The Cave

While reading Psalm 147 today I was struck by all the ways the author describes the activity of God.

He builds. He gathers. He heals. He binds. He counts. He names. He understands. He supports. He brings down. He covers. He provides. He makes. He gives. He delights. He favors. He strengthens. He blesses. He makes peace. He satisfies. He sends forth. He scatters. He casts forth. He causes. He declares.

I am sure the list could go on and on and on. No doubt about it, God is constantly active. How are you seeing Him active in your life today?

Last night we had the opportunity to go to our first Springfield Cardinals game. I know, I know, a Cub fan going to a Cardinal game.. .crazy stuff. They played the Arkansas Travelers and won the game 6-5. Hammons Field looked great and we had a good time. Here are a few pics from the evening.

I have always been interested in what other preachers notes look like. Today I ran across a series on Joshharris.com that gives an inside look at several preachers actual notes that they take to the pulpit with them. Some of the preachers include Mark Dever, C.J. Mahaney, and Ray Ortlund. Check it out.

1 Timothy 1:15-17 “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance:  Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst.  But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus must display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever.  Amen.”

Every day I realize how completely unworthy I am.  I can relate to Paul’s words here–the worst of sinners.  I am a sinner.  I am a failure.  I am a complete mess-up from top to bottom.  Thankfully I do not have to stand in my own merits.  Every day I must run to and embrace the cross of Christ Jesus.  God has shown me mercy time and time again and I pray that His patience and glory would be displayed in my life so that others would embrace the cross and believe on Jesus and receive eternal life.  May God receive all the glory and honor forever, amen!

Michael Phelps just continues to amaze at the 2008 Olympics. He finishes off with 8 Gold medals and 7 World Records. For his career 16 total medals with 14 of those being gold. Just simply amazing!

McKenna had a great first day of kindergarten.  She loves her teacher and thinks everything is just wonderful!   As I was talking to her about her first day, it reminded me of my first day of kindergarten. Do you remember your first day?  I sure do.

I was scared to death and did not want to go.  My mom kept talking to me about it and nothing seemed to be working, I just did not want to go.  Finally she found the key.  She offered to buy me some goldfish if I went and did not cry the whole day.  That did it.  I went and managed to go the whole day without any tears and got to go to the pet store after school and pick me out some gold fish.

Memories are a fun thing. . .

It is hard to believe that it is already time for school to start back up.  Where did the summer go?  Here are a few pics of the girls as they head off for their first day. . .

Michael Phelps. . . 11 gold medals and counting!

I have not always been a big fan of the Olympic games, but I have really enjoyed watching the swimming events with the girls. The men winning the 4 x 100m free relay event was one of the greatest moments in sports I have seen in quite a while. Gotta love knocking off the French, especially after they were running their mouths about how they were going to “smash” America. If you get a chance check out the video of that amazing race!