1.01.2010

Introduction- the Bible in One Year- 2010

Thank you all for joining with me as I read through the Bible this year! I am so excited to do this with you guys- and I know it will bring so much richness to this new year. It will be so helpful to know that I am not alone in doing this- that I have all of you studying alongside of me from all different places and walks of life!

I am using the reading plan from this site- following the 'daily reading bible' track. You can have the daily verses emailed to you, or you can subscribe to a feed, or you can even export the reading schedule to your iCal. I think we should all print out the schedule and stick it inside our Bibles so we don't need to be by our computers in order to check which verses we're meant to read each day. Everyday we will read from the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the Psalms.

I've read through the Bible once before, but it was just straight through from beginning to end, so I am excited about trying this new method. I think it will break things up a bit more.

Every day I will post the chapters to be read. Our interaction will happen in the comments section of those posts, and I may post things in between that are relative or helpful to what we are reading at the time. (If you guys find things you would like to see posted along the way, email me @ emerybored at aol dot com.)

My suggestions are these:

- Grab some friends around you that you do day to day life with and get them to join you!
- Find a good study Bible with helpful study notes that you can refer to along the way, or pick up a Bible Commentary or Concordance you can use alongside any Bible to help you dig deeper into what you're reading.
- Get a notebook to jot down favorite verses, thoughts, or questions that come up along the way!
- Use this blog to converse with us and find support and different takes on what we're reading... the more you contribute, the better the experience will be!

So, let's get started! Please let me know if you have any suggestions for this whole idea as we go along! We can tweak this as we need to in order to get the most out of this whole process.

I pray that God blesses each of you beyond your biggest hopes this year as you commit to reading His words this year. I know that He will!!

47 comments:

Emery Jo said...

I'll start!

My name is Emery. I love to read and write and sing. I have two small boys and I stay at home with them for the most part. I also help out with worship & arts stuff at my church.

I have been a christian for oodles of years but have never been good at the disciplines of reading consistently or praying consistently. I'm hoping that this year will change that!

:)

K.I. said...

I'm Melissa and mom to a son and daughter. I've done this before, but I think I would like to try again. I am recovering from post-partum depression after the birth of my daughter one year ago. I've seen the faithfulness of the Lord during this year of healing, and I'm anticipating continued growth, changes and challenges in this new year and know that the best place to keep my heart and mind is in the word.
Many blessings to everyone this coming year! "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away and behold, all things are made new". Happy New Year!

Charlotte said...

My name is Charlotte. I might still be considered a newlywed - I've been married 1.5 years. We have no kids yet, but one hyper dog.

In July, my husband and I moved from Minnesota, where we were involved in a church that fit us so well, to Wisconsin, where we have yet to find a home church. Throughout this occasionally frustrating process, God has never stopped teaching me. I hope this study helps to daily remind me that God is good, and He has plans for me to prosper.

I'm also looking forward to getting to know new ladies!

Angie said...

Hi, my name is Angie. I live in Texas with my husband and 3 kids. In April our ministry will be 2 years old and what a journey it has been. Being in a position of leadership is both rewarding and at times lonely. I am hoping to not only explore God's word but to also find a place where I can be bold, real, honest and renewed.

MoMar said...

Hey: My name is Kristy. I live in Utah and am retired. Seems that every year, one of my New Year's Resolutions is to read the Bible, but I have failed miserably. (along with other items on my list, unfortunately) ... so I am hoping to be able to join in and have more success this year with this method! I have 3 amazing children. Jared, Jaxon and Emery.

molly june. said...

hey everyone! nice to meet you all! :) my name is molly. i live in so cal with my husband & our 3 year old twin girls. i love to make things & sing & blog :)

when i read emery's 'read through the bible in a year' post, i got that nervous feeling in my gut. should i even attempt? that would require putting myself out there & having people hold me accountable! not meeee!! EEK! i was raised in a christian home & came to know & love God at a very young age. now, i'm 28, & i feel like there's so much more, ya know? i'm hungry to know more about this Jesus i love. i want change. a fresh beginning. a new chapter. i've never read through the bible & i've always wanted to, so why not now :) i'm in!

Allie Garcia said...

I'm Allie and I decided to follow Christ during my senior year of high school, im in my last semester of college now and married to the love of my life. We have no babies (yet) but we started a ministry through Young Life called Capernaum which is designed to reach non-christian high school kids with disabilities. I am so stoked to read the bible all the way through, and I've wanted to do this for so long! Yay!

Jess Beresh said...

Okay ladies, I'm in. My name is Jess and I'm a stay-at-home mom to Jude, 3 and Layla, 4 months. I live in Tulsa, OK and am relatively new to the blogging world (and Emery, I am greatly enjoying your blog).
I sat here, staring at the screen, trying to decide if I should commit, but what better commitment to make this year? I've never read the Bible through, even though I've loved God as long as I can remember, so... woo hoo!
(By the way, I'm still on vacation for the holidays and will be until next week, but I'll do my darndest to jump right in)...

I am Bethany. said...

My name is Bethany and I live in Kansas City. I'm 22 years old and single. I love to read, write, and make friends. I love Jesus, and I would like to stop believing Satan's lies and fill my head with truth every day instead so I can be a little light.

Melyni in PA said...

My name is melyni. I am 24 years old and live in Levittown Pennsylvania. I found God in college in Lancaster PA and attended a great church there. I have since moved here and like one of you have not found a home church yet so this is perfect. I live with my boyfriend in house we purchased in September. No kids, still waiting for the ring!!! I had en etsyvstite vut had to take it down because if moving and my almost new computer breaking. Looking forward to the next year!! Thanks emery, I'm glad to have been a loyal reader. Although your credibility was shot recently when you posted about owl city. It's the first thing I disagree with you about. I can't stand them!! Just kidding though.

Melyni in P said...

Oh my word, I had to write that on my iPhone and am so embarassed by all the typos!! My fingers are still getting used to this keyboard.

Laura said...

My name is Laura and I'm 22. I'm getting ready to relocate from NY to California. I have never really read the bible and was never a churchgoer as a child. As an adult my closest friend is a christian and I sometimes attend church with her and am touched by the sense of community. I am hoping once I'm settled, that I'll be able to find a church that suits me, and that through that sense of community leaving my family and friends behind will be a little easier.

Anonymous said...

I'm In-

Sorry to break up the lady trend....

I have the greatest honor of having Emery as my bride and share in the raising of our two boys, Ezra and Myer. I too have called myself a Christian for many years and have not been so great at studying the very words of God. I have started reading through the Bible from front to back a hand full of times and sadly have never made it through. I have seemed to justify this which seems totally crazy to me! How can that be?? I have had a great desire lately to know more about the God that I claim to follow and pray that this will be a profound and life changing journey. Thank you Emery for getting this going!

Chris

milemarker114 said...

I as well want to break up the "lady trend" and join in on this journey.

My name is Pete and I have been a follower of Jesus since I was a young boy. I need the Word, I need transformation, but sadly I spend such little time in the Bible. I need truth to speak loud and clear and consistency in the Word is the only that can speak that truth. I am married with no kids....Let's do this.

Pete

Unknown said...

Hi! I'm in too!

My name is Carolyn and I'm a SAHM to two children who are almost 4 and 2. I have been married for 8 years. I have only read the bible once for a class in college and would love to read it again. Can't wait to get started! :)

Rebekah said...

Hi, I'm Bekah. I live in Oregon and my husband and I have a one year old son. I work full time plus, as does my husband. He grew up Baptist, I grew up Catholic. We are looking for a church that fits both of us, and we haven't found the right community yet but really want to. I'm so excited about doing this because I just decided last week to try a new church every Sunday for a few months to try to find the right one for us - I think this will help in that journey. I have only read through the New Testament, like 15 years ago! Nice to meet you all!

samantha marie said...

Hey guys (and dolls!) . . .

I'm a military spouse stationed here in California with my husband and our two little monsters. My husband and I were both raised in churchgoing families, but fell away from growing and learning and living in Christ at some point before our teenage years. Recently, I've been feeling I need to rediscover a life of faith, because I've gotta tell you - something's missing, and I'm unfulfilled.
So, here I am. I'm going to share these with my husband, and we'll see if he'll join us, or at the very least, me.
It's nice to meet everyone, and I hope we'll all be successful at this little endeavor!
God Bless!

Samantha

Katie said...

Hey everyone!

My name is Katie and I'm 22, a recent college grad and a writer working at a few places. I was a little skeptical about doing this because I don't want to just speed through the verses I should really meditate on, but figured I need to do MUCH BETTER at reading the Bible than I normally do. I can't make it the last thing on my list every day. Also, this will help me not feel overwhelmed and will probably help me meditate on it even more and hear God's voice for revelation. I'm excited!

I've been reading Emery's blog for a few years now and am excited to do this! Thanks for heading this up!

Katie

Melanie said...

I want to get in on this too! My name is Melanie. I'm a wife of almost four years with no kiddos as of yet! My husband and I both love serving the Church. We are both members of our worship team, I sing, he plays keys & the drums. I too need to dedicate my time more to reading the word. I think this is such an awesome idea! Thanks for putting this together Emery! =)

ElinR said...

Hi All!

Wow this is SO cool! Just a few days ago I decided to read the Bible in a year again. I did it once as a new Christian two years ago. At the time, the Old Testament did not make much sense, but since then I have taken an OT class, so I look forward to reading it with fresh insight, along with great dialogue from this group! A little about me... I am 28, been married for 6 years to my wonderful hubby, Tony. We have a new son, Elijah who is 5 mo old. We live in Central Valley, California.

Elin

Anonymous said...

I am SO in! My name is Melissa. I am 32 years old, single, and living in NC. I am a 2nd grade teacher and very involved in my church. Between work and church I often let my bible reading fall by the wayside. I intend to have this group hold me accountable to stick with this program. I have never read through the entire bible - looking forward to it!!

Liz said...

My name's Liz. My husband and I have two little boys, 3 and 1. I mainly stay at home with them, but I also work part time as a youth director at church. I think this will be really good for me and help me with my ministry.

Laura said...

I am IN!!!! My name is Laura, I live in Reno, am married to my college sweetheart & we have one little boy who is 2. (And WOW - he will be 3 when we finish, right!!)

Lifelong Christian, LOVE the Bible but like some others just have a hard time carving out its due space in my daily life. Also, ALWAYS seeking Christian fellowship and eager to prove that online can be used for such a purpose. :)

Yay!

Kate said...

Hi everyone! My name is Kate and I am 22 years old. I am a military spouse and my husband and I are currently stationed on the tiny island of Guam. We are both originally from San Luis Obispo, CA. We moved to Guam in August and it was been one challenging but extremely exciting experience. I am still searching for that solid group of friends and a church that feels like home. It's all a part of the process of moving with the military. We are getting ready for my husband's deployment in August and I will make the move back to San Luis Obispo to live with my family while he is away. Life as a military spouse is full of changes but I know that no matter what changes in my life, the Lord and his love for me in constant.

When I read about this challenge, my heart started to pound and I knew the Lord was challenging me to participate. It's hard moving away from friends who hold me accountable but in this day and age, the internet can be used as a perfect tool to encourage others no matter where you are physically located. I am excited to participate and hear everyone's thoughts and hopefully grow personally in my relationship with the Lord.

M i n t a y a said...

Hi ladies,
My name is Minty. I'm married and have 2 boys. I have 2 jobs ( one full-time and another is part-time.) I also go to school. I was born and raised Bhuddist and spent a couple years in Islamic faith. I got saved in Thailand by a tract about Jesus on 2000. My relationship with God was great until I moved to the U.S. on 2004to married my husband. I had a hard time adjusting myself to this country especially for the church. I was really stumbled by something that made me left the church and since then, I have never found a home church in ths U.S. again. My husband still search for the church but, I totally quit going to church for about 2 years now. I haven't read the Bible or talk to God daily like before and this makes me miserable.I hope that by participating this with you all, I will receive the fellowship that I need and I hope that I will get back on track with God again.

Sasha K said...

I'm Sasha from NJ/NY, 25, married, mother of 2 spectacular kiddies, violinist and teacher....while marriage and motherhood should have brought me closer to God, it has done the opposite (I've never said that out loud...) I'm stuck in a spiritual rut and hoping this is the motivation I need to get me out!! It's been a while that I've WANTED to change, but just haven't because of some sort of desire to self-sabotage, and so I am resentful toward myself...not productive. Here's to changing. I hope to become a better mother, wife, person!!

sheila watson said...

my name is sheila..i live on the cental coast of california..6 children..7 grandchildren(3 of those are triplets) 1 on the way..married for 21yrs..been a christian most of my life..at 24yrs.old really got serious about my relationship with Jesus.Love going thru the Bible..love Emery..excited to join her and all of you!

Lauren said...

My name is Lauren; I'm 28 and live just outside DC, in Virginia. I just started reading the first Gen./Psa./Matt chapters this morning. The message at church this morning was "What the Bible Says About Itself." The pastor spoke about how we read the Bible and how it can speak to us. One challenge he gave us, which really stood out to me, was asking if we spend more time looking in the mirror each day than we do reading the Word. Getting ready each morning can sometimes take up to an hour, and most of that time is spent in front of the mirror. But I never spend an hour each day reading God's word. I'd like to change that and hope that this blog and the wonderful people here will hold me, and each other, accountable.

Charlotte said...

Wow, I'm already impressed and touched by some of the stories you've shared. I will be praying that this group of believers will be an encouragement for those of you who have, as Sasha put it, have gotten stuck in a rut, or distanced yourself from God.

In an odd way, I'm encouraged by those of you who have said you haven't found a home church - Melyni, Laura, Rebekah, Kate and Minty. Being without a home church is easily one of the most frustrating things I've ever experienced, and I really hope we can support each other!

Chris and Pete, thanks for being willing to join us women. I look forward to your manly insight.

The Towes said...

My name is sarah i am married to an amazing man and have 2 children..i ready for a daily walk with God!

June said...

My name is June, my friend Laura and I have decided to start this together. I have attempted to read the bible all the way through, but I tend to start off with a bang and then get distracted. I hope this will be a daily centering activity for me, and help me to better understand what it is to be Christian. I'm three days behind now but hopefully I can catch up.

Debra K said...

My name is Debra. Im 28, married have a 4 yr old son and another one due march 2010. I have been a Christian for almost 15 years! I love studying Gods word and look forward to see what God has in store for me through out this coming year.

Terese said...

Hi I'm Terese, it's been a long time since I have read the Bible as part of a group. I often read Psalms and the Gospels but haven't read parts of the Old Testament for a long time. Thanks for the encouragement and this place, Emery and everyone who joins.

Erin said...

I'm Erin. I'm a stay at home mom. I have two little girls. I've been married for 7 1/2 years. Life is good, but I want to know Jesus more. I need to know Him more. I know that reading His word will draw me in and I'm so excited. I'm so happy to be a part of this. Sadly I'm already behind three days so I've got some reading to do tonight!!! But I'm all about this. Fun!!!

Kim said...

i'm kim, i'm 29 and live in nebraska. i've been married for almost 9 years, i have three kiddos, blake 8, camryn just turned 5 (having a tough time with it :( and i also have an emory! different spelling, 8 months. i have never read the whole bible through but it is on my list of things i want to accomplish in my life so now is the time i guess. thank you emery so much for putting this together!

Anonymous said...

Hey everybody. My name is CeCe and I live in Washington State, near Seattle, with my amazing fiance' and very hugable dog! In the last several months I have made a commitment to myself,to change my life, to strive towards the greatness God has placed in my heart. I have been praying for weeks that I might find a group of people, that I could study with, that would fit my crazy schedule... and through his Grace here we are! I am so excited to begin this journey, and be ACCOUNTABLE for this daily commitment!

KillerB said...

I'm Beth, I'm 28 and I now live in California with my wonderful husband.

I'm an artist and a publicist. Having served in the grittiest corners of LA with my church, and the "glamorous" red carpets of Hollywood with my job, I've developed quite a heart for women. My mission and personal passion is to meet women where they're at and remind them that they are loved and were created with purpose.

I've never read the Bible all the way through, and I'm hoping that this blog will give me accountability. My other resolution is to drop caffeine. (Lord give me strength!)

autumn said...

Hi! I am Autumn and I am 23 and live in the sweet rainy sleepy town of Bellingham.
I had a baby six weeks ago...wow and I am in need of some established community and accountability. I find myself praying more and more (all night long as I rock the sleepless babe) and growing closer to God but I know that i am lacking in knowing his word. A measly chapter a day (when I am SUPER diligent) is just not enough. I hope that by writing this introduction I will feel compelled to keep up!
This is so awesome!

stina said...

Hi I'm Stina
I live in nor.ca and work with horses (!!!) and am hopefully getting my esthi license next week to start working in an Aveda spa. (!!!)
I am struggling to stay in one place after bouncing around from mission trips to a children's home in Jamaica and working all kinds of jobs at gool ol HLCC in the mountains/natl forest.
I think I'm suffering from adoptive post partum depression OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT! (I don't know what it's really called and I haven't been able to adopt the boy yet but I was a house mom to an infant as he was slowly dying yet the Lord used my presence in his life to nurse him back to life)...ANYWAYYY it has had a much larger affect on me than i ever thought it would. i love it but it's hard to be away.

I mostly wanted to join with you all because:
1. thanks to all the travels, I don't have much of a community where I live. I to to a great church, but there is only one other person my age there!
2. i usually do a different reading plan to get through the Bible in a year and want to try something new (and i have yet to do it every day for a full year)
3. the banner emery made is cute, reminds me of a song you all should listen to: tree by justin rizzo.
4. i know how in need i am of the Lord's influence. esp in order to keep hope and joy and peace in the midst of so many life changes and choices
5. reading emery's blog is always encouraging so i want to support this endeavor as a thanks!

Rachael said...

Hi, I'm Rachael. The last time I read any part of the Bible straight through was when I was 12 (far too long ago).

I just relocated from California to upstate NY to go to graduate school in Neuroscience. My wonderful boyfriend Toph came with me. We've been trying to find a church in the area but are a little overwhelmed. I've missed the community of church and I feel like I haven't heard God in far too long. I would love to read the Bible along with you guys and am excited for what's in store for us.

Liz said...

Thanks so much for setting this up! I'm a recent reader of your other blog Emery, and happened across your post about this blog. I had actually just started doing the same thing, but one of the other reading plans. It seemed like such a good idea to do the plan with other people though, so I'm going to be continuing on with all of you!

I'm a mother to two young boys (3 yrs, 4 months) who luckily gets to stay home full time with them. We live in South East Michigan, where it's nice and snowy right now! I grew up in a Catholic family but married a Lutheran. I've always been involved AT church, but I've never had a consistent reading/praying relationship outside of church. Hoping to change that this year. I want my boys to grow up seeing how vitally important it is to be in the Word!

Thanks again for hosting all of this Emery!

Jordan said...

Hello all, my name is Jordan.

I actually recently finished reading the Bible, but i don't think I took the time to REALLY get into it if you know what I mean. I am looking forward to digging into a few verses a day and really understand what God wants me to hear. I am also wanting to build up a discipline of Bible and prayer time EVERY DAY. I also realize I am one of the few guys. This should be fun aye?

Chelsea said...

Hey- I'm Chelsea. I am married to my husband Dustin who works as an engineer in las vegas. We have one son-Conrad. I am blessed to stay home with him-and also I do photography on the side, But my baby is my main gig.

I'm excited to get into Gods word with all of you!

thanks Emery.

Rebekah said...

Hey, I'm Rebekah. I teach Pre-K for a living and cray as it is with 22 little munchkins I love it. I have been a Christian for a few years but have hit some bumps in the road lately that have rocked my faith. My bible reading is all but non existent. I'm hoping that this will help me fall in love with my Prince Jesus all over again. Thank you SO much for doing this Emery, may your rewards be many in Heaven. :)

Kyrene said...

May I join?

Emery Jo said...

kyrene- absolutely!! welcome, welcome!

:)

Kyrene said...

Awesome! Thank you!

My name is Kyrene, 15 years old almost 16 in February and I live on the Central Coast of California.
I am currently raised in a Christian home by Christian parents. I "sort of/kind of" attend a very massive church. And attend a very tiny private Christian school next to it.

I became a Christian when I was nine years old and I can tell my walk with God is blossoming and growing stronger through out the years.

I've never read the Bible from front to back. This new 365 Bible blog will be exciting and adventrous for me. Reading Emery's blogs are very, inspiritional, encouraging, and creative to me, too. I enjoy them a lot.

-Kyrene