The Tattered Book
- Kelly Price
- Sep 28
- 4 min read
Yes! Today is the day! I did it!!!
On May 7, 2024, I set out to read the Bible in chronological order in one year by following Tara Leigh Cobble's Bible Recap plan and using the study guide that goes with it. Like many of us, I planned to finish in a year, just as the plan suggests. Well, it took me 509 days instead! And that's okay! I still did it. I read the Bible in full, in chronological order, for the very first time in my life.
I started the plan with a group of friends who wanted to join me, and at one point, I even restarted after about 25 days to be in sync with another friend who wanted to join in. That means I technically did the first 25 days twice. YES, that includes the Book of Job twice!
Typically, when I begin something with others and people drop off, I quit, too. But this time, I was determined to do this, even if I did it alone. I am proud of myself for pushing through and finishing, even if I had to do it on my own. In a way, it was even more rewarding to just do it for myself. That felt good.
A little note about Job, since so many people say, "I just can't read Job, it makes me mad." First off--I ended up loving Job. When you push through and then listen to Tara Leigh's teaching in her video recap, you begin to understand how Job endured his dark valley and came to see why he had to walk through it. That was a powerful lesson: we can't give up when life gets hard. We have to keep going. We need to endure the pain and learn the lesson in the end.
Just two days ago, I heard Jill Schulman, the author of The Bravery Effect, speak about buffalo. When a storm is coming, buffalo don't run away from the storm like most animals (including many of us), but instead run INTO the storm, knowing they will get through the storm faster if they run into the storm! That reminds me of Job. He didn't run through the storm. He lamented, yes, but he didn't turn away from God. He trusted Him. And in the end, he was rewarded for his faith, despite his painful journey.
I've learned a lot from Job and Jill about running through the storms of life.
Back to my 509 days of studying the Bible. Each day, I followed the cadence Tara Leigh suggests: pray the five opening prayers, read the day's scripture (I would read along while also listening to it being spoken), then watch Tara Leigh's videos and The Bible Project videos (when applicable), and answer the study guide questions. I also took notes in my GoodNotes app and then pasted them into the "Talk It Over" section of the plan. Those notes were emailed to the original group I started with - hopefully my insights encouraged them along the way (assuming they read them!).
This rhythm transformed my time with God each morning. I felt closer to Him. I learned so much about the Bible and the reasons behind the hardships and the stories. Even when something felt unnecessary or uncomfortable, I saw that God is forgiving, loving, merciful - and always available to us.
My "tattered book"—The Bible Recap Study Guide—has become a beloved treasure to me. It's filled with hope, wisdom, and love. Its pages hold thoughts to ponder, words to live by, and lessons to share. In the past 18 months, it has traveled to many countries with me, and even when I was pressed for luggage space or weight limits, I always had it with me.
Here is what I would ask you to consider: even if you are not a believer in Christ or struggling with God, don't give up. Try The Bible Recap plan with Tara Leigh Cobble. Read the Bible. Take it one day at a time. Even if it takes you longer than 365 days, keep going. The Bible contains lessons, encouragement, and wisdom that can give you direction and hope.
And when you get to the end, the greatest commandment shines through: LOVE. Love your neighbor. Love yourself. What does the world need more of? LOVE.
I am deeply grateful to the people who recommended The Bible Recap to me. I hope my words encourage you to dive in - whether it takes you 365 days or 509, like me, JUST DO IT. It's worth it. You will be changed for the better. I know I am.
For me, the journey isn't over; it is only the beginning. I'll keep returning to these words that give me hope and wisdom for daily living. I want to understand them more deeply and live them out more fully. But today, I celebrate my "tattered book" - and the love I carry with me after reading the Bible from cover to cover.
If you want a copy of Tara Leigh's Bible Recap Study Guide, please request one on my blog. It would be my honor to send you one.
Many blessings to each and every one of you - and MUCH LOVE!
If you would like a copy of any of the devotionals or books I reference, please request one below, and I would be honored to send you one. Please reference the title of the post/devotional to ensure I send you the correct devotional/author. See my mission in the "About Me" link.
