What I Learned from Job - Reading the Bible in 90 Days

As you know I have started reading the Bible. I have 90 days to complete it and I am reading it with hundreds (1200+ to be exact) of other women. Each week (and even day to day) we check-in with each other on our progress, to pray for each other, and to share our thoughts. How cool is that?


So, I thought I would take each Book of the Bible and share my thoughts, verses, or people that stood out or spoke to me on that particular day. I have been doing most of my reading in the mornings reading whenever I can! The key is to get it done. If you get behind, you keep at it....catching up in chunks each day. The readings have been manageable and I am still praying it stays that way for me. I am currently several days behind schedule, but, gradually, I am catching up. I am learning so much am really excited about reading Psalms and Proverbs next.

So, here are my thoughts from the Book of Job:
 
Job 1:21-22 In all his suffering, Job NEVER asked "Why God?" "Why me?" or complained after all the pain and destruction in his life.  Our society is so full of complaint and "why me?" questions that it was such a humbling reminder that God has a plan and a reason - and that reason may just be to bring you back to Him.
 
Job 6:24 Teach me, and I will be quiet; show me where I have been wrong.
 
Job was so full of beautiful poetic verse like the following:
Job 11:13-18
Yet if you devote your heart to him and stretch out your hands to him,
if you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent,
then you will lift up your face without shame, you will stand firm and without fear.
You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by.
Life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning.
You will be secure, because there is hope, you will look about you and take rest in safety.
 
Job 16:2-3 I have heard many things like these, miserable comforters are you all!  Will your long-winded speeches never end? What ails you that you keep on arguing?  You can hear Job's frustration with his friends in these verses.  Haven't we all been in situations like this....it just goes on and on....I want to remember these words for just that occasion! :)
 
Job 19: 25-27 I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes - I, and not another. How my heart years within me!  I already had these verses marked in my Bible.  I am not sure when or how I came across them before, but it is such a calming verse and beautifully said. 
 
Job 42:2-3 I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.  You asked, Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge? Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. Job's reply to the Lord here is so honest and humbling. 
 
Job 42:10 After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before. Even though Job's friends accused him and rebuked him for doing wrong, Job still forgave them and prayed for them.  Not an easy task.  I too have been accused of wrongdoing by a friend and was innocent.  Today, praying for that friend has lifted a weight off of my shoulders that I had been carrying for too long.
 
I loved the poetic rhythm of the Book of Job.  I was amazed at all Job had suffered.  Some I knew before hand, but I had never read it to that depth before.  Reading the Bible in 90 days has certainly opened my eyes and my heart to God's wonderful lessons for all of us.
 
Now on to Psalms.......

What I Learned from Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther

As you know I have started reading the Bible. I have 90 days to complete it and I am reading it with hundreds (1200+ to be exact) of other women. Each week (and even day to day) we check-in with each other on our progress, to pray for each other, and to share our thoughts. How cool is that?


So, I thought I would take each Book of the Bible and share my thoughts, verses, or people that stood out or spoke to me on that particular day. I have been doing most of my reading in the mornings reading whenever I can! The key is to get it done. If you get behind, you keep at it....catching up in chunks each day. The readings have been manageable and I am still praying it stays that way for me. I am currently several days behind schedule, but, gradually, I am catching up.  I am learning so much and can't wait to get to Psalms and Proverbs.
So, here are my thoughts from the Books of  Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther:

Ezra 9:34 After hearing about the sins commited by the people of Israel, Ezra sat there appalled. If only more of us who be appalled at the sins being committed today in our world rather than ignoring it or placating others, what a different world it would be.

Nehemiah 4:16-18 I thought it was interesting how half of them worked on the wall and the other half stood guard.  They all united to help one another.  Some even did their work with one hand and a sword in the other.  It is important for all Christians to come together to do God's work and when we face adversity, we may need others to back us up.

Nehemiah 6:16 When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.

Nehemiah 9:5-6 Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.

Nehemiah 9:31 But in your great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandom them, for you are a gracious and merciful God.

Esther
I just loved reading the Book of Esther.  Esther was so courageous and had such a strong faith in God to step out and right the wrongs.  Most of us would not have been that determined and strong. I was also remembering the VeggieTale's version of Esther while reading it.  Our kids loved the movie ESTHER, and reading this made me want to watch it again.  What an awesome lesson she gives to all of us.

Now on to the Book of Job.......................

Review: 31 Days to Build A Better Spouse by Ashley Pichea

31 DAYS TO
BUILD A BETTER SPOUSE
An e-book
By: Ashley Pichea
Published: August 2011

Introduction:
Building a better spouse isn’t easy. It takes a lot of work. And a lot of faith. And, honestly, you can’t do it.
Only through the work of the Holy Spirit in your spouse’s life will he change. But, just because you can’t force change doesn’t mean that you can’t play a role in that change. You have the ability to build up your spouse through the power of prayer.
Prayer is one of the greatest privileges we have as believers. Having the ability to access the throne of grace with confidence whenever we have a need or want to offer up praise – what an incredible blessing we have!
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. {Hebrews 4.16}
Prayer is the means through which we are changed in our own lives, and it is the means through which we see change in the lives of others. It is through prayer that you can have the power to change your spouse. But, beware – through prayer, you too, will experience change!

I was given the opportunity to review fellow blogger, Ashely Pichea's new e-book and couldn't turn her down.  The title definitely peaked my interest and 31 days seemed like a very manageable investment in my marriage.  I downloaded the Kindle version of Pichea's book and started reading through it.  I was surprised with how simple her plan really was.  Each day is given a theme.  There is a brief synopsis of that theme, a Bible verse or two related to that theme, and some tips on how to pray for your husband related to that theme.  Then, if you are like me, and sometimes need the exact words in front of you, she gives you an example prayer to use when praying for your spouse related to that day's theme.  You can go through each day's message in 5-10 minutes a day.  Who can't devote 5-10 minutes/day towards praying for your spouse? 

Even though this book is written by a female and all references are written towards praying for your husband, they can certainly be used for the husband in prayer for his wife.  Can you imagine how powerful prayer could be when both spouses are praying for each other?!?!  What I love though is that Pichea tackles my heart, right away on the very first day.  I can't "Build A Better Spouse" without first changing my own heart and opening it up to God.  It was a very humbling first day. 

As Pichea states, "Prayer is the means through which we are changed in our own lives, and it is the means through which we see change in the lives of others."  Whether you are newlyweds, have been married for 12 years like me, or 55 years, Pichea's book can be life-changing for your relationship with God, with your spouse, and for your marriage.  It is up to you whether you tell your spouse what you are doing for him, but through you and God and prayer, together, you can bring about the change you want to experience. 

Ashley Pichea writes LIFE by Ashley Pichea as a means of encouragement while seeking to apply the Word of God to her everyday life.  Pichea is a stay-at-home mom and wife.  She homeschools her oldest and works to make blogging a full-time career.  For more on Ashley Pichea and all her great resources, check out her website.  For the quickest way to purchase her book, click on the BUY NOW link to the right of this post.  Thanks to Ashley for providing me a copy of this book!

I was provided a free Kindle version of this book for review.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  This review is my honest opinion and I wouldn't review anything that wouldn't benefit myself or my family.   I am a member of the affiliate program and if purchases are made through an appropriate link, I may receive a commission.

Things I Love.....In the Kitchen - The Pioneer Woman

Things I Love...

This is my feature where I get to share something that I just love. Since you are my friends, I like sharing things I love with others. It could be anything from a new product, food, recipe, song, image, to a person and everything in between. This will be something I am completely doing on my own, without pressure or compensation from a company, author, PR/Marketing firm, friend, business owner, etc. This will just be something that makes me happy and I want to share it with you. Enjoy some love!
For the next few weeks I am going to focus my Things I Love on things I love in my kitchen. I love to cook and bake and there are a few things that I Could. Not. Live. Without. Now I know this week's LOVE isn't actually IN my kitchen, but I have learned a lot about cooking and baking from her and wanted to share it with you.

Today's love is.............................The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond

I have been reading The Pioneer Woman Blog for a long time now.  Ree Drummond has a talent for many things and her blog shows it.  I read it for her recipes.  I read it for her photography.  I read it for her giveaways.  But, most of all I read it because she makes me laugh!  I am super excited because coming up tomorrow morning at 10:30 central time, her new show on Food Network will be appearing.  I have my DVR set and my morning blocked out.  I will be watching and you can bet my kids will be too. They LOVE cooking shows just like their mamma! Check out the commerical below and be sure to tune in! For more on the new show, check out her page on the Food Network site HERE.

What I Learned from 1 and 2 Chronicles - Reading the Bible in 90 Days

As you know I have started reading the Bible. I have 90 days to complete it and I am reading it with hundreds (1200+ to be exact) of other women. Each week (and even day to day) we check-in with each other on our progress, to pray for each other, and to share our thoughts. How cool is that?

So, I thought I would take each Book of the Bible and share my thoughts, verses, or people that stood out or spoke to me on that particular day. I have been doing most of my reading in the mornings reading whenever I can! The key is to get it done. If you get behind, you keep at it....catching up in chunks each day. The readings have been manageable and I am still praying it stays that way for me. I am currently several days behind schedule, but, I know I will catch up.

So, here are my thoughts from the Books of 1 and 2 Chronicles:

1st Chronicles parallels 2 Samuel and 2 Chronicles parallels 1 and 2 Kings.  So there was a lot of repeat information, but told a little differently. 

1 Chronicles 1:2 My niece Kenan is named after joining her parents' names Ken and LeAnn.  I had no idea there was a Kenan in the Bible.

1 Chronicles 4:9-10 Jabez's Prayer is one to follow.

1 Chronicles 15:16, 19-22 I think it is interesting that is specifically said Kenaniah was appointed the singer, because he was skillful at it.  Well, I would hope they would appoint someone who was a good singer rather than someone who wasn't.  LOL!

1 Chronicles 15:28 What a beautiful parade that must have been!

1 Chronicles 16:8-12 This psalm of thanks to the Lord from David is one that could be read every day.  What a great reminder to give thanks to the Lord.

1 Chronicles 16:34 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.  A favorite of mine and one that is repeated several times throughout the Bible.

1 Chronicles 22:11-13, 28:8-9, 20 Excellent advice for any father to give to his son.

1 Chronicles 29:10 Another great prayer that can be referred to again and again.

2 Chronicles 7:14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

2 Chronicles 20:15-17 ....Don not be afraid or discouraged...For the battle is not yours, but God's. Tomorrow march down against them......You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you....Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.  Awesome words to turn to for all the battles we face every day.

2 Chronicles 21:15,18 You yourself will be very ill with a lingering disease of the bowels, until the disease causes your bowels to come out. After all this, the Lord afflicted Jehoram with an incurable disease of the bowels.  Gee, I guess God meant business!

2 Chronicles 32:7-8 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.

Now on to Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther......

I'm Back in the Saddle...errrr....Treadmill Again.....

Of course this is what I look like on the treadmill!!

It has been since July 23rd, since I have been on the treadmill.  Yes, THE treadmill that I begged and pleaded for and got for Christmas just 8 months ago.  Yes, my life has been busy, but there have definitely been days that I could have found 30 minutes to get on the treadmill.  So, today, I looked at my planner where I keep track of my life and found that is has been a MONTH since I was last on the treadmill.  My body shows it too.  So, back on it I went.  No, today wasn't my best time or my best distance, but I got on and worked up a dripping sweat!  It felt good.  I also tried something different today as well, reading while on the treadmill.  I have always watched a movie/tv show on the iPad through Netflix, but today, I thought I would try reading since I hear lots of other people do it.  Ugh! Not for me!  I had trouble keeping my balance.  I couldn't see the words and so I gave that up.  I would love to hear how other people do it and any tips because it would be great if I could.  I have lots of reading to catch up on.  But, I guess I will go back to my movie watching.  Even with the upcoming Netflix changes, we decided to keep the Instant and just drop back to 1 movie at a time at home.  So, that keeps our rate the same and we still feel like we have options.  So, guess it is time for me to get back into the routine of the treadmill - and finishing the movie, PRECIOUS.  I started it last month on the treadmill and need to finish it.  How about you, what do you do while on the treadmill?  Do you have any excuses that trip you up?  Mine is I don't want to shower twice in one day.  It really doesn't work for me to shower first in the morning.  I am much better late morning or late afternoon.  So, if I need to get up and shower in the morning, I don't want to have to do it again a few hours later.  Thoughts?  How do you work your treadmill/workout time into your day?

Review: 52 Ways to Wow Your Husband by Pam Farrel

52 WAYS TO WOW YOUR HUSBAND
How to Put a Smile on His Face
By: Pam Farrel
Published:  August 1, 2011

Book Description:

Pam Farrel gives wives 52 ways to wow their husbands and add spark to their marriages. Pam delivers humor in her fun woman-to-woman style through inspirational stories, godly advice, and easy-to-read offerings. Newlyweds, married with kids, or empty nesters will appreciate these ideas crafted for the busy life. A woman can try one idea a week for a year or take on a few at a time to deepen her spiritual, emotional, and physical bond with her spouse.


I found this book very enjoyable and intriguing.  This book is for the Christian wife who wants to show her husband her love and devotion for him.  Maybe a new spark is needed.  Maybe both husband and wife are falling into those bad habits of routinely "doing their own thing" and not involving each other into their lives.  Maybe you have even started to forget why you fell in love in the first place.  This book is for the wife who wants to change all that or just remind her husband that she is still "in love" with him.  This book encompasses stories, prayers, devotions, and "Wow" ideas to kick-start your marriage again.  The book is planned out for one "Wow Idea" each week, which is very manageable, but you can certainly pick your favorites to implement at any time.  The ideas range from the very simple (making his favorite breakfast in bed) to the more in depth ( planning a "courageous" date that may be out of your box, but exciting for him).

Even though I believe my marriage is very solid and happy, I have no doubt these ideas could create a spark in our relationship.  I have a few ideas up my sleeve and plan to spring them on my husband in the near future.  This book reminds you of why you fell in love with your husband in the first place and celebrates that.  It also reminded me of the need to pray for my husband daily.  I know that I have been neglecting that aspect of our marriage and this book shows you how to do just that.  How can you go wrong planning surprises for your husband and praying for him daily?

To learn more about Pam Farrel and her husband, Bill, check out their website http://www.farrelcommunications.com/.  You can learn about their many other books, their research, seminars, and free resources.  After looking at their website, I recognized several of their books, which are very popular among Christian readers.  If you would like to purchase 52 WAYS TO WOW YOUR HUSBAND, or any of their other books, check out their website and click on the products link.  52 WAYS TO WOW YOUR HUSBAND is available for the low introductory price of $9.00.  It is also available on Amazon and can be purchased for your Kindle.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book for review.

I was provided an e-book copy for this review.  I was not compensated in any other way for this review.  This review is my honest opinion.  I wouldn't review anything that wouldn't benefit myself or my family.