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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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?

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!!!!

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!!!

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!

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.

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?

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!

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?

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.

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!

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....

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.)

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....

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....

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!

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.

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.

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."

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."