere. 

Days 11 – 13 – I’ve read 3 days worth over the past 2 days.  I thought I’d get a head start by reading Day 12 last night before bed (plans this morning) but ended up getting up at my normal time and reading Day 13.  I guess that means I’ve already developed this habit!  I’ve never read the Narnia books, so I’m participating in a challenge to read some or all of them this month (July).  Currently, I’m reading The Horse and His Boy, so it was a little funny to read about Balaam’s talking donkey at the same time.  Talking horses seems a bit far-fetched; yet this donkey talked in the Bible.  God doesn’t share this part, but don’t you think Balaam must have been shocked out of his mind when that donkey spoke?! 

Today (13) we crossed over into Deuteronomy and, lest we forget something we read over the previous few days, Moses does a quick recap for us here.  Chapter 6 contains some powerful verses – many that are familiar to us.  Many homeschoolers find verses 6 & 7 to be their inspirational verses for homeschooling ---

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Day 14 – Once again, I love how God knows his people so well.  He knows we’ll probably forget something we read in the previous few books, so He’s giving us a quick run-down of everything here in Deuteronomy.  It seems simpler to read, though – maybe because it really is, or maybe because it’s familiar now. 

Something that really stood out to me today was in chapter 11 – which is a great chapter all around.  It’s been so hot and dry here lately (though we did finally get a storm last night).  These verses (13 & 14) really caught my attention ---

So if you faithfully obey the  commands I am giving you today – to love the Lord your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul – then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine, and oil.

Hmmm . . . could God be trying to get our attention here in the US?  I think there have been several natural phenomena lately (such as the excessive amounts of snow in Washington D.C. this past winter) in which God is trying to get us “stiff-necked” people to turn back to him.  I’m so not into politics, so I’m shutting up now.

Note: I completed Day 14 on 7/13.  I’m writing as I read and saving in draft form.  How are YOU doing with your reading? If you would like to read what others have to say about their Bible in 90 Days experience, click here.

The Bible in 90 Days #1-7

*I must preface this post by saying that I started a few days early.  I was just so excited to start reading my new Bible!  The special Bible in 90 Days Bible is so easy to read – the larger print is just really helpful!  Anyway, I’m going to attempt to keep a running log of what I read each day and will post each week.  I can’t promise DAILY updates, however; but I’ll at least share weekly with the other participants. 

Day 1 – you know, this might seem a little bit silly, but don’t we always learn, as kids in Sunday School, that people made fun of Noah for building the ark?  After all, the world had never experienced rain before, so what in the world was that massive construction project he was working on?  Anyway, I didn’t read anything in the Bible today to lead me to believe that Noah faced opposition.  Hmmm. . .

Day 2 – Reading the account of Abraham’s almost-sacrifice of Isaac brought to mind a song that we used to sing in school – God Hath Provided the Lamb.  I was able to find a YouTube video of a church in Kentucky performing this piece as part of an Easter cantata ---

Today’s reading also reminded me of Sight & Sound’s Abraham & Sarah show.  We’ve had opportunity to see it twice, and it’s wonderful.  Reading about Sarah’s death reminded me of a song that Abraham sang to her in the play, but I was not able to find the lyrics or a video to share.  If you ever have opportunity to visit Sight & Sound in either Lancaster, PA or Branson, MO, DO IT!  You won’t be disappointed! 

Days 3 & 4 – I’m talking about Sight & Sound today because I’ve got Joseph on the brain.  The past 2 days readings have been about Joseph and I just saw the Joseph production on my birthday in March.  Sight & Sound was pretty much spot-on with their interpretation of this story. 

Joseph is certainly an amazing example of integrity, isn’t he?  Not only did he resist the temptation of Potiphar’s wife, but he also forgave his brothers for their wrongdoings against him.  Some of my favorite verses in the past 2 days reading is Genesis 50:19-20 ---

But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives . . . “

Day 5 – First thing that came to me in today’s reading is the fact that I would be (and am) a lot like Moses.  Recently, my boss mentioned a possible future public speaking possibility for me, and I said “give me plenty of warning because I need to start practicing now! I am so NOT a public speaker!”  Even after winning a speech contest in high school, I will steer clear of any public speaking opportunities.  It’s just not my thing.  But sometimes, God asks us to step out of our comfort zone FOR HIM, doesn’t he?  What have you had to do for God that was stepping out of yours?

Another thing that struck me was Pharoah’s hardened heart.  I’m glad that God repeatedly tells Moses that HE is hardening Pharoah’s heart – otherwise, he’d come across as a pretty heartless and unfeeling guy to  witness all the plagues God sent against his land and still not let the Israelites go.  Hmmm…

The song of Moses in chapter 15 – being the music-lover that I am – brought to mind several songs that I know and love, based on these verses.  I love that something that Moses sang several thousand years ago is still being sung today.  Pretty powerful stuff!  Wouldn’t you love to hear him?  Maybe we will someday – in heaven.

Days 6 & 7 – During these past few days’ readings, it has become increasingly clear to me that I’m a homeschool mom (I guess that’s a good thing, since I am!)  As I’m reading, I’m thinking of school activities and/or field trip opportunities that we can do to tie in with the Bible readings.  For example, the other day I really wanted to make communion bread.  The recipe we have for it, though, fills 7 cookie sheets!  I don’t think we need quite that much (though we do love it) – so we’ll need to make it a math activity and scale down the recipe a bit.

In Lancaster Co., there’s a Mennonite information center that also contains a to-scale reproduction of the Biblical Tabernacle. I remember attending there when I was probably in about 6th grade (with my Sunday School class).  When I taught 4th, 5th, and 6th grade SS and we learned about the tabernacle, I took my class to see it as well.  Now, I’m thinking it’s time for another trip! 

*7 days and Genesis and Exodus have  been read in their entirety!  Moving on to Leviticus tomorrow . . .

B90 Days Week 1 Check-in

Today is the official start date for the summer Read the Bible in 90 Days challenge hosted by Amy @ Mom’s Toolbox.  I’m super excited about this adventure. 

Actually, I have a confession to make ---
I was so excited to get started, that I actually started on the 1st.  From the 1st to the 4th, I made time to read in the middle of the day.  But, this morning, like my goal stated, I got up early and took my Bible out to read on the front porch.  Despite the fact that it’s currently 96 degrees here, it was very pleasant outside in the early morning hours, and it was a wonderful way to start my day.  I hope I can keep this up throughout the challenge.

I’ve been keeping a running post of my thoughts on each day’s reading, and plan to post them live each Monday as part of our weekly check-ins.  My thoughts are far from profound, but they are mine. :) 

I look forward to the challenge and to sharing it with the 375 others who have signed up to participate.