2011: I would like to think of this year as "Point B, C, and D"
Point B: Read.
This year I am challenging myself to read 12 books from my own book shelf. Books I already own and haven't read completely or books I should read again.
Examples:
Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God
Mere Christianity
(I read this over 10 years ago!)Get Out of That Pit: Straight Talk about God's Deliverance
Competent to Counsel
The Vanishing Conscience
Etc,. I will be posting all finished texts just like last year, and all of the twelve must be non-fiction, serious texts.
Point C: Research.
Along with reading my way through this year, I want to research the Word of God. I don't want to only read about the Bible in great Christian Living books, but I want to dig into the Bible for myself. Again I am committed to reading it through in a year, and in addition I will be asking more questions, looking up more answers, and seeking to understand it more. So far I have secured a Strong's, and a box full of commentaries, other translations and I'm looking for a Vine's Dictionary - anyone have an extra?
Point D: Write.
As you can see, I love to write. I want to be able to make a living doing what I love. I don't presume to have the knowledge to write something life changing and best-selling, rather, I am just willing to articulate the things I've learned. I don't know how God is going to work out this desire, but I do know I trust him. He will make a way; He is the Way. I'm just a traveler.
Let's walk together.
by Max Lucado, was given to me by a dear friend from Florida (thanks again, Amy!). I started reading it long ago, but because it is such a "pleasure read" (in my categorical system) I put off finishing it for the sake of other "serious Christian Living" books (like the one above :) ). Boy was I wrong, it was very rich with insight, hope, deep biblical truth, scripture, and even sketches. I was edified and uplifted. I needed a break from books saying "be a doer doer doer" and this book helped me to sit down and reflect on "Jesus Jesus Jesus" - the sweetest name I know. It's a beautiful book - you need to read it.
, I needed to be reminded of how truly life changing (an ongoing life change) the gospel is! Jesus Christ died for my sins! I have been justified freely and there is no condemnation! Also, in this book was amazing end notes for further reading! I can't wait to get my hands on 
& 
-- Third book in the Redemption series, and I need to give a major shout to Karen Kingsbury for her artistry in this one! The twists and turns in the characters' lives are amazing. She is truly a gifted author.
-- Mary Beth Chapman (yes, Steven Curtis Chapman's wife) wrote a memoirs of sort. Starting with her childhood, she takes the reader through not only her pain and loss of their beloved daughter Maria, but it is also her personal journey through life ranging from damaging house fires to deep depressions. She is honest and funny, and you'll definitely feel like a friend of the family in the end.
-- The BIBLE!!! I'm so excited to report that I've finished reading through the Bible this year. I've never done this before, and the reward was the challenge. I am blessed to have God's Word, to read it, and to hide it in my heart. I plan on reading it again in 2011, but this year I'll be reading: 
- I got this for Christmas and I've already been pouring over it! This is an amazing study Bible if you're truly curious about what everything means - this Bible is the b-e-s-t.
by David Platt. The emphasis of this book is understanding and obeying the gospel and the commands of Jesus. The author draws the attention of the reader to how our Christian culture is in danger of making me the object. Am I really the object of the gospel? Can I sing "Jesus Loves Me" to my children and leave their understanding of God at that? No, I would have to say I cannot. Jesus does love me and my children, but the gospel is about God - His ways, His salvation, His glory, and His greatness.
