One of the items on my list of 39 things to do before I turn 39, is to read through the bible in one year. Despite being raised in a religious home and reading many parts of the bible, I have never read it cover to cover.
My mom bought this bible
So I started yesterday. Each day is about 5 pages on average. I spent 20-30 minutes each day (taking my time).
And the best part.. there is a page where I can use my highlighter and check off what I have read each day. I told you that I am a gigantic nerd. {Insert Jeff shaking his head when he reads this. Poor man has to live with me.}
My reading has nothing to do with religion. It has to do with relationship. Actually I have had frustrations with religion in general. My dad though says it perfectly. “Jenny, don’t put your faith in people. Put it in God. People by nature will disappoint you. Even unintentionally.” He’s right. I haven’t turned my back on religion or church (we go as a family), but I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t tell you that I get angry at our inability to offer grace and love to one another. We could all use more grace, love, and mercy in our lives.
After completing my reading a thought popped into my head. I thought about the fact that I know my husband and kids love me. But if my kids only told me once a month that they loved me, it would be discouraging. It is easy for me to fall into the trap of “busy”ness and not tell God how much I love Him or how thankful I am. I am hoping that will change with this new plan.
I will have cupcake #2o up on the blog on Wednesday and a huge post on Thursday showing my 2011 Project Life and my lessons learned for this upcoming year. I was hoping to having my Project Life post up in the morning, but I ran out of light. Such is life and winter time. If you missed yesterday’s post, I have a giveaway going on. Head over and check it out here.
Blessings sweet friends. I’m thankful for each of you. – Jenny
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Comments
Nicole
What your dad said is sooo true and something my husband reminds me of quite often.
Thanks for sharing and good luck on your reading! God has so much to say to us
Jenny
I have a feeling that God is going to have plenty to say to me through this process. Exciting and scary at the same time. I’m certain there are things He wants me to change.
Jamia
This is great, this is something I have always wanted to do. I was given a study bible by a friend at church, I can read the bible in a year using my new study bible. Its only Jan 2nd I can do this!! I tried this once before, thanks for inspiring me to give it another try.
Jenny
Good luck Jamia. I know you can do it! It’s like exercise- it boils down to discipline. I could use more of it in my life. Let me know how you are doing with it.
Julia
Go Jenny!
Melissa
Jenny, I have just discovered your blog and already I’m laughing and crying and just loving it. You are ADORABLE and filled with light! And yes, I know we’ve never met, but I swear, I’ll bet you’d be one of the most awesome friends ever! (I promise not to stalk you). I am so glad and so thankful you are here to share your story. Thank you.
Jenny
Thank you Melissa! My husband thinks I’m adorable about 70% of the time. So glad you are enjoying my blog and my story. Blessings!
Sandy
Hi Jenny! Just discovered your blog over the holidays and I love it! Can you tell us the exact title etc of this bible book you received. I’d like to look into it. Thanks! Happy New Year!
Jenny
Just added it to the link above. I’m really enjoying it. Thanks Sandy and good luck- you can do it.
KatieK.
Wow, where do you and other ladies find the time… I’m in awe. I’m trying to find a Bible reading plan that for me is doable (that I will stick to and finish). I have an app on my phone but in honest baring – I haven’t found the right time for me to read. I read at night and fall asleep. I don’t want to do that to God’s Word. I’ll let you know how I do since I have let the world now know.
Jenny
Katie, I can never read at night. That is an instant formula for “Go to sleep Jenny”. Good luck- it is a discipline that I’m finding is like exercise. When I commit to it and do, I never regret it. So I’m praying for the discipline this year that I have lacked in my life other years.
Jill C
Good for you. It is also on my list of things to do. I just need to do it!!!
Jenny
I was always a planner but often didn’t implement it. So join me this year and just do it.
michelle
I love this post.
One of my goals this year with Project Life is to incorporate meaningful scripture into my pages. 
Jenny
Love this Michelle. I also made a photo book from Shutter Fly (that Ali Edwards designed) that incorporates scripture. I love it.
Heather
Thanks to Becky Higgins, I found my way here. I am so glad to have found you! I, too, am a nurse and will turn 39 this year. I have three kiddos, and am in school right now to complete my BSN (I’ve been a diploma grad of an RN-hospital program since 1994). I can’t wait to read more of your blog, and try some of these yummy cupcakes!
Jenny
Thanks so much Heather. We do have a lot in common! Good luck with finishing school. I’m so glad that I’ve had my nursing career over the past 16 years. I got my Masters 2 years ago and learned so much about me as a person, even more than healthcare. Please come back and yes, the cupcakes are wonderful.
Marcia Froese
Hi Jenny,
I saw your video on Becky Higgins blog in Dec. That is so great that you and you hubby have been doing your list. I also read Jeff’s side of the story. I guess you don’t have to be told how blessed you both are to have each other cause you have lived on the edge and know how blessed you are. I have an amazing husband (of 18 years) who has gone through the gauntlet with me, but it was in our search to have children, it’s a long story, but at the end of 12 years of fertility and adoption procedures we have 3 beautiful and amazing children, and many many more waiting for us in heaven. Thank you for sharing, and for sharing your desire to read the bible in one year. I have always thought that it would be something I wouldn’t be able to accomplish and would fail (I know I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!), but after reading your post I do think it is something that I could do. Thanks for the encouragement and also for reminding me about the important things in life.
Have a great day!
Sincerely,
Marcia
P.S. This is my second year doing PL, although I do need to finish up my 2011, like from Feb – Dec! But I do have a plan so that I will be successful with it. : )
Jennifer Henson
I’m so glad I found your blog. I have loved catching up on posts-and I really liked this one, too. This is so true: about relationships and being thankful. Loved it!
Hope you’re still at it! 
Jenny
I am although I just got an app to help me with reading out loud to me, when I’m in the car a bunch. This has helped tremendously!