Back.

Ok, we are back from our trip and I am so EXHAUSTED! Wow, what an interesting time we had in the car for 6 hours, just Hayden, Tyler and myself. Really though, considering their age and the distance we were traveling, the boys were just wonderful.

Hayden had so much fun. He got to play with Gabby and Maddie and Sean and Jecisa (Jessica). The best moment was when he was telling me about the ocean. He stood there on the beach with his arm outstretched pointing at the ocean, and as he moved his hand back in forth, he said "ocean, ocean, ocean, ocean". To see him experience the greatness of the ocean, how big it is, and how fun it is, was just amazing. After he got past the fact that his feet got dirty in the sand (my sweet little neat freak), he was scooping up wet sand and just caking it on himself. His head was covered, his arms and hands were filthy and he was so happy!
As I stood listening to the ocean, and looking at the stars at night after having put the boys to bed, I felt so small, so tiny in relation to all the wondrous creations around me. I don't think there is life on other planets, at least not life like there is on earth. Maybe some kind of bugs or something, but no other intelligent life. I started wondering and asking God, why, if there is no other intelligent life out there, are there so many planets? Here is the answer that I found....Every detail about the earth and every other planet is designed to keep earth in its axis, or keep it safe from the dangers of space.
God created earth for the purpose of being home to us. "The Lord , Who created the heavens, Who is God, Who formed the earth . . . Who did not create it in vain, Who formed it to be inhabited" Isaiah 45:18. He placed the sun for heat and light. The sun also keeps the Earth in orbit with its gravitational pull. The moon provides protections from solar winds and comets and other rouge space objects, as well as works with the sun to coordinate our tides, which cleanses the shores. The two gas giants, Jupiter and Saturn with their strong gravitational pulls, also help shield the planet by functioning as giant vacuum cleaners, sweeping the solar system of dangerous comets and asteroids.
I could go on, but you are all probably pretty bored right now.....Except Sean if he is reading this....So, let me just share one more wonderful verse....Proverbs 3:19 says: "The Lord by wisdom founded the earth, by understanding He established the heavens." He made it all for us, to explore to view to stand in awe of. Why don't we enjoy it? When you are driving home today, look at the sky and at the clouds with a new sense of appreciation for the work that went into making each and every thing for our enjoyment.
God loves us and wants to shower us with the beauty of His creations. It is our job to look and really appreciate them. I don't think that is very hard, do you?

Have a good day!
S