In our house, Mom and Dad never needed to implement reading incentives. In fact, I was far more likely to get reprimanded for reading too much growing up (that’s why I had to hide behind the couch to do it!). My sister, Noelle, is the same way now. Even those in the family who are less obsessive readers still enjoy working their way through a good book. This was mostly passed down by example, I think, because Dad is an avid reader and is rarely to be found without a book or newsletter or magazine of some sort. Mom enjoys reading, too, but it has to be just the right book to keep her engaged long enough to finish it!

In the afore-mentioned Homeschooling Thru High School newsletter, this quote from Mark Twain especially resonated with me, “The man who doesn’t read good books has no advantage over the man who can’t read them.” I haven’t read nearly all the books that I wish I had, and I don’t read as much as I’d like to, but reading regularly is worth carving out time for, regardless of what other things fill my schedule.

While I love having the flexibility of searching out topics and passages that are of particular interest to me at various times, I have also found it helpful to have a structured plan that gives me a starting point each day when I have my quiet time with the Lord. This past year, I thoroughly enjoyed reading through the Bible chronologically (here’s a link to the daily plan that I used). I had wanted to do this for a while, but became especially motivated after spending a year rotating through the Books of History (Joshua-Esther) and wishing that I understood the broader context of the historical timeline and which kings and prophets lived concurrently.

In the course of reading through the Gospels as part of the chronological plan, I was impressed with a desire to know Jesus on a deeper level. My heart overflowed with a renewed love for Him and my imagination was enraptured as I considered what it must have been like to walk with Him while He lived here on this earth. So I decided that I would take a year to do just that! During 2010 my plan is to do a rotation through the Gospels, reading through all four Gospels each month. I couldn’t find anything quite like I was looking for, so I put together my own plan. For all the odd-numbered months, I’ll read through the Gospels in the order they fall in the Bible. For all the even-numbered months, I’ll read through the Gospels chronologically (or as closely as possible). And for each two-month rotation I’ll use a different translation of the Bible, including: ESV, KJV, Phillips, Geneva, Evidence, and one other that I’m leaving undecided until I start that rotation.

I’m super excited about launching this new plan! Well, truth be told, since I finished this year’s plan a couple weeks early, I decided to get a jump start on next year’s schedule and started it a couple days ago. Patience is not exactly my finest virtue… If you’re interested in using the same plan, I’ve uploaded a Bible Reading Plan – Gospel Rotation that you are free to download and use. And if you have another plan that you’ve used and really enjoyed, I would love to know about it!

Here are the instructions from the site about how to obtain your free pocket guide:

Single copies of this Pocket Constitution are available at no charge by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) with first class postage for two (2) ounces to: TheCapitol.Net, Pocket Constitution, PO Box 25706, Alexandria, VA 22313-5706. Requests with insufficient postage will be returned or destroyed. Only 1 copy per request. Available while supply lasts. No phone, fax, or email requests will be accepted for complimentary copies.

Be sure to visit the website, though, for the most current information and to check out other related resources.

Creation Ministries International has just launched a new Homeschool Corner on their website that looks like a great resource for homeschool families! In addition to creation-related materials, they have also teamed up with The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine to provide  an assortment of eBooks, articles, curriculum helps, and more.