I know that this happens to people all the time, but I’ve never had it happen to me.11057734_10154130362352715_6838153597502462392_n I have had this Bible for 14 years. It has seen me through some of the darkest days of my life and helped me find the words to rejoice and give praise during the greatest days too.

My Sweetness gave me this Bible on Mother’s Day, 2001. It came with a sweet note from Andy and a signature from my then 2 year old Noah and “witnessed” by a 2 month old Nathan. I have countless notes in the margins and on far too many pages I have underlined so much you can barely read the text.

I have quotes in what Andy calls the “Hall of Fame” on the once blank pages in the front and back of it by people who have made an impact on my life. I have used pencils, pens, highlighters, colored pencils (which is what I recommend), and even crayons to mark passages in hopes of bringing them to mind later. I have made notes to myself to remind me of what God has shown me in His word. I have prayers written out for myself, my husband, my children, my family, my friends and my church. I have my spiritual goals and my admitted failings penned on these pages.

I have read this Book cover to cover more than once and the tear stained pages prove it. I know it’s “just a book”, but it’s the Book that my Heavenly Father has given me as a guide through this crazy life.

As I look at it in pieces now, on one hand my heart aches thinking of the countless hours I have poured into reading it, trying to understand and being overwhelmed when He shows me what I need. On the other hand, I am kind of excited to start again; to read the same words with fresh, clean pages; to write new notes and scribble new thoughts as God reveals His plan for me.

I praise Him that His word is living and active and that while I will miss this Bible, there are things that He wants to show me in His word for today and they are every bit as important and poignant as what He has shown me in the past. I praise God for this ol’ Bible.

He and I both know that I am no spiritual giant nor do I always “get it” when I read His word. We both also know that I don’t read it nearly as often or with as much focus as I should. Yet, He is faithful and consistent and His word is the same yesterday, today and forever.

“I have treasured Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You” -Psalm 119:11