This photo was taken from Buck Hill in Theodore Roosevelt NP. It was a fairly short climb, and we decided to eat lunch overlooking this view. Even though we really weren’t at high, it was definitely an “on top of the world” experience. For some perspective, there is a bison laying down just to the left of the center of the photo.
This was an experience that made me ponder the goodness of God.
This is a photo from the Coal Vein Trail in Theodore Roosevelt NP. In this area there was a 12-foot-thick coal vein deep underground. In 1951 it caught fire and burned for 26 years. As it burned away, the rocks above were left unsupported and the surface collapsed, forming a depression. When the underground coal fire was burning, this area looked more like a wasteland than a grassland. After the fire burned out, prairie plants reclaimed the land slowly over time.
What does it mean to see as God see? Looking at a burned out field and seeing verdant green.
As we were finishing a short hike at Theodore Roosevelt NP, a couple standing at the parking area asked us if we realized we were being followed by a bison. We turned around and saw this guy not far behind us. We climbed a small hill and watched him walk by.
There continues to be stories in the news of people who think it’s OK to walk up to these animals and wind up being injured by them. And I do admit that they seem very mild manner when you see them walking by like this. However, I’m never tempted to get close to one. So what leads to the tragic error in judgment for those who wind up in the news?
I’m currently reading a book, The Whole Language by Gregory Boyle (Homeboy Industries). In it, he talks about the sad choices former gang members had made. Often his message is don’t judge but rather try to understand why choices are made. I often say “there but for the Grace of God go I”. I realize I have made plenty of bad choices without ever finding myself in a hopeless situation. If we are to learn to love others as God does, we need to stop seeing others as different than ourselves.
This is a photo of a prairie dog town in Theodore Roosevelt NP. Prairie dogs are very social animals; they live in large colonies or towns that can span hundreds of acres. They can detect predators from a great distance and alerts other prairie dogs with a special, high-pitched call.
I could see myself as a prairie dog. People are also social animals that generally live in large towns. I just need to work on my call for warning others.
Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Tell his glory among the nations; among all peoples, his marvelous deeds. For great is the Lord and highly to be praised, to be feared above all gods. For the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. Splendor and power go before him; power and grandeur are in his holy place. Psalms 96:1-6
(Photo: Boicourt Trail, Theodore Roosevelt NP)
In God alone is my soul at rest, my salvation comes from the Lord. Psalm 62:2
(Photo: View from East River Rd, Theodore Roosevelt NP)
We encountered these wild (feral) horses shortly after entering the Theodore Roosevelt NP, driving on the South Unit Scenic Loop Road. These horses, also known as mustangs, convey an image of power. Hence the use of the term horsepower for engines and Mustang for a type of car and plane.
The Bible is filled with references to God’s power. It is more than an image.
This photo was taken during the Maah Daah Hey Trail run in July. It was hot – very hot. As you can see, there were a few trees but almost none provide shade for the trail. This lake was just over 8 miles into the run. Combine this with the fact that the first aid station was not until after mile 10 and you can understand why I was longing for cool water.
As the deer longs for streams of water, so my soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, the living God. Psalms 42:2-3
Signs Along the Way 