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A month ago, I blogged here about my two main resolutions for 2010. My plan was to read through the entire Bible this year, as well as up the amount of books I read to 40 (I estimated that I read 25 books in 2009). So, how am I doing? Well, thanks for asking.

Bible Reading

I’ve been using a Bible reading plan from YouVersion.com. The amazing folks over at YouVersion.com have put a lot of time and energy into providing people with a free online Bible. They’ve created applications for most Smart Phones, and have utilized most of the major translations of the Bible. If you haven’t checked out their site, you should. I’m using the Life Journal Reading Plan and haven’t missed a day. I’m 6.3% completed. And, I’m loving it.

I do my Bible reading first thing in the morning. I find it easier then. Each day, I’m reminded again of some story (especially Old Testament) that I had forgotten many of the details about. Reading this way has allowed the Bible to come alive once again for me. I’m truly enjoying it.

40 Books

At first, I didn’t think I was doing very well with my book reading. There was a week where I seemed that I wasn’t getting far at all. But then, I decided to stop and look back at what books I’ve completed so far this month:

A Multi-Site Road Trip by Greg Ligon – I read about two thirds of this one and then skimmed the rest of the book. It’s a pretty good overview of the different types of multi-site churches in America.

The Prodigal God by Tim Keller – great book about the parable of the prodigal son. This one could become a sermon series for later in the year.

Primal by Mark Batterson – very good book. I blogged about it here. Technically, it shouldn’t be on this list, because I read it the last few week’s of December, but I did start it after I decided to do the 40 books in 2010.

Uncle John’s Endlessly Engrossing Bathroom Reader – okay, maybe it shouldn’t be on this list, but it was a 500 pager! Sure, it took many trips to the bathroom to get it all done, but it was worth it in many ways.

I’m currently reading

The Naked Gospel by Andrew Farley – very interesting book. I have a feeling this will be a book that I chew on and spit out the bones.

Christianity’s Dangerous Idea by Alister McGrath – I’m really excited about this one. It’s been many moons since I’ve read a “Church History” book, and that’s exactly what this is. We’ll see how it goes.

Leading on Empty by Wayne Cordeiro – I’m about halfway through this one. I’ll probably finish it, but likely not until later in the year.

Anyway, it does look like I’m on pace to hit the 40 book mark, but only if I continue to dedicate some time to reading each day.

What about you? How are you doing with the resolutions you made this year?

Happy New Year!

It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years since Y2K. What a decade. Think about it, three of the most significant ways I communicate with people didn’t exist ten years ago. Twitter, Facebook, and WordPress.org blogs. Amazing.

But, this isn’t a post about the past decade, or even the past year.

This is a post about 2010. And, more specifically, two resolutions I’ve made for the upcoming year.

Normally, I don’t make resolutions. Never really have. But, this year, there are two things I feel strongly that I need to do, and I want to share them with you as a way of being publicly accountable. There’s something about making known a resolution. People can ask you how it’s going. In fact, I plan to share my progress with all of you, cause I know you care THAT much!

So, here they are:

1. Read the entire Bible

Yes, I’ve read through the entire Bible before. Probably a few times. But it’s been too long since I’ve done it just for me. In other words, not studying it for sermon material or for writing Oil Changes. But, just doing it for personal growth. So, I’m doing it this year. The entire Bible in 365 days.

I have a secret weapon I’m using in my quest to read through the Bible. It’s called YouVersion. If you haven’t discovered YouVersion yet, you need to. Go to their site and create an account. It is one of the best online Bible resources available. Not only can you read the Bible on your computer, you can also find all kinds of articles written for the various passages you’re reading. Heck, there might even be a few articles written by me.

YouVersion recently introduced Bible Reading Plans. I’ve used a reading plan in the past, and they are an excellent way to stay on track. What’s amazing about the YouVersion reading plans is they synchronize between your computer and your mobile phone. For me, that means I can follow my reading plan on my MacBook Pro or on my iPhone.

I’m going to use the Life Journal Reading Plan for 2010. Feel free to join me if you’d like. If you want to start with something a little less demanding, check out all their reading plans. Some cover just the Gospels, others involve only certain parts of the Bible. Some are for a full year, some are for only a month or two.

2. Forty Books

The other thing I plan on doing for 2010 is read a lot more books. There was a time when I was a huge reader. I probably still read more than the average person (I think I managed to read about 25 books in 2009), but I want to take in more variety of reading in 2010. So, 40 books it is. I wont write full reviews of all 40 books, but I will share what I’m reading and perhaps offer a few thoughts on some of the books. I’ll certainly highlight books that I think would benefit others.

Those who know me well, know that I value reading. Actually, I value learning. I just happen to learn through reading. I discovered books thanks to a mom who loved reading. Mom always – I mean always – had a book on the go. I love the fact that both my daughters love reading. Heather would love to read more, but she struggles with most books. So, she’s trying a new approach. She’s picked up a couple of audio books.

The point is not that everyone should have a book opened all the time. But everyone should have a goal to learn something all the time. Discover the insights of different people. Use books, blogs, audio and video podcasts.

How?

I know what you’re thinking: that’s cool for you. After all, you only work ONE day a week. You have time to do all this reading.

And, in a way, that’s true. Not the “work one day a week” part, but I do have the luxury of taking an hour here or there to read during the day. Although, to be honest, most of my reading is not done in the middle of the day. It’s done early in the morning or late at night. It’s done on the weekends. It’s done during my lunch.

In fact, one of the ways I plan on accomplishing my goal of reading both the Bible and other books is getting up earlier. I’m going to devote some time first thing in the morning, before anyone else is awake, to read. If I spend 30-60 minutes each morning reading, I will have no problem keeping my goal.

So, there you have it. It’s out here for all of you to see. Feel free to ask me how it’s going any time. If you

What about you? Any resolutions you’re making for 2010? Any of you want to join me in following a reading plan on YouVersion?

I’d love to read your thoughts in the comments section.