Writing my Way through the Bible: Day 1

As an avid nonfiction reader, I often annotate my books with thoughts and connections, using a pen, pencil or post-it notes. Last year, I discovered a book called Writing in the Margins: Connecting with God in the Pages of Your Bible, that suggested an annotation method for bible study. I decided to make some space for an"active" bible study.  As a Catholic educator, I have familiarity with various readings and have interpreted many in the past, but I have always wanted to take a closer look at the bible, from beginning to end.

Finally, with the world slowing down, and all of us, staying home and social distancing, I thought let's begin my bible study today. I began with Genesis and pen, reading, underlining, and writing questions.

Here are today's questions from Genesis 1-10.

Why are the four branches of the river in Eden mentioned? What is their significance?

Why did God protect Cain?

What does this passage mean? Genesis 4: 6-7
"The LORD said to Cain, 'Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is lurking at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it."  I am thinking that it might mean that you should seek praise for what you do and or demonstrate jealousy of attention that others receive.

What does it mean that Cain's ancestors lived for so many years, 900 plus?

Why did the dove not return after returning each time in previous releases?

Thanks for taking the time to read this today :)