Good morning, girls! How was everyone’s weekend? Does anyone else have an eldest child beginning Kindergarten next month? And if so, is anyone else feeling all kids of weepy and excited and crazy? Anyone?
And, since we’re sharing, let’s take a moment for complete honesty:
Who’s behind in their reading for this plan?
Has summer gotten in the way of the lovely Bible-reading routine you began in June?
I’ll go first: until this morning, I had 7 unread days in this plan. Eeesh. Not proud of that. Kinda hurts (a lot) to type that for y’all to see.
Am I all alone in this? Maybe I’m the only one with 7 unread days, but are any of y’all backed up at all? Anyone playing catch-up, scrambling to get ready for a new plan to start at the end of this one?
Girls.
Grace abounds.
But really, it does! Don’t feel discouraged if you’re behind. Life happens, and Satan loves to use busyness and distraction not only to pull us away from our best intentions to honor the Lord, but to discourage us from trying because we aren’t doing it perfectly.
Do you remember why SheReadsTruth began in the first place? Why it was the first Bible reading plan that actually felt doable for so many of us? It’s because we’re doing it together! And that means we encourage one another, and dispense grace like a fountain! We spur one another back into His arms because He’s the point. And we’re living in community together because that’s how He made us.
So yes, the Prayer plan ends Wednesday. But here’s the thing: we want to model something for you all. We want to model grace. And rest. And intentionality. Not only because you may or may not need it, but because we do too! We’re doing this all together!
So, here’s a quick look at how our week is going to go:
Monday: Day 19
Tuesday: Day 20
Wednesday: Day 21
Thursday-Sunday: Grace Days
Monday: Day 1 of the new plan
Yep, Grace Days. Four of them. Use them to draw near to your Savior in whatever way you see fit. Finish up the Prayer plan if you are behind, go back to days you may have missed or skimmed over in The Soul Detox or Living the Surrendered Life. If you’re all caught up and want to do something short, check out some of the 2 to 4 day reading plans that YouVersion offers.
Or, change your pace entirely. Spend these days only praying and not reading. Maybe writing or painting or doing the Word. Ask the Lord what he has for you in this time.
We hope these Grace Days will be a blessing to you and to your walk with the Lord. And, we would love to hear (if you’re willing to share) what this change of pace will look like for you. And of course, the new plan will be announced Monday, August 6th. Looking forward to walking with you all this week and beginning something new together next week.
Blessings, friends!
Leave a Reply
41 thoughts on "from his fullness"
Love this… I actually had been so behind that I thought I might just give it up… but today, I was cleaning and busy and crazy and about to start the dishwasher and vacuum when the clouds rolled in (rather beautiful… in fact), and the sky opened up and we had a 30 minutes thunderstorm/mini hurricane over here in my little corner of Maine that came out of nowhere… and so I decided to turn off all the lights and sit and watch the storm… and when the rain subsided I realized the power had gone out from the storm, and so I read my Bible for a half hour…
the power came back on and I got back to cleaning, and rearranging/reorganizing.. but man was that an encouragement from the Lord… and tonight I finished the Prayer reading plan, and read two chapters in Luke (I am currently reading through the Gospels, and had neglected that for a while too…)… and then decided to come here to see what the new reading plan was, to see that others had fallen behind as well… how great is our God… :) reminding me that I am not alone and that others "fail" as well.. but we do get Grace days… every. day. :) Thanks for what you guys do :) love it love it love it!
Thank you, Thank you for the GRACE! I am a couple of days behind and was starting to stress. Yes, I have a kindergartener and I can't believe the summer is almost to an end. Thank you for modeling HIS love and mercy for all of us to see!
I don't see a #sheshares for this week, and really wanted to share what God was doing in my life. After finishing the prayer study I feel like my eyes have opened!
http://hopelessdomestic.blogspot.com/2012/08/fait…
Hi ladies…One of my coworkers and friends was killed in a car accident yesterday. I'd really appreciate your prayers for myself and my community. This is the second accidental death in a week in our small town. This woman was a special education teacher at my school and I'd love prayers for my students as they process this news. Thanks in advance!
I like being able to catch up before the new plan starts. But, I also know that I need help. There are days that I simply forget to do the plan. It makes me sad when I think about it. I feel like I’m failing in some way, like I am letting God and y’all down. I know that’s not true. I am going to try harder. I can’t wait for the new plan!!
Such a great idea!! I've started late on all the plans, and am only on day 12 of the prayer one. Looking forward to starting a new plan along with you all, and staying on track. Thank you so much for this community – I haven't read my Bible this regularly in years, and it has been so refreshing to my weary heart!
Grace days are a fabulous idea. I am looking forward to see how the Lord works during these next few days, and very much looking forward to the next reading plan!
so thankful for these grace days! I finished the prayer study this morning (always a day behind even when I start on time) and will be using the next few days for prayer & drawing as a way to worship the Lord.
This was so good! I got so behind because my mom's back went out and I had to take care of her. And I'm going on vaca on those days so I think I'll just read the Word and wait for the next plan:) Looking forward to it!
I am WAY behind, both from starting late and missing days so this is a MAJOR blessing. I needed to read this today, thank you so much! #SheReadsTruth has been SUCH a blessing to me, and I cannot wait to start the new plan and be on pace with the other girls starting Monday! Thank you again and enjoy your Grace Days!
Senior year? That just put a lump in MY throat @Saundra! I cried the other night while holding my “big” girl (5 1/2) as she slept bc I was having trouble remembering her sweet baby smell and that big baby grin. Wish it didn’t go so fast and wish I really soaked it all up as a new mom those 5 some years ago. Bc it does go oh so fast!!! Trying to live more in the moment these days and enjoy both girls at each age and phase, soaking it up as much as possible!
My baby will start her senior year 2 weeks from today. Can't even type it without a lump in my throat. Enjoy EVERY minute because it flys by.
I have just sort of started and wanted to try and get the first two started. These Grace Days will help me catch up and finish so I can be on the same page as everyone else. I love seeing all the comments and has helped me walk closer with God. Following the plan has allowed me to set new goals and new routines. Thanks everyone
I am not behind, but I, too, think I will use the grace days just to pray and reflect.
Hi! I too have an eldest going into kindergarten! Wowzers! How can it be?!
I have been following the plans but got off to a late start with SoulDetox so I am looking forward to finishing that up (and having the time to do it). Very Gracious indeed. :)
I’ve found the “mamma pea” strategy to have been best for me, as to not fall behind. She once wrote in a post that she wakes up everyday at 5:45 a.m. to pray and have quiet time with the Lord. I took that VERY literally and do the same now! I love having a more routine schedule and look so forward to that time when everyone else is asleep! I don’t even miss my own sleep. Doing this first thing sets my tone for the day and I am so much more productive– and happy knowing that I’ve got my daily devotional done and try to think about it as I go about my day. If you are having trouble staying on track, I highly recommend it!
Wow, that's early but I bet it's so rewarding! I may try this this week… thanks, Maria!
I am so blessed by you guys, and so excited to have stumbled upon your blog. I am going to start up the reading plan also, and am so excited. Just have to figure out how to get signed up on you version!
Do you mind if I post about you guys on my blog?
Karissa
Karissabarker.blogspot.com
Hey Karissa! So glad you found us, too! If you have any questions, feel free to email us – or check out the "How" tab at the top of this page.
We are also doing a little bit of a different format (hopefully) with this upcoming plan which will make life a lot easier for all of us! :)
actually have managed to stay on track…but have been thinking about truth…
did this…
http://motherjulie.blogspot.com/2012/07/truth.htm…
Oh my goodness I love the idea of grace days!! I've been staying on track with the readings but sometimes they start to feel like just another monotonous part of my daily routine. I'm looking forward to using the grace days to reinvigorate before starting the new plan. I'm thinking about not reading at all during those days and instead just praying. That way when we start the new plan I'll be more passionate and excited about it!
So excited for the “open” days at the end of the week to mix it up a bit and spend some time in prayer & journaling about all God is doing in my heart. Thanks for a few days of reflection…so needed!
I have gotten behind several times during this plan. Feeling discouraged because as i catch up i'm finding that i'm just going through the motions of the readings. I've also been finding it hard to find the time to do my daily reading and journal. Although i've set out to have my time with the Lord in the early morning i've yet to make it up on time and really spend my time wisely.
Keep trying!! It took me ages to actually make it up in time in the mornings–I am so not a morning person. But it helps so much. Just be patient with yourself–you'll get there!! Someone once told me that even small intentions are like seeds that you plant. Keep feeding & watering them and they'll bloom into something wonderful.
Unlike a lot of ladies on here, I actually do my readings mid-morning/early afternoon, I use the early mornings to pray over what I took from the day before's lessons which I find especially peaceful to do whilst walking my dog through the local woods.
Find a time that suits you, there isn't a set time to do it!
yes, keep trying! and don't get discouraged – you'll find a time that works and ask the Lord for the discipline you need to follow through. He is generous with his gifts!
My oldest is starting kindergarten in three weeks. It’s crazy how fast the time has gone, and the thought of her being gone all day makes me want to cry, but I am so excited for her too. She will love it.
I’m not behind on the prayer study, but I started with the surrendered life so I’m trying to do soul detox right now. I also want to go back go through my journal on the prayer study. It has helped me so much while my husband and I are struggling with a job situation. I am loving this!
Kindergarten mama solidarity! :) Glad you're going back through Soul Detox – oh, it's so good!
I too have my baby starting Kindergarten next month. How did this happen? Wasn’t he just my little baby?! Isn’t he too little to be in that big classroom all by himself without me! It is so bittersweet as I want him to grow and flourish, but it is so overwhelming to let him go! This is only kindergarten–can’t imagine college! ;)
So glad we are having some time to catch up. With day to day life I’m neglecting my time to read His truths. I will use this time to catch up and be ready for the new plan Monday!
Hey Kate! Glad to hear I'm not alone on the Kindergarten thing :)
Raechel, you are totally not alone in this.There was a time when my unread days was 5 in this reading plan. I even have few unread days on my Soul Detox plan. But yes, His grace is sufficient for all of us. I also got an email from YouVersion that even when life is busy, it's not an excuse because when we make time for God's word, it has a way of putting all of our activity into perspective! I felt convicted NOT GUILTY!
Isn't it great how our previous reading plans have been working on our hearts. It just shows that we ladies are learning and are transformed by His words! I totally love this community of imperfect ladies but are held together TIGHT by God's perfect love!
Yay! I just started, so I am behind, but I don't care. I will use the time to catch up! I am super excited about the new plan! Thanks!
It’s funny; while I am not behind, I feel behind. Like I am just going through the motions of this prayer reading plan. So when I saw “grace days” my heart took a large, content sigh. While I love reading the word together, it sometimes makes me feel like I have no time to read it solo. Like I have to focus solely on the reading plan. Hopefully, after those grace days, just soaking in the love of Jesus, I will be ready to jump back into the group setting. (Ladies, please don’t think I do not enjoy reading and talking with you. That was not my intention of that comment. Hopefully, you all can understand where I am coming from.)
In Christ’s Love,
Laura
Totally read you, Laura! Thanks for your honesty – and I'm sure many others can relate! Glad these days will be a blessing to you!
I'm a couple of days behind. I am so thankful for the grace days! I always feel so rushed to get through the days I miss that I don't feel that I get everything from them that I should. So, thanks!
Hi! I'm a new blogger and also new to she reads truth. I'm excited to start the new plan on monday! YAY!!!
Welcome! :)
Welcome, Joanna!
I have been doing two days each time I sat down with this plan. I have been having a hard time sitting down daily, but I haven't let myself feel guilty. As much as God is calling me to spend time in His word, he is also calling me to be a mother to my toddler and my brand new baby. He is still teaching me how to manage it all.
As of last night, I'm all caught up, but these grace days are a lovely idea. I am also working on reading through the bible cover to cover and working on a prayer devotional that I had unfinished lying around the house, so I'll focus a little more attention on those during those four grace days.
I was behind and this morning I spent some time catching up and spending some good quality time with the Lord, it was extremely refreshing, but I too was NOT proud of being behind. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I've been falling behind on the Thursday-Friday day's of the plan since I started back at work, I do the reading but don't get to actually soak into the passages until Saturday. I'm so relieved you shared that you too are a little behind. The constant encouragement from the Instagram community keeps me going whilst I'm trying to catch up though, just being able to see everyone's take on the passages on the days I don't have the time to sit and write encourages me to take notes on my phone ready for when I can sit and have time to write and let His Truth soak through my soul.
As for the Grace Days, I may try out the HOPE or TRUST plan, though the TALKING WITH GOD IN PRAYER plan does sound interesting. I'm going to pray over my choices as this plan comes to an end.
I'm excited for next months plan too!
I love this! I thought I'd have to hurry through and finish Soul Detox (I was doing it along side Prayer), to be done before the next plan started. I'm glad I can continue to soak up the words each day instead of rushing through to "check them off" my list. :)