The Primary Post

Although my faith forms the foundation of myself, I admit, I have always been rather private about what I believe and think.  I have experienced judgmental proselytizing.  I have witnessed disrespect fueled by differing viewpoints.  I have felt belittled for my high standards.  Not wanting to be similar in any way to the likes of these, I have tended to "live and let live."  I have quietly gone my own way and permitted others to go theirs. 

Most would probably argue that this is the best path.  However, one potential consequence that I have begun to fear is that many may pass through my life never fully knowing who I am or what I stand for.  Furthermore, my faith has brought me such great joy and a depth of peace.  Isn't that worth sharing?

So I have decided to undertake a task.  I am currently in the process of reading the entire Bible in a year.  I am using a reading schedule my mother created.  The schedule is unique - there are five readings each week, representing five different concepts (Torah, Prophets, Writings, Worship and Wisdom, and Messianic).  Indeed, plenty of well-researched, grandly themed, Bible-in-a-year reading plans exist.  I have browsed through several and participated in some.  For this project, though, I desire the originality of my mother's schedule (haven't seen one like it yet).  Plus, I aim to allow my daily experiences and encounters to drive my discovery of the text.  I realize that the result may, at times, be imperfect, rough and confusing, but I am hoping that several gems - fresh insights and interpretations - may be found along the way.

I have purchased a new Bible.  My go-to version is the New International Version (NIV).  I have one that contains annotations from my teen years, and another that represents my twenties.  For this undertaking, I have chosen the English Standard Version (ESV), one I am less familiar with.  The Bible contains wide-margins (extra space for notes).  On the inside cover, I wrote the title of this blog.  I am hoping that, by this time next year, this Bible, along with this blog, will be a solid piece of evidence of my time and efforts to humbly share what I believe.