Read the Bible in a Year Week 45

I've missed several weeks during the past holidays but do intend to finish this Bible Reading Plan which we started last January. There are approximately 8 weeks left to finish and then we'll start with a different plan which I'm trying to develop, with God's guidance. The new plan isn't so much about reading, as it is becoming familiar with the Bible as presented by a layperson (me). We'll look at the how the Bible is organized, and the timeline of its contents; I'll offer my simplistic view in the hopes that it will clarify things that maybe you don't even realize can be confusing. It will make more sense as we dive in, but I just wanted to give you a head's up. I am so thrilled with how much my audience has grown and I want to keep you engaged as we learn about Jesus and the life we're meant to live.

Week 45
Sunday, January 7                   Isaiah 37:1 - 40:31
Monday, January 8                  Isaiah 41:1 - 43:28
Tuesday, January 9                  Isaiah 44:1 - 47:15
Wednesday, January 10           Isaiah 48:1 - 51:23
Thursday, January 11               Isaiah 52:1 - 57:13
Friday, January 12                   Isaiah 57:14 - 62:12
Saturday, January 13                Isaiah 63:1 - Jeremiah 1:3

Attention Writers - Finishing School

I participated in a 10-day writing challenge in December and won a scholarship to attend a 7-week group coaching program Finishing School which begins this Wednesday (January 10th, 2017). It's all online except for a one day retreat in Covington, Kentucky (which can be attended virtually). I'm really excited about this program and anticipate finally finishing my novel that's been several years in the making. The program is developed by Kelly Thomas, owner of Kelly Grace, LLC. She's very hands-on, extremely knowledgeable, and so very inspiring.
If you have a book in the works and want to sign up for this experience, Kelly will honor the early-bird price of $325 until January 15, 11:59 pm EST if you list "Seven Degrees of Me" as a reference. Please email her kgracethomas@gmail.com with any questions.
http://www.kgracewrites.com/finishing-school/

TGIF

Get Moving

I've been doing a lot of talking about exercise lately. I'm going to start exercising, someday, probably, well maybe. I'll start tomorrow; no, I'm busy tomorrow, this weekend - oops, lots of plans for this weekend...how about next Monday?
I've tried a few gimmicks like self-hypnosis. That helps to an extent, but still...
Yesterday I got some good advice that I think will help:
     Instead of this full-blown, "I will exercise" that is really very vague, I need to tell myself specifics. So, today I will start moving more by parking further away from the door, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, getting up at least once an hour at work and walk around, etc... Then build on that for tomorrow...tomorrow I will get on the elliptical at 6:30, then I will dig out my "Sweatin' to the Oldies" VHS tape for Monday morning, etc. The idea is that I Get Moving. It could be stretching while I do housework, squats while I brush my teeth, whatever it is, make specific statements for what I plan to accomplish every day as it relates to "exercise". I don't need to plan time to read because I do that whenever I have spare time, and it's something I love to do so I'm not going to procrastinate. But this "exercising" stuff is something I never seem to have time for, so I need to make it a part of my daily routine. I need to think of it as moving instead of exercising because anything I do that isn't sitting at my computer is an exercise-type accomplishment (especially since I love being on the computer).
So what are you waiting for? Get moving!

Record Your Days

   Sunday, December 31, 2017.  The Preacher spoke about this life and about time as a commodity, measured in days. He was speaking on Psalm 90 and suggested that we record each day as a means of numbering our days "that we may gain a heart of wisdom". This is my new project for the New Year. It will bring focus to accomplishing something each day, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, do something to help others, to make someone else’s day a little better, to let others know they aren't alone.
   I believe some people don’t want to commit to Christianity because they don’t feel like they can live a Christian life, or because they don’t want to give up their sinful life. I try my best and that’s all I can do. When I slip up, I pray and ask forgiveness. Christ died on the cross so that I can be forgiven, and so  I can have eternal life. I want to spend eternity with everyone I love, and even with those that I’m not too fond of. I wouldn’t wish eternity in hell on anyone. So I try to live my days purposefully. If nothing else, I hope to illustrate what a Christian life looks like, that it is flawed, but it is true and blessed. Even in difficult times, I look to Jesus for answers, guidance, and strength. I have so much to share with you.
   Join me in making each day count.

Psalm 90:10-17 (NIV)
10 Our days may come to seventy years,
    or eighty, if our strength endures;
yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow,
    for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
11 If only we knew the power of your anger!
    Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due.
12 Teach us to number our days,
    that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

13 Relent, Lord! How long will it be?
    Have compassion on your servants.
14 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
    that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
    for as many years as we have seen trouble.
16 May your deeds be shown to your servants,
    your splendor to their children.

17 May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;
    establish the work of our hands for us—
    yes, establish the work of our hands.

Read the Bible in a Year Week 44

Week 44
Sunday, December 10                   Isaiah 6:1 - 10:4
Monday, December 11                   Isaiah 10:5 - 14:11
Tuesday, December 12                  Isaiah 14:12 - 19:17
Wednesday, December 13             Isaiah 19:18 - 23:18
Thursday, December 14                 Isaiah 24:1 -  28:15
Friday, December 15                      Isaiah 28:16 -  31:9
Saturday, December 16                  Isaiah 32:1 - 36:22

Read the Bible in a Year Week 43

Week 43
Sunday, December 3                    Proverbs 25:1 - 29:27
Monday, December 4                   Proverbs 30:1 - Ecclesiastes 1:8
Tuesday, December 5                   Ecclesiastes 2:1 - 6:12
Wednesday, December 6              Ecclesiastes 7:1 - 10:20
Thursday, December 7                 Ecclesiastes 11:1 - Song of Solomon 5:1
Friday, December 8                      Song of Solomon 5:2 - Isaiah 1:31
Saturday, December 9                   Isaiah 2:1 - 5:30