{photo of my favorite accessory and flea market find : the bust of David}
This year, in lieu of my traditional list of New Year’s resolutions, I decided to do a ’40 in 40′; forty things I wanted to do in my fortieth year of life. But because I couldn’t quite figure out photoshop and because 40 is the new 30, the list only has 30 things on it.
And really, does anyone need the undue pressure of 40 resolutions? I have enough guilt as it is.
On my list was the somewhat daunting task of reading the Bible through in 3 months. I first heard chatter of it on Twitter and then downloaded the reading schedule here. I purposely haven’t written about it yet because honestly, I wasn’t sure if it was feasible for me. I have seldom been able to keep my ‘read the bible through in a year’ promises—much less three months.
But I’m pleasantly surprised to tell you that I think it’s been one of the most wonderful things I’ve ever done. I’m on day 27 {I started January 1} and I just finished ‘the Samuels’ a few days ago! It takes about an hour a day and I usually try to do it in the wee morning hours before the troops wake up. I’ve had to play catch up a little on the weekends but I’ve pretty much stuck to the schedule. It is a completely different and fascinating way to read the Old Testament and I highly recommend it. You’re able to get a broad sweeping overview of the history of the Jewish people that is just not possible if you read it on a slower pace. I don’t think this is the last time I’ll do it this way and I pray I have the discipline to finish on schedule. You definitely should add it to your bucket list.
Having just finished II Samuel, I can’t get King David off my mind. Many of you know that he is my favorite bible character aside from Christ of course. I love his story; I find hope in the fact that God uses such deeply flawed people through which to bring us our very redemption. David’s sin with Bathsheeba, clearly an act of outright rebellion against God, brought forth the wise King Solomon and would eventually lead to the birth of Christ.
I’m also re-reading Francine Rivers fiction book Unspoken on the life of Bathsheeba and all this led me to play and replay one of my all-time favorite songs Hallelujah, written by Leonard Cohen and performed by a host of amazing artists including Jeff Buckley and my very own favorite artist Brandi Carlile. The song is about the life of David but more deeply is a song about suffering, love, repentance, doubt and longing.
Our true hallelujah cry to God is often ‘cold and broken’
and the transformation that He is seeking to forge in us is painful.
So I’m a teeny bit bossy today, but I think you should 1) ponder the three month reading schedule 2) read Unspoken and 3) download Hallelujah from iTunes. This video is Brandi’s Carlile’s interpretation of the song—which she says was one of the songs that ‘found her’ and transformed her. {Caiti and I have secured our tickets to see her in concert in February, thus checking off another thing from the list.} I also included the lyrics below the video.
Well I heard there was a secret chord
that David played and it pleased the Lord
But you don’t really care for music, do ya?
Well it goes like this :
The fourth, the fifth, the minor fall and the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah
Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah…
Well your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew ya
And she tied you to her kitchen chair
She broke your throne and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah
Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah…
(Yeah but) Baby I’ve been here before
I’ve seen this room and I’ve walked this floor, (You know)
I used to live alone before I knew ya
And I’ve seen your flag on the marble arch
and love is not a victory march
It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah…
Well there was a time when you let me know
What’s really going on below
But now you never show that to me do ya
But remember when I moved in you
And the holy dove was moving too
And every breath we drew was Hallelujah
Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah
Hallelujah…
[Instrumental]
Maybe there’s a God above
But all I’ve ever learned from love
Was how to shoot somebody who outdrew ya
And it’s not a cry that you hear at night
It’s not somebody who’s seen the light
It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelu…
Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelu…
Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah
Post-Edit: I use the new Lutheran Study Bible which was just released last October. I can’t say enough wonderful things about it. It is by far the best study Bible I’ve ever owned. It’s chocked full of great stuff; prayers, maps, devotional material, greek and hebrew words and references, and much more. It’s an English Standard Version and can be perused or purchased at Concordia Publishing House. {And it’s not just for Lutherans!} There is an official 90 day study bible but this one is so full of good stuff that I doubt I’ll ever use another one for study/bible reading purposes.
Hi! I have been following your site for quite awhile! I have been listening to Hallelujah recently! The song is amazing! You should be very proud of your home schooling!
Hey Edie– Last time you linked to Brandi Carlile {I think bf Christmas?} I wondered how I didn’t know who this very talented woman was? And here she is again— AMAZING! I don’t have itunes but J does and we are getting her stuff. Very Emmy Lou Harris sounding to me! I love it!! I can’t believe you are reading the Bible in 3 months— that is incredible. I very much fear that I wouldn’t retain… but it sounds like it’s been really good. What version are you reading? Do you stop and check footnotes or just keep on truckin’ through? I hope you and your precious girls have a fabulous Wednesday! Had a dream about you last night! Very random. Very random.
Edie, What a stirring post! I did the Bible study by Beth Moore, “A Heart Like His” and found it to be very enlightening! I love David, too! He is a very interesting character, to say the least. But he truly did love the Lord. AND like us, he was flawed. For some reason, I catch myself thinking I can live a sinless life but Jesus is continually forgiving me for my thoughts, actions, etc.
Also, like Darby asked, what version of the Bible are you reading? I really like the NIV for clarity but KJV for its poetic nature.
Hope you have a wonderful and blessed day, my friend!
~Mott
Edie, I am in love with your blog. I have it my google reader and you are such an inspiration. Not only with your craftiness and mad parenting skills,but your love for The Lord has been so wonderful to read about. I really needed to see this post today and to hear that beautiful song this morning. Thank you!
Oh, I love how God works. Your post today played a very important part in my morning.
It started with difficulty (a feeling of failure and a testing of faith). Then my 7 year old read aloud, the story of David and Goliath to open our homeschool day. You know, the one about complete faith and doing with God what otherwise seems impossible. And SUCCEEDING. They my 9 year old read James 1 aloud today. You know, the one: …The testing of your faith develops perseverance. …Ask God, who gives generously to all, without finding fault, and it will be given to him. .. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt…
Then I opened your blog as I do every day, and see:
Our true hallelujah cry to God is often ‘cold and broken’
and the transformation that He is seeking to forge in us is painful.
And I listen to Brandi sing, and I cry. And half way through the song, my husband sends me an email with an answer to our prayers (the part that was testing our faith in the first place).
God is so GOOD.
Hallelujah.
What amazing chords for such a cold morning! Thanks for sharing!
Well … yesterday brought some sunshine AND a BlissDom ticket! Excited to see you there!
Have a great day!
That song brings me to tears every time.
Oh Hallelujah indeed! I am in the midst of a Bible school program and part of it has been to read the Bible through in the year. I have been reading a book here and there, but with other readings and other things going on, I have not made a very good dent. I am so happy to find this!! Thank you!
On Halleluja: This song captivated me the first time I heard it. But it was from the Shrek soundtrack. It’s a mesmerizing song. I did not know it was about that King David – I just never put two and two together. Thank you for sharing.
I haven’t read Unspoken, yet. I think I’ve read nearly all of her others, so I’ll have to add it to my list.
Hey edie, this is the first time i have commented on your site. I always look forward to your posts. My children and i (1 yr, 2yr and 4yr) sat around and watched brandi. They loved her and asked me to play it twice. we love music around here. Also, I am reading through the Bible as well. Not in three months. It has been a wonderful time. (im using McCheyene’s reading plan)
I am learning so much i have missed before. OOh and i am going to try your beef enchilada recipe this week. yum.
I recently did a (Beth Moore)study on David called Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed: A Study of David. It was amazing. I did it through my church and it was a chance to be in the Word and meet so many amazing women.
I have loved this song for many years (it was even on Shrek!)but I never realized it was about David. Thanks!
i’m doing the b90x thing, too! 🙂 i didn’t start until about 2 weeks into the year, so i’m on day 14 or 15 i think…i’ve double timed a few days just in case i have a sick day or something. 🙂 anyway, my 3 year old love that song and we have it on the iPod by about 8 different performers. 🙂 he has a “name” for each version. too funny.
oooh I have’t read that one…read Redeeming Love late last year…it blew my mind…in fact I’m still digesting it! I will have to add this to my Francine list.
I too love that song. I especially like the rendition by Rufus Wainwright.
I will take your teeny bit bossy recommendations to heart : )
Please give k.d. lang’s version a listen. I found it on Gimundo (an only good news site).
Edie, thanks for this post. I had heard that version before, but especially loved reading along with the lyrics you posted. I am inspired by your bible reading. I so need God’s Word to come alive to me, and my laziness (and sin!) really gets in the way.
oops, that last comment had the wrong email attached to it. this is the right one.
I’ve heard so much about the 90 reading plan and people saying the same thing you did~it gives a broader view of what was going on and also just how much fun it is. I need to do this!
I’ve read Mary by Francine Rivers but not the one about Bathsheeba~may need to check that one out too. Love her!
I also love to read about Davids life. I love that he was called a man after God’s own heart and yet he lived such a very human (flawed) life.
What a great idea….I will do a 50 to 50 list…I turn 50 on 2/13 this year….loved the post.
Take care,
Donna
Beautiful song…and i have read like that, one gets a whole different perspective, a total view..it’s wonderful! Come say hi 😀
First off, the photo incites awe and inspiration in me from a decorating standpoint. Love it!
I too love the story of David. It is a reminder to me that all of us, even the best of us, are susceptible to sin and that we must be stronger then we thought in order to overcome temptation. David’s story has a happy ending as far as his posterity, but at great cost to himself. He was diminished, and would never again be the great King and man he once was. Also a reminder to me that though we may be forgiven, it does not erase the consequences of our actions.
As always Edie, your posts are well written, thought provoking, and evident of your great love for what is good. Thank you.
I think it is awesome that you are reading the Bible in 3 months! This encourages me! I’m doing a 180 day “main chapter” read that I found on line. It is so helpful to have the goals!
When you see Brandi, I hope my friend Katie is playing with her. Because you would love Katie. And then it would be a double treat.
I’ve been doing the Life Journal for a few years now. So amazing how our eyes can be opened to new and fresh things in the same scriptures daily. Living, breathing word.
Thanks for being you.
I love Rufus Wainwright’s version of that song. So pretty.
Loved this version of the song. She sounds amazing. I have to tell you edie you are such a huge source of inspiration for me. From the simplest ways of decorating all the way through to the most important things such as faith and family. I feel like i’ve been treading water for quite some time now. You accomplish more in one day than I have in 6 months. Reading your posts make me want to be a better person for God, my family and myself. Thank you.
Edie- wanted to ask you if anyone else was having a problem viewing your “renovations”? Every time I click on it it takes me to the page where I can choose which reno I want to view- once I choose one it takes me to that post and starts to load but then it jumps back to your most current post. Is it just me having problems????
Wow. I absolutely love this song, what a beautiful rendition. Thanks for sharing, I love music and you always have a good find for me. 🙂 If I could, I’d sit around all day discovering good music. Thank goodness for the Internet! As for the Bible challenge I’m all over it. I’ve been wanting to find a schedule and this seems do-able. As soon as I order a different Bible, I’ll start. David is also one of my faves. Have a wonderful week. Props for sticking to your reading and just curious…are you keeping those festive lights over your bed all years? I think you should. 🙂 Have fun at the concert, I’m sure you and Caiti will have a blast.
Try reading Michal and Abigail by Jill Eileen Smith, they were just two of the wives of King David. Awesome reads. I love your blog!
Alright, I will do it…only cause I love Francine Rivers!:) BTW you need to read Tamar, and the series she wrote about obscure men in the Bible. The prophet, The scribe, The warrior, and The prince..there may be a priest one…I have not gotten that far…but anyhoo they are wonderful …my sons matched characteristics of each…it was interesting to see how the Lord used these men inspite of their weakness…and how their strengths were all Him:)
Alright%2C%20I%20will%20do%20it…only%20cause%20I%20love%20Francine%20Rivers!%3A)%20%20BTW%20you%20need%20to%20read%20Tamar%2C%20and%20the%20series%20she%20wrote%20about%20obscure%20men%20in%20the%20Bible.%20%20The%20prophet%2C%20The%20scribe%2C%20The%20warrior%2C%20and%20The%20prince..there%20may%20be%20a%20priest%20one…I%20have%20not%20gotten%20that%20far…but%20anyhoo%20they%20are%20wonderful%20…my%20sons%20matched%20characteristics%20of%20each…it%20was%20interesting%20to%20see%20how%20the%20Lord%20used%20these%20men%20inspite%20of%20their%20weakness…and%20how%20their%20strengths%20were%20all%20Him%3A)
Ok…..I do not know what just happened…but I truly was not trying to type in code:( Just saying that Francine Rivers has another series on the men behind the men in the Bible that is so good. The Prince, The Prophet, The Scribe, The Warrior, and I think maybe The Priest not sure…also her book on Tamar really impacted me…so that is it ….I will try this again.
Hallelujah — Leonard Cohen’s masterpiece and one of my favorite songs. The best version for me will always be the one by Jeff Buckley.
Brandi Carlile has an amazing voice. I had never heard of her before. I am reading through the Bible in 90 days, too. I am loving it! I’ve tried to read it in a year a couple of times, but always give up. I got behind once(5 days worth), but managed to catch up and have stayed caught up. I feel like life is going much better when I’m consistently reading the Bible. I’m going to have to look for Unspoken. I loved David.
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2010/jan/10011501.html
Did you see this? A 16 yr. old auditioned for AI singing this. I admit, it was the first time I ever heard this haunting song. She is the daughter of a pro-life blogger and has 4 brothers with Down’s. AI did a clip with her showing her family life and then showed her audition. It was so simple and beautiful. I watched this clip several times with my kids. Enjoy!
I’m also reading on “the plan” and also LOVE it!! I’ve never been able to stick to other plans that have me in Leviticus or Deut. for 20 days or something. 🙂 3 days of one of those books I can handle, HA! I am really enjoying the bigger picture I”m getting by reading the “whole story” so quickly. And yikes, who knew there was SO much murder in the Bible?!? I had forgotten! 🙂 I’m also telling friends that this is a great plan…I’m so glad I found it!!
This is a great post! And not to detract from it, but I *LOVE* that bedroom on the right hand of the pic!!! My hubby has a love-affair with christmas-style lights, and I know he would be SO happy if I would put them up in our bedroom. he loves to read or nap with those kind of lights on. he had really ugly ones up in his bachelor pad, but hasnt’ had any since. would you be willing to post more pics??? he would be tickled pink to get some up in our room for all year long.
Hey Edie! Just looked at your post and saw your gorgeous armoire! Tell me about it. I have a similar piece housing my tv and want to do something really cool with it. What sort of gold glaze did you put on it? I absolutely LOVE it!
Thank you so much for sharing about reading the Bible in 90 days. I think my husband and I may just commit to doing that again since it’s been some time since we’ve read it through and I would like to do it on a regular basis since you always learn more every time you pick it up to study it. I love reading and studying the Word and have read the Bible through in a year, but in my personal study and quiet time, I tend to want to read and study the areas that are meaningful and speak to my life at the moment. I may check out your Luthern study Bible. Although I love the one I use presently, it’s good to widen your vision and studying new materials are always helpful and insightful.
As a psalmist who loves to compose and make music to exalt and celebrate God, the young shepherd David has always been a figure that speaks to me. As King David, in his triumphs and failures, I can still relate as a fallable human. One of my favorite songs about King David is by Morris Chapman from his “The Psalmist” CD. Very touching and inspirational music that I’ve treasured for years.
LOVE the painted amoire! Did you paint this? If so, do you remember what colors you used?