How stubborn are you?

It was getting past the time when little people should be tucked into bed, and we still had teeth to be brushed.  One was making the right movements, one was glued to the iPad.

Her mother gently urged her to get her teeth brushed.  This was met with silence, prompting a firmer tone.  "NO!", came the reply.  My eyes widened.  The showdown had begun.  

I'm sure I don't have to tell you who won... But just in case, it was NOT the three-year-old.  There were lots of tears, a spanking, claims of being unable to walk (can you say drama queen?), and eventually came the quiet of sleeping children.  

Aren't you glad we are past all that now that we're grown and mature?  I mean, we would never be willful and insist on our own way, right?  Ahem, RIGHT? 

Liar, liar, pants on fire.

It hit me with a sinking feeling tonight.  When I choose to do something that I know is not my Father's will for me, I am only a slightly more refined version of my niece.  

I mean, I didn't stamp my foot and scream NO!  Or run and hide in my bedroom.  Mostly because I'm theologically savvy enough to know I can't hide anything from God and also that He is infinitely more powerful than me.  But that sort of makes things worse.

But grace covers it, right?  When Jesus died on the cross, He shed His blood knowing what all sin I would commit, right?

As a born-again believer, grace DOES cover my sin, and there is no longer any condemnation for it.  But it mars the moment.  Rather than peace with my Father, there are willful tantrums, and sometimes spiritual spankings.  

My Father knows what's best for me.  He's invested His Son's blood in securing me.  You'd better believe He's going to see me through to the end.  

It's the age-old story.  Like in the days of the Judges, each of us prefers to do what we see as right, in our own eyes.  And Satan keeps telling the same lie... That you can't trust God or that His ways are best.

Ps. 32:9 Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you. 

Teach me Your ways O Lord.  Make me know Your precepts.  Then I will walk in paths of righteousness and know Your peace.

Independence Day

I didn't take one picture.

It's ok though.  The memories are stamped in indelible ink.  Right there.  In my brain for forever.

When you think you'll never have this moment again, you pay closer attention.  You hold that six year old nephew on your lap and breathe in his sweet aroma.  You tickle that three year old niece when she begs, just to savor her giggle.  And when that precious one - the one who almost wasn't - when she wants to dance... You dance!  

Oh, when they grow up and realize the songs they learned are from the 80's, we'll get some razzing then.  But there will also be a special place in their hearts for it - tied to happy memories of momma and aunts and grandma dancing in the living room.  Daddy and grandpa watching on - shaking heads in amusement at the silliness.  

It's locked in tight.  Hard to think of leaving it.  Of missing the moments of life for two years, maybe more.  

But then I think of those who know nothing of the joy or the satisfaction that comes from knowing Christ, and I can't stay here all selfish.  

I'm called to go.  No turning back.  My heart knows the price.  So I soak it in.  Savor the moment.  Prepare my heart to share with others what TRUE freedom looks like.

Happy Independence Day!

The Calling to Japan

 Where did it all begin?

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away... oh wait, that's someone else's story!  Actually, as I pondered where to begin, I realized I can't really tell you when it all began, because no one has time to hear my entire life story! (or read it!)

And so, I'll back up to Cambodia.  As some of you may remember - the Lord provided for me to go there last fall for $85 and Skymiles.  While I was there, I felt Him stirring my heart - but I wasn't sure to what...  

On September 18, I wrote in my journal, "Lord, I look around and I see people coming and going - and eventually it hits me - that almost all of them do not know You.  But I don't know what You are asking of me, if anything?  I know that if You are asking me to come here, then You will show me."

"A man's steps are directed by the Lord.  How then can anyone understand his own way?" 

                                                         Prov. 20:24

When I returned, I shared my heart stirrings with my pastor.  Wisely, he counseled me to pray about it for six months. 

In November, some "seeds" were planted with regard to joining a team in Japan.  I remember being very excited about the possibility, and asking the Lord if it might be possible to do some short-term missions trips to Cambodia, as part of that ministry.  Within three hours of praying that prayer, I received this in an email:

Cathy and I are really high on short-term mission trips.  One of the reasons this assignment is appealing to us is the opportunity to regularly lead trips to Thailand and Cambodia...  If you were to join us in Yokosuka, we would love to have you be a huge part of planning and going on the trips.  We would also be very open if you choose to extend your time down there on the backend of those trips to provide additional support...

 Talk about a fast answer to prayer!

One thing that amazes me, as I look back through my journal and my response, was the careful and patient response.  Taking time to pray, to seek counsel and to consider the Lord's leading.  I am amazed because of how impatient I have felt along the way... to know what the Lord was asking.  His timing is perfect!

In January I went away for a few days to really seek the Lord.  It seemed clear that I was to continue pursuing Japan - but I had a list of concerns that I asked the Lord to address.  Wow - and how He HAS!    And, I should add, He continues to address concerns and needs as they arise.  He is GREAT!

Shortly thereafter, I met with the elders of my church, and shared with them about what had been happening.  They affirmed me in moving forward, and agreed that I should continue in seeing if Japan was where the Lord wanted me to go.  

From my journal on Feb 26:

I woke up singing, "I have decided to follow Jesus... no turning back, no turning back"

The Lord again provided airfare for me, and in April, I headed to Japan to visit and seek confirmation.  Here are some pictures from that visit:
 

Future home?

Set up for Friday night dinner.

Busy clean up crew!

Tokyo Bay in the background.

An outing with some of the Lighthouse ladies.

 Needless to say - it was an amazing trip - and any concerns were removed.  A final meeting with my elders upon return confirmed this calling.

So, now the fun really begins!  As I prepare to go, there is much to be done, including:

• My transition out of my Human Resources role - which will happen over the summer.
• Raising additional support needed for living overseas.  I will be traveling this fall hoping to connect with people who will partner financially and in prayer so that this ministry can happen. (more on that in the future!)
• Transitioning well - I have been in Columbia for almost 20 years - the longest I've lived anywhere - and it will be HARD to leave family and friends.  Plus - I have two new cultures to learn - Japanese and Navy.  

If you'd like to financially partner in this ministry -  you can give several ways:

• To give a recurring monthly gift via EFT - click here. 
• To give a special gift online, click here.
• If you'd like to receive my prayer letters, click here to add your email address to my secure mailing list.

For all the Single Ladies!

As a single lady myself, I'm alert to posts that are biblical and addressing singles' issues.  While Jolene Engle at The Alabaster Jar usually posts about marriage things (also quite helpful!), I always perk up a bit when she posts on singles. 

This week, she's posted two great posts:

The #1 Thing a Christian Woman Should Look for in a Husband

and...

Should Christians Live Together Before They Are Married? 

Pop on over and have a read! 

Actually - she has a whole page for single gals located here.

Japan

I know, I know!  Another month and no blogging!  But, that doesn't mean that life has been dull and boring!  Quite the opposite! 

So - this is just a little teaser... but in the near future - I'm taking a "little" trip!  As you might guess by the title - my intended destination is Japan!! 

What for, you ask?  Well...  that has an exciting answer!  Cadence has some ministries in Japan, and I'll be visiting one of them.  Why?  Well, it seems that might be where the Lord is leading for my next ministry location! 

And, with that little teaser - I'll sign off!  Stay tuned for more on this adventure.  I can't wait to share the details of how this has been unfolding...  soon, I promise! 

Merry Christmas Y'all!

May you experience the love and peace of Jesus Christ - God the Son - who came to earth as a humble baby and gave His life that all who believe in Him might have eternal life!  GLORY!!!  HALLELUJAH! 

Don't Put Your Best Foot Forward Before Marriage

So often, as single women, I think we try to "put our best foot forward".  And I don't know about you - but I have gotten stuck in that trap - sometimes even with friends.  By people-pleasing - trying to be what I thought they wanted me to be - I found myself stuck in a hard place later on...  and at that point - I either had to confess that I didn't really like _________ (fill in the blank) or continue on with the charade.  Also not comfortable.  Great advice from Jolene over at The Alabaster Jar on being authentic in your relationships...

Don't Put Your Best Foot Forward Before Marriage

4 Things You Need to Do Before You Meet Prince Charming

Another good post over at the Alabaster Jar for single gals - OR - for you moms who want to pass some wisdom along to your gals...  wisdom for becoming the kind of woman that the kind of guy you want is looking for... (did you follow that?) :)

4 Things You Need to Do Before You Meet Prince Charming

What Not to Settle for In Your Future Husband

As a single gal, I'm often accused of being "too picky" when it comes to men.  Thought this was a great article on a few things it is good to be picky about! I'm loving this series at The Alabaster Jar...

What Not to Settle for In Your Future Husband

Glimpses of Glory

Linking up with Deidra Riggs today.

The "P" Word... Perserverance

It had been a month really, since I'd laced up my shoes and headed out for a walk.  It felt good at first - stretching my legs, breathing deeply.  That first hill always gets me though.

Before I rounded the corner, I felt the familiar twinge of tendonitis.  That was quickly followed by another twinge... complaint. 

"Why Lord?" 

My thoughts quickly questioned why it must be so hard... painful... when all I was trying to do was to take good care of my body. 

"I'm trying to be a good steward of my body, Lord.  Why is it so hard, so painful?" (Said in a whiny voice)

Stopping to stretch, I quieted my grumblings.  "What is true?" 

James says to consider it pure joy whenever we face trials of various kinds.  Why?  Because the testing of our faith produces endurance.  And really, isn't that the mark of a believer?  One who will persevere? 

How can I know this and forget it so quickly?

Everything in me wanted to turn around and head home.  But maybe, if I pressed on - things would loosen up and feel better.  Could that happen?  Quitting surely wouldn't help.  And so, I hobbled down the road.  Really.  I hobbled.  It wasn't pretty.  I wonder how many people thought I was trying to push their trees down, as I pressed against them to stretch!?  

Two miles can feel like a VERY long time.  BUT - coming down the last stretch, something changed.  My attitude? 

How often is this my approach?  To shrink back and complain as soon as life becomes difficult?  I feel so American.  So entitled in my attitude.  As if - somehow I've graduated to Easy-ville and it is an offense to my very being to be faced with something difficult.

In 2 Peter there is a list of building blocks... items we are to be adding to our faith.  Most commentaries agree - these virtues build on one another.  And therein may lie the issue... because in v. 6 added to knowledge is self-control and then perseverance.

Knowledge. Check.

Self-control. Ummm, not so "check".

Is it a wonder that perseverance seems to be lacking?

And not to rationalize this issue away - but have you ever noticed that when you are tired, this all gets more difficult?  The attacks come harder and faster?

And yet - as saints, we are called to persevere.  

One thing that helps?  Set your mind on things above.

Have you ever noticed... Perseverance seems to be linked to perspective?

God. ~ His character.  His majesty.  His patience, glory, love.  Thinking about what He has done for me... a wretch like me.  Praising Him for what He hasn't required of me...

Christ. ~ The One who bore the wrath I deserved.  The One who left the magnificent presence of God the Father to bear the punishment of my sin.

Suddenly - a gimpy tendon - doesn't seem like such a big deal.

Writing in community today @a holy experience on the Practice of Habits.

DIY Scripture & Prayer Journals

Journaling is one of my favorite ways to express myself and to meditate on Scripture and pray.  Over the years, I've been given numerous journals (all filled) - and I have used a ton of notebooks (spiral, etc). 

To encourage others in the discipline of journaling, I put together these fun journals.  In case you'd like to make your own - here is a quick tutorial, and a link to the labels.

1. Buy some Composition notebooks.  Right now is a great time, with all the back to school sales. 

2.  Click here to download a pdf of the labels.  I print this on colored cardstock. 

3.  Cut and paste!

4. Center and stick over "composition" area.

And there you have it!  Super easy and cute Scripture and prayer journals.

Glimpses of Glory

Linking up with Deidra Riggs today.

If You're Pure or Not, Before Marriage

Was just browsing around and found this fabulous post on s*xual purity as a single at The Alabaster Jar.  If you are single, I highly recommend the read... 

   

Glimpses of Glory

Linking up with Deidra Riggs today.

On WHAT are you trusting?

When I first graduated from college, I went to work for a distribution company.  It was quite the experience - and my repertoire grew to include talents such as fork lift operating.  At that point in my life, I was quite focused on climbing the corporate ladder... so I worked crazy long hours, traveled at request, and my co-workers saw me more than friends and family.  After all, isn't that what the American dream is all about?  Climbing to the top? Money, power, recognition.

Funny how those things aren't much comfort when you are feeling lonely.  Or when you get bad news.  Or something scary comes into your life.

Ever had one of THOSE moments? 

What do you trust then?  Those are the moments of truth, huh?  When you realize bank accounts can't buy everything.  No amount of money can bring a loved one back from the dead.  No title or corporate prestige can cure cancer.  And a framed employee of the month certificate sure doesn't scare away raving lunatics with arsenals of ammunition at movie theatres.

King Hezekiah knew a little something about the scary moments.  When the King of Assyria threatened Jerusalem, Hezekiah prepared his people.  He reminded them that the Lord was with them - "to help us and to fight our battles."  (2 Chron 32:7-8)

That sounds good on paper... but what about when the Assyrian King Sennacharib and his formidable troops were standing outside the city wall, talking serious smack about Hezekiah AND God? I mean, this guy was on a smear campaign!  He even wrote letters against God and Hezekiah! 

Ironically, Sennacherib asks - "On what are you trusting?"  Foolish man.  If he'd only had a clue.

Hezekiah did.  And he responded by turning to the One True God in prayer. He and Isaiah got busy beseeching the Lord to fight the battle for them. 

I love the next part!  Because the Lord DOES fight the battle for them!  He sends an angel who "cut off all the mighty warriors and commanders and officers in the camp of the king of Assyria."  (2 Chron. 32:21)  Who's talking smack now?

Do you think that's how Hezekiah imagined it going down?  I kind of doubt it.  But he really didn't have to know how the Lord would handle it.  He just had to trust that He would. 

On what are you trusting? 

Do the scary things of this world have you rattled?  Do you feel hemmed in by something or someone right now?  Maybe life just feels a bit out of control?  Take your cue from Hezekiah.  Seek the Lord.  He can and will fight your battles.  It may not always look like you think...  but that's where trust comes in.  When you trust HIM, you trust that He always does right and good and best for you.  That's something to bank on!

After all, if God is for us, who can be against us? (Rom. 8:31b) 

Blogging through the Bible in 90 days

That's what the handy printout dictating my reading assignments says, anyway.  I certainly haven't been blogging my way through the Bible in 90 days, and now I'm at least 4 days of reading behind...  and so it goes!

Never before have I endeavored such a task - and the timing hasn't been optimal - but I am persevering in this push for quantity of reading.  Usually, I'm the type to focus in on a particular passage... soak it for all it's worth.  But this time, the goal is to read the entire Bible in 90 days.

It appears that there is something to be said for reading larger chunks - I'm seeing things I haven't seen before.  It's delightful! 

But old habits are hard to break - and part of the reason I'm a few days behind is that I can't help but meditate on what I'm reading.  (Ok, that and my travel schedule!)  As a teacher, however, I'm always seeing "lessons" to be taught as I read. 

And he did evil, for he did not set his heart to seek the Lord. ~ 2 Chron. 12:1

Whoa.  He. Did. Evil.  WHY?  For/Because he did not set his heart to seek the Lord. 

Hmmm.  Do you ever do evil?  I'm not talking epic evil like what we saw in Aurora earlier this week.  I'm talking the opposite of good.  Yep - sin.  Before any of us too quickly add ourselves to the "I'm a pretty good person" team - let's remember what God says about it.  We ALL fall short of His glory.  We are all sinners. 

That's the bad news.  The good news?  Christ paid the penalty for all who will trust in Him.  But that's not where the good news ends!

Many of us set our eyes on heaven and the time when sin will exist no more...  and sort of resign ourselves to muddling through life on this earth.  That's not the abundant life Jesus spoke about!  We can't miss an important piece of our living here.  We must set our hearts to seek the Lord.  Which, by the way, we can only do through faith and the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. 

Jesus told the adulterous woman, "go and sin no more".  Quit living a life patterned by sin.  You've been bought with a price.  A blood-sacrifice by the Perfect Lamb.  Set your heart to seek HIM. 

What are ways that you set your heart to seek Him? 

What robs you of joy?

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4, ESV)

These verses perplex many Christians - because when the tough times come: a tragic accident that takes a spouse; cancer that robs a child of his life; daily trials that wear us down - we wonder why on earth James would tell us to consider this all joy?

As I mentioned in an earlier post, this is a joy that only comes from the Lord, and it is based on our position in Christ. Far too often, when the trials of life come, we say, "Why Me??" and then grit our teeth and think if we some how hunker down and stoically bear through the hard times, we will somehow return to a state of happiness.

We think our hard circumstances rob us of joy. But this is contrary to what the Bible teaches. James tells us to count the trials as joy. Why? Because it tests our faith and produces maturity. As a believer - your joy is already there - it is the knowledge that this world is not your home - you are merely passing through to your REAL home… which is your eternal inheritance in heaven. This perseverance is a mark of maturity - an affirmation that you are, indeed, growing in Christ. How we respond to trials reveals a great deal about where we find our treasure… because a believer takes hope in what is to come, and does not despair over the losses of this world. THIS isn't the prize!

So, if you aren't experiencing this joy, then here are some questions to ask yourself:

1. The first question to ask is, have I truly been born again? Being religious won't get you through trials with joy. It is only when you have cried out to Jesus – recognizing that your own efforts will never be enough to merit an eternal relationship with God – when you have repented and turned and trusted in Christ alone – only then will you even be able to tap into joy.
2. Some of you might be saying – YES, I know that I am born again – and at one point, I was tapped into that joy- but something has happened… and I don't know how to get back to it. The next question is: where is your focus? Are you focused and tapped into Christ or are you consumed with yourself? Am I consumed with myself – am I consumed with the daily demands of this life? Or, am I delighting myself in HIM! Am I keeping an eternal perspective? I am seeking to know Him and be known by Him?
   Satan seeks to steal our joy. One of his many subtle tricks is to keep us focused on ourselves and too busy to spend time with the One who ALONE can satisfy the desires of our heart. And he especially likes to use "religious" stuff to do this.
3. Another thing that will rob you of joy is dissatisfaction. We need to ask ourselves, am I joyless because I think I deserve more than what is currently mine? For example – as a single woman, I can get wrapped up in a pity party that I am not married. As married people, we can get wrapped up in "I don't have children yet" – or I wish my spouse were more like that person… or a multitude of other things. What breeds discontent in your heart?
   This is one of the dangers of the health and wealth gospel that is prevalent these days… which says, God is going to give us a trouble-free life on this earth. But James does not say IF you face trials – he says WHEN. In other words – you WILL have trials – of all shapes and sizes. But not just to have trials. They have purpose… they mature us in our faith… and we don't get joy when we make it through them – the joy is already ours.
   This is a perspective issue. If you are focused on yourself and the trial – it's going to be a miserable experience. Remember – we are striving for our eternal inheritance – which, by the way, is beyond our wildest imaginations.
   Trials will come – it's our focus and response that indicate where our heart finds delight. When trials come is our response "woe is me" or is it, "God is good!"?
4. Another reason you might be lacking joy is if you are being controlled by your feelings. Philippians 4:4 says – REJOICE in the Lord always – again, I say REJOICE. Ask yourself – what is TRUE in this situation? You may not always FEEL like rejoicing – but as a believer, the fact that you have been redeemed is reason enough to wake up praising and rejoicing!
   We must learn to CONTROL our feelings. The only way to do that is to practice right thinking. Phil. 4:8 says "Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy – think on THESE things" (NIV).
   I don't know if any of you have ever suffered from depression – but I have had 3 bouts with it – all in my 20's – and God be praised – not at all in the past 10 years. Many times depression comes from a downward spiral in our thoughts… if we can catch this early on – we can avoid the downward spiral. (Now, I'm not talking about depression that comes from chemical imbalance… which is not the cause of depression for most of us…)
   There are two steps that I take and recommend, if you are feeling "down":

• Check for any known sin issues – I know at least one of my depressions was brought on by me being in sin… I literally became sin-sick. If you know of sin in your life – name it – (ie) confess it – and then repent (turn from it – stop it!
• Recite TRUTH – about who God is – what He desires for and from His children… remind yourself of where your treasure is. One thing others (and I) have found to be helpful is to keep index cards with relevant verses – and when that depression seems lurking – recite truth. Break out those index cards and get your thinking back on track and your focus back on the source of joy.
5. In James 1:5-8, we discover another clue. James says, "if any of you lacks wisdom, ASK God!" A lack of prayer will rob you of joy. Are you spending time set aside to talk to and LISTEN to God? Back in the Philippians passage – right after Paul says to always rejoice – he says PRAY! (v. 6) We see this in his letter to the Thessalonians too. Thess. 5:16-18 says "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (NIV) If you've ever wondered what God's will is for you – well, this is clear… and I think if we focused on just getting this part right – it would make a difference!! Joy and prayer and thanksgiving are all linked. So often we blame our circumstances for our lack of joy, but it really has so much more to do with our relationship to the Lord (or lack of). I recommend praying Scripture (in proper context). (Two helpful books on this: Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald S. Whitney and Before the Throne of God by Carol J. Ruvolo.) Praying Scripture helps my focus stay on Christ - and it gives me the proper perspective (God's perspective). What I have described is not easy - and it requires us to fight for this joy. In my next posting I will describe more ways for us to do just that.

updated and reposted from the archives

Fake fine and life as a Martha...

Fake Fine

Have you ever noticed how we say to kids, "You're ok" when they fall down (and we know they aren't seriously hurt)?  We do it to people grieving too... as if somehow, if we pretend the pain and suffering isn't there, it will dissipate and quit reminding us of the brevity of life? 

I'm wondering - is there a way to suffer publicly AND bring glory to God?  Is there a way to walk through the messiness of life without joylessly trudging along nor faking your way through it was a plastered smile?  In Matthew 6, Jesus makes a pretty big deal about doing things without others seeing... does this include suffering?

I suppose it depends on your motivation - always the tricky piece... 

In this week's reading of Grace for the Good Girl, Emily touches on how we often praise people who don't let on that they are suffering...

I heard it again this week in a sermon on contentment... about people who suffering without a complaint... and something clicked!  It's the complaining - the grumbling - the murmuring about our circumstances that's the issue. 

Because really - when we fake fine, we just cover up our inner discontentment, don't we?  We're just afraid to let on that we are not content in the circumstances the Lord has allowed us to be in.  But for me - it's usually because I don't want anyone to know I'm not a better Christian than that... I don't want them to see me struggle - it might damage my reputation. 

Ah - but God.  He knows the heart.  He knows when my mask is really there to cover the symptoms of a sickly heart.  One that isn't trusting Him or His providence or His divine sovereignty over my life.  He knows that my mask covers a grumbling, murmuring heart that would cause me to fit right in with a bunch of Israelites in the desert. 

Psalm 1 has the remedy.  Blessed is the one who finds his [her] delight in the law of the Lord... who meditates on it day and night.  When I meditate on the Gospel - it reminds me that it is not my strength, reputation or self-sufficiency that conforms me further into His image.  He WILL complete the work He began in me...  oh to trust Him more.

 Hi, My Name is Andrea, and I'm a Martha

As we explored the whole interaction of Jesus with Martha and Mary - I was reminded just what a Martha I am... so task oriented... often wrestling through life in my own strength. 

"I see myself as irreplaceable when I think the work won't get done unless I do it.  Instead of looking to [Jesus] to provide what is needed, Martha rolled up her sleeves and took on responsibility for things that may never have been meant for her."

Ouch.  That hits a little close to home.

Do I ever do that?  You bet!  I am guilty. 

The past couple years have wrought some painful lessons  as I've realized what the practical working out of my theology means.  Too often problems have seemed bigger than my Lord. 

I used to believe the old saying that "God helps those who help themselves."  Too many times have I tried to force MY plan under His hand for a stamp of approval.  What would happen if I stopped forcing my plans and listened to and obeyed HIS? 

What about you?  How do you struggle with self-sufficiency?  Hiding behind masks? Pretending you're fine when you aren't?  Can't wait to hear from you!

Reading the Bible in 90 days

This feels BIG!  Starting tomorrow, Monday, June 18, I'll be joining 6o-plus other people in a 90-day read through the Bible. 

I'm using a Kindle version of the Bible specially formatted for this read.  The Kindle edition is just $4.99 and makes it quite easy to stay on track... so it was worth the investment to me. 

But, you can use any Bible and read about 12 chapters a day.  The intent is not to dig into details (my favorite!) but to get the bigger picture...  I'm excited!  I plan to blog some on the journey... 

We have a group on Facebook, if you are interested in joining!  Just send me a note and I'll "invite" you to the group!