51 Days of the Bible

Back in early January, I mentioned that I was going to read the entire Bible all the way through this year. Well, I'll be honest, I have been slacking on that. No, really. Well, I was thinking the other night that I really should do something about that. It really was a great thought, except I didn't do anything with it. Well, time to stop thinking and start acting.

Rather than giving myself another 10 months to procrastinate, I've decided to read through the entire Bible in 51 days. Why 51? Well, the projected launch date for Regenerated Magazine is April 10th, and that happens to be 51 days from today. It sounded like a good goal last night, so I'm going with it!

If anyone else is crazy enough to do this with me, definitely feel free to jump in at any time! To keep track of where I am for myself, I'll be using a bookmark. To keep track of where I am for you, I've created a new backpack page to show you were my bookmark is placed right now, and what books I've finished so far. I'm sure it'll also come up through my writing here as well.

Want to help me? I would definitely appreciate it! Over the next 51 days, you can ask me periodically how my Bible reading is going and make sure I actually go through with this! Accountability is a great thing. I'm off to begin my reading.

Happy Birthday, Kristin!

Just want to put a quick shout-out to Kristin and say, "Happy 19th Birthday!" It's been a blast working with you, starting way too many projects and laughing too hard to breathe the last couple of years. Stay "cool," no matter what country you're in!

Looking beyond the tin can

Well, certain friends have been "poking" me and people have made comments, but it was being mentioned at The Rebelution that finally convinced me it is time to start writing again. It isn't that I haven't anything to say lately -- believe me, I have more to say now than I ever have before -- but I became a little "lost" in moving into my own apartment, pulling ROC back together and watching 24. Pray for me, I think I've become a bit addicted to that last one. (Alex and Kierstyn can attest to that!)

Sometimes you need to look beyond the present to find what you need right now.Right now, I am in my brothers' room, laying on their couch typing. Just a moment ago I went to grab my Jones Soda, but aside from the light emanating from my MacBook Pro, the room is pitch black. I couldn't see a thing! I cautiously began feeling across the floor, hoping I could find it without spilling half a can of soda all over my new NKJV bible that is also on the floor, but I couldn't seem to find it. For some reason, I glanced beyond where I knew it had to be and caught a reflection of the can right in front of me. Of course, I instantly redirected my eyes to the reflection, but it promptly disappeared. I looked beyond it and again saw this faint reflection from the tin can; I was able to pick it up with ease.

It is funny how life can be very much the same. Sometimes we are so focused in the here and now, trying to grasp what we know is there but can't see. If only we would take just a moment to look beyond our current circumstances and focus on The Light, our Savior, Jesus Christ, we might just gain a clearer picture of where we are right now and how to reach what we need. I know it's true in my own life!

Whenever I begin to set aside time for devotions and studying God's word at the beginning of the day, things become so much clearer. And I don't just mean big, life changing decisions, my mind is actually sharper with the little things as well. When I'm working on a website, or talking to customers at work, I can actually tell a difference in how I handle things because I am not so easily frustrated and I'm able to come up with solutions much quicker. And when I'm going against something particularly difficult, if I take a moment and just focus on Him, you'd be surprised how many times an answer simply "pops into my head."

Our God is amazing.

If you can't see whats right in front of you, if you need some perspective, take a moment and focus beyond right now. Spend some time with God, and I promise, everything will look a little bit clearer.