Silent sentinels...

Seeing a bald eagle here in Alaska is nothing unusual (although I never thought I'd hear myself saying something like that). But they seem to thrive up here and watching them drift on the currents overhead is a pastime I will never tire of, nor take for granted. Even for Alaska, though, the sight of two of them on the same branch--standing guard from their lofty perch over the snow-covered land spread beneath them --is probably something I will never again see.

I was fortunate that they sat there long enough for me to situate myself (alongside a well-traveled road here on base) and take several shots of their silent vigil. More and more, I realize that although being on the lookout for wildlife is a big (and necessary) part of actually spotting it, vigilance and a keen eye aren't all that's required. Good fortune (as in "God sends opportunities my way on an incredibly regular basis") factors into the equation, as well.

Thank You, God, for knowing my heart and arranging opportunities for me to see You in action.

See you along the trail...

Wonders within wonders

Yesterday was one of those glorious winter days where the skies are blue, the temps are tolerable, and the sun is blinding. I took a walk on base at Cottonwood Park to take a few pictures of the beautiful landscape, then came home and discovered the real gem was right out the back door.

This icicle, caught mid-drip, is reflecting the beauty of the blue sky above it. I didn't see that when I took the shot--it was just a nice piece of ice melting into a pile of snow. But when I took a closer look, I noticed how beautifully even a shrinking icicle on its way to "puddledom" can reflect the beauty God gives us every single day.

Thanks to my brother, Alan, who gave me this fantastic camera, I'm able to take close-ups of the glory that exists all around us. Thanks to our Heavenly Father, I'm finding the delightful surprises hidden inside the beauty of His creation--wonders within wonders.

See you along the trail...

Glimmers

The bare trees, cloud-covered skies, and healthy icicle crop (not to mention huge mounds of snow and sub-freezing temps) attest that winter still has its icy grip on Anchorage, Alaska.

But not for long. Even when we're engulfed in suffocating clouds, a tiny glimmer from the sun is all it takes to show us that all is indeed well. Winter will pass, clouds will clear, storms will cease, temperatures will rise, trees and flowers and all other vegetation will bud and grow and flourish. Animals will come out of hiding (as will humans) and go about the business of building homes, starting and raising families, working, living, and dying.

Hopefully, somewhere in all that activity there will also be lots of praise and worship and gratefulness to our Heavenly Father for all He does for us during every season of our lives.

See you along the trail...