June 22, 2017

Greetings My Friend, For most of my life I wanted to get more education. I managed to start college when my daughter started kindergarten although I never got a degree. I did the usual trying to figure out what I wanted to do to make a living so I spent time learning to teach preschool children, then decided I did not have what it takes to be with 3 year old's all day everyday. When I took English 101 I discovered writing a journal and my love of writing was born so I spent time attempting to be a free lance writer. That endeavor did not pay the bills so I started taking accounting classes and business classes. These classes did help me get a decent paying job and I was grateful for this. I quit going to college when things at home became too much to deal with. After 24 years of marriage I found myself divorced so I spent time learning how to be single and turning my heart over to Jesus. After meeting Junior then marrying him I was discovering my faith deepening and I had lots of questions and I kept asking Junior all my questions since his faith is what attracted me. Each time I asked my questions he responded "What does the Bible say?" This answer started to irritate me until I picked up the Bible and began my journey of reading the Bible through each year, that was 19 years ago. My faith started growing with my quiet time becoming more important to me. I remember many mornings wishing I did not have to stop and get ready for work so I could stay in the Word. Ten years after we were married I retired with the idea of my dream of studying God's Word in depth although that is when my health issues flared so the depth of study did not gel. In the last year or two though my health issues have settled and my quiet time has allowed me to begin the earnest study I longed for. I still read the Bible through each year at this point, I also journal my time with God. I fill 2 full pages and divide these pages with headings "What is on my mind today, What can I talk to God about today, On the 2nd page I write "Scripture-What does God say, What does the Holy Spirit say and How can I serve others today?" Along the way I bought a study Bible and as I read I found myself referring to the notes at the bottom of the page. Once in awhile a word peeked my interest so I went to the internet to do a search of that word, I loved it. The other day I was at a bookstore looking for another study Bible this time I decided it was going to be the KJV because our new Pastor teaches from this version. I like to follow along in the same version of the Bible that is read from the pulpit. Pastor Joe recommended the Ryrie study Bible so I bought it. I read some of the information contained in this Bible and found myself intrigued. It hit me that I finally have found the college courses I have longed for and did not know it, the college of God. God teaches me sometimes reteaches me until I grasp what He is wanting me to learn and I don't have to worry about my grades which makes this college learning more enticing. I plan on studying in God's college of life long learning until the last day of my life. May God bless you and keep you make His face shine on you. Love Janet