From Ollie’s to Genesis: How I Finally Started Reading the Bible (My Way)

Alright y’all… confession time. And honestly? I probably should’ve done this a long time ago.

So the other day we were wandering through Ollie’s (you know… that magical discount wonderland where you go in for one thing and leave with seventeen 😅). We ended up in the book section, just casually browsing, when I spotted a Bible. It was labeled as a children’s Bible, but when I picked it up, I realized it was actually the full Bible — just written in plain, modern-day English.

And let me be real with you for a second…

I have tried to read the Bible multiple times over the years. Truly. Every time, I’d get a few pages in and my brain would tap out like, Ma’am, I do not understand a single word you just read.

So this one caught my attention.

I picked it up.
Put it down.
Picked it back up.

Heck — Quincy even picked it up a couple times.

But we walked out without it.

Not because I didn’t want it.

Because I know myself.

If it’s a paperback with tiny print, it’ll probably end up sitting on a shelf while my eyes squint and my good intentions collect dust. My vision isn’t what it used to be (even with glasses), and those words were SMALL-small.

So when we got home, I had a little lightbulb moment 💡

I pulled up my Kindle app.
Then Audible.

And sure enough — I found the Bible in the same translation that book was written in.

And yes… I got both. (You can find the links at the bottom of this post)

Because here’s the thing: I remember stuff better when I read and listen at the same time. Plus, now I can listen while I’m cooking, working, folding laundry, or doing literally everything else moms do while pretending we’re not exhausted.

I’m actually really excited about this.

I’m only in Genesis 19 so far, but I’ve already learned things I somehow missed every other time I tried. It finally feels… approachable. Like I’m not fighting the language just to understand the message.

And listen — I’m not trying to turn into a Bible thumper or anything.

Church has always been hard for me. Mostly because I’m socially awkward and large groups make my nervous system file formal complaints. But this? This feels personal. Quiet. Safe.

I think doing this is going to help me feel closer to God.

And honestly… right now, I need that.

This time of year hits different. Some days, just getting out of bed feels like an Olympic event. Grief still sneaks up on me. The winter blues are loud. My heart feels heavy more often than I care to admit.

So if sitting in my kitchen with earbuds in while supper cooks helps me feel grounded again?

I’m gonna take it.

No pressure. No perfection. Just showing up — one chapter at a time.

And maybe that’s enough. 🤍

— Simply Sina

This is the audible version I am listening to. Holy Bible: New Living Translation (NLT)

And this is the Kindle version I am reading while listening. Holy Bible Text Edition NLT