April 30 – Hebrews 4:12

Hebrews 4:12 NIV For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. This is comforting. I can so cleverly ration- alize that I don’t even know my own heart and motives. But God, in His mercy, has given us His Word, that is LIVING... Read More

April 29 – Joshua 1:8

Joshua 1:8 NIV Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. The command comes with a pretty big promise! God WANTS us to be prosperous and successful, but not in a way that will ruin our hearts. We are to know His Word, to think about... Read More

Jellyfish and A Reason to Switch to Manual Mode

Wednesday I posted pictures of field trips I’ve taken with the kids. One of the places we frequent during warm weather is the local aquarium. It’s a fascinating place. Around 1:00 every day, divers go into the shark tank and feed the fish. I’m not sure I’ve ever actually seen them feed the sharks, though. Maybe they think the kids would be traumatized! They... Read More

April 28 – II Timothy 3:1-5

II Timothy 3:1-5 NIV But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of... Read More

Next Time I'll "Chick" With My Husband

Last week, a not-quite-7A.M. phone call came from Drew (who was in Nebraska). “Annie, the post office just called to say that the chicks are here.” “What????” (now fully awake) “Annie, did we order chicks?” “Well, yeah, but they weren’t supposed to come for another WEEK!” “Did I know that we ordered chicks?” “I’m... Read More

A Marathon Field Trip

I had a another post planned for today, but I’m out of steam. There seem to be plenty of people I know who are out of steam lately. Can we just take a break today? Want to leave the house and worries behind and come with us on a field trip?! This is a virtual field trip, so we can visit the zoo, the gardens, and the aquarium all in one day! We can also skip the blowouts, the... Read More

April 27 – Psalm 50:23

Psalm 50:23 NIV He who sacrifices thank offerings honors Me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God. Whoa! Thanking God prepares the way for us to see God’s salvation? This is pretty big stuff! I know I’m putting words in His mouth, but it’s like we say, “Father, how can I honor You?” and He says, “Look around... Read More

More Practice Shooting Manual, Plus Some Laughter

Two photographers have told me almost the exact same thing: “Start shooting fully manual. You’ll never go back.” I love aperture priority mode. It sure is nice just to set the aperture and let the camera adjust the other settings to get the right exposure! Their photos blow mine out of the water, though, so it’s to the “M” setting I go. I’m... Read More

April 26 – Psalm 50:14-15

Psalm 50:14-15 NIV Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me. Oh, Annie, I wish you could hear the emphasis here on “thank offerings.” He has just said He doesn’t need anything from us, but He wants our thanks. He wants us to depend on Him, call on Him,... Read More

A Post-Weekend List

Below is a collection of very random thoughts. Bear with me. And thanks, as always, for stopping by to visit. 1. I am tired of having candy in the house. We started using it for rewards, and it has taken over like an uncontrollable monster. I think it was the cake pops that finally did me in this past week. From now on, I plan to use frozen berries as an alternative to candy rewards.... Read More