Some Quick Quotes From Calvin

Consider this first quote in light of 9/11 and the pietistic response it received from unbelievers.

"...A sense of divinity is by nature engraven on human hearts. For necessity forces from the reprobate themselves a confession of it. In tranquil times they wittily joke about God, indeed are facetious and garrulous in belittling His power. If any occasion for despair presses upon them, it goads them to seek him and impels their perfunctory prayers. From this it is clear that they have not been utterly ignorant of God, but that what should have come forth sooner was held back by stubbornness."

I found Calvin's comments on the innate knowledge of God in mankind very well-stated and true.

"Indeed vanity joined with pride can be detected in the fact that, in seeking God, miserable men do not rise above themselves as they should, but measure him by the yardstick of their own carnal stupidity, and neglect sound investigation; thus out of curiosity they fly off into empty speculations. They do not therefore apprehend God as He offers Himself, but imagine Him as they have fashioned Him in their own presumption. When this gulf opens, in whatever direction they move their feet, they cannot but plunge headlong into ruin."

This reminded me of the Greeks--all pagan civilizations in fact--who fashioned gods in their own image, worshipping things which they themselves created to rule over them. When men reject God, they worship themselves and the things they have made, becoming slaves to their own sinful nature.

We've Got Snow

As I write, there's a good 5-6" of fluffy white stuff coating our yard. It's been so cold lately that the snow stuck without difficulty and will probably remain for several days. I haven't gone sledding yet, but from all reports it's pretty good!

Yes!!

Exciting news... :) Yesterday afternoon, while I was engaged in school Mom came and handed me the phone. "It's the American Birding Association," she said. Since I'd been waiting a couple months to hear results from their Young Birder of the Year contest (which I entered), my heart skipped a beat. Why would they be calling me? The lady on the phone then told me that I had placed 2nd overall (there are only 2 grand prize winners) in the YBY, had gotten first place in the upper age group illustration module, and 3rd place in both photography and field notebook! This is a nationwide contest. I couldn't believe it. :) The 2nd place grand prize is an incredibly nice Leica Trinovid 8x32 binocular (list price about $1500!) and a $350 scholarship to a birding convention or camp. Plus a ton of books and other things for placing in the individual modules. This is the kind of thing I've been dreaming about for a long time--God is good!

Quote of the day: "To look through a pair of binoculars, you'd have to have four eyes."--Someone...

Have a great day everyone! (Stay warm :)