I have finished  the Bible in 90 Days Challenge!  I even had 3 days to spare.  If you’re scratching your head wondering what I’m talking about, you can read my previous blog posts on the challenge here and here.  As I reflect on the process, the first thing I think is that I am so incredibly grateful to God for giving us His infallible, all-sufficient Word.  Reading it as I did increased my awareness of just how powerful Scripture is to change hearts and lives and to give us all that we need to walk in His way while we dwell on earth.  It was a growing experience spiritually as my heart and mind were filled with Truth.  There were days where I felt I would burst from reading SO much RICH Scripture in such a short time.  Like the day I read Romans 1-14, and the day I read Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians.  Whoa.  And it was a stretching experience, too.  When I started I really did wonder if this was going to be do-able for me.  I’m a slow reader with some serious time limitations as the mother of two very busy young children.  There were many days when it was HARD to make myself overlook other things I wanted or needed to do and force myself to uphold my commitment to this challenge.

As with any accomplishment, there are certainly some people who deserve a thank you.  My mentor for this challenge, Amy, was a great motivator and encouragement as she regularly checked in with me.  I first learned of the challenge on her blog.  My sweet husband encouraged me from Day 1, and often reminded me that it was fine for this to take priority for these 90 days and not to worry about the things around the house that were falling behind.  (And just so you know, my house is not in total shambles, but there are a few little projects that have piled up.)  My children have also been very patient as there were days when they woke up from their naps before I was finished and were asked to wait patiently for this and that while Mommy finished her Bible reading time.  Although I often tried to get it done when they were sleeping, I do feel strongly that it is really important that they SEE me in the Word. Nothing would make me happier than to fill their minds with memories of their mother with her Bible on her lap.  That’s the kind of legacy I want to leave – a love for God’s Word!

Yesterday when I told David I had finished, he offered to take me out to dinner, but since I already had dinner in the crock pot, we’re going to go out tonight to celebrate!  But I did take a little time for myself last night and did a little shopping without kids.  I even splurged on a Starbucks (tall vanilla latte – Yum!).  And I had a pile of book in my Amazon cart that have been there since February which I finally ordered now that I’m going to have some time for extra reading.  I’ll have to do a post sometime with some book reviews once I get them all read.

If you are interested in doing this challenge, another round will begin on Mom’s Toolbox in July.  Of course you can do it anytime, but doing it through this site provided wonderful accountability.  And let me know if you do it because I’d love to encourage you in the journey!

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

As I came to the end of Revelation, my wonderful photographer Kate captured the moment.

Waiting for His Coming,

Erin