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My video blog today talks about falling behind in our reading. Well, I regret to inform you that that was me this weekend. I sure didn't plan to fall behind, but Saturday morning right after I got up, my husband and I changed our routine. That caused me to not read my Bible like I usually do in the morning. I was ok with that because my plan was to read that evening. Sounds logical, but as the day went on and I got busy, it never happened. The worst part is I didn't even realize it until my head hit the pillow late Saturday night. At that point, I was tired and I caved. So how did I handle it Sunday?

Well first off, I was feeling like a loser because I didn't meet with God on Saturday. And, there was even a little temptation to not read again Sunday morning because, after all, I was a loser yesterday so maybe I still am today (you know that old mind game, right?). But I didn't give in. I pulled out my Bible and read first thing in the morning. It was so refreshing and I felt great afterwards. Sure glad I didn't give in to Satan trying to convince me about that loser thing. :) So I messed up but didn't lose sight of the fact that every day is a new day. So if I stumble or completely fall down, I can start fresh anytime. How freeing.

So how are doing? Have you been able to stick with your plan? Whatever the case, remember there's still time to read today and the whole week is ahead of you. You can do it. Make this your best week yet. Tami W.

So, if you watched my video blog for today you know I'm asking you to respond to an informal poll of sorts about how you're doing this week? Now I know that sometimes it's hard to look at what's going on in your life and even harder to put it in print for others to see. So I'm going to respond to my blog first to all of you and then hopefully, you'll feel comfortable. Sound like a deal? Here goes.

My hang up this week has been discouragement. I tend to be a perfectionist (big time) and this week, I let that be my downfall. Satan knows that, by the way, and it feels like he has just been slugging away. So are you wondering how I responded? Well the first day I came home, and that evening I just read a bunch of my Bible and had a good prayer time. It was good and I went to bed at peace. Next morning, though, Satan was waiting--again--and I allowed him--again--to get me discouraged. When I got home the second night I read some more, but it was more of a struggle. I was tempted to not read and just sulk, but I didn't give in. As I write this today, I'm on the upswing. :) And I'm so glad I stuck with my reading and even ended up reading extra. I definitely felt more connected with God. Plus, I finally let go and let Him carry the load.

Ok--it's your turn. Tami W.

Ok, all this week (and part of last) we're reading in Exodus--laws, tabernacle details, Ark of the Covenant, festivals, etc. Some pretty heavy stuff. So how are you holding up? Are you liking the history, or are you getting bogged down? Well as much as I like reading in the Old Testament (OT), there are still times when I get a little weary or feel overloaded with details. So if that's you today, how about a little "pick me up"? After you finish reading today's passage, try jumping over to the Psalms or maybe a passage from the New Testament for a read. Check out Psalm 8 about God's majesty or maybe Psalm 27, 33 or 111? How about one of my favorites--Philippians 4:4-7?

Hang in there on the OT readings and let us all know how you're doing--remember, we're all doing this together! And if you read something extra as a little break and like it, let us know that too. Tami W.

Hey have you had a chance to consider if temptation is getting in the way of your Bible reading yet (my blog question from Monday)? We've gotten some awesome responses so far (make sure and check those out) but I'd still like to hear from you. Speaking of temptation, don't miss today's reading in Exodus 20. It's the Ten Commandments. A perfect tie in with temptation don't you think? And a great reminder to help us deal with some of the things that tempt us most. I actually have a little bookmark that lists the Ten Commandments stuck up on my refrigerator. I don't read it every day, but more often than not, I find myself reading it over as I close the fridge door.

Alright, I'll be reading with you over the weekend so hang in there. In the meantime, I still want your responses to my Monday blog question--"do you think temptation might be getting you off course in your Bible reading, and how?" Tami W.

In my video blog today I ask the question "do you think temptation might be getting you off course with your Bible reading?" Now when that question was first posed to me, my mind immediately jumped to the "big" temptations and my response was "no." A little later, though, I realized that my answer had to be "yes." Why? Well I started thinking about when I don't read my Bible and what keeps from it. Wanna know what I came up with? They're pretty lame but here goes--watching television, sleeping in, doing e-mail, sometimes even doing "work" for church. These are obviously temptations to me because I'm choosing to do them over reading God's Word. :(

Alright, I shared some things that I can let hinder my reading, so how about you? I'm curious to hear what gets in the way of your Bible reading. Now don't worry. No one is perfect. So take a look. I think you'll be glad you did. Tami W.