Yeah I know I should start this on January first.  Why not wait? Well because I figure God has waited on me long enough. It's time for me to step up and step out in He who has given me everything and whom keeps me going every day.  So here is Day one for me. I hope you can follow along. Come to the Beginning....

Memory Verse.. "For this commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of reach... But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may observe it."--Deuteronomy 30:11,14

Reading for week 1....Main reading Genesis 1-11 and if you have time read Job... I am doing one reading before I get out of bed and one before going to bed at night.  However if you are doing a bible study or have little ones. Do what you can, when you can.  Go at your own speed this isn't a race. It's a communication with God and He might just start you with one verse at a time take it dwell on it and make it your own.  Oh and yes those annoying genealogies are important.  But more on that later...

Oh those of you that like books. I am using a study called Cookies on the Lower Shelf  Putting Bible Reading Within Reach Part 1: Genesis -Ruth.  by Pam Gillaspie

First start with reading the story. Remember this isn't a race, or a you have to put yourself in it and get something out of it every time type thing. Read it like a love letter or a beloved book. There is a story here. The history of our world yes but an amazing love story too.  God made this earth for us.  Isn't that just amazing.  Yet here I am getting ahead of myself.  Let start today with reading about how the world began.  This is a book of beginnings. Our first two chapters are about our perfect world. How absolutely wonderfully perfect it was made. So many amazing first have happened. The first animals, the first namings, the first sunset and sunrise. Read absorb and let it fill you with awe.

Consider the way you think (this is from the book)

What successes or failures have you had in reading the Bible?
What characterizes your reading and/or studying
Have you encountered any hang-ups along the way? If so, what kinds?
What has worked for you?
Are you bringing any fears or reservations to this study?  If so, what are they?
What do you hope to gain through this study?

Record Key words and phrases (words that are repeated, phrases that if removed would change meaning)
How does the bible start?
Who is/are the main character(s)?
What do they do? (look at the action words)?
Describe the creation as it is at the end of chapter 2. What characterized it? what flaws if any?
What did God create on the sixth day?What instructions are given by God.  remember to look at the verb (pay attention to words like do not and go forth) 

if you have time Read Gen 1:1, John 1:1 and John 1:14
Who was involved at creation?  compare these verses.