Of Felines and Phonics: Teaching Preschoolers to Read

My older daughter is enamored with cats lately. Here she is, below, with Aunt Annie’s remarkably patient cat: This is more than just a brief, passing phase. In the house, she crawls around looking for bowls of milk. When she takes a bath, she’s a catfish. When she gets hurt, she cries, “MeOW!” This is serious. I wasn’t worried until one day when she... Read More

April 12 – Proverbs 31:24

Proverbs 31:24 NIV She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. How do we do this today? Do we do this today? I might go back to the Amplified version of verse 16 first — don’t court neglect of your present duties by assuming others. BUT — I know you’re wanting to be able to stay at home. Ask God to open your eyes.... Read More

Hey There, You with the Light in Your Eyes

I’ve taken a break from the photography section of the blog. I knew that was a mistake when I hit a long lull… I’ve decided to tuck the photography section into its own little corner (link in the lower right hand corner of the blog). Anyone interested can come peek in, and others who aren’t quite so obsessed with buttons and dials can feel free to pass it... Read More

April 11 – Proverbs 31:23

Proverbs 31:23 NIV Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. So what does this have to do with wives? Everything. In For Women Only, the men tell us — “If a man knows that his wife believes in him, he is empowered [notice that word?] to do better in every area of his life. A man tends to think of life as a competition... Read More

April 10 – Proverbs 31:22

Proverbs 31:22 NIV She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Diligence and excellence — that’s what I see here. Her hands are busy, providing. She is not only clothed in linen, but “fine linen.” White, probably. Same description for the clothing of the church in Revelation 19:8 — “fine linen, clean and white:... Read More

April 9 – Proverbs 31:21

Proverbs 31:21 NIV When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. Amp – ….are doubly clothed in scarlet. KJV note – scarlet or double garments. An interesting verse! Because of the scarlet/double thing, I looked it up in Strong’s. “Sani” means scarlet, but “seni” means second or again... Read More

Bucket Lists and Checklists: Our Vacation

As promised, I have vacation pictures for you! I blew it on the book review, though. I’m slowly learning never to promise anything to anyone in April and May; they’re by far the busiest months of the year for my family. This vacation could be called “Checklists and Bucket Lists.” My husband’s parents have had, “Take the Family on a Cruise”... Read More

April 8 – Proverbs 31:20

Proverbs 31:20 NIV She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. Opening her arms — to draw them in and embrace them? Writing a check is so much easier! The “poor and needy” can mean lots of things. Some very rich people are poor and needy. Loving a needy person can be “messy,” time-consuming, and often frustrating and thankless.... Read More

Monster Cookies!

Annie is posting for Calamitous Cook this week. A couple weeks ago, my sister-in-law Megan came down for the day. We had tons of fun just hanging out together, and meanwhile, made the most ridiculous portion of cookies I’ve ever seen! Just the ingredients! To name a few: a whole dozen eggs, 3 pounds of peanut butter, and 15 cups of oatmeal! It all started because Megan and... Read More

April 7 – Proverbs 31:19

Proverbs 31:19 NIV In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. Sounds like we’re being encouraged to multitask! Or rub your tummy and pat your head. HaHa. Anyway…… look at verses 18-22 as a whole picture. This is a capable woman. “Vigorous.” “Strong.” Is she spinning in the evenings after dark? Has... Read More