Wolf Moon

January 1 - January Full Moon behind Split Rock Lighthouse For the past 25 years, I have been trekking up the North Shore of Lake Superior to photograph the January full moon as it rises from behind the rock cliffs to silhouette the lighthouse. There are only a few winter nights during the year when this can happen. The moon never fails to come up at the same place and same time, year after year. As you stand there and watch this phenomenon occur, you cannot help but appreciate the universe as it rotates from days to months to seasons and years. The clockwork of the universe keeps ticking. Our heavenly Father not only created the heavens but, He also sustains them for His joy and our pleasure. Everything He does reveals His glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails. Psa 111:3 It is comforting to know that God, who created the heavens, is also the same God who has promised to keep us regardless of our situation.

Great Gray Owl

January 2 - Great Grey Owl During mid-winter, an effective hunter of the North Woods, Grey owls venture south from Canada to forage for mice and other small creatures. This big guy did not seem bothered by my being there, and he was as curious about me as I was in it. The beautiful Great Gray Owl is a powerful bird; it can break through hard-packed snow to grab a small mammal moving beneath the surface. In the winter, they eat up to 7 small mammals every day. Great grays hunt by perching on posts or branches and listening. Great grays have asymmetrical ears, unevenly situated on the sides of their skull, one slightly higher than the other, such that the wide facial disk acts like a radar dish, directing sounds to its ears. The owl's small prey can be moving 100 yards away and two feet of snow and be part of this incredible creature's lunch. But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? Job 12:7-9 The Great Grey Owl is a perfect example of God's design in nature. This bird has so many built-in capabilities for survival that this incredible bird glorifies God by its mere existence. If we take time to focus, it is not hard to see the hand of God in all His creation.

Deep Winter Shipping

January 3 - Deep Winter Shipping The Cason J Callaway arrived in Duluth, passing through sea smoke boiling off Lake Superior's open water. Within a few weeks, this area will be thick ice until Spring. Shipping on Lake Superior continues into mid-January with severe cold and thick ice. However, in these icy conditions of -20F, you can also see incredible beauty everywhere you look. The coldest temperature recorded in Duluth was -41, which occurred on January 2, 1885. Emersed in the cold of January, Springtime seems far off; however, the daylight hours are already stretching longer, and soon, it will be noticeably lighter at supper time. "From the breath of God ice is made, And the expanse of the waters is frozen." Job 37:10 Sometimes hope is surrounding us, and we miss it because of our situation, but Spring is right around the corner, just like January. And indeed, as Spring follows Winter, as Christians, the hope we find in Christ is always there; we only have to look up.

Magenta Light

January 4th - Split Rock Lighthouse - The Guiding Light of the North Shore Split Rock Lighthouse has stood sentinel over the rocky shoreline of the north shore of Lake Superior for more than 100 years. The beautiful lighthouse remains a significant tourist attraction and is the most photographed lighthouse on the Great Lakes. Ships navigating Lake Superior had few references, and after multiple boats ran aground on the rocky cliffs during violent storms, Split Rock Light was commissioned. I can only imagine the relief sailors would feel once they recognized the flashing light pattern of Split Rock and other lighthouses around the lake, especially during foul weather. Much like the hope that the storm-tossed sailors had in knowing they would soon see the sure light of Split Rock, so, we have that same hope in knowing God is with us, never changing and steadfast on the rock of Jesus Christ. You, LORD, are my lamp; the LORD turns my darkness into light. 2 Samuel 22:29 If you are not going through turbulent waters today, tomorrow is no guarantee. So today, put your hope and trust in the truth of the gospel and let Jesus guide your path.

Icy Reflection

January 5th - Icy Reflections - Wisconsin Point Lighthouse The Wisconsin Point Lighthouse reflects the clear ice surrounding the entry into the Duluth-Superior Harbor. Constructed in 1913, the Wisconsin Point Lighthouses has stood watch over the Wisconsin Entry for more than 100 years. This Lighthouse replaced the previous Minnesota Point Lighthouse, the first Lighthouse built on Lake Superior in 1856. This beautiful Lighthouse is exposed to high winds, powerful waves, lightning, and extreme cold throughout the years and is a tribute to the construction crews and engineers who built and designed this light. The Wisconsin Point Lighthouse has withstood the powerful elements on a solid foundation meant to last. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2 Just like the Wisconsin Point Lighthouse, we need a solid foundation to withstand the storms of life. We have this foundation for life "In Christ Alone."

Ice Tug Formation

January 6th - Ice Tug Formation Last week's shipping season makes it challenging for the tug boats to keep open shipping lanes. Here the tugs make their way back into the harbor after escorting a laker onto Lake Superior for its last trip of the season across the frozen lake. The large lakers easily get trapped in the ice-encrusted harbor without these powerful little boats. When the large boats carefully follow the ice path made by the little tugs, it makes sure not to deviate from the course, or it will quickly get stuck. Much like the harbor ships, the Bible lays out a clear path to follow, and if we deviate, we quickly reap the consequences. Fortunately, as Christians, we have a tug escort given us by God, the Holy Spirit. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 The Holy Spirit is that still small voice on the inside of us to either gently push, pull, or stop us as we travel along God's assigned path for our life. He will "tug" and "nudge" us gently, but He won't make us do anything. We must use our own free will to decide our course of action.

Winter Sunrise

January 7th - Winter Sunrise Located near Split Rock Lighthouse, the sunrise over Ellison Island brings light to the landscape and the soul. While most people put down their cameras for the winter, it is one of the most beautiful photography seasons. The white landscape, silent forest, and colorful sunsets and sunrises break into your routines and slow you down to focus. Because the winter sun is so low on the horizon, sunlight must pass through more air, which means the light is more scattered and more colors appear. And he shall be as the light of the morning when the sun rises, even a morning without clouds 2Sa 23:4 While a sunrise scatters the darkness across the earth, The light of the World, Jesus Christ, scatters the night of our soul. Thank You, God, for sending you only Son so that we may have light and life eternal. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

South Pier Moonrise

January 8 South Pier Moonrise January Full Moon over the South Pier Lighthouse in Duluth. The moonlight reflecting off the clouds and water makes for a surreal image. The South Pier Lighthouse has been guiding ships into the harbor since 1901 and replaced an older lighthouse at the time. This powerful beacon shines 24 miles out onto Lake Superior, guiding ships into safe harbor. Christians have relied on the powerful light of Jesus Christ through prayer and the Bible for thousands of years. The Gospel beams the hope of salvation far and wide. For you are my lamp, O Lord, and my God lightens my darkness. 2 Samuel 22:29

Frosty Forest

January 9 - Frosty Forest After three days of freezing fog, the forests across the Northland became covered with rime ice. Rime ice forms when supercooled water liquid droplets freeze onto surfaces. The incredible beauty caught everyone's attention. God seems to gently "breathe" on the earth as it becomes covered with frost. Then, when daylight breaks and the curtain of freezing clouds lift off the landscape, the wonder of God's creation reveals His Glory for our pleasure. He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes. Psalm 147:16 Thank you, Lord, for showing us your beauty, peace, and quiet in a world of confusion and chaos.

Ice Shards

January 10 - Ice Shards Layers of sheet ice piled up on the Park Point shoreline. Sheets of ice are broken up and stacked by wind and currents into piles along Lake Superior's shore. You can watch and listen to the crystal-like shards as they move and bump against each other throughout the day. As the water cools down, its molecular structure slows down, and when the water temperature reaches 32° Fahrenheit (0° Celcius), the molecules bond together and forms solid ice. By the breath of God, ice is given, and the broad waters are frozen fast. Job 37:10 Oh God, thank you for the cool fresh air today, the water we need to live, and the hope you give us through your creation.

Winter Nightscape

January 11 - Winter Nightscape Deep winter in the Northland reveals many breathtaking scenes, and the colder it gets, the more beauty pops out. On a freezing evening in mid-January, the colors saturate blue, and the windblown snow sculpted drifts become visible. It is hard to believe that the daylight hours will be noticeably longer in just a few weeks, and the thought of Springtime begins to tease our minds. "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater." Isaiah 55:10 Thank you, Lord, for your creation to point to You and for the gift to enjoy and live in winter.

Ghost Ship

January 12 - Ghost Ship Lake Superior lets off steam as an ice-covered Laker makes its way into the Duluth Shipping Canal on a freezing January morning. Fingers freeze, and camera batteries die quickly in this weather, so quick snapshots are the rule of the day. There are a few days of Duluth's year where conditions are right for thick sea smoke, but those challenging days make for some beautiful images. All three forms of water are visible here, steam, liquid, and ice. By the breath of God ice is given, and the broad waters are frozen fast. Job 37:10 Thank you, oh God, for cold January days where we can view your beautiful creation and breath in the pure arctic air.

Amnicon Falls Bowstring Bridge

January 13 - Bowstring Bridge The Bowstring Bridge, also called a Horton Bridge, spans the Amnicon River and graces Amnicon State Park's landscapes near Superior, Wisconsin. The sound of running water, chirping chickadees, and a gentle wind blowing through the treetops gives you a sense of peace that only being in nature can provide. Let the field exult and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy. Psalm 96:12 Thank you, Lord, for your exquisite creations that so often point directly to You!

Cold Wave

January 14th - Cold Wave I always stop by Split Rock State Park when I head up the North Shore of Lake Superior, and this day was no different. A sunny afternoon with light winds made for a pleasant afternoon. The waves were stirred up from a passing cold front the day before, and the beauty of the lake, with fresh snow and emerald and blue waves rolling onto the beach, created an incredible winter scene. In this unexpected situation, all you can say is WOW while your heart pounds as you maneuver across the ice-covered rocks for a better vantage point. It is easy to see God's Glory in scenes like this. That is why he brought it together on a beautiful January afternoon. You rule the swelling of the sea; When its waves rise, You still them. Psalm 89:9 Thank you, Lord, for such a display of Your Power and Glory in this beautiful place.

Snow Crystal - Beauty in the Little Things

January 15th - Ice Crystal - Beauty in the Little Things January is a month filled when ice and snow, with incredible scenery everywhere you look. You don't have to leave your yard to photograph these exciting pieces of nature. This image was captured by mounting my camera to a frozen microscope. When you first focus on the snow crystal, there is an incredible moment of awe as you first see the flake close up. From whose womb did the ice come forth, and who has given birth to the frost of heaven? Job 38:29 God created this hidden beauty to reveal Himself to us in His creation; consider how even the little things of creation are made for His Glory.

Winter Whitetails

January 16 - Winter Whitetails White-tailed deer are one of the most beautiful of God's creatures and thrive abundantly in the northland. This pair was munching on some fresh alder brush on a mid-January afternoon. Deer have a four-chamber stomach, which allows them to chew the cud, where they partially chew food, regurgitate it, and chew it again to make it easier to digest. This fantastic ability enables them to eat some very rough foliage. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places. Habakkuk 3:19 Provision If God cares for the deer in deep winter, how much more will he watch over and provide for us with abilities, shelter, food, and family. We have so much to be thankful for, even in the deep of winter.

Frozen Assets

January 17 - Frozen Assets On a frigid January day, the 1000 ft Paul R Tregurtha made its way into the Duluth Shipping Canal. As the Great Lakes shipping season draws to an end during mid-January, the large Lakers struggle through extreme weather conditions as they finish up the season. During the eight weeks between shipping seasons, the large ships are repaired and refurbished while the crews get a much-needed rest. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 We all need rest at some point, both physically and spiritually. So take a few minutes today to reflect on where you are in life and where you are going! God knows your situation and offers rest beyond measure.

Big Dipper

January 18 - The Big Dipper in the Auroras The Aurora Borealis flicked to life in the night skies above a snow-covered landscape. On this sub-zero January evening, the calm winds and silent forest added to The Northern Light's mystique. The mix of landscape, skies, and stars combine to declare the glory of God in this January scenery in the northern forest. "Yours is the day, Yours also the night; You have established the heavenly lights and the sun. You have fixed all the boundaries of the earth; You have made summer and winter." (Psalm 74:16-17) It is humbling to know that God is at work, painting the sky for an audience of one. We only have to "look up" and see him through His creation as He looks down to give peace to our souls.

Moon Watch

January 19 - Moon Watch The January full-moonrise at Split Rock Lighthouse is an annual event that many photographers from around the region follow. The moon slowly creeps up the backside of the cliff and suddenly appears behind the lighthouse. Here you can see the lineup of photographers hoping the capture that perfect shot. The moon follows its perfect path with the other stars and planets, including earth, showing that everything in creation points to God to reflect His glory. Thankfully we get to enjoy the scene. "When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained..." Psalm 8:3 Thank you, Lord, that your timing is perfect and unchanging; guide us on our journey today.

Magenta Lighthouse

January 20 - Magenta Lighthouse Looking through the pines at Split Rock State Park, the lighthouse is highlighted by the warm light of a January sunset. Although the temperatures are cold, we have gained a half-hour of daylight already, and the average temperates are on the rise. The cycles of the seasons are continually moving along, and so are the seasons of life. The quiet rest of winter will slowly morph into the new life of springtime. There is always something to look forward to in God's creation. For everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1 Thank You, Lord, for the quiet rest of winter and the hope of a new season just around the corner.

Winter Sunset - Two Harbors Lighthouse

January 21 - Winter Sunset - Two Harbors Lighthouse The Two Harbors breakwater lighthouse was built in 1892, and together with the larger lighthouse further back onshore, it has guided the mighty US Steel ships into the harbor for over 100 years. The lighthouse is 49 feet high, and the beacon shines 78 feet above Lake Superior's waters. The dimming light of a cold January evening warms your soul and gives one a glimpse of glory. It is amazing how the color of light can make a frigid scene seem war. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light. Psalm 36:9 Today is a great day to be alive.

Split Rock Silhouette

January 22 - Split Rock Silhouette The rising moon's light backlights the Split Rock Lighthouse and highlights the scattered clouds to produce a stunning winter scene. One night out of the year, the moon rises in the perfect location and creeps up the cliff's backside, suddenly appearing behind the lighthouse filling its role in the universal clockwork of God's creation. The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. Psa 18:2 Thank you, Lord, for creating the conditions to highlight the North Shore on a cold winter night and glorify you in the world and heavens.

Winter Jay

The Blue Jay is a beautiful resident of the Blue Bnorthern forests, with its dignified crest; blue, white, and black feathers; and unique calls. Blue Jays are intelligent birds with tight family bonds. These creative songbirds love to sing throughout the forest and symbolize clarity, vibrancy, and intellect. Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Matthew 6:26 God's creation declares His existence from every corner of the earth and is comforting to know; He is in control.

Winter Light

Split Rock Lighthouse on a mild January afternoon. On November 28, 1905, a single storm damaged 29 ships, fully one-third of the U.S. Steel fleet's uninsured property. Two of these carriers foundered on this rocky coastline. The North Shore of Lake Superior became known as "the most dangerous piece of water in the world." Split Rock Lighthouse was built in 1910 and guided safely guided ships on Lake Superior until 1969, when it was officially retired. Much like this faithful lighthouse, we have a trusted keeper with us in our Lord Jesus Christ, who watches and guides us on our life's journey. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 Oh Lord, thank you for guiding us through the dangers of live and for your promise to bring us home safely.