Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Funny Vid!

This kid is hilarious!!!  Enjoy!

I'm a slacker...

Well I'm slightly behind on my goal for this month... I just started reading the Bible on Monday.  Better late than never, eh?  I'll just need to extend into next month, no biggie!  (I knew you were worried. Right?)

To be quite honest, last week was a mess.  It was a cluster of a mess, actually.  I scrambled and scrambled to get some crafts put together for a craft show last week.  And ended up with less than stellar results.  I do, however, have some amazingly cute candle holders made!  (I'll post pics at a later date)

During the cluster that was last week, I decided that I was going to need a plan if I was going to pull off my goal.  I've tried starting at the very beginning of the Bible before and didn't make it very far.  I mean, let's face it, most of us know the story of creation, so it's not super interesting to read for the one millionth time.  Luckily, the church I attend (Eaglebrook Church) has a ton of resources for those interested in reading the Bible!  I'm sure you could also Google a plan, if you're interested. 

I've opted for the 31 day plan found on Eaglebrook's website.  This plan is an overview of salvation and faith and Jesus.  I'm reading from a study Bible, so there's a ton of added information in the margins.  I'm already learning a ton!!  Maybe it's because I'm older, maybe it's because the Bible translation is so easy to read, but I am hooked.  These stories are interesting and there is so much to learn from, even in the most basic of Biblical stories.  I spend about 30 - 45 minutes diving into a chapter, reading all of the margin notes, just digesting it all.  I also spent time reading about the authors of the books.  I think it's important to know who wrote the book, what they believed, what they did for a living, etc.  It really gives you insight on the writings.

For those of you embarking on this journey with me, I'm praying for you!  I hope you find this time with God as interesting and healing and growing as I am!

Monday, October 4, 2010

new month, new goal

Question: Where did September go?  I'm serious.  I think I may have misplaced it... Any ideas? Anyone? Bueller?  Wow, this fall season is going incredibly fast!  And I for one am not happy about it.  Everyone knows what comes after fall.  Snow.  Lots and lots and lots of snow.  (you were thinking Winter, weren't you!?  I win!).  Besides, I'm really enjoying this fall season.  The weather is perfect, the leaves are turning beautiful colors, what's not to love about fall?!  Ugh... darn winter.  Although, just like without sadness, we wouldn't know joy; without winter, I wouldn't know the joys of spring, summer, and fall. (It's okay to punch me now).

Alas, it is a new month.  A new 30 days.  A new goal.  But first, a recap of last month's goal!  September began with 30 days of manicure excellence.  The goal was to keep my hands well manicured for 30 days.  And I am extremely proud to say that I did it!  Yay!  Break out the champagne!  It was easier than I thought it would be!  The key was to paint my nails during the time I was watching TV, since I was sitting still doing absolutely nothing to begin with.  Each week I started with a fresh coat of paint on my nails.  I think I'll continue through the next 30 days!

The next 30 days I am committing to a less superficial, more serious 30 days of excellence: 30 Days of Spiritual Growth.  For the next 30 days, my goal is to spend 30 minutes a day with my Bible, spending time with God, studying His Word, praying for guidance and growth. 

I've been attending church since I was very little and am very proud to call myself a Christian.  However, I am slightly ashamed of the fact that I have not read the Bible in it's entirety.  A recent study by The Pew Forum indicates that Atheists and Agnostics know more about religion than Christians know about their own religion.  While I find the study interesting, I also find it very disheartening.  As I'm growing up, I'm slowly seeing the importance of really knowing everything about a group that you participate in or affiliate with.  How is it that Christians know less about the religion they study and practice than those who don't believe/practice said religion?  How can it be that I've been attending church since I was very small, yet I haven't read the Bible in it's entirety?

At the end of the next 30 days, I hope to have grown spiritually and have gained a deeper understanding of Christianity's roots, beliefs, and future.  Please pray for me as I enter into this journey, it appears it will be quite intense!