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 know I sound like a broken record, but I am unrepentant – — ask! When you see an area... 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 long title… While we’re pausing, the recipe is at the bottom, after the photos.) Begin... 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 valuable for every thing! And that doesn’t stop with this life; it carries on over... 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 yourself. Getting back up when you fall down. But you should be seeing some improvement, too! To... 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 do fine! This is a great week to test my “auntliness.” Julie is taking a brief break... 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 other lists of weaknesses, too — jealousy, gossip, envy, etc. But we are to rule over those... 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 anyone else — talk to Him, share your heart. He wants to be part of our everyday lives, and He... 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 amazing is that He longs for it even more than we do. He died for it. And now He waits for it.... Read More

New Seedling Growth and House Painting Preparation

These last few days have been a frenzy. Friday was my last day of work and when I officially moved permanently to my new home. Saturday, I spent unpacking while my husband power-washed the house to prep it for painting. The power-washer is a fantastic time saver since it saved us from scraping by hand (yuck!), but the finished product is hideous! I’m so glad these are the “before” pictures! Sunday, Drew and I went and picked out paint colors and lots of the... Read More

Still Playing Dress-Up

Last week I ran across a post about a mom’s old flute that she played in high school and early college. She was saving it for her daughters to play, and she decided to photograph the memory. I felt like I could have written the post… minus the truly breath-taking photographs. And the band director parent. But wow, did it send me back through some memories… all the different hats I tried on… Elements by Catherine Designs the shoes I’ve tried to fill… Elements... Read More