Bible in 90 Days - Day 80 to 88 (the end)

I did it! I read the entire Bible in 87 Days! It seems crazy, but what an amazing accomplishment. I'm so glad I read the entire Bible from cover to cover. But it has also reminded of many things I would like to study further.....Job, Romans, Revelations, Proverbs 31, and the Fruits of the Spirit.

This last week of reading included some of my favorite parts of Scripture.

Romans is such a good place to see the whole picture. To me it really ties the law into the grace of Jesus. It shows its not all about the law but about obedience to God.....about how we are made more aware of our sin in light of the law and though we have free will there is no way to do it ourselves. It is all about the gift of Christ.

Romans 3:20 - Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.

Romans 5:8 - But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 12:2 - Do not confom any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.

1 Corinthians 10:23 - "Everything is permissible" - but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible" - but not everything is constructive.

I love the reminder of 1 Corinthians 13 in regards to love.....and often need to be reminded of it. Love is all about action!

Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirt is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Who doesn't need to have more love, joy, self-control and the like?

And the reason for reading the whole Bible.....

2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteuosness,

Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certian of what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

1 John 3:18 - Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with action and in truth.

I'm so glad I did this and am looking forward to doing it again, but a little slower pace the next time. If interested Amy at Mom's Toolbox is leading another Bible in 90 Days group again beginning July 1st.

God bless!

Bible in 90 Days - Day 75 to 79

A bunch of verses from the last few days of reading.....

John 1:1-2 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.

John 1:14 - The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

John 3:17-18 - For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.

John 14:6 - Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 21:25 - Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

Acts 18:9-11 - One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.

Acts 20:35 - (partial)...remebering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

We are almost to the end, just about 100 pages left. What a great experience this has been! Some of it has been really difficult, but I'm so glad I stuck with it. I'm looking forward to doing it again.

God bless!

Bible in 90 Days - Day 74

Todays reading was from Luke 10 to Luke 20, lots of similiar stories and parables as Matthew and Mark but from a different eye. I like this kind of repetition.

The coolest thing.....I got to church yesterday morning and Pastor Tom's message was from Luke 18:9-14.....The parable of the pharisee and the tax collector.

Luke 18:9-14 - To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Pastor reminded us over and over that the way down is up and the way up is down.....For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himeself will be exalted. It is important to remember that neither the place or posture of our prayer is as important as our attitude and heart in prayer. The world - man - may look at the outside and how we pray, but God measures things differently. He looks at the whole picture and checks our heart!

This was a good reminder for me because I need to remember that I shouldn't worry about praying in a group or in front of others. My prayers are to be offered to God and not to impress other people. Same thing with things the pharisee mentions - tithing and fasting. These things aren't wrong, we are commanded to do them. But are we like the pharisee and doing them so others think more highly of us or are we doing it all to the glory of God? Where is our heart and our attitude?

"Humility is to make a right estimate of oneself." — Charles H. Spurgeon

"Pride is concerned with who is right. Humility is concerned with what is right." — Ezra Taft Benson

A few other verses that I highlighted in today's reading.....

Luke 12:15 - The he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

Luke 13:24 - (Jesus responses after being asked are only a few people going to be saved?) "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to."

Luke 18:1 -.....should always pray and not give up.

Charlie crawled in my lap yesterday when I was reading and asked me to read to her. I did. Then she asked me why a lot of the writing was in red. I got to explain to her that those are words that Jesus spoke and then showed her a few passages where Jesus quoted Old Testament scripture. Very cool! I don't know that she really gets it at 2, but I love that she has so many questions.

I can't believe there are only 15 days of reading left. Head over to Mom's Toolbox and see how everyone else is doing in this challenge. Amy is going to do this again beginning July 1st, if you are interested. I also am planning on doing the reading again with a few friends, but at a slower pace, if that interests you let me know. It would be great to have a few more involved and reading God's Word.

Have a great week. God bless!

Bible in 90 Days - Day 71

Today is Day 71 in the Bible in 90 Days reading. I haven't updated since Day 54 and wanted to get a few thoughts down. We got into the New Testament a couple of days and it is nice to be in scripture that I am pretty familiar with.

And still amazed that I actually read the entire Old Testament. I have never done that before and there was actually lots of the Old Testament that I had never read. A few general thoughts and observations about my reading over the last couple of weeks.....

The Old Testament is filled with God's mercy. I always thought it was more about old laws and funny rules to please God. There are lots of laws and traditions, but God's mercy shines through when you read it as a whole. He gave his people chance after chance to redeem themselves and turn from evil. And just like today, people continued to sin and ignore.....especially when times were good and would turn to God when they were in trouble. It is amazing that so many years later, (we) I still fall into the same troubles, temptations, and trials that those of the Old Testament found. I (we) are still trying to do things our way instead of His way.

Jeremiah 29: 11 - For I know the plans I have for you, " declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Why is it so hard to believe that He knows what he is doing and that His plan is the right plan?

Should I not act according to what I believe and trust and have faith that His plan is right? Am I walking with God?

Micah 6:8 - 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. (emphasis added)

One of my favorite of Jesus' parables is that of the Sower - Matthew 13: 1-23

Matthew 13: 19-23 - When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."

I think it's easy to look at other people's lives, judge and think.....they are the sower along the path or the sower among the thorns.....but do we think of ourselves? I'm guilty of looking down on other people's Walk and not looking attentively at my own. I probably have at times, even recently been a unconstructive sower. I think it is easy to fall into one of the ideas of immediate joy, but no roots or of being overwhelmed with this world that I sowing doesn't happen. Having good soil, a good foundation is something I am working on now. It's hard and it takes discipline and obedience. You can have faith, but if you don't act on some things, the growing won't occur. I have seen this more and more with this challenge. I have to actually open my Bible!

I think that is why this reading schedule has been hard, challenging and rewarding all at the same time. I never had a time set aside to be reading my Bible, making it near impossible to grow my faith. No time in God's Word, leaves no foundation for good sowing! It hasn't been easy. I have been behind numerous times and just plain tired of reading, but am plugging along now. So, Day 71 and I am caught up with the reading.

I thought this quote was great and just the reminder I needed!

"No one ever graduates from Bible study until he meets the Author face-to-face." Everett Harris

God bless!

Bible in 90 Days - Days 48 to 54

Even though it has been about 2 weeks and 150 pages since I've updated, it doesn't mean I haven't been reading. Actually, I am on schedule and have stayed on schedule for the most part.

I just opened my Bible to do this post and went back to where I had left off with updates and the first verses I had underlined were.....

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 - There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

It was just what I needed to read again. I've been feeling like I need to do all these things and feeling ill-equipped to do many of them. I'm feeling better with the reminder that things are done in the right time.....in His time. Isn't it just great of God to speak to our hearts when we need it.

And visions of the Savior appear.....

Isaiah 7:14 - Therefore the Lord himeself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Another verse that spoke to me.....

Isaiah 29:13 - The Lord says: "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men."

Am I really honoring the Lord with my heart, not just my words? It's easy to say the right things and fall into a ritual-like practic of faith, but is my heart right with God? Is my hope in Him?

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.

Some great reminders of why I am reading the Bible.....

Isaiah 55: 10-11 - As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, 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, 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.

Jeremiah 1:5 - "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

I'm hoping to update in the next day or so on Days 55 to 60. I can't even explain what this is doing in my days, but I'm loving my time with Him and in His Word.

God bless!

Friday.....Favorites.....Feeding of Soul

It's Friday and the girls and I are off to play with some of our favorite people, My Priceless Fishers. I love being able to head out during the week and have a cup of coffee with a great friend while our little ones play together.

Here are a few of my favorite links from this week.....

A Holy Experience - A Box of Repentences
**any of Ann's stuff is good**

Sorta Crunchy - Your Morning Cup of Joe

Gohn Crazy - Food, Inc

I've been feeding my soul and heart with God's Word consistantly for 49 days now. Here are a couple of my favorite verses from the last few days.....

Proverbs 21:9 - Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.

Proverbs 22:1 - A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

Proverbs 24:3-4 - By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its room are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.

Proverbs 31

Ecclesiastes 7:21-22 - Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you - for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.

Isaiah 7:14 - Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Another favorite ~ homemade bread!

Have a wonderful weekend.

God bless!

Proverbs 31

Yesterday's reading included the second half of Proverbs.....one of my favorite books of the Bible. After my Lent post I've been thinking a lot about my attitude, being a godly wife and mother and just how I am going to make this change stick.

Then this morning I open my Bible and find wonderful nuggets of wisdom in Proverbs and it was such an encouragement to read.....just shows that God is in-tune and involved in our lives.....we just need to be willing to pay attention, listen and act.

I've always had a love-hate relationship with Proverbs 31 and what I thought it meant to be a Proverbs 31 wife. In the past, I've read with great aspirations and longings to make grand changes and have always felt - how could I possibly measure up?

But yesterday was different. I read it and felt encouraged and affirmed that I was already doing a lot of things right. I had a realization that it doesn't have to be the big things. All the seemingly small things we do each day as homemakers and home-managers are what makes us Proverbs 31 women. How cool is that!

Proverbs 31:10-31

(10) A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.

(11) Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

Joe compliments me often on how helpful I am to him, both in our home and for our business. I strive to always be reliable to him and that he can count on me for daily support.

(12) She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

I have not always been focused on helping him. I do get wrapped up in my stuff and kids stuff, but today I am making a conscience action to be an intentional wife and to always be a source of goodness for my man.

(13) She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

This actually made me laugh because I add flax seed to everything in our home.

(14) She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.

I do the shopping and day to day management of my home.

(15) She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.

I truely believe that one of my strengths in our family unit is that I do the day to day stuff and rarely complain about them...the cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping, bill paying and such. This frees Joe from having to worry about one more thing.

(16) She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

(17) She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.

(18) She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.

(19) In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

(20) She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

(21) When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

(22) She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

(23) Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

I never speak poorly of my husband to other people. I am his partner and want to build him up. I do respect him as a man, as a husband, as an employer and as a father and I would like to think others respect him as well.

(24) She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.

(25) She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

(26) She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

I fail at this probably daily, but with God's grace I will continue to faithfully hold my tongue when need be and continue to teach my children daily.

(27) She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Up until recently, I would say this was untrue. I have not always been a good steward of my time. I have made a new commitment to be intentional with the time God has given me and use it effectively and efficiently.

(28) Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

(29) Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.

(30) Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

(31) Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. 

Do you have a thought on Proverbs 31? Do you have a favorite Proverb? I love that I can open my Bible everyday and learn something new or have a verse speak to me in a new way. I love that a verse that may convict me one day is just the encouragement that I need the next. Praise the Lord and His Word.

God bless!

My 40 Days of Lent.....and beyond

I was raised in a church going family, but we never practiced fasting or sacrificing for Lent while I was growing up. Some of Joe's family is Catholic and they usually did meatless Fridays and gave up some food type thing for Lent (candy, pop, coffee, etc). In the early years of our relationship and marriage, we usually gave up coffee together, but it was never replaced with more time with God, more Bible study, family devotions or anything like that.

Now that my relationship with Christ has grown over the last couple of years, I feel like it's not enough. I don't feel tied to a particular denomonation or how a particular group may go about Lent, but it's more of a Holy Spirit prompting to get my act together. (*more on this later this week - it needs its own post*) And what a better time than Lent to go to my God and thank and praise Him.....and I think Lent is for all believers.

So my plan for Lent.....

No facebook or twitter. I did this last year and it was very hard. I easily slipped back into spending way too much time there after lent was over, but am really praying that I will find a healthy balance after lent.

No internet on Sundays. This will probably be difficult too, since I often write a few blog posts on Sundays and schedule them for later in the week.

Limit my time online in general. I will still blog on my own site within reason, but will limit the time I spend reading other's blogs, searching amazon, etc. I'm thinking I will actually use a timer to pull this off and be accountable to myself. Most days, it is just I and the kids so I don't really answer to anyone about how I spend my time.....thus the timer. I would like to say no internet during the day when the kids are awake, but with a business it is not realistic. I still need to attend to some things like emails during the day.

By making the above changes, I will free up time to more actively be the child of God, wife and mother I want to be.....and that my family deserves.

I have been reading the Bible (Bible in 90 Days) every day since January 1 and have been pretty much staying on track. I will continue this. My plan is to slow down the pace a little and spend more time on particular books, verses later on when the 90 days is over. To continue to pull this off.....

I will rise early to start my day right and have my devotions before the kids are up. This will require me getting up by 6:00 am (we have early-risers over here). To successfully do this, I am also making a commitment to go to bed at a decent hour - preferably by 10:00 pm and no later than 11:00 pm. My days go sooooo much better when I make a conscience effort on this to start the day with Him.

Finally and most importantly, I will undergo an attitude adjustment.  I'm hoping this will come with more time in the Bible, but I know it will be hard. I'm stubborn. I am not patient. I am quick to get defensive. I am quick to jump to conclusions. I can be bitter and hold grudges. I like things done my way. I yell and get angry too quickly. Recently, while doing my weekly Bible study I was struck by verses that I have read a million times.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perserveres. Love never fails.

Then, I came across this post from Amy and thought.....I get it Lord, I need to change me.

Charlie is only 2 1/2, but I've seen her mimic my behavior enough to know it is not how I want to be, nor do I want my children to grow up like that. Prasie the Lord for His patience with me and for my dear husbands understanding and forgiveness. I don't know exactly how to make this attitude change happen and to make it stick, but I have a few ideas. All will require me to humble myself and ask for forgiveness way more often than I do now.

Our Heavenly Father is soooo forgiving and patient with me.....I need to be that with my husband and children. I'm in Proverbs today for my Bible reading and so many verses have spoke to me about really following through on this on.....

Proverbs 13:3 - He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.

Proverbs 14:1 - The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

Proverbs 15:1 - A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 16:6 - Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for: through the fear of the Lord a man avoids evil.

So, there are my plans for Lent.....praying it goes well and continues way beyond Lent.

God bless!

Bible in 90 Days Reflections

I realize it has been about 2 weeks since I'm written about my reading. I am still caught up.....yeah!! I struggled for awhile, but I think I have figured out a better rythme to it all. I am not taking as many notes, but just marking passages and verse right in my Bible that I want to come back to. I think it has also helped that I got through Chronicles and have gotten into books that I think are easier to read. 

The last few days I have been reading in Psalms...one of my favorite books and am loving it.  Yesterday, I read over at Ruth's blog.....in times of troubles we should read Psalms, searching not for an answer but an attitude. I think that explains my feelings perfectly.....actually my feelings about the Bible in general. I often sometimes need an attitude adjustment and I always can find it in the pages of the greatest Book.

 When I think of Psalms, I think of praising Him always.....in good times and in bad. A few of my favorite verses from the last few days.....

Psalms 18:2 - The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalms 18:19 - He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.

Psalms 25:4-5 - Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

Psalms 78:1-4 - O my people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from of old - what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.

Psalms 101:1-3 - I will sing of your love and justice; to you, O Lord, I will sing praise. I will be careful to lead a blameless life - when will you come to me? I will walk in my house with blameless heart. I will set before my eyes no vile thing.

Thank you Lord for your great Word and all that I am learning! Praise to yuo today and always!

God bless!

Bible in 90 Days

I am behind in my reading by about a day...half way through Day 31 and I should be through Day 32. I even used my Bible on CD to listen to a couple of days over the weekend. So, since I didn't take as many notes, I don't have as much to share. I'm struggling through some of this, but am glad that I am actually reading parts of the Old Testament that I would normally have skipped over.

I just keep reminding myself.....

Isaiah 55:11 - 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.

All scripture is God-breathed and it is important that I am reading and studying it, even if I am not fully understanding it right now.

1 Kings 8:58-61 (Solomon's prayer (partial)) - May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in all his ways and to keep the commands, decrees and regulations he gave our fathers. ...so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God and that there is no other. ...

In Chronicles, there are pages and pages of genealogies listed. And it seems rather boring. But when I think about it more, I'm reminded that it is there for a reason. God cares about the details and about each person. He is reminding us that we are important, where we come from is important, it all matters together.

2 Chronicles 1:10 (Solomon and God are talking) - Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?

How cool is that, he asks for wisdom, not money or power, but wisdom. God is pleased with his request and gives him wisdom and knowledge.....and the wealth, riches and honor that he hadn't asked for. I wonder how we (generally speaking/our society as a whole) would respond today to God's question? What would we ask for? What would I ask for?

I would like to think I would ask for the same things Solomon asked for. I know I would love more wisdom and knowledge when it comes to being a better wife and a better mother. My people are my children.....wouldn't it be better to lead them and raise them with wisdom and knowledge from the Lord?

Head over to Mom's Toolbox and check in and see how other Bible in 90 Day readers and bloggers are doing.

God bless!

Bible in 90 Days - An Update

Day 23 already and I am caught up still! Since my update last week, I've read the rest of Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel and most of 2 Samuel.

Joshua 24:15 - 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.

I love this verse. I try to remember this always and pay attention to whether or not our family is serving the Lord rather than someone or something else. It is too easy ot get distracted in other aspects of life and family and God gets moved down the list. I've been guilty of it numerous times. Lindsey over at Passionate Homemaking had a great blog post the other day about a way of live becoming an idol to you.....very well said, I couldn't have said it so well.

1 Samuel 2:2 - There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.

Amen!!.....is all I have to say.

1 Samuel 3:21 - The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh, and there he revealed himself to Samuel through his word.

How cool is that? God reveals himself in His Word. I have been an on-again, off-again Bible reader and studier over the last few years. Which is pretty sad since I have been involved in a Bible Study group with girlfriends during that whole time. This is the most consistant I have been.....probably ever! And the Lord is revealing himself to me. I am reading things I never read before and am seeing new things that I thought I already knew.

1 Samuel 16:7 - But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

It is reassuring that God doesn't look at our outward appearance. But unnerving that he does know us so well...from our head to our toes, inside and out, heart and soul. This was a gut check for me. What am I holding in my heart?...love and compassion or bitterness and anger? Lord, forgive me for those times I am not so forgiving to those around me...my husband, my children, my friends. Thank you for your unyielding forgiveness...let me show the same to others.

2 Samuel 14:14 - Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But God does not take away life; instead, he devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him.

That is awesome! God will find, arrange, reveal a plan to bring us back to Him! Prasie the Lord for this opportunity to spend so much time in His Word. It has not been easy, but I'm so glad I am doing this.

For more info on the Bible in 90 Days reading plan, head over to Mom's Toolbox or to The Bible in 90 Days website.

God bless!

Bible in 90 Days - Day 11-16

This past week was rough. I was behind on my reading all week long and just finally caught up this morning. The reading for the last week included Numbers 8 on, all Deuteronomy and Joshua 1-14.

Numbers 23:19-20 (Balaam's Second Oracle) - God is not a man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? I have received a command to bless; he has blessed, and I cannot change it.

I need to remember that the Lord fulfills his promises...always! His commandments were all the people needed. They were to trust and follow Him.

Deuteronomy 4:2 - Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.

We are not to pick and choose what we like about God's commandments. He is all knowing and has given them to us for a reason. I believe The Ten Commandments are still valid and should be followed to the best of our ability. But I also know that it is impossible to do and am ever more thankful for the gift of Jesus and the perfect sacrifice that He is on our behalf. I have never spent this much time reading the Old Testament, but it has been a great reminder of exactly why we need a Savior and why Jesus is that for us.

The following is my favorite from  the last week of reading. As a parent, I would say I will always be there for my children to come to...even when they have strayed and sinned and done wrong. But, I also know that I'm human and I may not do it as lovingly and mercifully as our Heavenly Father. He is a constant refuge for us. How amazing is that?!?!

Deuteronomy 29-31 - But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the Lord your God and obey him. For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath.

Joe's favorite verse...

Deuteronomy 24:5 - If a man has recently married, he must not be sent to war or have any other duty laid on him. For one year he is to be free to stay at home and bring happiness to the wife he has married.

How awesome that the Lord thinks marriage is important and that husbands and wives should have time together! Thank you Lord for this great opportunity to spend attentive time in your Word and what it is doing each day in our home. I have been (I think?) a more patience and level-headed mama and wife lately. Joe has been supportive of this time I have committed and Charlie will actually sit and listen to me read aloud for a while (10 minutes...pretty good for a 2 year old). I pray for continued success in this great adventure and and praise the Lord for the sacrifice of the Cross that we are not still bound by the sacrifices and rituals of the Old Testament.

God bless!

Bible in 90 Days - Days 5-10

So.....I spent the last 5 days reading Exodus and Leviticus and to be honest some of it was boring.....really boring.....lots of repetition. But with God's Word, there is always something to be learned. A few of my favorite verses were.....

Exodus 4:10-12 - Moses said to the Lord, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." The Lord said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."

There are so many times that I am afraid to say something/anything because I don't trust that I have the words or that I will be able to say it in the right way. Lord, forgive me for not trusting that you are here to help me and that you will give me the words.

Leviticus 4:27 - "If a member of the community sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the Lord's commands, he is guilty.

It's always a good reminder that sin is sin, even unintentional sin. This verse really makes me feel so thankful for Jesus. I mean you can't go through live without sinning, so to have that perfect sacrifice of Jesus is just amazing!

Leviticus is so full of rules, laws, rituals and sacrifices to understand and follow. I couldn't keep up. I couldn't imagine being there at that time and not yet knowing what was to come.....who was to come as the ultimate sacrifice. Lord, thank you for your son Jesus and all that he means for us. Thank you for your Word and for the insights and understanding that I am learning each day.

Head on over to Mom's Toolbox to check out what everyone else is learning from reading the Bible in 90 days.

God bless!

Bible in 90 Days - Day 4

I just read all of Genesis in 4 days...all 50 chapters. And it wasn't all that difficult...I actually enjoyed it. I've read all of Genesis before but never straight through. It's a wonderful flowing story with lots of Lifetime movie like qualities...lying, cheating, jealousy, stealing, killing, looting, favoritism and so much more. But in amongst all that crazyness is God...our Lord...our Savior. He is there with promises, comfort, and provisions. He also requires things from us...our faithfulness...our trust...our forgiveness.

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.

I want Joseph's faithfulness and his forgiveness. His brothers sold him into slavery and yet he forgave and helped them in tough times. Lord - Show me how to let go of bitterness and unforgiveness that I carry. Let me be as forgiving as You are!

Genesis 6:22 - Noah did everything just as God commanded him.

I want to trust like Noah and do just what God commands of me. Lord - Continue to show me the me you want me to be. And forgive me for the signs I ignore and the times I think I can do it myself. Thank you for your commandments and continue to guide me to a closer walk with you.

Check out Mom's Toolbox for other bloggers (I think there are 121 participating so far) reading through the Bible or to join in. You can also go to Bible in 90 Days site to get more information.

I know future reading may not be this easy, but looking forward to diving into Exodus tomorrow morning. Good night...hopefully...the baby is wide awake right now at 11:39 pm.

God bless!

Winter Blessings

21. Husband being home for lunch

22. A warm home

23. Not having to leave the house on these cold days

24. Footed jammies

25. Long underwear

26. Homemade bread fresh from the oven

27. Lazy morning pancake making

28. Pure maple syrup

29. Early bedtimes

30. Sleeping in

31. Summer's provisions

32. Crockpot meals

33. A Full pantry of food to warm us body and soul

34. Time for learning

35. The sun's warmth

36. The Son's comfort

37. Flannel sheets

38. Sledding in new snow

39. A new year for new beginnings

40. Endless opportunities

41. Snoring husband beside me

42. Bible in 90 days

43. Mom's Toolbox

44. Many chances from our Heavenly Father to meet with Him

45. God taking me serious even when I don't take Him serious

46. Vitamin D

47. Laundry rituals

48. Early morning coffee chats with my husband

49. The teachings on Faith 900 in my kitchen throughout the day

50. Dirty dishes

51. Jesus' sacrifice to wash us clean

52. Loud giggling babes

53. Loud questioning toddlers

54. Active little ones

55. A forgiving spouse

56. A forgiving Father

57. Snuggling with my nursing babe who still needs a lot of mama

58. Independent 2 year old who doesn't always need mama

59. Post-its to jot down today's list in the busyness of it all

60. A 2 year old that dresses herself (and is proud of it)

The more I spend time seeing His blessings...the less time there is to complain and grumble about the have nots and the issues of everyday. Thank you Lord for all my many blessings!

Please continue to show them to me!

God bless!

The Bible in 90 Days - What I'm Learning

I began reading my Bible from the beginning a couple of days ago. I took on this challenge with a bunch of other bloggers with Amy at Mom's Toolbox bringing us all together. If you go to her blog and scroll down a little, there is a whole list of links in the right sidebar to other bloggers that are participating. I know God is good and powerful and awe inspiring, but it still floors me some times how people come together. If you would have asked me 2 years ago if a Bible study with women across the country was possible, I would have said NO WAY. But with internet, email, blogs, facebook and twitter, it all is possible. Prasie God!

Some of my favorite verses from yesterday's reading were Genesis 18:14, Genesis 21:1, and Genesis 28:15.

Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son. Genesis 18:14

Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. Genesis 21:1

I am with you and will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you. Genesis 28:15

Is anything TOO HARD for the Lord? Of course not, but I forget sometimes and think why should I bother Him with this...it's too hard...too difficult to change...too much work involved. The list goes on and on, but what am I really getting at? It's too hard for me! Not for God! After all, he gave Abraham and Sarah a child in their old age. Why shouldn't I trust Him?

The Bible is full of promises (and instructions) and not just promises for Abraham and Sarah, but promises for me and for you...for today! How can I apply this to my life? The Lord is always with me...I will be present with Him! Throughout my day, I will commune with Him...while teaching Charlie, while preparing meals, while folding laundry, while blogging and everywhere else. I know it's only day 2, but I'm loving this focused quiet time with my Lord and want to have that flow into every other aspect of my life.

My prayer...Lord, give me peace and comfort in knowing you are it - you are ALL - you are here with me always and that you are present in this world. Forgive me for the times I think things are too big to pray about and for the times that I think things are too small and that I can handle them on my own. Continue to give me opportunities to practice my faith and trust in you...Give me the faith of Abraham! In Jesus name I pray. Amen

God bless!

Beginning the New Year Right - Bible in 90 Days

Many of you know that I meet weekly with a group of girlfriends for Bible Study. I cherish the time of fellowship with like-minded moms, but I feel like I'm not growing in my faith or my understanding of the Bible. It's no one's fault but my own. After all, getting together was my idea and I am technically in charge and still am not overly organized or prepared each week. I don't feel like I'm challenging myself (or anyone else) at all.

This is not a new thing. The Lord has been specifically convicting me of my lazyness and non-commitment in regards to my time with Him and in The Word for some time now. I've just been ignoring Him.....not cool, right? In the middle of this wrestling with God, I stumbled on to a wonderful blog and a wonderful plan. A plan to get my butt in gear, give MY LORD my time, and to do it with a bunch of new friends. Isn't it great the He doesn't give up on us and that His will and timing are perfect!?!

I'm not even sure where/how I originally stumbled on to Amy at Mom's Toolbox, but I'm glad I did! Her blog is full of useful and inspirational goodies. I love her S.O.A.P method of scripture study. I'm most excited (and a little nervous) about the Bible in 90 Days journey that will begin January 1, 2010 and end on March 31, 2010. The idea is to read the entire Bible in 90 days from beginning to end....about 12 pages per day. Amy will blog about it and a bunch of committed ladies will join in on the web, on their own blogs, etc. to do this together.

I don't know exactly how I'm going to make this work yet, but I am committed to doing it. I'm thinking I will be getting up early each morning to do my reading. My first thought is I don't need one more thing on my plate, but this is so important and I really need this. I need this for myself, for my kids, for my family! And truth be told, I waste a lot of time during the day with things that are not overly important. So, I'm sure I will be able to free up some time.

So, January 1, 2010, I will begin my reading. Click here and head on over to Mom's Toolbox and see who else is "in" on this Bible in 90 Days journey. Feel free to join in yourself and be sure to let me know if you do.

God bless!