Between Earth and Sky

Daybreak on Lake Superior seems to reach into your soul with a humbling touch. Earth meets sky, light chases the darkness, and off-lake breezes mix elements together to paint another masterpiece formed by the hand of God. It's comforting to know that the same God that spun the universe into this moment, is the same God the keeps His eye on us.



While standing on the shoreline at 6AM waiting for the sun to rise, I couldn't help but start whistling a familiar hymn, "This is my Father's world".
Thy hymn, written by Malbie Babcock in the 1860's was published from his writings by his wife after his untimely death. He never heard the poem sung,
but it is easy to understand his feelings as you gaze upon this scene.

This is my Father's world
and to my listening ears
all nature sings, and round me rings
the music of the spheres.
This is my Father's world:
I rest me in the thought
of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
his hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father's world,
the birds their carols raise,
the morning light, the lily white,
declare their maker's praise.
This is my Father's world:
he shines in all that's fair;
in the rustling grass I hear him pass;
he speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father's world.
O let me ne'er forget
that though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father's world:
why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King; let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let the earth be glad!


Listen to the melody played by Mary Beth Carlson!
(click play button twice to start)

Golden Hills

On this particular October day the changing leaves decorated the hills overlooking Duluth with a golden beauty that only God could create. It's interesting to note that the gold color had been in the leaves all summer, however, it was only revealed when the green chlorophyll left the leaves due to the diminishing daylight hours of autumn.

The golden hills reminded me of the element gold which is one of the most highly sought-after precious metals. Gold is also the most malleable and ductile metals; a single gram can be beaten into a sheet of one square meter, or an ounce into 300 square feet. Gold leaf can be beaten thin enough to become translucent.God's creation never ceases to amaze me. He not only uses the elements of the earth to reveal to us some of His attributes, such as purity, perfection, and royalty, but, also uses the colors of a golden hillside in Duluth to do the same.

The Bible reminds us to never forget that the value and preciousness of gold in this world is temporary and meant only to point us to God where true treasure can be found.

I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me.
I have riches and honor, as well as enduring wealth and justice.
My gifts are better than gold, even the purest gold, my wages better than sterling silver! Pro 8:17

Bardons Peak - Duluth

Bardon Peak is part of the high bluffs overlooking the far western part of Duluth.
Click on the image to view the Spherical picture.

Split Rock Fly-By

Split Rock Fly-By

During late September and early October, the migratory flyway along the north shore of Lake Superior fills with thousands of birds heading south for the winter. There is some room left to make an afternoon flight in a light plane to enjoy the scenery. In this picture, a fly-by of the magnificent Split Rock Lighthouse is a special treat.

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Glensheen Autumn

Glensheen Autumn

Glensheen is the historic Congdon estate located in the heart of Duluth along the shore of Lake Superior. The 39-room Jacobean Revival mansion is Minnesota’s premier historic house museum. The estate was completed in 1908. Even the formal gardens and naturalistic landscape retain much of their original design. Here, visitors are given a fascinating look at life in an affluent family home from the turn of the last century.

Palisade Head

Palisade Head is a location on the North Shore of Lake Superior that is often bypassed, yet, offers a stunning view of Lake Superior from a 300 foot cliff.

Once you open the spherical image, don't get dizzy looking over the cliff.

Palisade Head (Click on image to view spherical image)

Reflections

The scientific definition for "reflection" is the act or process of redirecting electromagnetic energy along a new path. While this scientific explanation describes the physical attributes of light, there is a deeper meaning when it is described in terms of contemplation on the past.

The human brain has a unique capacity to rerun events of the past in much the same way as a video recorded. Often times, certain sights and sounds bring back memories of places and times we once enjoyed.

When you watch this video titled "Reflections", enjoy the music and pictures while reflecting on the fond memories of times past.

Note: For smooth playback, let the video buffer for a minute or two.

How amazing are the deeds of the LORD! All who delight in Him should ponder them.
Everything He does reveals His glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails.
He causes us to remember His wonderful works. How gracious and merciful is our LORD! Psa 111

"Reflections" Music by Mary Beth Carlson. www.marybethcarlson.com

Autumn Morning

Early Autumn on Hartley Pond

Heavy frost accumulated on the landscape overnight as the winds calmed and temperatures dropped into the 20's. I headed out in the early morning twilight to capture steam rising off the water as it touched the cold air.

Maple Ridge Reflecting in Hartley Pond

Hartley Nature Center is a bit of wilderness tucked away in the Woodland area of Duluth and a wonderful place to visit in the early hours of the day. The quiet pond lays sleepily in the hollow of the hills and is surrounded by hardwoods and cattails.

As the sun rose out of the east, the maple ridges began to glow and steam from the pond lifted off the water in layers of white mist. As the increasing light flowed through the pure air of autumn, it highlighted the frost covered ground which was decorated with the last remnants of summer growth. Flowers were frozen in place and ferns were outlined with white crystals that clung to the plants like frosting.

The ice crystals not only added beauty, but dealt the plants a fatal blow as the frost cut into their tissue like a thousand tiny needles. The cycle of life continued and within hours these flowers would be wilted and bent, and would soon provide fertilizer and seeds for next years crop.

God made the cycle of the seasons as a reminder to us of the brevity of life and how quickly time passes. Any day, that first frost will come to each of us.

... people are like the grass. Their beauty fades as quickly as the flowers in a field.

The grass withers and the flowers fade beneath the breath of the LORD. And so it is with people. Isa 40:6

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