August 1st—Through the Looking Glass—This late afternoon rainbow over Duluth Harbor lasted for a few minutes yet caught your attention in an episode of awe.Rainbows are beautiful representations of hope and a promise from God to put your trust in Him.Hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23
August 2—Down the Canal—Seeing a sunrise from a different perspective is always an exciting endeavor. This image, taken from a kayak, brings the light and water closer to our senses and envelopes us with the beauty of Lake Superior.Lake Superior's stunning blue hues and expansive horizon never fail to inspire awe and create a sense of tranquility.When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2
August 3 - Freighter in the Sunrise - A quiet early morning stroll along Park Point Beach often develops into a photo opportunity.Here, a ship waits at anchor for its turn to load grain.During the first weeks of August, Lake Superior is the quietest time of year on the shores of the big lake and an excellent time for a long walk.Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind. Ecclesiastes 4:6
August 4 - Schooner Cruising - A cool breeze off Lake Superior blows the Schooner Hjørdis into the Grand Marais Harbor. The Hjørdis is a 1978 gaff-rigged schooner from the North House Folk School in Grand Marais, MN.The lichen-covered rocks, lighthouse, blue water, and sails bring a sense of calm to the North Shore on a perfect August evening.The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures.He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. Psalm 23
August 5th - Summer at Split Rock Lighthouse - This majestic lighthouse stands watch over the North Shore of Lake Superior and has been a symbol of strength and fortitude for 110 years.The keepers faithfully ensured the light shone over the waters of Lake Superior, guiding ships to safety and refuge. Split Rock Lighthouse sits on a foundation of immovable rock.Just as this mighty light stands on a rock, Jesus is our foundation in this world. We can put our faith in Him alone.The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2
August 6 - Roses, Rainbows & Sailboats - A Time for Everything!As August unfolds, it brings the peak of summer's glory, a time to bask in the warmth and beauty of nature. It's a time to anticipate the changing seasons and the unique experiences they bring.The Duluth Rose Garden is a haven of tranquility. The sweet aroma of the roses will envelop your senses. At the same time, the vibrant colors and gentle sea breezes off Lake Superior will wash away your worries, leaving you with a sense of peace and serenity. A time for Everything!For Everything there is a season,and a time for every matter under heaven:a time to be born and a time to die;a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted;a time to kill and a time to heal;a time to break down and a time to build up;a time to weep and a time to laugh;a time to mourn and a time to dance;a time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together;a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing;a time to seek and a time to lose;a time to keep and a time to cast away;a time to tear and a time to sew;a time to keep silence and a time to speak;a time to love and a time to hate;a time for war, and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
August 8—Birds-Eye View of Duluth—Duluth, Minnesota, is located on the far western tip of Lake Superior. The "Zenith City" combines parks, lakeshore, wildlife, and weather to make a great city.God has blessed this region with abundant natural resources, which we can enjoy every day. He gives us glory for His creation in this part of the world.For from him and through him and for him are all things.To him be the glory forever! Amen. Romans 11:36
August 9-Harbor Moon Mark your calendars for August 9th, when a rare celestial event unfolds-the moon will grace the skies over Duluth Harbor. This unique occurrence, often unseen during the short nights of August, promises to be a sight to behold."Like the moon, it shall be established forever, a faithful witness in the skies." - Psalm 89:37
August 10th - Lights - sunshine pours through the lens of the North Pier Lighthouse in Duluth. Catching a Lake Superior sunrise is a peaceful and soul-filling experience, much like reading God's Word - The Bible.You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. Psalm 18:28
August 11-Gone Fishing! - A fishing charter heads out onto Lake Superior, and the first thing they see is a beautiful sunrise. The big lake is abundant in trout, salmon, and walleye, providing sustenance and a livelihood for generations.The calm waters of Lake Superior during the first two weeks of August are a good time for reflection and vacation, as the changes in the seasons are soon upon us.The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.He restores my soul.He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Psalm 23
August 12 - Deep Forest Sunrise - The rising sun backlights a ridge of pine trees on a hazy August morning. August's thick, damp, warm air creates a sweet pine scent that fills your senses.His splendor is like the sunrise. Rays shine from his hand, where his power is hidden. Hab 3:4
August 13 - Full Moon in the Pines - Mid-August is a time to reflect on the past summer and the autumn beauty that lies ahead. The clockwork of the universe keeps perfect timing in the direction of God's providence.And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. Genesis 1:16
August 14 - Rose Framed Bridge - This Duluth Rose Garden graces the shores of Lake Superior in Duluth. A spectacular extension of Leif Erikson Park, Duluth's Rose Garden offers a beautiful arrangement of more than 3,000 rose bushes and other floral delights. A fountain, a marble gazebo, an herb garden, and plenty of benches overlooking the lake.He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Psalm 23:2-3
August 15 - Silent Night - The Milky Way slowly drifts across the night sky as the seasonal clock ticks forward.The Milky Way, a colossal expanse spanning about 100,000 light-years, is a testament to the grandeur of God's creation, designed to inspire awe and wonder. "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge." Psalm 19:1
August 16-Distant Fire August's Scattered thunderstorms highlight the horizon as the Milky Way drifts across the August sky at Split Rock State Park.The quiet beauty of the universe reflecting off Lake Superior is a humbling reminder of God's creation.Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Isaiah 40:26
August 17 - Copper Harbor LighthouseLocated on Hays Point at the northern tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, Copper Harbor Lighthouse began operation in the spring of 1849. This lighthouse was the second to be activated on Lake Superior.When you think about the fortitude of the lighthkeeps back in a time where there was no electricity, they relied on once a month supplied from the Lighthose services. These keepers had to be creative and industrious on their own just to survive." I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." - Psalm 121:1-2Who are you relying on for your strength today? God is with you.
August 18 - Early light near Grand Marais breaks the grip of night. Mid-August is a quiet season on Lake Superior, leaving an opening for incredibly restful scenery.The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.He makes me lie down in green pastures. Psalm 23
August 19th - Your Place in Space - Hidden along the shoreline of Lake Superior are many coves and inlets where you can stop and catch your breath, relax, and find your place in the universe.Nature declares the glory of God; we have to look in the right places.Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Not one of them is missing because of his great power and mighty strength. Isaiah 40:26
August 22-Sand Island LighthouseThe Sand Island Lighthouse, a striking structure near the western end of the Apostle Islands, was built in 1881. This charming lighthouse, made from sandstone quarried on-site, is a beautiful landmark on Lake Superior and a crucial guide for ships navigating the treacherous waters. It is a testament to the architectural and engineering marvels of its time."The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." - John 1:5 The lighthouse keepers were diligent about keeping the light lit at night. So is our God diligent about the light of salvation.
August 21-Crescent Moon SunriseAs dawn breaks in the Northland, a slim crescent moon hangs over Lake Superior.The sight of a slim crescent moon hanging delicately over Lake Superior at dawn in Duluth is breathtaking. The scene's tranquil beauty, with the moon's soft glow reflected on the serene waters of the lake, creates a sense of peace and wonder. He made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows its time for setting. Psalm 104:19 This scene is a reminder of God's creation's simple yet profound beauty and a moment to thank God for His wondrous creation.
August 22-Sand Island LighthouseThe Sand Island Lighthouse, a striking structure near the western end of the Apostle Islands, was built in 1881. This charming lighthouse, made from sandstone quarried on-site, is not just a beautiful landmark on Lake Superior, but also a crucial guide for ships navigating the treacherous waters. It stands as a testament to the architectural and engineering marvels of its time."The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." - John 1:5 The lighthouse keepers were diligent about keeping the light lit at night. So is our God diligent about the light of salvation
August 23rd—History—The historic 2719 Locomotive travels the North Shore Scenic Railroad near Fitger's Inn in Duluth.This historic locomotive, a symbol of progress and ambition, stands as a proud reminder of a bygone era, when the Northland was on the cusp of a transformative growth and expansion."To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away." - Matthew 25:29Use the past to motivate the future, as we will be here only briefly.
August 24th - Beach Grass and Sunrises - The light of a breaking sunrise over Lake Superior backlights a freighter as it waits at anchor. This image, taken on a quiet August morning along Park Point Beach, captured God's creation and points to His Glory.He is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning,like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth. Samuel-2 23:4Calmness comes from the heart in knowing God and His providence in everything.
August 25- Split Rock Lighthouse-Sentinel of the Big Lake - Built in 1910, this beautiful lighthouse could only be accessed by water for nearly 15 years. In 1924, the lighthouse became more easily reachable for keepers and families when a road was cut through the forest. Tourists made quick use of the new roadway, and Split Rock Lighthouse became one of the most photographed destinations in Minnesota.Be a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come; you have commanded to save me, for you are my rock and fortress. Psalm 71:3
August 26—The Apostle Islands sit just offshore from the Bayfield Peninsula on Lake Superior. Sandstone erosion has carved out sea caves, which can be visited by boat during the summer and by air during colder winters. The caves are one of the region's wonders and give new meaning to "Heaven on Earth.""Trust in the Lord forever,For in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock. Isaiah 26:4
August 27th - Tracks NorthLocomotive 403 crosses the Sucker River Tressel on its way to Two Harbors. These locomotives were the workhorses of a nation in the 20s and 30s and helped build a prosperous country.Taking a step back in time is a worthwhile venture, as remembering a time of growth and hard work is a good thing to reflect upon."Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." - Colossians 3:23We all work for someone; if we work to glorify God, we will always have a satisfying job.
August 28—Calm Waters on Lake Superior—The light of a sunrise bathes the calm waters in warm beauty.“He made the storm be still and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven.” Psalm 107:29-30
August 29 - Caribou Lake SunsetBy late August, the sun was setting earlier than in the past month, and there was a distinct sense of a change of seasons. Here, the setting sun is veiled by the clouds as if the clouds were eyes closing an end to the day."While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease." - Genesis 8:22Take some time to enjoy the passing seasons; this one may be your last on this side of eternity.
August 31-Heavenly SparksThe image comprises 17 separate images composited into a single image of lightning over Caribou Lake.As the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man. Matthew 24:27
