Quick Update

OK, I know I've been MIA the last month, so I figured I better get a quick post in before the end of the month! :)

We've had a few birthday parties lately - I'll post some pictures soon. We're leaving tomorrow for a short trip so it'll have to wait till we get back.

I am happy to say that I am completely up to date with my Bible reading. As one of my New Year's resolutions, I determined to read the Bible through in one year. I started off with one plan, switched to another, and ended up switching back, though I forgot to update you on that one. I decided that the reason I felt the first one was too "jumpy" and hard to concentrate on (OT, NT, Psalms and Proverbs every day) was that I was reading too fast. I am a fast reader - in fact sometimes I even tend to skim things. And I don't want to do that with the Bible! So, I switched back and I am really enjoying it. I admit having to re-read some passages, and I do admit to slightly skimming when it gets to the long list of names, especially when you have no idea if you're pronouncing them right - but I am caught up!! I also do admit to skipping days - which is really not a good idea because you have to read that much more to catch up. But caught up I am!

One thing I like about my reading plan is that is also has a blog! The writer has some great insights about each passage every day. And it also has links to read the day's passage online - which is great and really leaves me with no excuse for not reading it, since the Lord knows I spend too much time online!

The passage I read today was really quite amazing. Moses is reminding the people of their sin in worshipping the golden calf and how he intervened on their behalf.

Deut 9:18 & 19: Then once again I fell prostrate before the Lord for forty days and forty nights; I ate no bread and drank no water, because of all the sin you had committed, doing what was evil in the Lord's sight and so provoking him to anger. I feared the anger and wrath of the Lord, for he was angry enough with you to destroy you. But again the Lord listened to me.

On the One Year Bible Blog there is an amazing portrait of Moses lying prostrate before God, pleading with Him on behalf of the Israelites. Like the blog writer says "can you imagine doing this for 40 days and nights for someone? Particularly for someone who just sinned greatly against God? Moses is amazing... "

Would you be willing to do that? If I'm being honest, I really don't think I would. And that's not right. I need to be lifting unsaved family and friends to the Lord always! I need to be praying for my Christian brothers and sisters constantly - that God would protect their hearts, their relationships with their spouses and children, that He would guide them through their trials AND their good times, that He would give them a longing for Him, that He would surround them with His love and comfort them, that He would convict them of wrongdoing and give them the grace to turn back to Him. I need to get on my knees for those I love, and for my enemies as well! Though really, is there anyone out there that doesn't like me? Nah, I can't imagine it. :)

So, that's my Bible update.

On to the exercise update. I am still doing the 30 Day Shred and still loving it! I alternate between Levels 1 and 2. I can do all of Level 1 with 5 and 8 lbs weights. I can do almost all of Level 2 with them as well, though I admit to wimping out and using my 3 lbers on one exercise at the end. I do the workout 4 or 5 days per week. It's so hard, and every time I finish it I feel like I must be really skinny!

Menu updates - I am not always planning my meals an entire week at a time, but I am at least thinking about it before 5pm most nights :)

Well, that's it for now. Tune in later this week (hopefully!) for birthday updates and pictures.