(hows that for a title? Tried to be more original than "random topics" you know.)
Bible Reading Challenge 1.14.10
Sarah K., who is one of the participants in our challenge, has been emailing me her progress and thoughts. I want to share this thought of hers with you all.
"Over the last few years I have come to realize that it is ok if one doesn't 'make it through the bible in a year' or in half a year for that matter. The important thing is that we are constantly in His word, seeking Him, studying who He is, and most importantly knowing Him. I think it is easy for people to get caught up in a 'Challenge' and I think that is one of the main reasons people fail to complete their year or half year of reading. If you just view it as a challenge, once the novelty of that wears off, you have no more motivation."
Also, I read this the other day and thought it was a perfect article to help keep us on the right track during this challenge. By the way, we have 3 new participants. Please remember to be in prayer for each other. We don't want this to be an exericise or mere accomplishment of discipline.
Regardless of the fact that I'm a few emails behind in life, I'm taking a short trip over the weekend. I'm happily leaving my computer behind, so you won't be seeing much of me.
Please vote in my poll in the sidebar. Feel free to expound in a comment below. When I say I'm curious, its because I can think of no stronger word that means the same thing. =)
Before I sign off I want to acknowledge and remind you to pray... I know I am not alone when I say, my heart is burdened for the people of Haiti and those lives who've been impacted by the trauma. I'm far removed from the reality that is devastation for so many right now. Yet my mind is left reeling from graphic images and my heart hurts... and so I pray. May people turn to Jesus because of it all.
Yes, indeed. I am admitting in a some what public ok, very public place, that ...
Monster's Inc is one of few movies I've willingly watched more than 3 times.
"I'm resisting you. I don't wanna like you!!"
I rarely--if ever--wear high heels because my ankles pop when I walk in them. (not to mention my fear of heights and falling)
[and thus ensues a series of posts for the easily excitable and in hopes to disspell and/or confirm rumors regarding my state of mind.]
I think the love story of Isaac and Rebekah is a beautiful one. Unarguably.
But if you don't mind me sharing a pet peeve ...
But if you don't mind me sharing a pet peeve ...
Every time I hear it used as a model for "Biblical courtship" I cringe. And even more, when I see those attempting to replicate it.
With the failure of the dating system came a generation seeking an alternative. We turned to scriptures for guidance (which it gives) and specifications (which it does not).
I don't believe God gave us a play by play. And as much as we think one might help us in our 'quest for love', surely God truly knows best and thats why He didn't give us one. Therefore, I think we should be minimalists when writing "How-to" books, giving advice, or laying down the rules.
Bible Reading Challenge 1.09.10 + ten million other things I'm thinking about right now.
Hello my friends,
How has the new year been for you thus far? Blogging time has gotten away from me, but I'm very thankful for the amount of work hours I've had. And the amount of reading time!
I'm on in to Exodus at the moment. I'm always challenged by how the Lord used Moses, even though he showed signs of unwillingness and complained of incompetence. Its the Lord who gives purpose and grants success.
I'm excited for the fact that I've been reading reports of several participants who are already experiencing growth and encouragement from their reading. And I can most definitely say the same.
This happens a lot in my reading, but I'm hung up on a particular story back in Genesis-- The all too familiar Isaac and Rebekah story. I think I may post my thoughts on that in its own post. We'll see.
I'm making headway with my memory work -- the first chapter of James has proved to be a good sort of challenge to me spiritually, more than it is mentally challenging to memorize. Uh, does that make any sense?
Please be in prayer for my friends Marcus, Laura, Daniel, and Alana. They just headed off to Nepal with three others, to minister to youth by way of discipleship themed conferences. As there are a lot of unknowns about their trip, I know they would appreciate your prayers.
Also, please note that today is my lovely friend Laura's 23rd birthday. And yes, she's the Laura that just left for Nepal. So since I won't get to say this personally, I'll say it with the whole world reading-- Happy birthday abroad, Laura Lou!
Ok, back to the reading challenge-- If you've posted about how its going ,why don't you leave a link to it in a comment below. Thanks to those of you who've emailed-- Hope to send a return note soon. If you would rather email then comment or post, feel free to help yourself stay accountable and encourage me at the same time : kaylenelise[at]yahoo.com (or if you happen to have my private email thats fine too)
PS... Don't save Leviticus for last. Or Numbers for that matter. Just a suggestion. ;)
Many hellos and too many goodbyes
pain. mistakes. joy. overcoming.
Reminiscent of the year 2009
Family and friends. The Discipleship program. Living with the Grandparentals. A truckload of Propel. Street and door to door evangelism. Saying a temporary good bye to Uncle Chuck. Carenet pregnancy centers. Meeting new people. The Coast. [my f.a.v.o.r.i.t.e. place on earth] Eating fresh crab for the first time. [it was h.o.r.r.i.b.l.e.] Bought another Honda. Laura comes to visit. Mission conferences. Meaningful time with missionaries. Thousands of photos. 6 months away from home. Driving with my bro, 1500 miles cross country- going home. Camp nurse for Good News Camp. Fourth trip to Mexico in 3 years. Home again. Back to Oregon for Family vaca. Home again. Trips to the city with Alana. Home again. Caregiver for the elderly. Colorado for Thanksgiving. Home again.
I realize not all my blog readers are participating in the Bible Reading Challenge. I think I've said before I don't think its something everyone should do. One reason being that its hard to do in depth word studies when we place a time restriction on ourselves. The most important thing is that all of us are in The Word daily. How much?-- Well, thats between you and Him.
But keeping in mind that not everyone is doing "our challenge", I hope to keep a fair balance of posts on other topics-- though I hope you all can gain from our journey through the Bible.
Remember friends, as we're headed into this new year, that God is seeing the big picture that we are not. Pray for the Lord to give you a revelation of eternity. Pursue those things of eternal value. I've run across a few links over the last few days, that I deem worthy to be pondered and shared. All pertain, in my opinion, to the start of a new year as we re-focus our hearts and minds on new or revised (and hopefully worthy) goals and ambitions.
10 predictions for 2010 --a short list that helps "keep it all in perspective".
When Social Media is Distracting -- A thought provoking look at virtual versus personable communication
When Social Media is Distracting -- A thought provoking look at virtual versus personable communication
Death is Not Dying -- The testimony of a woman who passed away from cancer last July. I highly recommend watching this. Take the time, sit down (maybe even with a pen and paper), and listen to these incredibly wise words. If this doesn't help give you eternal perspective, I don't know what will. It will inspire you in your Bible reading. It convicted me even more of my lack of a servant's heart. (HT: hope road blog)
Through trials and joys-- may this be the best year yet. Cheers to 2010!
You all have done so well with spreading The Word. I'm excited that twenty two (!) of you and your friends have joined me in the Bible reading challenge. I'm motivated and challenged when I think about each of you individually being willing and motivated to pursue the Lord in this way. I'm praying for you as we begin this challenge. Be sure and comment, post on your own blog, or email me to let me know how its going for you! Also, check out each other's journey by clicking the names of particpants in my sidebar. I think you will find them inspiring.I'm off to a fairly good start to my Bible Reading. I decided to go ahead and start in Genesis and maybe here pretty soon, split part of my reading up and read somewhere in the New Testament as well. I'm amazed because everytime I start Genesis, I have expectations of being bored with a book I've read so many times. How foolish I am. I see something new e.v.e.r.y. time.
I'm also going to attempt 365 verses in a year-- a challenge Melinda is doing over at her blog. I'm going to start off with the book of James. This book and I have a love/hate relationship. Intending no disrespect, I only mean that the truth both hurts and yet gives guidance and peace. I love the beauty of that paradox. James constantly puts me in my rightful place. As I was previewing the verses I plan to memorize the following ones struck me as very very important to those of us who are committing ourselves to the reading of The Word. James 1:21-25:
herefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with
meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man
beholding his natural face in a glass: For he behold himself and goeth
his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
But whoso looketh in the perfect law of liberty, and continueth
therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work,
this man shall be blessed in his deed.
A needful reminder, yes? May God bless the reading of His Word!!
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