Read through the Bible in 90 days

I am doing this!! And I am excited! Thanks to Tamara for giving me the link to Kimberly at Raising Olives. It was really weird how God worked this around to me.

I did my normal Woman of Simplicity post on Monday, checked out Tamara's Woman of Simplicity blog and she mentioned she was doing a 90-day challenge. I asked about it and left work for the day and was out on Tuesday. Welllllllllllllll,Wednesday, while on the way to work, I was listening to Focus on the Family and they had a guy from Haven Today on talking about the 90-day challenge and how it was taking the blogger community by storm. I thought it was an interesting idea then forgot about it. Lo and behold if the 90-day challenge I asked Tamara about was the same thing!! It hit me that God was seriously suggesting that I get involved with this!

So, here I am. Signed up. Ready to start reading and praying for all the other women who are doing this challenge. I will be posting at least 3 days a week on my progress and what I have found interesting and what I have learned that is new.

If anyone is interested, you can sign up with Kimberly at Raising Olives and with Mom's Toolbox. You can also go to Haven Today to get the info. All of these sights have the reading schedule and links where you can order The Bible in 90 Days (a special edition of the NIV Thinline Large Print Bible with 'start' and 'end' markers to help you know where to begin and end each day) but I am doing it with my own personal Bible and a schedule.

AND if/when you fall behind, here is some encouragement for you from Amy @ Mom's Toolbox.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY January 4, 2010 . . .

Outside my window . . . gorgeous, glorious day! The sun is shining, the birds are singing, it is freaking COLD!! hehe!

I am thinking . . . I have to start new habits for the new year. You know, habits like actually doing the laundry before Will runs out of underwear, keeping the dishwasher emptied and ready for dirty dishes before the sink overflows with the dishes, dusting the furniture before you can write your name in it and it looked like it is engraved into the surface, stuff like that . . . 

I am thankful for . . . new dish towels, pot holders, and an apron. Mine were from when we got married and that was, well, um, 11 years ago. I tend to hold onto everything then I had a God breeze on my birthday. Why hang on to towels that are stained and icky looking and pot holders that make me cringe and remind me of all the uh-ohs from the last 11 years (like the time the fry daddy overflowed and I used the towels to mop up the grease, or the time I dropped the cast iron skillet with bacon grease on the floor and down into the pot holder drawer, or when I left the pot holder too close to the burner and it was scorched)? Why torture myself like this when I could buy 12 cup towels, 6 pot holders, and an apron for about $20.00? That freed up two, count them, TWO drawers (did I mention I NEVER throw towels away?!?!?) in my kitchen. Now I have pretty dish towels that I like, and cute red pot holders that match my kitchen and this makes me smile while I am cleaning and in the kitchen. 

I am wearing . . . jeans, blue shirt, tennis shoes.

I am going . . . to the library and then to Bealls (gift card!) then to Wal-Mart (another gift card!)

I am reading . . . Bible and Stone Cold by David Baldacci

I am hoping . . . that I can get everything done and home early enough to help Will

On my mind . . . I know you stand in front of your cabinet and do the same thing I do—look for your favorite glass or mug to drink out of. Why do we do that? Like the container changes the contents? Not one iota—just that the experience of drinking from it is greatly enhanced by the container. ——Anite Renfroe  I read this and I think, yeah, I do that and I have a few that I love to drink out of and some that I refuse to drink out of but Will loves those so I can't throw them away. What's up with that?

Noticing that . . . people are still in a hurry and in a bad mood, even thought the holiday season is over.  

Pondering these words . . . Paula Deen said "I think no matter what the occasion may be, you can never go wrong by showing up at the dinner table with a hot plate of fried chicken." And I was wondering, when the tradition of showing up at your neighbor's or friend's house with food went out of style? When did we get so busy that we forgot Southern manners and grace? Or is it that we are just so busy we don't have time to do the things that made our mothers and grandmothers stand out in the neighborhood? I remember when you could actually predict what dish a person was going to bring b/c they always made the same thing!! I wonder if it is a time problem or an 'I don't care' problem? I am guilty of it myself so don't go around saying "She's judging and picking on people!" But, this year, I resolve to have people over more (goes along with the keeping the house clean!!) and giving more. More of my time and more of myself. Maybe that was what made neighbors lifelong friends—fried chicken and green bean casserole!

From the kitchen . . . I got Paula Deen cooking stuff for Christmas!! WooHoo for me!!

Around the house . . . We cleaned the living room, kitchen, and dining room the Sat. after Christmas b/c were having guests over for lunch. Well, I have re-cleaned and kept it clean and all that for over a week!! Yahoo! That is a record for me! I am slowly working in Flylady habits as my resolutions for the new year and praying that God will help me stick with it. He knows that house could use it!!

One of my favorite things . . . pizza, thinking I am gonna have that for lunch today!

From my picture journal . . . what I was hunting for this year

Raindrops on roses . . .

At this time of the year, I thought it would be appropriate to make a list of a few of my favorite things. Okay, I'll admit, I heard the song this morning and thought what a great idea! So, as a reminder to me and to help keep me sane in this season of crazy people, here goes:

1. Books, books, books!!! I love books. Old books, new books, short books, long books, small books, big books, fantasy, murder mystery, crime, historical, romance, western (Louis L'Amour is awesome!), paranormal (vampires, shapeshifters, and other 'creatures' rule!), Christian, fiction, non-fiction. Other than Stephen King and his genre (and I'm sure everybody knows why but, just in case someone out there is clueless, the first book of his I read was The Stand and I finished it at midnight and had the rest of the night to dream and shiver and be scared out of my mind, the second was the Tommyknockers—'nuff said. I don't like scary!) I read a little bit of everything.

2. Chocolate. All shapes and flavors are welcome at my house (as attested to by the size of my butt!!).

3. Westerns. Especially John Wayne westerns but all westerns—movies and TV series (who did not want Marshall Dillon to marry Miss Kitty?!?!?!). Even the new westerns are great but my all time favorite book and movie is Hondo—two of my favorites all wrapped in one, John Wayne in a Louis L'Amour story.

4. Crime shows. Law & Order (all of them!!), Saving Grace, The Closer, CSI (but only the original in Vegas), Criminal Minds, In Plain Sight, NCIS, NCIS Los Angeles, Bones, Cold Case, Columbo, Numbers, Castle, JAG, Leverage, Life, Cold Squad, and my all time fav. Nash Bridges—who can resist Don Johnson in a 'cuda? Oh my, it makes my knees go weak!

5. Hunting. Bow, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader. As my nephew says, it's all good.

6. Crochet. I know it seems at odds with hunting and other outdoor things that I like but it calms me.

7. Volleyball. I love all volleyball but my favorite is beach volleyball. Mens and womens. Two person teams. On the beach. Jump serves. High flying blocks. My fav. teams are Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh (whom I followed before they won Olympic gold!) and Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers. 

8. Cute flips. Beads, rhinestones, wedge heels, the tackier the better. Will says I have ugly shoes, I tell him they are deliciously tacky!

9. Paula Deen. What else can you say? She's a woman after my own heart—a southern woman with a wonderful accent who loves butter and deep fried anything. I wanna be her when I grow up!!!

10. As shocking as it is to most people who know me, I adore 80s hair bands. Love, love, love them. All of them. Even the not great ones. I know it shocked Will when he found out (and I managed to hide it from him for years!). And then there was my nephew Taylor. Oh my. He thought all I listened to was country (I will admit, I do listen to a LOT of George—who wouldn't?—and tons of older country musicians like Hank Sr., Patsy, Ernest Tubb, Hank Snow, Loretta, Willie, Waylon, Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash, Porter Wagoner, etc. ). Then he caught me in the living room rocking out to Bon Jovi 'Wanted Dead or Alive' and he nearly fainted!! hehe! Sigh. And Bon Jovi has a new CD out!! Woo hoo! The movement lives on (without the hair unfortunately). Is it wrong of me to miss the hair and clothes and bling of the 80s?

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY December 21, 2009 . . .

Outside my window . . . gorgeous, glorious day! The sun is shining. The wind is slightly blowing. It is warm.

I am thinking . . . it was great going to church with my SIL and her kids and my MIL yesterday and then spending the afternoon with them as the kids opened presents. And that, while Twister was a great idea for the kids, I probably should not be playing it with them. At least my back, neck, and swollen knee this morning is telling me that!!

I am thankful for . . . the Christmas season. This year it is a reminder of the things we should be thankful for and the things that are really important. The people that are really important.

I am wearing . . . denim dress

I am remembering . . . Christmas seasons past.

I am going . . . to finish my Santa Hat toilet paper cover tonight, or at least one of them

I am reading . . . Bible and The Cold Light of Mourning by Elizabeth J. Duncan

I am hoping . . . that Will remembers to NOT check the mail b/c his gift is supposed to come today or tomorrow and he is off both days

On my mind . . . Why are Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah known by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (the Babylonian names the chief eunuch gave them) throughout the book of Daniel but Daniel known as Daniel? When Daniel is mentioned, it is Daniel or, when someone calls him Belteshazzar it goes on to say "Daniel who was called Belteshazzar." I don't know why this jumped out at me when I was studying Daniel but it did. I know, I know, it doesn't matter, I am looking too deep . . . sigh. Oh well.

Noticing that . . . the holiday season is not a joyous one for shoppers. Am I the only one who thinks that the shoppers in the stores are getting ridiculous with their manners, or lack thereof? 

Pondering these words . . . The mirror doesn't lie and you don't walk out the door without looking in the mirror. People are always telling you what is wrong with you and that makes you feel bad about yourself. So, why don't you make God your mirror? He doesn't lie. When you know who you are in Christ, you are confident and strong and you feel love for other people and pity for the very ones that are trying to tear you down b/c you know they don't know how much they are loved and are trying to make themselves feel better by putting others down.

From the kitchen . . . We are going to fry a whole turkey for Christmas. Yeah for Paula Deen!!

Around the house . . . afghan, toilet paper cover, lapghan, hat—all in progress

One of my favorite things . . . the game of 42. I am going to have to see if I can talk the neighbors into playing while I am off next week.

From my picture journal . . . 

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY December 14, 2009 . . .

Outside my window . . . gloomy but it is going to be an awesome day! My attitude determines the type of day I have and I choose to have a great day!

I am thinking . . . I found a great hat crochet pattern and I am making a granny square lapghan for a present to some lady in the nursing home (not sure who will get it, doing it so my MIL can give it to someone whose family failed to provide a gift for the Christmas party this friday)

I am thankful for . . . the fact that I have a talent for crochet so I can make something that will bring someone else comfort and joy

I am wearing . . . brown t, black pants, tennis shoes—but I do have makeup on today!! Woo Hoo for me (and everyone else who will see me today!!!)

I am remembering . . . the parade and Christmas lighting last Saturday night at Kennard. It was great and I got to visit with people I rarely see.

I am going . . . to have to get on the ball to finish a lapghan by Friday, even though I am hoping to get two done just in case they are needed

I am reading . . . Bible and nothing else right now, going to the library today b/c I have finished all the ones I have. I am going through withdrawal symptoms!!

I am hoping . . . that I get all of my projects finished on time, Christmas is right around the corner and I still have a few things to finish

On my mind . . . what to think about a preacher who says "When it comes to the Bible I am really dumb." Was he joking? Was he serious? Am I being too nitpicky about this remark? Sigh. For some reason this is really bothering me. I think I want a preacher to know the Bible, or at least be actively studying it. 

Noticing that . . . the deer population is only moving at night when I am driving home NOT when I am pursuing them!

Pondering these words . . . Faith without works is dead

From the kitchen . . . I made brownies yesterday. yay for me!

Around the house . . . going to rearrange the furniture in the living room—I need space!

One of my favorite things . . . A&W Root Beer, it just seems to make the day better especially when it is poured over Blue Bell old fashioned vanilla!!!

From my picture journal . . . don't ya LOVE deer cams?!?!?!?!?

Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday is being hosted by Laurie at Women Taking a Stand. I just want to say Laurie!!
I am thankful that my neighbor gave me a little push to step out of my comfort zone last night. She leads a Women Ministry group on Wednesday at her church (Community Full Gospel Church). Well, it was amazing! I have been thinking about going but figured I would not know anyone there and the people there would be well versed in the Bible and make me look like an idjit. But it was not like that at all. I knew all of the women there and I knew some companion verses for what Sheila was teaching. Whew!
It was amazing and I am thankful for life's little nudges that lead you to do something you are a little afraid to do. And for an awesome Women's Ministry right down the road from me!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY November 30, 2009 . . .

Outside my window . . . cool and humid and sunny, it rained and rained and rained last night!

I am thinking . . . it is going to be great to get home and have time to myself before Will gets home

I am thankful for . . . books

I am wearing . . . blue jean dress with black velvet collar, black shoes, huge spoon ring that gives me a different attitude (and don't think I am the only one who accessorizes according to their mood and then the accessories take over and affect your attitude!!)

I am remembering . . . the smell of Thanksgiving when I was little—chicken boiling, cornbread cooking, ham baking

I am going . . . to do some laundry and get it hung out on the line this afternoon

I am reading . . . Cry in the Night by Colleen Coble and next up is Undead and Unworthy by Mary Janice Davidson (a guilty pleasure to be sure!!)

I am hoping . . . that I remembered to pay all of the bills!!

On my mind . . . why do some married men act as if they are single? If they did not want to get married, why did they?!?!? 

Noticing that . . . there are a lot of odd people out and about and they all seem to want to walk up to me and start a conversation about oranges and home raised vs. store bought meat and the price of cleaning detergent. What's up with that?

Pondering these words . . . If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, your wonderful uniqueness is precisely what brings God pleasure. It gives you "character," and He's smitten with you. So don't just embrace your uniqueness; revel in it. (Anita Renfroe perpetual calendar)

From the kitchen . . . I made candy for Thanksgiving!! I know it is traditionally a Christmas thing but I WANTED some Divinity so I just got busy in the kitchen and made Divinity, Peanut Butter Balls, and chocolate covered pretzels (don't give me more credit than I deserve with this, I just melted the chocolate almond bark in the microwave and dipped the pretzels in it)

Around the house . . . I have started a little decluttering in one corner of the living room and one corner of the bedroom. This is going to be a long, drawn out process b/c it pains me to throw perfectly good stuff away, no matter if I haven't used it in the 11 years I've been married!! I blame my grandmother who lived through the great depression and who, when she died, still had the carbon copy of checks from the 1960s. It was interesting to see how much stuff cost back then but needless to hold onto them. Sigh. I say this as I just threw out my bank statements from my first bank account in 1990 . . .

One of my favorite things . . . DIVINITY!! I think I may be the last person on the face of the Earth who knows what Divinity is and/or likes it but, to me, nothing says holiday like Divinity!!

From my picture journal . . . Taylor's pig Little Red