Daily Bible Reading

Our church family is encouraging everyone to commit to daily Bible reading. This is something that I believe in and try to do. Usually I have a "scattered" approach - reading one book, than just chapters, throw in a little Psalms, find some printed plan and follow it - you get the picture. This year I am committed to reading the Daily Bible. I read it in the morning first thing. I must admit that I'm not always sure of the comprehension level while drinking my first cup of coffee, but for the most part that time is working for me. What jumps out at me is how what is a somewhat random choice of scripture read - based on the chronological order and what day of the year it is - it often is something that I need at the time. For instance - today I reported for jury duty. This is my third time to be summoned for the pool and I have not been too excited about it. Well lo and behold this morning's reading was about the laws of the land, the court system that God established for Israel and the importance of it all. I must confess that I still complained a little today about serving in the pool, but I do have a renewed way of looking at jury duty and the week ahead. Of course it helps that I was dismissed for the day at noon and that tomorrow is Mardi Gras so I don't have to go back until Wednesday.

Making the Best of It

We often tell out kids that they should make the best of the situation. It's funny how some times that's easier to do than at other times. This weekend was one of those easy times for me. Jack, Trevor and I went to see Bekah in Arkansas this past weekend. We left on Friday and most of the way up there I didn't feel good. I had been battling some kind of respiratory infection. About an hour from Russellville Jack's stomach started bothering him, so we pulled in to town not in the best of condition. Jack went to bed and I took Bekah and 4 of her friends out to eat. I wasn't the best company, but I enjoyed meeting them and spending time with them. We all went to sleep early that night thinking that Saturday would be better.

Saturday morning I felt much better and Jack felt - well, a little better. During the night sleet had come to town and it was bitter cold. We got out for breakfast and then Jack went back to bed. Bekah and I got out for lunch and then we all spent the afternoon in the hotel room staying warm, watching basketball games, reading and visiting. That evening Jack tried eating again and then we went back to the room.

Sunday was better. Still cold, but we got up and made it to church. My parents came up and met us at church. My sister, Jackie, attends there, so that was nice all being together. After lunch Jack went back to the room and we went over to Jackie and Ed's house to visit. That evening my parents ate with us and then headed back. We still had to make a Wal-Mart run for Bekah then she stayed one more night at the hotel with us.

The trip didn't pan out as planned. Jack especially missed out and the weather didn't help. But you know it was still a great trip. We got to spend 3 days and 3 nights with Bekah and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Now I wish I could convince Whiskers that the 3 nights being boarded was as much fun. I think you can tell from her picture that she didn't suffer too much though.

LSU Lakes Photo Trip

Last week I went on a photo trip. The pelican's are back at the LSU Lakes so I thought it's be fun to go take some pictures. There's not as many of them as there has been in other years and they really didn't cooperate a lot for the camera. I did get some decent duck shots. We left the Lakes and drove over to the river park in Port Allen. From there you get a good view of the state capitol and downtown Baton Rouge. It was the first time since before Christmas that I've gone on a photo expedition. I have a lot to re-learn, but it was a fun trip. I'll share a few pictures here.

A lone pelican swimming away from the crowd.

This was a beautiful wood duck that swam around for a while for us.

The cutest thing out there!

Around Baton Rouge

Thursday I went to the Louisiana State Museum with my friend June. The museum has just opened across from the State Capitol so it was our first trip there. I enjoyed our time there. The museum has 2 floors. The bottom floor covers the history and industry of Louisiana. The second floor covers the different areas of the state and what makes each unique, plus it has a section on Mardi Gras. We spent about an hour on each floor and even with that much time I know I can go back and discover something new. I encourage anyone in the Baton Rouge area to take time and discover this new jewel in our great city.