The family and I had a relaxing weekend by the sea. There is just something about the Ocean that awakens in one a sense of awe. This immense body of water deeper than the highest mountain and as wide as the whole earth. It makes me want to praise God for his greatness and majesty. What am I but a speck of dust and yet He cares for me so much he has numbered each hair on my head. Matthew 10:30

I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
I will ponder all your work,
and meditate on your mighty deeds.
Your way, O God, is holy.
What god is great like our God?
You are the God who works wonders;
you have made known your might among the peoples.
You with your arm redeemed your people,
the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah

When the waters saw you, O God,
when the waters saw you, they were afraid;
indeed, the deep trembled.
The clouds poured out water;
the skies(AB) gave forth thunder;
your arrows flashed on every side.
The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind;
your lightnings lighted up the world;
the earth trembled and shook.
Your way was through the sea,
your path through the great waters;
yet your footprints were unseen.
You led your people like a flock
by the hand of Moses and Aaron.Psalm 77

Sometimes we just have to transcend our earthly realm for a heavenly one. Pure joy to listen to!

The boys and I took a trip to Baskett Slough Wildlife Refuge. The refuge consists of 1,173 acres of cropland, forests, grasslands, and wetlands.

We hiked a total of 3 miles, our destination was the top of Mt. Baldy which provided us with spectacular views of the wetland below. While hiking through the forest we saw many deer foraging in the woods.

The Refuge is located just 20 min from our home, so we plan on doing some more expoloring here in the near future.  

But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall show to be in the wrong. This [peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord [those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced]; this is the righteousness or the vindication which they obtain from Me [this is that which I impart to them as their justification], says the Lord. Isaiah 54:17

This verse was good for me to read and meditate on. Our God is our refuge and strength in time of need and ever present help in time of trouble. It's written he searches the whole earth for those who's hearts are wholly for Him and when he finds such people He mightily strengthens them. 2 Chronicles 16:9

I need to all the more make my calling and election sure,[by keeping His word, Matthew 7:24-27,1 John 2:5-6 ] in doing so I will never stumble and can be assured of an entrance into His everlasting kingdom.

I praise and thank God for His faithfulness, for His word and promises are true and everlasting.

 

I thought this was an especially encouraging article. There is still hope for a wretch like me. God doesn't give up on us when we fall on our face. It's written that "he has his hands stretched out all day long" Romans 10:21. Could we ask for a more loving and forgiving God? May this stir us up to be even more zealous to fight the good fight of faith and make use of the grace of God while we still have today.

Peter

I thought this was a good prescription for a happy life.

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered;
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God;
It was never between you and them anyway.

This poem was reportedly inscribed on the wall of the children's home run by Mother Theresa in Kolkata (Calcutta). It is based on a poem originally written by Kent M. Keith.