I am not a tech guru by any stretch, and I know there are lots of apps I’ve never even heard of or utilized, but nonetheless, other than the standard apps that come with our mobile devices -- here are the top 10 apps I love and use almost every week!  

1. Blue Letter Bible | Bible study software that has in-depth resources such as commentaries, Greek and Hebrew word tools, concordances and more.
   
   
2. Bible Gateway | Mobile app with devotionals, Bible reading plans, various Bible translations and more. 
   
   
3. Over | Easy, on-the-go way to create great designs or videos with customizable graphics, videos, fonts, color palettes, etc. It’s your graphic design team in an app! 
   
   
4. VideoLeap | So easy anyone can use it. Make great videos on the go without all of the major equipment and export time. 
   
   
5. Aviary | This is a photo editing app that allows you to crop, rotate, resize, flip and adjust colors as well as add captions, effects and filters. 
   
   
6. Candy Crush | Gotta have something to do while I’m sitting on an airplane or waiting in line somewhere! 
   
   
7. Marco Polo | Great way to communicate with friends and family via short videos in a private thread. I love keeping up with friends across the country or my kids across the globe (in Australia!) with this app. 
   
   
8. Notability | A great note taking tool! 
   
   
9. Audible | I am a big advocate of doubling your time. Audible allows me to listen to audiobooks while I’m driving, working or getting ready in the morning. 
   
   
10. Blinkist | Blinkist lets you read the main points and lessons from thousands of nonfiction books in 15 min or less. Great way to keep up with the latest in a short amount of time! 
    
    

What apps can you not live without and make your life easier? 

The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. Psalm 121:8, NLT

We’ve traveled enough that I’ve finally caught on to packing a few essentials. Here are 10 things I always pack when we travel.

1. Just in Case Essentials -- I always pack these extras in my carry-on in case of spills, unexpected weather or delayed luggage: extra PJ’s, undies, toothbrush, basic makeup, Qtips. 
   
   
2. Compression Socks -- especially for long flights. I feel like an old lady, but my legs are happy!
   
   
3. Flip Flops -- for those quick jaunts to get ice or coffee -- or in case we find a beach! 
   
   
4. Magnifying Mirror -- Gotta see what needs fixing.
   
   
5. Basic Drugs -- nothing worse than needing a little medical attention and not knowing a local doctor or the language -- so, I always pack essential pain relievers, basic antibiotics and vitamins. 
   
   
6. Bathing Suit -- even if it’s going to be snowing and cold -- you never know when you might find a hot tub or pool.
   
   
7. Comfy Sweatshirt and Jean Jacket -- the weather channel app has lied to me before and when I’ve expected it to be hot at our destination and it turned out to be cold as ice, I am happy to have my fav sweatshirt or jean jacket.
   
   
8. Baseball Hat -- for the bad hair days. I have a lot of hair products to help in almost any weather, but when it’s really humid -- my hair goes as flat as a pancake. Rather than fight it, I put on a baseball cap!
   
   
9. Coconut Oil -- for removing make up, moisturizing skin and giving everything a nice shine!
   
   
10. Ear Buds -- I like to have at least three pairs with me -- wireless, old-fashioned jack for airplanes and modern jack for my iphone...in case my wireless ones aren’t charged. Gotta have options.

What 10 things do you pack?

Wake up, wake up, O Zion! Clothe yourself with strength. Isaiah 52:1, NLT

Not sure we can call coffee, “clothing,” but this is one Bible verse “maybe” referencing coffee. (wink!)

I know there are loads of amazing coffee places in the world, but here are five of my faves. If you’re ever in these towns, be sure to check them out!

1. La Café Del Caffe -- Rome, Italy -- http://www.tazzadorocoffeeshop.com
   
   
2. Higher Grounds Coffee Shop -- Idyllwild, California -- http://idyllwildcoffeeroasters.com
   
   
3. Eternity Coffee Roasters -- Miami, Florida -- https://www.eternitycoffeeroasters.com
   
   
4. Original Starbucks -- Pike Place Market, Seattle, Washington -- https://www.starbucks.com
   
   
5. Biggby’s Coffee -- I go here the most! -- Kalamazoo, Michigan -- https://www.biggby.com