Where my ladies at?? I'm looking for you...

Let me start off by saying that just like any other year 2012 has been full of ups and downs, growth, change, forward moving, backwards moving, etc. Although all that seems normal, this past year was not normal for me.

Kevin and I made the resolution last year to read the whole Bible in 1 year. This seemed like a huge commitment coming from someone (myself) who has never done this before.  I knew I had to though. I knew I couldn't sit on the fence any longer. I knew I NEEDED God's word penetrating deep into my soul.  In order to do so I needed to get committed. To get quiet. To get serious, and just do it.

I didn't decide to read the Bible in a year, just to be able to say I did it. I did it because I was very lax in my devotions. I was ever struggling to make consistent time to read the Word. I found myself getting very frustrated at the fact that reading the Word wasn't a habit in my life.  I was always confused as to where to start reading, so I would usually give up. I needed the accountability, and I felt like reading the Bible in a year could offer that to me.   {and it did!}

And by-golly I did (we did).  We held each other accountable and encouraged each other through what we were learning.  Being in the Word consistently allowed Kevin and I to offer each other hope, truth, wisdom, and strength.

FORWARD MOVING THAT CAME THROUGH THE WORD: 

Over the course of this year, my anxiety levels decreased dramatically. My heart moved from fear, worry, anxiety, to one filled with more peace. Anxiety has been a thief in my life; stealing my joy, my security, my hope, my love, and my peace. By no means am I perfect in this area, I still struggle, BUT it's gotten so much better. I truly believe I can attribute most of the positive change to being in the Word consistently. This is just one example of the success I feel it's brought me this year.

I asked Kevin what the biggest impact for him was from being in the Word this year. He said, "peace."  I ditto that!

more reasons WHY I DID IT:  {short version} 

In a world that sure knows how to fight against us, I desire as a Christian to have all the tools possible to fight back. The Word is one of the greatest tools we need as Christ followers. 

Over and over the words of Jesus rang in my ears before I began this journey:
It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. - Matthew 4:4 NKJV  :: While He was in the dessert 40 days and 40 nightsJesus said this when He was battling Satan :: 

We are in a fight for our lives, our families lives, and the lives of those around us. I asked myself, how can I live out the Word and fight daily if I'm not nourishing myself in it?  Simply put: I couldn't. 

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. Eph. 6:10-18 NKJV

I could go on and on with verses that encouraged me to get into the Word, but this post is getting long. ;)

 some STRUGGLES I HAD A LONG THE WAY: 

I'm not perfect. I definitely had days where I missed my reading, but I never let that stop me. I would eventually get caught back up. This is bound to happen as life happens. It was helpful having Kevin to hold me accountable. Knowing that no matter what we did, we NEEDED to make time with God.

I read a lot at night. I really don't think there is anything wrong with reading your Bible at night or before bed. I think it all depends on the person. I personally think the best times for me to read the Word is in the morning or during the daytime. I often times found myself reading in the evenings when I was tired, which made it a little harder to focus.  I was still able to receive from the Word at these times, but knowing myself, I think it's best for me to be reading during the day.

WHERE I'M GETTING AT

& 

WHY I TOLD YOU ABOUT OUR 2012 JOURNEY:  

Ladies, 

I want to invite you along...

I want to invite you to make 2013 different...

I want to invite you to become the remnant...

I want to invite you to experience God's truth this year...

I want to invite you to experience your fathers love...

I want to invite you to forward moving...

I want to invite you to change...

I want to invite you to love...

I want to invite you to strength...

I want to invite you to peace...

I want to invite you to becoming the warrior your heart was made to be...

Come journey with me as I embark on going through the Bible in 1 year. 

I'm looking for some ladies who are interested in being accountable to God's Word this year. 

Let myself and other women come alongside and encourage you along the way.

I'm looking to meet once a month (at the end of the month) with this group of women. 

I envision this being a time of prayer and accountability on how reading your Bible is going. 

A time when we can offer encouragement to each other. 

Offer suggestions on how we make the time to to read/spend time with God, etc.

Sometimes we just need to know others are doing the same thing in order to get us moving in the direction we desire to go. 

If you are interested in the accountability of reading the Bible in 1 year, or just being consistent with reading the Bible, then let me know. 

HERE'S HOW YOU CAN CONTACT ME:

Private message me through Facebook

OR

Email me at finchwings@gmail.com 

I look forward to hearing from you!

*Location and dates to be announced*

My personal goals with reading the Word this year:

:: Read more during the day vs. reading at night

:: Take more time to pray before or after being in the Word

:: Journal or blog more along the way

:: Encourage others along the way as they too read the Word

:: Remember the characters of the Bible better (I'm bad at this) ;)

:: Dig deeper to find the true meanings behind the verses

:: Live out the verses daily
:: To hear His whispers better