What's an Integrated Bible?

So recently, I got a new Bible, the NIV Integrated Study Bible, in the mail. At first I was a little skeptical because it is in complete chronological order. So if a part of a book happens during the same time as another part of the Bible, then the parts are put in order based on a timeline. 

 

I will admit, initially it was VERY confusing because I was studying on marriage and the role of wives (something I tend to do, because I have a weakness on the topic). Literally I had much of the Gospel side by side because (of course) the books occur concurrently. But then when I got to books like Ephesians & Colossians, it got really confusing because not only were similar text on the same page, you would see it occur several times as it happens with each book. 

So overall, I now enjoy the Bible because it does indeed make studying a lot easier (as far as wanting Scripture on the same or similar topic). I will say, have patience to actually look for things especially if you don't know the exact chronological order of the Old Testament (like myself, lol).

Initially I asked myself what an Integrated Bible would be like and I can now say that its quite awesome. I use it for all of my studying. Believe it or not, I actually use it more than my Life Applications Study Bible.

When's its time to ask for forgiveness

Today is one of those days when I will sit before you in my transparency. 

Have you ever realized when you are in the wrong, and you are so convicted that it stirs you to action? Well I've had a day like that. 

You see, I've been reading Women Living Well by Courtney Joesph and in part II of this book Courtney addresses marriage. And whoa! Talk about conviction, its one thing for my husband to tell me my behavior is one way its another thing for another woman to say that certain behaviors that women are good for is disrespectful. Then not only is it disrespectful to our husbands, its disobedient to God since we are told, Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband (Ephesians 5:33 NKJV).

Now here's the stickler, I've blogged on this topic before! I've addressed that in marriage its extremely important that for both the husband and the wife to be happy, the husband needs respect and the wife needs love. Neither can be earned but must be given. 

So how is it that I screw this one up? Well try having a person who understands the concept of respect but never really understood what disrespect looked like....until today.

And boy was I ashamed! Courtney outlines what disrespect looks like coming from a woman, and I have to admit that I am guilty of ALL of it. Disheartening right?

I can admit, that my body language many times has been disrespectful, my tone of voice has been disrespectful, even how I treat him in bed has been disrespectful. So now I see that I've been disrespectful and I've got quite a lot of making up to do. Now I go on to read that I am in disobedience to God as this is what is commanded of us, encouraged as godly behavior. So now I am in debt to God and my husband. My number 1 and 2 priority. 

She made me realize that every time I had an attitude was disrespect, every eye roll is disrespect, every time I did not adhere to his leading was disrespect...and it hurt to realize that I have indeed been disrespectful when I thought otherwise.

Disrespect is a sign of a lack of faith in God and disobedience to God. When I have full faith in God and am in full obedience to Him, there will be harmony in every other area of life including my marriage.

So today marks a new journey, a path of repentance and hopefully forgiveness...and start to a refreshed marriage. However only time will tell and I trust God for the best.

Join me on this walk, purchase (pre-order) your copy of Women Living Well by Courtney Joesph here!

 

Journey with me! Comment below with your experience in this area

~ Kris

Contentment

Contentment.

Contentment is a topic I rarely post about and one thing I noticed about myself is that I am not content and I am ashamed of myself.

I hate that I am not content. I see some contentment but not overall contentment and because of this, there are times when I complain unnecessarily. There are times when mentally I mull some things over and it shows in my attitude (which can be absolutely horrible). That is another thing I need to get rid of my attitude. 

It is one thing to not like something or to not feel well, it is another things altogether to have a bad attitude on top of that.

So why am I sharing this with you?

Because I am well aware that while I feel like I am probably the only person who goes through this or who has this flaw. I know I am not the only person and so I reach out to the woman or man who may be in this same boat and is ready to jump ship. Cause I am!

I invite those who are in this boat with me, to take the journey to contentment with me. Take the journey to a better you, a better me. Take the journey to a more joy filled existence to the people around you being more joyful because in un-contentment we are good for complaining, for being unpleasant to be around. 

I don't want to complain any more. I want to be a joy to be around ALL the time not just some of the time. I want to have a better marriage and better relationships all around. And this is just the start.

Let's Journey Together!

You are welcome to comment or if you're more comfortable email me!

-Kris

Reflection

More recently, I took the time to go down memory lane reading through older blog posts. And something that stuck out to me is the conviction I have had in the area I struggle the most with: SUBMISSION. This is one area I have always struggled with. It seems like I will do well with this area for a little while then I will fall back off. And Lord knows I NEED to strengthen in this area. 

I address this area because I know that I am not the only wife who has issues in this area especially the wives of my generation because we are a product of the generation who were told to be strong and independent. I want to be strong but in a feminine way not independent but interdependent because I am married woman. Independence is for singles.

 

One thing that I am coming to realize is that Love and Respect is the key to submission. At the point that my respect for my husband falters, that's when my submission falters. I've coming to realize that another major key to submission in marriage is true submission to Christ. When I am in complete submission to Christ that is when I am most submissive to my husband. 

I need to get rid of the cycles that I have fallen into. There are times in which I go strong in my walk with Christ and then there are times when I have fallen off and my walk is not strong at all. I want and NEED to get to a point when my walk is always strong and always in sync with the Lord. 

I share this because I want other wives who may be going through the same thing to know that they are not the only one. That there is someone else who is going through this with you. And that there is hope, His is name is Jesus.

 ( My husband, kids and I with my mother at her April 2013 nuptials)

Let's WALK with our KING together!