Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Bible in 90 Days--Host Site---Are YOU Ready for the Journey?

Welcome----to those of you that are visiting "just" a mom---refined by grace for the first time!  If you've found my blog from MomsToolbox, you are probably here checking out things for B90. 

First off, let me introduce myself!

About Me:

My name is Tracye.  I'm in my upper 30s (yikes!). I live in central IL, but I'm a southern girl through and through (and you will probably recognize that even if you can't hear my accent!).  I'm a SAHM of 3 (14, 10, 5).  We are in our 10th year of homeschooling (even though I only committed for one year).  I'm PASSIONATE about marriage and celebrating the kind of relationship God intended.  Married for 16 years to a man that I cherish.  It has been a rocky road, but we are finally connected in ways I never dreamed possible.  This is WAY better than the honeymoon phase---this is the tried-and-true and still madly in love stage!  I'm very active in volunteering at our church.  My kids say that if you need me I'm in one of two places....home or the kids department.  They are right!  I love babies.  I love to blog, read, scrapbook, all things crafty and frugal living.  I'm sappy and romantic.  I'm emotional and sentimental.  That's me.

I'm not a professional blogger.  I'm "just" a mom.  Yet, reaching out to women and touching their hearts for God IS my passion and it IS my ministry at this point in life. 

The most important thing about me is that I'm a daughter of The King.  Nothing matters more to me than my one on one relationship with Christ.  It's not about religion.  It's relationship.

My B90 story/history:

B90 was a catalyst of a heart change like I've never known was possible. 

I was raised in church from birth.  I was a "good" girl----never really strayed far from my beliefs.  Granted, I mess up on a daily basis and fall short many times....but I never went "wild" so to speak.  Yet, I carried around a convicting secret.  I had never read the Bible cover to cover.  It bothered me.  I had tried but failed countless times.  I spent time in God's word on a very regular basis, but I had never completely read the word.  I was ashamed.  Convicted.

I joined in with MomsToolbox four sessions ago and committed to doing it.  I made it!  I stuck with it.  In the beginning, I read to just check it off the list.  I just wanted to do it to get it done.  I wanted the guilt I felt gone.  That is the way I approached it.  Something else happened.  During that time, I began to have a thirst and hunger that was only satisfied when I dug in.  A switch took place in my heart.  Instead of reading to get it done and off my list, I began to read because it connecting me to God in ways I had never truly experienced.  It changed me and God poured out blessing after blessing. 

I was so changed that I wasn't satisfied during the weeks that followed....I was ready to do it again.  I wanted to see what God would show me in another "round".  Just reading a few verses or passages during my study time didn't seem to give me that same connection.  I decided to join in again.  Just a few days after making that commitment, my life took a drastic turn I wasn't expecting in the very least.  My dad, who was healthy and rock solid, was suddenly very sick.  He was diagnosed a few days later with stage 4 cancer and walked home with Jesus just a short (and extremely long at the same time) five weeks later.   The rug was pulled out from under me like never before.  Being that his earthly battle ended on Christmas and we spent our holidays saying goodbye, my world turned upside down.  I had every excuse to back out.  My faith was shaken.  My doubts were huge.  My heart was shredded.  Yet, that longing was so strong.  I completed the journey again.  Though I'm currently struggling with this being the 1 year "anniversary" of so much loss and so many struggles, I can honestly say that B90 was the greatest tool in my emotional well being.  Scripture came alive to me in ways I didn't know possible.  Verses popped off the pages like never before.  It was amazing the things that "spoke" to me that I missed the first time.  Despite incredible heartache, I was so overflowing with joy and peace.  Being that deep in God's word made that possible.

The changes I experienced in my own heart and the desire I wanted for others to experience  lead me to mentor a group this last session.  (Shout out to group 62----you ladies still warm my heart!  I think of you and pray for you often!  You blessed my heart in such tremendous ways!)  I had the option of mentoring or mentoring and reading.  I chose to read along because I didn't feel comfortable encouraging others to do what I wasn't willing to do!  I without a doubt am so grateful for that time!  Again, God's word opened like never before and His blessings were tremendous.

What can you expect from me?

IF you commit to reading along with us, I am committing myself to you.  I will be praying for you BY name.  I still carry around the names of those in my group last sessions on index cards.  I often still stop and pray for each of those ladies. 

I will be reading with you.  I'll be facing the same struggles and distractions. 

I will be emailing you at least once a week.  My role is to encourage you.  I will not be interpreting scripture or explaining it.  If you have questions, and you will, those will need to be directed to your pastor or come from your own deeper study.

You can expect confidentiality.  If you post a comment on the blog or email the group, that is obviously public.  If you email me directly, it stays between the two of us.  That was very important to me last session.  Many times we shared things as a group, but many other times there were private conversations and prayer requests. 

You can expect me to be your personal cheerleader!  I want to see you succeed.  I want you to experience the fullness of what God has in store for you.  However, I'm not going to be beating you over the head if you don't make it.  I will celebrate with you no matter how long it takes or how far you get!  God will reward ALL of your effort!

I will be posting links and encouraging notes to help you along the way.

What YOU need to do:

Your main commitment is to READ.  It takes the average person 45 minutes to an hour a day to complete the assignment.  It may vary from that depending on how fast you read and how many distractions you have (which you will have many!).  You must read; listening doesn't count!  You may use any translation you wish.  I will provide a link to a bookmark that you can print that lists what each day's requirement is and I will also post the reading schedule.  This is a FAST pace reading.  It isn't deep study.  When you have questions, which you WILL, you will just make a note of it and come back to it when you have extra time or after the session is finished.  I'm always amazed at the notes and highlights I make each session!

You MUST check-in every Monday.  This is for accountability.  You will simply post a comment on each check in post just letting us know if you are on track, behind, need extra support, etc...  You can also email directly is you are a "quiet" one.  That's OK, too!!!  You can obviously post what you are learning and what God is showing you, but that is optional.  You can encourage others in the group and pick up encouragement from them as well.  The main thing is: you MUST check in in some form.

When and How!

To join in, simply reply to this post and let us know you are joining.  BE SURE TO LEAVE AN EMAIL contact.  That is the only way I can contact you directly with emails of encouragement and follow ups.  I will send out an introductory email so you will have a way to contact me as well.  Once you comment, I will get you added to our group.

When:  This session will begin January 2nd, 2012 and will be complete at the end of March.  I will be honest and admit that this starting date is a VERY busy one for me.  I have so much going on those first three weeks of January.  Yet, I want to start the year off right.  I want my focus to be in the right place.  I want my priorities to be in the right order.  I know some of you feel the same way!  I asked several friends that were interested in starting their opinion on start dates and they mostly agreed that the first of January would be the best for them.  They also NEED the year started off in a positive way. 

I hope you will join us.  I can't wait to see how God blesses each of you.  I can't wait to meet you.  I can't wait to start praying for you by name.  I'm already praying for you now.  I'm like a horse at the starting gate of a big race.  I can hardly sit still.  I can hardly wait to see what God does in each of you.  I can't wait to see how God changes me and what I learn this time around.  I'm excited.  I know it's going to be a hard journey at times (we are all pulled in so many directions, Satan will try to distract), but with the encouragement of each other....we can do this!  We can do it together.  Won't you join us?

72 comments:

portal development said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Debbie said...

I loved reading your intro. I'd like to join your group. Thanks! ~Debbie
stitchndeb(at)yahoo[dot]com

Anonymous said...

I would like to join your group. Thank you! ~Sam
jeonju007@yahoo.com

TN Quiltbug said...

I would love to join your group as well! :) I have completed this program before with Mom's Tool box(I even mentored last session), but feel the need to do it again and do not feel able to host it on my blog. Yet! ;) But I very very much want to join in a group so I have that support to keep me going--I need it! Thank you SO much for hosting!!!!

smenzmer(at)gmail(dot)com

Mama J said...

My husband is a newly commissioned chaplain to the US Navy and Marine Corps. He leaves for training on December 31 and will be gone until March 28 and I cannot think of a better time to begin this journey through God's word! Sign me up!

Nancy said...

Tracye, I would like to be part of your group. I have read through the Bible a few times, and this sounds like a fascinating spiritual and mental challenge. Thanks for hosting this group. I'm looking forward to the reading as well as group interactions through comments. nanfair@comcast.net

Nancy said...

Tracye, I would like to join your reading group. I am looking forward to the spiritual and mental challenge of reading the whole Bible in 90 days! Thanks for your leadership in hosting the group. nanfair@comcast.net

Sara said...

I would like to join this reading group as well. Thanks for hosting/leading!

Teri said...

Hi! I would love to join the group! I am a homeschooling mom of 3 and I completed B90Days for the first time last winter/spring. Looking forward to doing it again!
teriannm AT gmail DOT com

Tracye said...

I'm so excited to have each of you joining us! I'm looking forward to seeing what God has in store for each of us! Already praying for each of you...that He will open doors of time for you to complete the reading and that He pours out blessings abundantly to each of you for commitment!

Shannon Copeland Clayton said...

Hi Tracye!! I want to join you on this journey! I started this journey last January and was amazed at what God did in those 3 months! This was the time that we moved to NJ and I was not able to finish, but did get most of the way through. I want to finish this journey this time! Like you, I am so excited!!! My email is shannonclayton@comcast.net. Thank you for being such an encouragement to me!

Melinda said...

I'm in! I've completed the program once before and would love to do it again. Thank you for hosting!
Melinda
mindymc73 at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

This is just what I have been looking for. Thank you for hosting!
~Christie! Homeschool mom of 3
Mtnmomma3 at yahoo dot com
http://everydayinmfw.blogspot.com/

April P said...

I would love to join your B90Days group. I completed the program on my second try with Mom's Toolbox in Oct. I can't wait to try it again! Thank you for hosting a group.
hugabug1 @ gmail . com

This Beautiful Mess said...

I forgot to post my email - it is mistydawnjewell@gmail.com

Beth/Mom2TwoVikings said...

Got room for one more? :) This will be my first time through. Nervous but excited! mom2twovikings (at) gmail (dot) com

Tracye said...

So excited to have each of you joining in! (Beth: it definitely creates a mixture of nervousness and exictement at the same time! I get butterflies EVERY time!) Looking forward to getting started with EACH of you!

Anonymous said...

I would love to join you! I am excited that we will be starting off the year right away. It is a busy time for me as well, but I am so excited that I can't wait any longer!
Thanks so much for doing this.
Sarah

champsarahjoy@gmail.com

Michelle T said...

I would love to join you. I love to "hear" testimonies like yours, about the unexpected things that have come out of following this reading plan. I can't wait!

Michelle
youn 134 at bell south dot net

Roebuck said...

Tracye,
Hey. Would love to join your group. I have always wanted to read through the bible but have always fallen short. Look forward to doing it in 90 days. amyroebuck@bellsouth.net
Thanks for hosting.

Heather Truckenmiller said...

I would love to join the group. I'm a mom to 4 teens, 2 graduated, 2 homeschooled. I've done the b90 twice before, and look forward to starting 2012 off with it as well. :-)

Htruck@gmail.com

Star said...

Hello. Do you have room for another? I would love to start off the year right too.

Star
starmariephone (at) gmail (dot) com

Anonymous said...

I would love to join as well - I completed with Moms Toolbox in the summer 2010 (I think, could be wrong on dates!) and it was amazing. Like at least a few others, my January is likely to be busy as our 2yo is waiting for the call for open-heart surgery at any time. But I think it's so important to keep my focus where it needs to be during this time! Thank you for hosting!

gfclark@telus.net

Anonymous said...

Hi I would love to join your group. No greater way than to start off the year in God's Word.

Aiichia
grace4life8@gmail.com

Karen said...

Hi,

Loved reading your story.

I've completed B90 Days with MomsToolbox last year - both sessions.

I had never read through the bible like this before and it transformed my understanding of the Word.

Would love to join your group

Anonymous said...

I have always wanted to read the Bible from cover to cover. I have started it lots of times including the Bible in a year. Just never follow through. I am a Senior high youth leader at my church and feel like I'm missing something for my kids. I too have recently lost my stepfather who also had stage 4 cancer. He actually passed away the day after I gave birth to my daughter, which was 16 months ago.
If you have room, I would love to join.

My email is mandi_brink@hotmail.com

Connie J said...

I would love to join your group! I read the Bible through in 90 days last year and SO enjoyed it! It's a huge commitment but so worth it!
my email address is cjohnson@pldi.net
Blessings,
Connie

Anonymous said...

I would love to join your group! Thanks so much for hosting!

Jennifer
isabellas_mum@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

The time is right. The Holy Spirit has been filling me with unquenchable thirst for more of Christ and His Word. I need community to do this. I'm in.

SnazzyAngela at gmail dot com

Thank you, and God be with you as you host!

~Angela

Unknown said...

I want to do this...the actual doing may be harder, but I believe I need to do it. I read the One Year Bible every year, but I always end up missing some of it. Gotta do it all at once.

Mary said...

Can I still join your group? I am a homeschool mom to 2 teens and a pre-teen. This will be my 3rd time doing B90. I am so excited to begin reading again!

Charlene said...

Is there room for one more? I've started the B90days program twice and have never completed it. :0( I'm determined to do it this time, and want to jump right in at the beginning of the year.

Tracye said...

EXCITED to see all of you jumping in! I'm thrilled to see such a variety of readers: first time attempts, those giving it another attempt and praying to succeed, and those that have completed it before but are ready to go again! Looking forward to kicking off on Monday. Be on the look out for an email from me tomorrow!

Anonymous said...

I'm super excited about staring this :) I started once before, but didn't finish. I'm excited about reading with you ladies and my wonderful husband who said he wanted to read with me as well :)

Amanda

Jaime said...

I would love to join your group!
lilpunkin147@aol.com

Mary said...

I'm one of those who tried before and failed. Praying that I can maintain focus this time. I would love to join your group.

Tracye said...

Hi Ladies---I just sent out a welcome email. I need email info for Sara, Karen, Krissi, Charlene, Amanda, and Mary. If you will either post your email here or send me an email at tlgoad AT comcast DOT net...I will get the email sent out to you! So excited to have each of you joining us! Monday is going to be the start of something GREAT!

Tristine Fleming said...

Hi! My name is Tristine Fleming, from Kenosha, WI. I'd love to join the group if you have the room!
tristinedenise@wi.rr.com. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

My name is Carrie Smith from Blythewood, SC! I would love to join this with you ladies! I am a new Christian and have yet to read the Word all the way through! Thank you for hosting! Thesmiths313@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Hi! I'd love to join! I'm a stay-at-home mom with an almost two-year-old and another one on the way. I currently have placenta previa and have to take it easy (hoping not to be put on bedrest!), and I can't think of a better way to use the "down time"! I've read through the Bible several times in the distant past, but never in 90 days and not for a long time. I look forward to joining you!

Jessica
Jalohab@hotmail.com

Mary said...

Hi Tracye I thought that I put my email in my comment yesterday, but I don't see it, so here's my email

ritzema5@yahoo.com

Thanks so much

Mary

Jessie Burnett said...

Would love to join the group! Was starting the one year plan and remembered that I have been wanting to do the 90 day plan for awhile so I'm jumpin into it! Can't wait to read the Bible cover to cover, I've read alot but not all of it and can't wait for all that God has in store for me and for all of you as well!
Blessings,
Jessie mrs.burnett4832@sbcglobal.net

Anonymous said...

This is fantastic. I'm totally in!

Ash
bard.aeslin@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Hello. I'd like to join your 90 Day group. I haven't tried this before, but my friend, Sally, was in your group last year and highly recommends you and the 90 Day challenge. I'm in Lake in the HIlls, IL. I am a mom of 3 - two in high school and one still in home school.
Kelly
kellyflute@mac.com

Anonymous said...

I would like to join your group as well. I tried once before to read the Bible in 90 days but wasn't successful but I am wanting to try again and hopefully be successful this time.

Sherry
m_sparrish@hotmail.com

Kynthia said...

Good evening...

I loved reading your introduction. I am really looking forward to joining your group. I have never read the bible through before and want to spend more time in His word. I am a mom of two boys, married to a wonderful husband of 11 years, and work as an occupational therapist.

Thanks.

Kynthia Marinkovich
Kynth117@gmail.com

Shannon said...

Thank you so much Tracye for hosting the Bible in 90 Days reading! Your introduction was very precious and I thank you for sharing so much about yourself and your life. This will be my second time reading the Bible cover to cover in 90 days and I am greatly looking forward to doing it once again. It is now just after midnight on New Year's Day and I am making this commitment on the first day of the first month of the new year to honor God and to draw much closer to Him, His word, and His promises and blessings for me and my life.

Abundant Blessings,

Shannon
dias88@hotmail.com

Sheri D. said...

Hi, Tracye! I LOVED reading your intro, your transparency. I feel now like I know you even though you've never meant. I definitely feel like this is where I am supposed to be. I would LOVE to join you guys. This will be my first time. Much like you, Tracye, I have been a Christian practically all my life (although I was self motivated as my parents didn't go to church most of my life and still, but I always went with friends). Anyways, I have never strayed too far, never gone wild, etc though definitely not perfect yet I have also never read the Bible cover to cover. :/ I tried to do the last session, but a family crisis happened with my parents and threw me off course so I failed miserably. I want to do this thing this time! I am so excited! Thank you so much for letting me join in.

Sheri Daily
Sheri_Daily@att.net

Dawn Chandler said...

I would love to join in as well. I attempted last year and did not get all the way through. I would love to participate in a B90 group and after reading your intro and those posted here, feel this is the group for me.

dawnchandler at gmail dot com

Jenni said...

I'd like to join, too. I'm in my first year of homeschooling with 4 kids -- 12,9,7,2. I feel like I really need to do this, but not sure how it's going to work! Looking forward to being part of the group.

Jenwinstead27@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Would love to join! My email is michellehalbrook@msn.com
I am looking forward to starting this adventure!
Thanks, Michelle

Jennifer said...

Hi Im jen from Creating Godly Children and Im so excited to be joining to you all!!!
my5jolleykids@hotmail.com
I need to update my email, I have 7 children now :)

daughter of the king said...

I too will be reading and praying with yaull.mandyhachey4@gmail.com. I am really looking forward to it. Thank you for hosting and praying. MandyHachey

Anonymous said...

Hi Tracye, happy new year! just checking in to say that I have started. Praise the Lord for His Kindness, Grace and Love.

Godbless
Aiichia

Anonymous said...

I would like to join too! My email is laurabcarlson@bellsouth.net
Thank you!

Sarah said...

Would love to join the adventure. svhalford@gmail.com

Thanks!
Sarah

Dana Burgess said...

I just found this site, I want to do this too. My email is dbmkpink@yahoo.com thanks, Dana

Dana Burgess said...

I would like to do this as well. Thanks, Dana
dbmkpink@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Hello. I would like to join, if it is not too late. My email is jgieselman@cox.net.
Thank you!

Robin said...

I would also like to join if it's not too late. - Robin

mrsjennings {at} email dot com

Roebuck said...

Good Morning Tracye,
I've been reading but just wanted to mention I didn't get your intro email. I thought I had sign up on your site. I'm not really good at all this blogging stuff so I might have missed a step or two. Please add me to your list. Here is my email address amyroebuck@bellsouth.net

Thanks, Amy

Lisa said...

Thanks for doing this, Tracye. I would love to join your group. I did it last January for the first time with MomsToolbox and felt like it was life-changing as well. Count me in!
Imchoosingjoy@hotmail.com

~Lisa

Anonymous said...

Hello Tracye!
Thanks so much for doing this! I, too, just came upon this and would absolutely LOVE to be in on the FUN!!! Hope it's not to late to join! My email is :
sunnylite042000@yahoo.com

Thank you,
Rhonda

Lori said...

I have started the Bible in 90 days and would like join this group. not sure if it is too late or not. if not please add me to the list.

Thank you
Lori

lewismom@ecewb.com

Lori said...

I have started reading the Bible in 90 days and just found this site thru moms toolbox.com. so if is not too late i would like to join this group. not sure i understand how it works exactly but i want to.

thank you,

Lori

lewismom@ecewb.com

Krissi said...

Hi! I didn't receive the welcome email, my address is Krissi.wyss@gmail.com. I started on Mon. And have 3 1/2 days done :)

Tracye said...

Thanks for checking in Krissi! I've updated my records with your email and will send you the copy of the email I sent earlier. Glad to see you are on track and reading right along! Great job!

Anonymous said...

Hi Trayce..I have been looking for a group that started in the 3rd to join as that is when i started, can't find any. is it ok to join your group though i will be a day behind..my email is
lynn1443@gmail.com I hope this is ok.

Tracye said...

African Beauty: yes! Would love to have you join us. (I sent an email to the above address and it was returned.)

Anonymous said...

Hi Trayce..Just checking in. Have finished day 6 and am on Day 7 now. Been great reading and i been learning loads. My correct email is lynn1443@hotmail.com. Thanks

Anonymous said...

Hi tracye. A bit behind but will be caught up today. Have a blesses day.

Aiichia

daughter of the king said...

I am reading daily, am up to date,and am surprised at how much I am learning.God has really brought to light some ugliness in me that needs to be worked out...I am trying not to spend too much time studying and questioning, it is challenging but I am moving right on along. I never received an intro email but did start on the 2nd. I am new to blogging, posting, tweeting,etc so I am hoping I am responding to the correct place. Thanks again for your prayers. In Him, Mandy
mandyhachey4@gmail.com