Thursday, August 11, 2011

coming soon....

The past few months have been a real struggle for me.....trying to keep up with everything just got a bit overwhelming. Sometimes I get a bit OVER-zealous and try to do way too much. I am hoping to get back into a regular routine. For those of you that keep me accountable and ask about my blog, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! With school starting, I should get back into a regular routine. I'll do some "catch up" posts then get back to my regular daily schedule.

Much love, Dina

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Please advise

So, I got behind on my blog (in case you haven't noticed). I've still been reading and taking pictures. However catching up the blog is exhausting to think about!

For those of you that read this, need some advice. Should I catch it up? Should I just pick up with the current day? Should I do one large post of all the days that I have missed?

Let me know because I have no idea what I should do.


Thanks,
Dina

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Day 96

PICTURE: Linus and Grandma Jean playing tug. This is my 84-year-old grandma after Linus gave a HUGE tug on his rope. He had been playing so nice and gentle. All of a sudden he gave a pull and gma had to let go. This picture makes me laugh every time I look at it!


READING: 2 Samuel 20-22. 21:17 "But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to David’s rescue; he struck the Philistine down and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, saying, 'Never again will you go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel will not be extinguished.'” Why is David referred to as the lamp of Israel?

2 Sam 22 - What an amazing song! I love how David gives ALL the victorious glory to God, praising HIM for the success of the Israelites.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Day 95

PICTURE: The Creek. This creek/stream/river is about a 5 minute walk from my grandparent's house. Linus and I went down there every day to walk and play. It is sooooo peaceful and beautiful.



READING: 2 Samuel 17-19. 2 Sam 17 - Absolom is advised not to go up against David (history would tell him that this is not a good idea). He didn't like that so Absolom found counsel with another. IDIOT!

Then Absolom gets killed.

David is an amazing king. The people really seem to admire him. Sure he has his faults, but he really is a man seeking God's heart.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Day 94

PICTURE: Linus and Grandpa Dean. We made it to Arkansas! Linus got to meet 2 of my most favorite people. He was so happy, he is even smiling for the picture. I had to take it without gpa knowing or he would have made silly face. :)



READING: 2 Samuel 14-16. 2 Sam 14:32b-33 "[Absolom says,] I want to see the king's face, and if I am guilty of anything, let him put me to death. So Joab went to the king and told him this. Then the king summoned Absolom, and he came in and bowed down with his face tot he ground before the king. And the king kissed Absolom." Forgiven....

Then Absolom plots against David! UGH!

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Day 93

PICTURE: Linus's first motel visit. We are on our way to Arkansas to see my grandparents. Linus wasn't too sure about this whole motel thing. He eventually ate and then fell asleep on one of the beds. (Motel 6 is a pet-friendly place to stay if you ever travel with your pets.)



READING: 2 Samuel 12-13. 12:7-10 "Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. I gave your master’s house to you, and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you all Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’" I can't help but wonder how David really reacted. Vs 5 says "David burned with anger..." and then he finds out that Nathan is speaking of David. God has bared David's sin to Nathan....AHHHHH!

2 Sam 13 - Seduction, rape, murder...things don't seem to have changed too much since then. When will we learn from our ancestors' mistakes?

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Day 92

PICTURE: Saturday evening naptime. Linus LOVES to curl up on the couch. Then Charlie will squirm his way in close and cuddly. Charlie's head is completely smashed between Linus's paw and the couch, but he totally doesn't care!


READING: 2 Samuel 8-11. 2 Sam 9 - Why did David want to suddenly show kindness to the house of Saul? What a life for Mephibosheth to have! I"m sure he thought he was going to be an outcast for life because he was crippled. maybe this is David's way of preparing Jonathan (Mephibosheth's father) for all Jonathan did for David.

2 Sam 11 - Holy Smokes! David is gonna be in HUGE trouble. Not only did he commit adultery, but then committed murder to try to cover what he did.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Day 91

PICTURE: Limbo Contest/Beach Party! Every year, on the Friday before Spring Break, we have Beach Day at school. It is something our principal started 6 years ago when he came to SES. The day is capped off with a school-wide Limbo contest. Classroom winners are decided during music class. They then compete for the Title in front of the whole school. These are my kiddos with their signs in support of our class winner, Tiffany!



READING: 2 Samuel 4-7. 5:4-5 David rules over Judah, Israel, both....anyone know the dates, as to figure out the chronology?

5:10 "And he [David] became more powerful, because the LORD God Almighty was with him."

6:22 This is one of the pictures of David that brings me joy. "I will become even more undignified than this..." David dances before the LORD with wreckless abandon and he doesn't care what people think.

I am learning from David. I have to TRUST God! I'm going to look like a fool to the world, because the world doesn't know God. But, I DO know God and I need to trust him in all I do and worship HIM!

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Day 90

PICTURE: nothing :(

READING: 2 Samuel 1-3. 1:26 "I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother, you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women." What a glimpse of the heart of David.

Battle between the house of Saul and the house of David. Amazes me that, even after Saul's death, the war continues.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Day 89

PICTURE: nothing

READING: 1 Samuel 28-31. 28:16-19 Saul is so dumb! He is so scared. So, instead of consulting God, he sneaks into a witch. Then Samuel (I love this guy), his spirit gives Saul a verbal whoopin! Love it.

1 Sam 31 - Saul takes his own life! What an ending to his life. Did he do it because he realized how much he had disregarded the LORD? Was he that afraid of the abuse that was coming for him?

Saul leaves a legacy of the importance of remaining connected to God. Only Saul's life shows what not to do!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Day 88

PICTURE: bball party. Our season ended yesterday. I had a party for the boys, all 41 of them, in my classroom after school. We had snacks and watched Space Jam. Most of the boys had NEVER seen the movie....may have something to do with the fact that they weren't born yet when the movie first came out.



READING: 1 Samuel 25-27. Abigail - what an amazing, selfless woman! She could have been killed for admitting/taking blame for Nabal's behavior. Instead, she was spared, God's judgment came down on Nabal, and Abigail became David's wife! WOW!

Monday, March 28, 2011

Day 87

PICTURE: this is where I would have put a pic of me coaching 4th and 5th boys' bball if I had ever remembered to have someone take a picture during the past month. Just picture me with 41 boys, ages 9-11, and you can kinda figure out what it looks like.

READING: 1 Samuel 22-24. David spares Saul. His reasoning..."As the old saying goes, 'From evildoers come evil deeds, so my hand will not touch you.'" (24:13) Matt 7:20 says you will recognized believers by their deeds. David was truly after God's heart. Sure he messed up, but he sought God!

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Day 86

PICTURE: chillin on the couch. Today I decided to just relax and watch some bball. Needless to say I will hit a low when the NCAA bball tourney is over. But, until then, this is how we spend out time. Linus and Charlie played all morning and most of the afternoon. This is them when they crashed. They are such an odd couple, but I love them. They get along so well.


READING: 1 Samuel 19-21. Heading reads: Saul Tries to Kill David

Jealousy is No good! Saul is in a spiritual battle. God is sending an evil spirit upon Saul (how is that possible). I think this had to do with God rejecting Saul in chapter 15.

I love the relationship that is developing between Jonathan and David. It makes me think of Paul and Timothy. They care so much for one another! Everyone needs someone like that in their life.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Day 85

PICTURE: South Side Soda Shop with Jackson. I had the pleasure of hangin with my awesome nephew and we had to run to Goshen. It was dinner time so I asked him what he wanted to eat. "CHINESE!" was his quick reply, but I wasn't diggin it. So, I suggested the Soda Shop. "I've never eaten there," was Jack's reply. HE LOVED IT! We had a good time hangin out, eatin food, and laughing about the silly things we do.


READING: 1 Samuel 17-18. Goliath is boasting! And he presented quite the bet to the Israelites. The Israelites were "dismayed and terrified."

Puny, young David comes along and says, "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."

And HE did!!

Later in 1 Sam 18:8 I read this, "Saul was very angry...." Saul is SOOOOO jealous of David. Why? The reality is that David had more faith than Saul. David trusted God to deliver him from death. Saul has some serious issues to work through.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Day 84

PICTURE: South Bend Symphony. Our music teacher got a grant for the 4th and 5th grade students to attend the symphony. We all got dressed up and attended an amazing production designed for students.


READING: 1 Samuel 15-16. Disobedience honks God off! Saul knew what he was to do, but took his own approach rather than follow God's direction. It didn't' work out to Saul's favor - "And the LORD was grieved that he had made Saul king over Israel." 1 Sam 15:35

So, God sends Samuel to find a new king. As Samuel is meeting people, God reminds him "The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Sam 16:7b. God chose David and Samuel anointed him.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Day 83

PICTURE: it's grilling season! I love to grill and am so happy that the weather is a little more conducive for it! I grilled some chicken that marinated in italian dressing, soy sauce, and some grub rub. It was SOOOOOOOOOOOOO GOOD!!!!!!


READING: 1 Samuel 13-14. These chapters begin with Saul not following God's directions. God is now seeking another leader. OUCH!

The Israelites go to attack Philistines and find them in a total panic. "Then panic struck the whole army - those in the camp and field, and those in the outposts and raiding parties - and the ground shook. It was a panic sent by God." 1 Sam 14:15. God rescued the Israelites AGAIN!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Day 82

PICTURE: Charlie! He's seriously the cutest kitten ever. He loves to play in this Kitty Cube. He really enjoys hiding in their and then jumping out at Linus when Linus walks past. Makes me laugh SO HARD because Linus always jumps.


READING: 1 Samuel 8-12. I Sam 8:7-9 "And the LORD told him: 'Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will claim as his rights.'” Samuel gets bummed because the people want a new kind. I love what God tells Samuel...it's the same old cycle that they have been going through.

An exchange of kind. Samuel did well: Saul will be great.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Day 81

PICTURE: Healthworks Museum field trip. We went on a field trip to the Healthworks Museum in South Bend today. It is part of the Memorial Hospital. I have never enjoyed a field trip so much. Everything was very interactive as we learned about the body. We learned about the brain, blood, heart, and lungs. We got to see real pig lungs. The coolest part of the trip was watching Paul (our instructor) dissect a pig heart. AWESOME!!!


READING: 1 Samuel 4-7. The Ark gets stolen by the Philistines and look at the course of events...

1 Sam 5:6b "he brought devastation upon them (the people of Ashdod) and afflicted them with tumors."

1 Sam 5:9 "(Gath) was thrown into a great panic. He afflicted the people of the city...with an outbreak of tumors."

People obviously didn't take the power of God honestly (outside of Israel and they even had their moments of stupidity). I love the response of the people of Ekron in 1 Sam 5:11 "Send the ark of the god of Israel away; let it go back to its own place or it will kill us and our people." These guys heard what happened in Ashdod and Gath and wanted none of it!

Monday, March 21, 2011

Day 80

PICTURE: cuddling. I got home from my bball game last night, changed my clothes, and walked out to find this in the living room. They are seriously the CUTEST!!!



READING: 1 Samuel 1-3. I think Hannah had a tough thing to do. The son she longed for, Samuel, has been given to her. Now she turns around and gives him to God. WOW! Way to go Hannah!

I have chills after reading these 3 chapters! Samuel is someone I know little about. I'm excited to read and learn more.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Day 79

PICTURE: Sunday naptime. This is the progress Linus and Charlie have made in one week. Linus was sleeping and Charlie nuzzled his way right under Linus's face. They were so precious together. I love my boys.

READING: Ruth 1-4. Yuppers, I'm starting a new book. I liked that I read this in its entirety today too. There is so much to learn in this book and so much to digest. Please excuse the random thoughts, but I want to share everything I jotted in my journal.

Ruth 1: 16-17 Ruth remains loyal to Naomi when she is under no obligation. Why?

Boaz is somewhat family to Naomi.

Ruth 4:13 "So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife." The came after Ruth took and HUGE step of faith and lay at the feet of Boaz.

Ruth's obedience paid off. She will have a better life and not worry about being disgraced.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Day 78

PICTURE: i got nothin.....

READING: Judges 20-21. Judges 20 - this is God's punishment for the sins of the Benjamites? If so, why did God allow so many Israelites to die first?

Friday, March 18, 2011

Day 77

PICTURE: moon phases. My kiddos got to choose the chapters that we are going to do for the remainder of the school year in Science. The first one we are doing is about Earth in space. We learned about the moon this week. So, I decided to do a fun little "experiment" with them that I learned in college. It involves a large ball to be Earth, a small ball to be the Moon, and a flashlight. The kids had a blast (so did I) and they learned a lot also.


READING: Judges 17-19. Judges 19...this made me sick to my stomach!
1. the men want to raper another man
2. the Levite gave his concubine to them
3. they raped her " all through the night"
4. the Levite took her home
5. she died and he cut her up
6. he sent the pieces to the 12 tribes!!!!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Day 76



PICTURE: St. Patrick's Day! For the past 8 years my brother and I have gone out together on St. Pat's Day! This year was no different. Here we are all decked out in our celebratory garb. Love this guy.


READING: Judges 14-16. I don't understand how Delilah, Sampson's own wife, could sell him out. She was angry because he wouldn't trust her with the secret of his strength. She was fueled by greed! But I still can't wrap my brain around it all. UGH!!!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Day 75

PICTURE: Smartboard fun for the Dude. Jackson and I got to hang out after school for a while. He LOVES to play on the smartboard in my room. When I walked in, this is what he had done. I love, love, love his sense of humor!


READING: Judges 11-13. It seems that every 15-20 years the Israelites go completely dumb and do something "evil against (in the sight of) the LORD." It's like every time the next generation 'matures' they are stupid!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Day 74

PICTURE: family picture! This only took about 20 tries (yes I saved all of the attempts). Linus and Charlie get along well. Linus is super jealous - if I hold Charlie, Linus has to come and sit RIGHT next to me and generally rest his head on me. Love it!!!!


READING: Judges 9-10. Judges 9:56-57...God doesn't tolerate our wickedness forever. He will judge and serve us eventually. We cannot escape the judgment of God.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Day 73

PICTURE: staring contest. Some may believe that Linus is getting ready to bite off Charlie's head. Wrong, wrong, wrong! They were looking at each other. Right after I snapped this pic, Linus gave Charlie and big kiss. It was precious. Yes...the beginning of a lasting brotherhood.


READING: Judges 6-8. In Judges 6:14-18 I realized something. We are constantly asking God for another sign that He is really at work. We do this rather than trusting Him the first time He directs us. How do we move beyond the questioning into full trust?

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Day 72

PICTURE: meet Charlie! I got a kitten. I've been wanting a kitten for a while and was getting to the now or never point. Linus's dog breed is rather protective. They advise if you are getting another animal to do it before they reach full maturity. So, I got a FREE kitten. I wanted a female, but got a male. His name is Charlie and I'm sure he and Linus will be BFFs (after the initial shock of each other).


READING: Judges 4-5. Craziness!!! Battles, seduction, murder, and God....doesn't get any crazier than this!

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Day 71

PICTURE: nothing. sorry (this is due to mass quantities of pain meds and SLEEP)

READING: Judges 1-3. My first thought is "haven't the Israelites learned? They are such an aggravating group of people!"

Joshua 2:10 "After that whole generation [the people of Joshua's time] had been gathered to thier fathers, another generation gre up, who knew neither the LORD nor what He had done for Israel." HOW!? How do the people not continually talk about all that God has redeemed them from?

Friday, March 11, 2011

Day 70

PICTURE: mom and Linus playing tug. Can you guess who the winner is? Mom has been taking care of me since I got my teeth out. This morning, Linus really wanted to play, so they played. Needless to say the 125 pound puppy won this round!


READING: Joshua 23-24. God's promises are good and He is faithful. But he also warns of consequences for disobedience and blasphemy.

Too often we blame God for the bad that happens. We ask, "How can a loving God cause or allow so much pain and hurt? Why doesn't God take away all the bad?" I'm grateful for a loving God that gives me free will. Maybe we need to ask, "How can I go against such a loving and faithful God?" It's time we take responsibility for our own choices! I can't imagine the pain that God goes through when he sees me, his daughter - his creation, make a choice that goes against Him. Rather than blaming God for my circumstance, I need to look at how I got where I am. I need to count my blessings. I need to seek Him out.

Joshua had this figured out if you ask me. I learned a lot from him.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Day 69

PICTURE: no more wisdom teeth! (no I am not in pain in this pic...I'm smiling) Finally, at the age of 30, I got my wisdom teeth out. I had one wisdom tooth and a molar extracted about 2 years ago. Needless to say I had put the other 3 off for a while....BECAUSE I HATE DENTAL WORK! I was super nervous too because I was being "put to sleep" and I had never had that done before. So, I experience several new things: hooked up to heart monitors, an oxygen monitor on my finger, and IV, and was put to sleep. It was the BEST!!!! I have no recollection of what happened to me. The last thing I remember was telling the nurse that I felt really fuzzy. Then mom was trying to wake me up. HOORAY for going to sleep!


READING: Joshua 21-22. Josh 21:45 says, "Not one of all the LORD's good promises failed; every one was fulfilled." These few chapters were exciting! The Israelites FINALLY can settle and rest in the land that God had given to them! How many years they have wandered, fought, and moved. Finally they are reaping the benefits of their long obedience. I am sure many of them thought the day would never come. But the verses tell us that God followed through on all of his promises to his people...in HIS timing!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Day 68

PICTURE: Linus and a clean blanket. I washed his blankets! His is the brown one to the right of the pic. The one he's laying on is mine that he took over when I got up! What a turd, but I love him!!!!

READING: Joshua 18-20. In Josh 20:9 it talks about having a city of refuge for someone who may accidentally kill another person. This got me thinking....what kind of accident killing took place back then? Now we have guns and cars and trains. But, what is an example of an accidental killing in 1390 BC? Just curious....

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Day 67

PICTURE: SmartBoard. This is the "hub" of my classroom. I've had it for about 2 years. It is the coolest thing ever...an interactive, touch screen, computer monitor (that's the best way to describe it). I haven't even begun to use it to its full capability, but I love it and the kids enjoy it too!


READING: Joshua 14-17. I'd love to know the square mileage given to each tribe. I know the numbers of each tribe have increased GREATLY! How much land were they given? (I don't know the geography of the area to understand these chapters too well.)

Monday, March 7, 2011

Day 66

PICTURE: no clue where my pic is from today. I think I either uploaded it on my school computer or deleted it...

READING: Joshua 11-13. So much land taken by the Israelites. And God had a purpose for it all (even the desert). I am anxious to continue reading....

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Day 65

PICTURE: I got nothing :(

READING: Joshua 8-10. Tribes are coming together to make war against Joshua and Israel. Seriously?! Haven't they heard what God is doing? Don't they know that they don't stand a chance against God's people? I'm continually amazed, not just reading my Bible but in life, that people desire "something" but never believer that God could be that something. They try to fill it with power (like we read about in these chapters), money, sex, love, work, etc... God fills that need. There is no other way to explain it.

Then we get to read Josh 10:12-15! God makes the sun stand still for almost a full day so that Israel can defeat the Ammorites. Blown away by this. Makes me wonder what God could do if I asked in whole-hearted faith....

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Day 64

PICTURE: Indiana High School Boys' Basketball Sectional 21 Final. This was an awesome game! I helped the alumni work concessions all week for Sectional. It was a great week of bball too!!! Every game was good. The crowds were amazing. The atmosphere was all hyped up. Wawasee lost the final by one point to Columbia City, but it was a great game! (the quality of the pic is not great...taken with my phone)


READING: Joshua 5-7. The Israelites are taking cities and annihilating them! Jericho is next on the list and Josh 6:1 tells us this, "Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in." They had heard what the Israelites were doing, but more of what God was doing for the Israelites!

Then we go on to read that some of the Israelites did not follow God's instruction and were taking plunder that was not meant for them. Thus, the Israelites were losing battles. Joshua approaches God to ask why. God says "I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction," in Josh 7:12b. It reminded me of Matt 3:10 "every tree that doesn't produce good fruit will be cut off." God doesn't tolerate our disobedience forever. The result of the new covenant is Hell, being cut off from God for eternity. That's enough for me to know that God is legit and worthy!

Friday, March 4, 2011

Day 63





PICTURE: Relevant magazine.
This is my favorite magazine to read. My good friend, Tim Stiffler, got me hooked on this. It talks about current events, music, literature, and has amazing faith accounts in it. It is only a bi-monthly magazine, so I look forward to it showing up in my mailbox. Then I will read it over the next week or two.




READING: Joshua 1-4. Josh 1:8 "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." How true this is still today! God's word must be close to us and we need to KNOW it!

Josh 2 - Rahab, the prostitute, hides the spies that Joshua sent. This is just like God....who would suspect a prostitute to do God's work? We think Jesus is a "rebel"....I think like Father, like Son.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Day 62

PICTURE: Project time. My students have been working on projects about the American Revolution. They are doing a great job and seem to be having fun creating. I can't wait for their presentations!


READING: Deuteronomy 33-34. No one like Moses has ever lived since him! The signs, the wonders, the face-to-face relationship with God are all unique to the life of Moses. I really admire Moses. God proves, through Moses, that He works in and through everyone, despite our shortcomings.

Deuteronomy 34:10-12
10
Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, 11 who did all those signs and wonders the LORD sent him to do in Egypt—to Pharaoh and to all his officials and to his whole land. 12 For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel.

I have finally made it through the books of the law....thank you Jesus! These were tough reading straight through, but it gave me some great background on God's people. I found myself frustrated with their lack of trust, awestruck by the goodness of God, amazed by the power that God shows his people, and continually humbled knowing that God chose to make us for Him.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Day 61

PICTURE: the #2 reason that I love March. Basketball!!!!!! I love March for 2 reasons: the color green and basketball. I was putting things away after 4th boys' bball practice tonight and wondering what my pic of the day would be....then I took this. I absolutely love this sport. I have played, coached, and/or watched my entire life.


READING: Deuteronomy 30-32. Chapter 30 points out a truth of life with God: each day we have a choice of a path to life and prosperity or death and destruction. 30:15-16 says, "See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess."

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Day 60

PICTURE: water glass. I LOVE WATER! I generally start my day with coffee or Diet Coke, but water the rest of the day. This cup is my favorite water cup. I'll fill it with ice (and Linus gets an ice cube or 2 when I do that) and then add water. I try to drink 2 or 3 glasses each night!

READING: Deuteronomy 28-29. Renewal/reminder of the covenant that God made with the nation of Israel. Deut 29: 9-15 reminds the people that "You are standing here in order to enter into ta covenant with the LORD your God."

Monday, February 28, 2011

Day 59



PICTURE: a new book.
I am starting this book with my middle school girls that I meet with on Monday nights. They picked this book out. We read through the first chapter tonight, and already I am wanting to devour the entire thing! It is so good. The premise of the first chapter was teaching us what it means to "really live" for Jesus. It should be an exciting and insightful journey.




READING : Deuteronomy 24-27. God makes us soooo many promises that we take for granted. His promises are amazing....like this one in Deuteronomy 26: 19 "He has declared that he will set you in praise, fame and honor high above all the nations he has made and that you will be a people holy to the LORD your God, as he promised."

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Day 58

PICTURE: Upward Celebration! Today was the final day for Upward. It ended with a great celebration. This is the best pic I could get of my team. They don't look too thrilled, but the atmosphere was amazing and they were great. There was a juggler and they were watching rather intently. I had an absolute BLAST this season. I was blessed with a great group of kids and a wonderful assistant.

READING: Deuteronomy 20-23. One verse really stuck out to me and I want to share it. Deuteronomy 23:14 "For the LORD your God moves about in your camp to protect you and to deliver your enemies to you. Your camp must be holy, so that he will not see among you anything indecent and turn away from you."

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Day 57

PICTURE: girls' night! I went to my friend, Amanda's, for some girl time. We had on our sweats, watched a few movies, ate fruit with dip and carmel, and went to Wendy's to get frosties! It was a great, much-needed night of laughing and hangin out.


READING: Deuteronomy 16-19. Deut. 17:18-20 "When he takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law, taken from that of the Levitical priests. It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the LORD his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees and not consider himself better than his fellow Israelites and turn from the law to the right or to the left. Then he and his descendants will reign a long time over his kingdom in Israel." What would happen if the leaders of today followed the rules in these 3 verses? Is it possible for a hum to not get power hungry when they are placed in a place of authority?

Friday, February 25, 2011

Day 56

no picture today

READING: Deuteronomy 12-15. Moses, for being shy and having bad speech, sure can share a word about the Lord with the people. Deut. 13:4 says, "It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him." God is the ONLY person we have ever been commanded to follow 100%. Sure we have leaders, many of whom God has paved the way for. But, God deserves our faithfulness 24/7.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Day 55

PICTURE: school is closed. This is the view out of my window at 7:30 this morning. It looks so pretty but the road is coated with ice. So, school is closed for the 6th time since Christmas Break. UGH....ready for a full week with no delays or closings. But, happy to have a morning to read and catch up with friends.


READING: Deuteronomy 9-11. From my 55 days of reading, I have realized something. Just reading the account of the Israelites is enough to make me want to worship God! He didn't have to do any of the things He did, but God loves his children and wants the best for them. Who am I not to worship God and obey him?! I want to share a chunk that really hit me. I hope you take the time to read it all and soak up all that God has done.

Deuteronomy 10:14-22
To the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it. Yet the LORD set his affection on your ancestors and loved them, and he chose you, their descendants, above all the nations—as it is today. Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt. Fear the LORD your God and serve him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths in his name. He is the one you praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes. Your ancestors who went down into Egypt were seventy in all, and now the LORD your God has made you as numerous as the stars in the sky.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Day 54

PICTURE: wrist tat. I got this tattoo a year and a half ago (right before school in August of 2009). It says "trust Him". I used to wear a bracelet on that same wrist. Over this past Christmas I took the bracelet off for a change. The cool part, I see this tattoo DAILY now. It is not longer "hidden" by my bracelet. The other cool thing is other people see it. I never dreamed that a tattoo, gotten as a reminder for me, would open so many doors for sharing my testimony. It is one of 3 tats that I have. Lately, it has been my favorite.


READING: Deuteronomy 5-8. Holy buckets!!!!! So much great reading in these 4 chapters. I am beyond encouraged and filled with a sense of hope. I have been in a rut lately (about 2 months) and these provided hope - Hope that God is good and has HIS best for me and everyone who chooses to follow him.

I want to share Deut 5:32-33 with you. I pray that you are encouraged as well. "So be careful to do what hte LORD your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. Walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess."

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Day 53

PICTURE: uptown snow pile. Um....where did all of this snow come from!?! I wasn't expecting it, and I don't think I was alone in that. Oh well...I love the snow! One of my favorite sights around town are the HUGE piles on Main Street. The city plows, piles all of the snow in the middle of the street, then comes and hauls it away. I have been trying to get a pic of the piles of snow all winter. Today my wish came true. The pile in the pic is about twice as tall as my Jeep!!!!


READING: Deuteronomy 3-4. I enjoyed these chapters. They are a good recount of all that has happened to the Israelites on their journey to the Promised Land. God truly does take care of his peeps.

Deut 4:31 "For the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath."

Monday, February 21, 2011

Day 52

PICTURE: new hair! Since I didn't post a pic yesterday, I am posting 2 today! I had the day off...thank you Presidents! I spent the entire, sleeting, snowing day with my friend Erin and her 2 cutieheads. She has done my hairs for a long time. Today, I got to hold sleeping Oliver while my hair processed (Erin was doing dishes). That's the first pic. The second pic is my STRAIGHT hair (it will be curly when I wash it next).



READING: Deuteronomy 1-2. Chapter 1 verses 16-18 seem like rules for a court to follow - judge fairly, do not discriminate, be fearless. BUT, God is the ultimate judge.

I really liked Deut 1:30 "The LORD your God, who is going before you, will fight for you...." It is always good, for me, to be reminded that God has already paved the way for my life. He will take me down that path if I continually choose to follow him.