We were hiking along the shore in Acadia NP when we saw a sign that said “Warning, poison ivy.” We didn’t immediately realize that these reds leaves were indeed poison ivy.
Life doesn’t always have such clear and helpful warning signs. Throughout the Bible, God uses prophets to delivery warnings. Who are the prophets in our day?
This is a photo taken at Thunder Hole in Acadia NP, looking out to the Gulf of Maine. There is a small breeze, but the surf is fairly calm. Which makes for a nice photo and is a nice thing if you are out in a small boat. Unfortunately, it also means that there was no “thunder” at Thunder Hole. We arrived a little before high tide which is when the noise should be the loudest. We did see some spray, but not much noise.
So I took a few pictures of the little inlet where the water sprays up, then turned and started taking photos of the birds and rocks and open water. Don’t miss a great opportunity because it’s not what you were hoping for.
A Greek philosopher once said that “you cannot step into the same river twice.” That seems to be an apt thought at the end of the calendar year. We will not experience anything exactly the same as we did this past year.
I picked this photo of the sunset for my last reflection of the year. Just as evening is a good time to reflect of the day, this is a good time to reflect on the past year. Where have you encountered God during the year?
(Photo: Little Missouri River, Theodore Roosevelt NP)
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who lived in a land of gloom a light has shone. Isaiah 9:1
(Photo: Sunrise at Galena Breeze, Jamaica)
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)
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.
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)
If the Lord does not build the house, in vain do its builders labor; if the Lord does not guard the city, in vain does the guard keep watch. In vain is your earlier rising, your going later to rest, you who toil for the bread you eat, when God pours gifts on his beloved while they slumber. Psalm 127:1-2
I read this Psalm recently and was taken aback. I consider myself to be an early riser, and admit that I take some pride in that quality. This Psalm serves as a reminder of where my strength lies.
(Photo: Kiawah sunrise)
Come and behold the works of the Lord, the awesome deeds God has done on the earth. Psalm 43:9
(Photo: Delicate Arch, Arches NP)
A stone is not the sun, but this one is imitating the sun. It is said that imitation is the highest flattery. Even more importantly, we are encouraged by Paul to “be imitators of God… and live in love” (Ephesians 5:1-2).
(Photo: Sunrise at Galina Breeze, Jamaica)
Signs Along the Way 