God in all things, Photography, Scenery, Travel

Outstanding

This photo was taken at Lily Lake, near Estes Park, CO. I’m drawn to this elk, who seems to be outstanding in his field. Someone who is outstanding in their field is often used to refer to someone who has a particular area of excellence. However, it could be someone who is clueless to what is going on around them. Ironically, it can mean both at the same time.

I’ve come to learn how strengths can be weaknesses and visa versa. The Apostle Paul writes again and again in his letters that he will only boast of his weaknesses – because that is where God shines through.

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God in all things, Photography, Prayer, Scenery, Travel

Reflecting

Reflecting on reflecting…

I recently heard an interview with Matt Maher the singer and he talked about serving God when he writes music and sings. He was paraphrasing a quote from Eric Liddell in the movie Chariots of Fire: “When I run, I feel His (God’s) pleasure.”

This seems like yet another way to see God in all things: in our actions and the actions of others.

(Photo: Reflection Lake, Mt Rainier)

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God in all things, Photography, Scenery, Travel

Challenges

This is the view from the Grinell Glacier Overlook Trail (Glacier NP). My wife and I hiked here in 2017. That day my wife accused me of trying to kill (not that she really meant it). But it was a long, hard and hot day of hiking. This spur, in particular, was a 1000 foot gain in less than a mile off the main trail. But what a spectacular view!

It is said “What does not kill you, makes you stronger” (first attributed to Friedrich Nietzsche). In Proverbs, we are told that God purifies our hearts like gold is purified by fire. While I don’t believe that suffering is intrinsically good, I do believe God can work through the challenges we face.

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God in all things, Photography, Scenery, Travel

Big Picture

This is Delicate Arch (Arches NP) from the Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint, about a km away. The arch looks much more humble from this distance. Without any reference point, it’s not obvious that it is about 5 stories tall.

At a far distance, it is easier to the “big picture”. And the big picture is important, but can hide a lot of important details. I can assure you, it looks far different standing up there looking down through the arch toward this point.

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God in all things, Photography, Scenery, Travel

Ageless

This is a photo from Bruce Point in Bryce Canyon, which is technically is not a canyon since it was formed by weather erosion rather than a central stream. The exposed layers of rock are about 100 million years old. In nearby Zion National Park, the exposed layers are 140 to 240 million years old. The exposed layers in the Grand Canyon are 200 to 600 million years old. There are shared layers between these parks, creating what is called the Grand Staircase. You can look out over the Grand Staircase from a spot in Bryce Canyon called Yovimpa Point.

I have a hard time wrapping my head around the idea of something being 100 million years old. How much harder to grasp the concept of God being truly ageless.

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God in all things, Photography, Prayer, Scenery, Travel

Sunsetting

Blessed be the name of the Lord both now and forever. From the rising of the sun to its setting let the name of the Lord be praised. High above all nations is the Lord; above the heavens his glory. Who is like the Lord our God, enthroned on high, looking down on heaven and earth? Psalm‬ ‭113:2-6‬

(Photo: sunset in Medora, North Dakota)

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God in all things, Photography, Scenery, Travel

The River

This is the Virgin River, in Zion NP. It is not easily seen in the photo, but the Parus Trail can be seen beside the river. While I stand here admiring this view, it is likely someone on the trail below is also enjoying their view, though it is very different from mine. Different even though we are not so far apart. A vivid reminder of how we each experience the same situation so differently.

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