February

I started thinking about my February goal as soon as I started my January one.  I started feeling a little panicky that I didn't have my year mapped out.  But that is sort of the point of monthly goals isn't it?  To see where I am at the time and build on that.  So I calmed myself down and decided to focus on one month at a time.  Knowing and trusting that God will lead me where I need to go.
And really as soon as I started thinking about February, there were signs in lots of places.
Craving God.
I am trying to curtail my sweet cravings.  I am limiting how much sugar I take in.  Trying to break the habit of using dessert as my emotional go-to response.  But I need something to replace it.  I need God.  Quite frankly, I have been apathetic about getting closer to God.  Not in the prayer sense.  I feel God has been working on me with that part of my life for some time. 
But reading the Bible.  Learning more about Him.  Trying to understand His words.  I have been slacking lately.
One of the Christian radio stations (K-Love or Air1, can't remember which) has been talking about getting rid of addictions and craving God instead.  My friend Kelleigh has been challenging people to read the  Bible-in-90-Days, and then our women's winter retreat where our pastor's wife brought up a verse that coincided as well (for the life of me I can't remember it).  I know I need to rededicate my time to reading the Bible.  I have read the Bible through a couple of times.  I am currently on a 4 year plan:-)  But I feel I need more.  I really need more understanding.  I need to sit down and study the Bible.  I have been blessed with going to a private Christian schools since 6th grade.  I am super grateful for that background but I want to learn more.  It has been a long time since I have studied the Bible outside of church.
So that is my February goal.  To study the Bible.  I have been trying to figure out where to start with all of it.  I was reminded of our pastor talking about reading the Bible and he said to just pick a book and start.  You don't have to start at Genesis or Matthew, just pick one. 
As we are studying the book of John on Sundays, I have been reminded of how much I love his writings.  His books talk a lot about the love and grace of God.  I even took a Writings of John class in college because I love the books so much.  So I am going to revisit them.  Starting with 1 John.  I already read through all three books this morning.  Now I want to sit down and dive in. Take notes.  Read commentaries.  Really study it.  I am really excited about this.
The second thing I am going to do is start a Bible study with my husband.  We have done devotionals together and gone to Bible studies, but have never really done one ourselves.  He suggested it and I think it is a great idea for us. 
So there you have it.  Month number 2.  And you know my mind is already thinking towards March:-)