December 29 - Clear Ice Deep Winter in the Northland brings a slumber on the landscape and rest to our soul. This scene along the North Shore of Lake Superior combines extreme cold with a warm sunrise. Water is a unique substance that is the only common substance as a solid, liquid, and gas. Such as in this image: the solid ice, liquid water, and clouds of sea smoke in the distance. Although water contains no calories or nutrients, it is essential to every living thing on the planet. He causes the vapors to rise from the end of the earth; He makes lightning for the rain; He brings the wind out of His storehouses. Psa 135:7 God's gift of water represents His provision, grace, and love given to us every day. Thankfulness is our daily response. So why do scenes like this seem to calm our souls and drop our blood pressure? The prescription from God to draw us past this scene and into the realm of thinking about Him more and ourselves less. Then He said to me, "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. Revelation 21:6
December 30th - Sunset Through the Pines The winter sun slowly sets over the St. Louis River valley near Jay Cooke State Park. So that those who dwell at the ends of the earth are in awe at your signs. You make the going out of the morning and the evening to shout for joy. Psalm 65:8
December 31 - Deep Forest Sunrise A December 31 sunrise is an excellent way to end the year. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life". John 3:16