I dont’ know about you but I have tried and tried and tried again to read the Bible. It’s hard. It’s confusing. It’s all the things. But, this year I decided to join the Women’s SonRise Bible Recap, which is a plan and group to read the entire Bible in a year, wow. Can I do it? I am certainly going to give it my best! Over 100 women joined which is awesome! Basically we are provided a Bible Reading Plan which can be printed or digital. There is also a Bible Recap website which provides starting videos and everything you need to know about committing to this plan. You read a few chapters a day, about 20 minutes. There is also a Facebook group where we can post comments or thoughts about our reading and a monthly meeting at the church where we have a presenter that picks a topic that is mostly associated with some of our readings and just have ‘girl time’. There are options as to reading a physical Bible or there was a suggestion to also either purchase the Bible Recap book or download the app. For those of you that know me, you know I did both 😀. I like the feel of a book but also love to listen to the readings using the YouVersion Bible App & Audido.

Note – you can always independently, participate at your own pace and start whenever. The Bible Recap web-site has everything you need to get started!

The book I chose is spiral bound. I keep it as a reference but honestly have migrated to mostly the app. Using the app gives me more flexibility when I don’t have the book handy.

I also downloaded the YouVersion Bible Version Bible App & Audio which allows me to also keep up with reading when I am walking or exercising or even just porch sittin’.

The Bible is complex. There is a lot of repetition. Some books are harder than others. And even when I read the chapters and am confused, Tara-Leigh Cobble helps put it all together in a summary and calls out “Today’s God Shot”. I love her and how she recaps in a way that’s easy to understand the highlights!

In my opinion, a key component in reading the Bible is finding the ‘right’ Bible. There are many different translations of the Bible, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. They generally fall into three categories: word-for-word, thought-for-thought, and paraphrase.  Popular literal translations include the English Standard Version (ESV), New American Standard Bible (NASB), and King James Version (KJV). More dynamic translations, which prioritize readability and meaning, include the New International Version (NIV), New Living Translation (NLT), and Christian Standard Bible (CSB). For me, I have found the New Living Translation is my ‘go-to’

I have two Bibles that I actively use. This one is great for journaling and visual fun. And this one, since it’s Spiral, is easy to use but is pretty big. I also purchased Book tabs that I find super helpful. There are many options but these are what I chose…

Most importantly, find what works for you. It may look completely different from what I have shared or am doing and that’s ok. Here’s to happy reading, friend!