So blessed...

Today I got to have a picnic by the ocean and it got me to thinking about the words of a hymn that I've always liked.

The Love of God

The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled,
And pardoned from his sin.

Refrain:
Oh, love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure—
The saints’ and angels’ song.

Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.

I looked out at the water and thought about how big the ocean really is, and it made me think about that line about the ocean being full of ink... it gave me another glimpse at just how amazing and unending God's love for us really is.

In church today, we read part of Exodus 34 and verses 6b and 7a really sunk into my heart...

"The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin."

How is it possible that people choose not to accept God's love?! I'm surrounded by people who are hearing about this week after week and it's hard for me to watch them choose just not to respond. I know that God is certainly at work in their hearts though and it makes me want to pray for them more faithfully...Please pray for our students and friends here that have such stubborn hearts.

If only they knew what they were missing out on...

Tonight I am going to sleep with a very happy heart! It's been a wonderful day and I'm sad it's over already. The weather was absolutely beautiful today... bright and sunny, but the coolness of fall was in the air; I got to have a picnic on the beach (eating McDonald's chicken nuggets and a mint Oreo McFlurry!) with excellent company; both church services were encouraging; I had special dinner plans; and... I've had some awesome moments with God today!

I am so blessed and I'm so thankful for my life!