So, you’ll remember that I took the 30 day New Testament challenge early in the year. Afterwards, I thought I’d read the Old Testament to round out the experience (the entire Bible in a year). There are some cool reading schedules out there (one I’d like to try some time has daily readings from the Old & New Testaments, as well as the Psalms) but I ended up modifying a chronological schedule, making it fit into 11 months instead of 12. So far, I’ve managed to stay on track, although I find myself having to catch up more than I did with the New Testament challenge. The daily readings for that program were so long that I NEVER wanted to get behind. The Old Testament readings average about 3-4 chapters (sometimes only 2) a day – not enough to scare me from skipping a day. Isn’t it funny how...
Well, I have completed this reading of The New Testament. I liked the way the readings were divided out and enjoyed the study guide that went along with it. Reading the selections with the overall theme in mind for each week made the reading more relevant and gave me a goal of what to read for. I you ever get the itch to make a quick tour of the New Testament, I highly recommend this reading plan. Generally speaking, each day’s reading took between 30-45 minutes. Since I was mostly focused on reading fluently, I didn’t take a lot of time to read cross-references or make notes – just a couple of things when I felt really moved! I was marking Joseph Smith Translation references, so that was factored into my reading time. Another nice thing about this plan was the two “grace” days each week. Because...
So, I’ve been having trouble finding a theme that works. I noticed, after about a week, that the last theme wouldn’t let me post comments! What good is a blog if people can’t comment??? For now I’m back to a theme I know works. Just wish it was a little cuter, or something … On the very last leg of my New Testament project. Read John this week – what a powerful book. On every page, multiple times, there is the Savior testifying of who he is and what he came here for. Really enjoyed it. Tomorrow I start Revelations – the last book of the quest. Hope I can make heads or tails of it! Have been battling depression and now a head cold. Maybe the depression was actually me being low-grade sick? Whatever it is, I have had the hardest time making myself do anything. I get the kids off...
I’ve finished my third week of reading The New Testament. I’m really almost through – it’s crazy! I really enjoyed Luke this week. And I’ve had some more thoughts about Mark. The Bible Dictionary suggests that Mark might have been written at the request of church leaders. In that sense, Mark is a straight-forward account of his experience and certainly a valuable testimony to the reality of the Savior’s life and mission. Luke’s testimony seemed full of little details that brought scenes to life. I also read quite a few Pauline epistles this week, as well as the letters of Peter. I love the way they all begin and end the same way – it’s like a little insight into the standard letter format of the times (at least among church members). Most of the reading this week dealt...
Well, I’m a week and a half into my challenge. Almost half way through! Some thoughts on the experiment. I’ve read all of Matthew and Mark. Took me almost a week to realize that each week’s assignment is anchored by one of the gospels. Matthew had a pronounced theme for me this time through – Christ’s life was one of prophecy fulfilled. Mark seems sort of lacking in character. Most of the stories were ones Matthew had already covered. I’m still thinking about Mark. Of course, I could pull out my Doctrinal New Testament Commentary by McConkie, but I’m trying to see what I can remember and notice from my reading. Since this is such a quick race through the New Testament, I don’t want to get bogged down with extra studying – just want to focus on the scriptures themselves. ...