Resolutions, take 2

I know I've told you before- I'm a big fan of resolutions. I love them, I encourage them, in general, I keep them. Except one yearly one.  Reading through the Bible in a year. I haven't done that since college, when, as a Bible student with time on my hands (no kids or husband or home to care for) to study and read, part of my semester syllabus requirements were reading through the Bible each semester.

Well, (and here come the excuses) a husband, home of my own and children entered the scene and reading through the Bible in a year (let alone in 4 months) became difficult. I'd say impossible, but it really wasn't. I firmly believe you have time for what's important to you. Sometimes that ends up being watching TV, going out with friends, or, more importantly, cooking, cleaning and raising kids.

It's been a while since I did an honest read through. I make great attempts each year. I'm a big fan of reading the Bible chronologically, and we have a Bible that is specifically ordered chronologically, and dated for a yearly read through. It's become a sad story, though. I go strong, by the end of February I might miss a day or two, but by March, I'm struggling. Then comes the lengthy passages on Old Testament law and I'm usually a goner.

Slumped shoulders, I sheepishly make my way to a simpler devotional book, combined with a Psalm a day (...keeps the devil away). The Psalm a day is consistent, though. I read those every day.

Not this year. This year I have a success plan. It's new for me, but not a groundbreaking idea- as most I've shared it with have confessed to doing the same.

I'm reading through at my own rate. If I miss a day, I do it the next, or sometimes the next next next. If I can only do half one day, that's what I do. I'm doing it, though. No matter how long it takes, I'm seeing it through.

So far? Matthew 5 has become the most highlighted chapter in my Bible. It's instructing and guiding me on my other resolution of loving people. Even the annoying ones.