The first change is that my "new" FREE bookshelf has made its way into the girls' room. I forgot to mention in my earlier post that the people not only gave it to me, but they also delivered it to my house and put it in my garage since it wouldn't fit in my car. Everybody was happy that day. They REALLY didn't want to go back home with it. Daddy let the girls help paint it, and they are very excited that they still get a book at bedtime even if they forgot to get one out of Little Buddy's room before he fell asleep. This is a really good change. Unfortunately, the cute bins from Target were not free, but they'll just be super cute once I actually label them.
The second change, much more significant, is that I am determined to get some discipline in my life. I've mentioned in previous posts how this does not come naturally for me. I don't do things the same way twice. I have to keep my vitamins by my bed so I see them in the morning, or I won't remember to take them. Here's a really embarrassing confession from a person who has been a Christian for a VERY long time: It's been a year since I've read my Bible with some kind of regularity. I'm serious. After I graduated from seminary, I "took a break" because it still felt like homework, then I had a baby, then I just never found a way to get back into the habit. I'm very externally motivated--like I'll do it if I'm getting graded on it or there's a chance I'll be really embarrassed if I don't do it. Taking seminary classes was perfect for me because I actually do cherish the Bible.
I love the New Year because it's a chance for a fresh start. Somehow getting a calendar with nothing written on it feels like the right time to undo some bad habits. So I'm going to try to read the Bible through this year. I mentioned to my husband that I'd like to do it chronologically, and he went downstairs and came back up with this.
Two seminary graduates in one house--we do not lack for Bibles. We have no excuses. Since the one thing I seem to be consistent at is getting on the internet (blogging, looking at Facebook, etc.), here's my new plan: I am not coming downstairs to the computer until I've first done my Bible reading. Today was my first day. According to research, it will be a habit in 20 more days. I love fresh starts! Now if I can just fit exercise in there too...
2 comments:
A couple comments:
1. Bible reading is the one thing that DOES NOT become a habit after 30 days. I know from personal experience. I actually marked the calendar faithfully for the required amount of time, and when that time passed, I still found it easy to "forget" to read my Bible. I think there's so much value in it that the enemy of our souls sees to it that we're otherwise occupied.
2. I've kept my Bible on the toilet in my bathroom for years. It was the one place I was guaranteed privacy and a little undisturbed time. Sometimes I'll just grab a chapter or a few verses at a time, but I try to make it something that speaks to me.
Good luck! You're aiming for some positive results.
I think that's great! That was my goal for 2008... and I didn't quite achieve it (I'm in September according to my schedule). The important thing is to not give up. I'm doing a schedule that has a little Old Testament, a little New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs each day. I have some new Bible study books that I really want to start, but I'm not letting myself start those until I finish the Bible itself!
Love the new bookshelf, too! We have those same bins, but in blue and red!
Post a Comment