Our beautiful daughter Emery is 8 months old today. It’s hard to believe that 8 short months ago God’s smile got just a little bigger as he gave us Emery. Rachel and I can’t imagine life without her now, she’s the biggest blessing to our family and brings us more joy that we could ever deserve. Thanks God for giving us such a gift as this.

2. Fee’s “Hope Rising”

Fee’s “Hope Rising” released this morning. As I write this post I’m almost done listening through it for the first time… wow! Make sure to get your copy today (click the image). With the release of “Hope Rising” Steve Fee and band are giving The Church a fresh collection of songs centered around the theme of hope. Personally I cannot wait to introduce most of these songs to NorthRidge.

3. Ephesians 1: 5-8

Yesterday I camped out in this passage:

⁵ God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. ⁶ So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. ⁷ He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. ⁸ He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.

I’m comforted by this passage but also challenged to continually live a life that recognizes this truth.