Review: A Woman's Guide to reading the Bible in a year

As you may know, I run a book review blog. It's been a hobby of mine for almost two years now (although I'm on a bit of a hiatus, as February was crazy busy for me and I got a bit burnt out! But I will be returning soon!!)

One of the great relationships with publishers I've formed is with Bethany House, a Christian Publishing House. They have a lot of "Amish" titles, which I fell in love with when I was driving the truck - so I jumped at the chance to partner with them and review their books! Most recently, they sent me A Woman's Guide to Reading the Bible in a Year: A Life-Changing Journey Into the Heart of God by Diane Stortz  .

Now, reading the Bible has been a goal of mine for awhile (it's even on my 101 in 1001 list!) But it's overwhelming. I mean, where do you start? How much do you read? And more important, how do you forge through the boring stuff?? This book seemed like the perfect opportunity to accomplish that goal, so I jumped in and started!

Let me say, I absolutely love the layout of this book. It's broken down by week, with 7 segments (about 3 chapters a piece) and theoretically should only take about 15 minutes a day! (Hey, I can totally give that - even out of my crazy schedule!)

One thing that sort of shocked me though, it doesn't go in order!! (I've started reading the bible about six times, and each time I get a little ways into Exodus before I set it down and walk away. So I love that you don't read straight through.) So far? The order has gone: Genesis, Matthew, Exodus, Mark... Which I find FANTASTIC! Jumping Old/New/Old/New keeps me intrigued because I don't feel like I'm in a rut.

This book also has guided journaling. (I don't know if you know this, but my name is Jac and I'm addicted to journals! Seriously. Addicted. I love them. And guided? Even better! If you need a gift idea? A guided journal is always a sure bet answer for me!) Sure, the questions are simple "What did you learn?" type questions - but great none the less!

If you are looking for a "plan" for reading the bible? This is one that I would highly recommend! (And I've researched a lot of them, in my desire to reach this goal!)

*I received a copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for a fair and honest review. The views mentioned in this review are mine, and mine alone.

Let's Get Funsical!!

Skyler has been part of a "class" called Funsical - which is hard to describe. It makes me think a lot of P.E. in elementary school. Each class is a different activity or theme. Today was Circus activities (they walked like Elephants, galloped like horses, pretended to walk on the high wire, etc.) And then they did bowling - which I got this cute little video of!

Bowling today in Funsical vine.co/v/b1l2nt7ur7F
— Jac (@ForLoveAndBooks) February 4, 2013

December/January Recap!

It's been ages since I updated - I don't really have an excuse. I suppose for the most part, our lives are pretty routine and there's not a ton to share!  But, the more I think about it? December was a bit crazy! So, here's a photo recap of our last two months!!

DECEMBER 2012

My sister was the Queen of her Madrigal Dinners at Wayne State! I got to ride up with my parents to watch the dinner, and it was a lot of fun! (I even got in a few of the photos!!)

Three days later? I drove up with my parents again to see her Senior Honors Colloquium. (See, I know big words!! More importantly? People in Wayne Nebraska know big words!)

 

Then? A few more days later? My dad, Skyler and I drove up to help her move out of her dorm. (Yep - are you keeping track of our time on the road? There will be a tally! I promise.) 

Then we drove back to Wayne (2 days later) for her Graduation! (CONGRATS KID SISTER!!)

 

Total driving time (from Lincoln to Wayne in December) approx 30 hours! 

Total driving time total in December (up until now?) 35 hours! 

But, we're not done! See, Skyler and I drove back to Colorado! Where we got home just in time for a big snow storm, where a tree fell on our house! 

And then, Ryan got home and we turned around to head BACK to Nebraska for Christmas!

Total Drive time now? (December 21?) 55 hours! BUT WAIT!! We have a trip to Iowa, a trip back to Lincoln and a trip back to Colorado still to come!! (Are you tired of my car yet? I am!!)

So, I mentioned Iowa? We spent 2 days with Ryan's sister and her kids! (Which was an absolute blast, and now I understand how horrible it was for my parents to drag Kate and I away from our family on trips to Chicago!)

Then back to Lincoln where we did the whole Christmas thing - which included this awesome cake ball tree!! (Drive time now? 62 hours.)

Then, we had Katie's birthday! (Geez, she's 23... that's like... old!)

Then back to Colorado - Drive time total? 73 hours. Yep - more than 3 full days in the car. THREE FULL DAYS!! (Ok, that's not a huge deal - I did drive a truck. So, it was actually enjoyable. But wow... just now totalling that up? EEEK!)

JANUARY 2013

After a quiet NYE at home (where I was asleep before Midnight - thank you very much!) Ryan hit the road and life returned to normal in Colorado!!

There were trips to the Children's Museum

And the Nature Center

And the Children's Museum Again

And some bike riding and picnics at the park

And of course we stayed busy at home...
We baked

And made silly Finger Puppets

We crocheted - Ok, I crocheted... while Skyler slept.

We played Dress Up

A lot of dress up...

We went for walks (when it snowed again!)

And we colored. A lot. (Because it's our favorite thing to do!)

I think you're caught up on our life now!! (Hopefully my next few entries aren't as photo heavy!!)

Two Cute Videos!

I'm taking a quick break from our usual Elf insanity (which is going well!) to share with you a few videos from our day!!

(Please ignore my voice - I woke up this morning to find it had run away!)


First - she made me a lovely "Get Well" card (although she kept calling it a "Thank You" card! LOL!)


Then, this afternoon she wanted to write her own book - I have to say she gets her artistic ability from her Dad's side because

Remember to brush your teeth!

We had a hard time finding Chip-Chip this morning, he wasn't in the living room like usual!