Inspiration & Worship

A Love Story

Students of the Bible know that God lavished David with a remarkable compliment when he described him as “a man after my own heart.” (I Sam. 13:14 & Acts 13:22). They also know it wasn’t because David’s behavior was always pristine. Far from it.

God loved David because David loved God passionately. Rather than hiding after he sinned, as Adam and others tried to do, David clung to God’s embrace and begged forgiveness. He had faith in God’s mercy. He didn’t allow his sin to separate him from God.

David loved spending time with God. He didn’t praise God out of duty; his wonder at God’s goodness and creation overflowed from his soul. David wanted to please his Creator. He found words inadequate, but tried his best to use them, along with music, dance and art, to express his love for God.

Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. – Psalm 143:8 (KJV)

In this one verse alone, David puts God first in his day, declares his trust in God, asks God to reveal His will and expresses his desire to “lift up his soul” to God.

Other translations of the same verse:

Let me experience Your faithful love in the morning, for I trust in You. Reveal to me the way I should go because I long for You. (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. (New International Version.)

What does it mean to ‘lift up our souls’ to God? Is it an emotion of the heart? A decision of the mind? An untethering of the weights which prevent us from leaping into God’s arms like a trusting child?

God’s will is clear: He wants to love us and to be loved by us.

About 1,000 years after David lived, a man asked Jesus Christ to name the greatest commandment of God.

He said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment.” (Matthew 22:37 & 38)

God loves us and asks us to love Him in return. How’s that going for us? ❚

A Private Recreational Camp Resort

509 Lamoille Rd. Sublette, IL | 815-849-5209 www.woodhavenassociation.com

So Much to See. So Much to Do.

Hiking Trails. Woodlands. Nature. Lakes. WiFi. Pools. Crafts. Movies. Fitness Center. Prairie. Deer. Pavilions. Arcade. Mini Golf. Day Camp. Tennis. Basketball. Live Music. Theme Activities. Fireworks. Painting Parties. Open Markets. Social Events. Volleyball. Shuffleboard. Teen Dances. Car Show. Paddleboats. Sledding. Farmers Markets. Night Hikes. Campfires. Fishing. Tournaments. Pickleball. Acoustic Nights. Wine & Cheese Social. Road Rally. Golf Outing. 5K/3K. Haunted House. Canoeing. Anything That Floats. Horseshoes. Petting Zoo. Wagon Rides. Aqua Zumba. Playgrounds. Karaoke. Family Fun Night. Coffee Hour. Clubs. DJs. Scavenger Hunts. Kayaking. Tug of War. Food Fairs. Picnics.

Your Outings

Kids Explore Nature at Hickory Knolls

By Pat Szpekowski

Are you looking for a family outdoor adventure that’s totally different, educational and loads of fun? Hickory Knolls Natural Area in St. Charles is open daily all year, from dawn to dusk.

The St. Charles Park District has found a unique way to celebrate this hidden gem. Walking trails have an original walk-and-read children’s tale that shares the history of the land and the many animals that live in and around this scenic open space.

“Hickory Knolls: A History of Our Home” follows Harley the hawk and Greta the grasshopper as they journey through the natural area. Along the way, Harley teaches Greta about efforts to preserve this special land they call home.

“Kids will learn and pick up fun facts about the animals, plants and land,” says Erika Young, marketing manager for the park district. “The walk-and-read story was inspired by Park Board Commissioner Bob Thomson. We took the idea and ran with it, and our St. Charles Park District marketing department created an entirely original story for Hickory Knolls.”

While reading the story, children may see characters come to life. They might hear frog calls while reading Spencer the spring peeper’s explanation of metamorphosis. Or, they might witness monarch butterflies fluttering through the prairie near Archery Woods, while learning about restoration efforts that help pollinators to thrive.

Creating this interactive experience was a way to bring attention to the beauty of the Hickory Knolls Natural Area and entice families to get outdoors. Designated as an Illinois Land & Water Reserve, this preserve stretches over 120 acres of prairies, woodlands, savannas, marshes and more. It’s a quiet, peaceful and uncrowded preserve with a 2-mile trail. The story walk is an estimated ¾ of a mile.

There are, indeed, many ways to celebrate the outdoors, breathe in the fresh air and unplug.

“The St. Charles Park District provides a myriad of fun and distinctive experiences to engage the community,” adds Young. ❚

Hickory Knolls Natural Area is located at 3795 Campton Hills Road, in St. Charles. Learn more at stcparks.org.