I recently took on the Book Blow-Out challenge from Blue Archipelago. (Which is a great book review site, along with my other favorite, Book Reviews for Real People.)
I "joined" the challenge on July 8th, and just today (the 14th) I posted my reading list.
I've been working my way quickly through the first book, however: Emma Brown by Clare Boylan (and Charlotte Bronte). I'm about 2/3 of the way through; I took a nice break on Saturday morning while Marzipan and Wick were napping and Joe was at work. Me, comfy chair, cup of coffee with French Vanilla Creamer... and a good book.
I'll post a review once I've finished it.
I love being a writer. It's such a great excuse to read all the time.

Everyone should read. Reading makes you a bigger, better person. I love reading, but I must confess that I am very particular about what I read. I have strict standards: Read the rest of this entry »

Challenge Update: The days when Joe is off work are always either the most or the least productive of my week. Day 5 (Wednesday) goes on the most productive side. He was on a get-things-done rampage so I just tagged along.

Finished reading Peony in Love by Lisa See

Better Life Tip: Some days will be more productive (in terms that we measure) than others. That's okay. Relax and let there be some roller coaster movement in your life. It keeps things interesting.

Challenge Update: Progress again. I hit snooze a couple of times. (I had my phone, which functions as my alarm, beside me in my little bedside basket. Bad idea. It works better when it's in the kitchen and I have to get out of bed to turn it off.) I had no trouble staying awake, though, once I was out of bed, and I enjoyed the time to sip my coffee, write, think, pray, read.

I've just started a Bible reading plan again. I had been wandering kind of aimlessly through parts of the Old and New Testament. My church had copies of this one-year plan, and it has you read four different passages each day, with about five catch-up days per month. I started in Genesis, Psalms, Matthew, and Acts. I like the structure. Sometimes I need to be told what to do or I get lost in the options. I also like putting a little check mark in the box beside each portion of the day's reading. Genesis 9 - 11, check. Psalm 4, check. Matthew 2: 13-23, check. Acts 2:22-44, check.

One Year Bible Online has a similar plan available. You can download it (it is a .pdf document) and print it out. However, it has no little checkboxes and no catch up days in the schedule.

For the ultimate in check box accomplishment, check into the reading plan offered by Christianity.com. You become a member (it's free), and record your progress online.

I don't want to degrade the Scripture to a tick mark on my to-do list, but I do need help being consistent at reading the Bible and having a plan to follow helps me.

Improve Your Life: It could help you too. Find a Bible reading plan and get started. If you don't want to tackle the Bible in one year, do a search on Bible reading plans. You can find one to fit your schedule.

Be Open-Minded: If you're thinking, Why would I want to read the Bible every day? here is a chance to think outside your box. Oh-ho, my secular friend, are you tolerant enough to read something regarded as a holy book? Try it. I dare you. Even if you don't believe the Bible is holy, it is full of stories and wisdom and principles that will challenge and help you. Are you open-minded enough to try it?