Drooling over the chance to earn chocolate, my children have made a plethora of submissions for the "catch of the day" photos. Only trouble is that I haven't made time to select and publish them. When I get this post out, there will be joy in the camp :)

I've selected just a few images that will give you a taste of our home over the last week or so. With my Dad and Mom arriving from California tonight, I'm expecting that the already fast pace will get even faster . . .

About one month ago, I was offered a job at Perry Pallet, the manufacturing  
business run by my brothers-in-law. The offer was gracious, the terms were  
generous, and our need was great—so I happily accepted and went to work.

I love words.

But some days a picture is the best way to converse—one flash says, “Take a look at. . .” or “Can you believe. . .” or “We’re still shaking our heads over. . .” And you might say in response, “That’s crazy . . . ” or “What in the world is that?” or “Sure glad they’re not my kids!”

Looking through a window on my world can enlarge yours.

So I’ve decided to start a “catch of the day” photo. I’ve asked the kids to be on the lookout for things that we can share with you—and I’ve promised a  reward for pictures I choose to publish. There won’t be one every day and they won’t necessarily feature award-winning photography—but they will give you a vista point, a quick pull-out on the road of life from which you can gaze across the scene and into a life outside your own.

Ultimately, the goal of the “catch of the day” is the same as my regular  posts—to inspire you to take another look at the goodness of God in your own life, to think big thoughts about Him from the middle of ordinary living. The trivial things that happen to us every day are somehow essential ingredients in the great plan of God. Through small things, He is working wonders.

So here’s the first picture. My three boys and their good friend, Jeb, built an island in the middle of a bog in the woods—and then jumped in. Here’s what we saw when they came chortling home! Our septic tank may fill with mud when the clothes are done—but the memories won’t wash off.

Isn’t our Father good?

The tale of David’s mighty men is the story of unparalleled loyalty and valor.

Josheb-basshebeth used his spear to kill eight-hundred at one time.

Shammah was abandoned by his fellow-soldiers. While they beat a hasty retreat, Shammah took his stand in a plot of lentils and single-handedly defeated the pursuing Philistines.

Then there’s Benaiah: He engaged an armed
Philistine in hand-to-hand combat wielding only his staff. Somehow he snatched the Philistine’s spear, then used the enemy’s own weapon to kill him.