I honestly feel like I am a broken record.

Broken being the key word. 

Part of me feels like I did my whole, "woe is me, I'm so behind in this study" post too quickly last month because I am even more behind now. And to be even more honest with you, if it weren't for this blog and my sweet friend opposite of me on the calendar above, I would have quit last month. But I am constantly reminded that this isn't about me. This is about Him. If I am behind, then I am behind, and He is still by my side. 

I recently did a women's bible study at my church which taught specifically about being a biblically oriented woman. Which was amazing, all of it was incredible. We talked a lot about the many different ways to study the bible and the chronological study was mentioned. My head instantly dipped down in defeat. I knew it was coming. Then the speaker said something along the lines of "the chronological study is HARD. It is rough and tough and most people get behind. BUT, it only takes picking up the bible again and starting where you left off." 

So that is exactly what I am doing. Picking up my bible and starting again. It isn't easy, it is a lot of work, but it is for His glory. 

day one.

Today is the day!! The first day of our Chronological Study and I am so excited! I took some time last night to prepare for this study and I thought I share a little bit of that preparation with you. The little things I do before I begin a study and what goes through my head while I prepare. 

1// prepare your heart & your schedule - I always try my best to prepare for the study ahead in my heart first. Since I have had a strong grasp on this study and planned it with Cassie I feel like I have been preparing my heart for weeks now. No matter how much you prepare you heart for a bible study, you must prepare your schedule so you don't "squeeze it in" your day. Not every day will be perfect, and there will be days when you miss the study all together - no one is perfect! BUT, when you make a point to schedule your study you can take it in fully and not feel rushed. With that being said, I am not a morning person. I honestly hate mornings, but I know in my heart that my days would be so much better if I start them at His feet. So, I am going to work really hard to create a habit of morning quiet time. My sweet husband brewing fresh coffee every morning will also help. I think I'll keep him! 

2// don't study alone - we have tried really hard to create a community here with this study so we can grow together. Accountability. It is everything! It is so important to DO LIFE together and my hope is for this life to be full of Jesus. I can't wait to sit down at the kitchen table for dinner every night and discuss my reading with Peter. He started a chronological study in January and he made it to mid March so he will pick up the study again once we are at the same point. I can't wait to grow with all of you and with my husband. 

3// use a special pen - because this is a study through the entire bible I thought it would be helpful to use a specific pen for all of my notes in my bible, so I have decided to use the red pen pictured above to underline and make little notes. I love the fact that I will instantly know that my notes are from this Chronological study  anytime I see that bright red ink in my bible. 

4// plan ahead - it will be so much easier to wake up and dive in His word when you are ready for it. I always like to plan my notes ahead of time, listing the days and scripture reading, so when I turn to the next page I am ready to go. I don't have to think about the days date or go look to see what scriptures to read that day because it is already there. I just begin. 

5// prayer - for the next year while I am reading through the bible I am also going to make a point to write my prayers out every day in my notebook. I love that I will be learning from His word and then stop to meditate on it, talk to Him and listen to Him in return. I can't wait to see the prayers that will fill those blank pages. 

Also, please share anything from this study on social media by using the hashtag below! 

I can't wait to create a community of sisters {and brothers, seriously... you should join us!!} that are growing together in this study.

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I can't wait for this journey ahead! I can't wait to see the growth in my life and all of those that join us.This is such an exciting time and I feel His love in this space so strongly. I am so thankful for that! 

For all of you that are joining in this study today - I'm praying for you, I'm praying for your heart, and I'm praying for God to speak to you and teach you through His beautiful word. 

May your kingdom come. May your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Matthew 6:10