March 23 – I Timothy 4:15-16

I Timothy 4:15-16 NIV Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. This is all-out training. Like life and death. And isn’t that what he’s saying? It’s not just for us. Others are... Read More

Gearing Up for A One-Year Homeschooling Trial

Most endeavors – even the most fun ones – hit a lull at some point. I hit one recently with my section of the blog. I can’t describe how much I’ve loved “meeting” with friends and family each week to talk photography, kid antics, and even the occasional identity crisis. 🙂 This has brought some positive things to our home, and I’m thankful... Read More

March 22 – I Timothy 4:12b

I Timothy 4:12b … but be an example (pattern) for the believers, in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. More of the spiritual training. Paul gives just five specific areas to be training ourselves in. “Just.” Think about yourself in each area separately. Pretty heavy, huh?! Aren’t you glad Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to help us?!! I... Read More

Lemon Cottage Cheese Pancakes with Berry Compote and Lemon Whipped Cream

A few days ago a friend said, “Hey Debbie, where’s that lemon pancake recipe you promised in a post a while back?” You mean, people actually read this stuff? 😉 She made my day… As promised, here’s the recipe: Lemon Cottage Cheese Pancakes with Berry Compote and Lemon Whipped Cream (Brief pause while my fingers catch their breath after typing that... Read More

March 21 – I Timothy 4:8

I Timothy 4:8 Amp For physical training is of some value — useful for a little; but godliness [spiritual training] is useful and of value in everything and in every way, for it holds promise for the present life and also for the life which is to come. Just like an athlete trains his physical body, we are to train our spiritual “bodies.” And here is the reason: it’s... Read More

March 20 – I Timothy 4:7

I Timothy 4:7 Amp Train yourself toward godliness (piety) — keeping yourself spiritually fit. Paul here is saying the same thing Solomon said yesterday, or at least we can get the same message. It takes work to build the walls; it takes work to train yourself. “Train” is an active word. Seems to involve a plan, and then regular practice. Hard work and denying... Read More

An Aunt's Duty

This is Debbie posting this Saturday. It is a well-known fact that part of one’s duty in becoming an aunt is to take lots of photos of nieces and nephews! This also applies to grandparents and, I’m sure, many other relationships. Proper etiquette in this area can be a little confusing. 😉 But I figure if I stay behind the camera and take lots of pictures, I’ll... Read More

March 19 – Proverbs 25:28

Proverbs 25:28 Amp He who has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls. The walls of the city were meant for protection from its enemies. The same for us. Our rule over our spirits protects us from our enemies. Satan knows our weaknesses — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life. (I John 2:16) There are... Read More

March 18 – Matthew 7:23

Matthew 7:23 NIV Then I will tell them plainly, “I never knew you.” A sad ending to a sad story. But can’t you hear the sadness in the Father’s voice, too? “I never knew you.” Not only does He want us to know Him, as we’ve learned, but He wants to know us, too. Wants that intimacy. How do you let God know you, Annie? The same way as... Read More

March 17 – Psalm 25:14

Psalm 25:14 Amp The secret [of the sweet, satisfying companionship] of the Lord have they who fear — revere and worship — Him, and He will show them His covenant, and reveal to them its [deep, inner] meaning. Doesn’t that make a longing in you that almost hurts? To know and experience the secret of the sweet satisfying companionship of the Lord! And what is so... Read More