December 1 - A perfect Lake Superior Sunrise welcomes the day.The fresh, moist air, golden sunrise, and chorus of local gulls make for a perfect start to the day."The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." - Lamentations 3:22-23
December 2 - Agates Up CloseThe Lake Superior Agate is a magnificent gem when viewed up close.The layers of mineral quartz formed over many years pull together the colors of surrounding rocks.Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. Isiah 26:4
December 3rd - My Little ChickadeeThe little chickadee is a fantastic little bird. For example, the magnificent little chickadee will store hundreds of harvested seeds separately. In addition, chickadees have an extraordinary memory and can properly locate hiding locations, recall what type of food is present, and recollect which sites they previously vacated.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
December 4 - Bluejay in the SnowA recent snowfall lay a soft bed of light snow, making for a perfect perch for this bluejay as it eyed the bird feeder outside my window.Bluejays are known for their intelligence and complex social behavior. One fascinating fact about them is that they can mimic the calls of other birds, including hawks, which they use to scare away potential predators. This clever tactic helps them protect themselves and their territory, showcasing their adaptability in the wild.Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs on your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.Matthew 10:29-31
December 5th - God's Design in the Little Things of Earth The intricacies of this little snowflake are indeed a manifestation of God's glory. God did not have to make snowflakes with such beauty, especially something so small that cannot usually be seen, but He did so for his pleasure and goodness.For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:36
December 6 - Downey WoodpeckerThis incredible little bird is the most common woodpecker in North America. Special feathers around the birds' nostrils prevent them from breathing in wood chips, and a pad of spongy elastic material between their bill and skull protects their brain from shock.Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.Matthew 10:29-31
December 7 - Lighthouse SilhouetteDecember brings official meteorological winter and powerful Canadian cold fronts. The frigid lifts water vapor off the surface of Lake Superior, creating steam called sea smoke.Sea Smoke is a beautiful weather phenomenon that draws the viewer to the big lake's open water to watch this surreal event.Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. James 4:14
December 8th - December SunriseWith deep winter now settling into the Northland, the steam off Lake Superior rises from the water and seems warm on -20F mornings. He has inscribed a circle on the face of the waters at the boundary between light and darkness. Job 26:10
December 9th - Undercover BuckA large white-tailed buck hangs out in the woods above the Duluth Harbor, hidden from view by the tall brush.The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made. Psalm 145:9
December 10th - Full Moon at Split Rock Winter at Split Rock Lighthouse can be an enchanting place to visit at night. The December Full Moon (Cold Moon) continues on its seasonal course, rising on schedule to remind us that the universe's clockwork is right on time.For everything, there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven Ecclesiastes 3:1
December 11 - Great Gray Owl The Great Gray Owl has asymmetrical ear openings that help them find prey by sound alone. The left ear opening is higher on the head than the right ear opening, enabling precise directional hearing and letting them feed on hidden prey.“But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind. Job 12:7-10
December 12th - Tug Bayfield Built-in 1953, Tug BAYFIELD did much of its work here in Duluth-Superior Harbor for the US Army Corps of Engineers. Its main job was pushing crane barges with dredging equipment mounted on deck, deck barges loaded with rock, or scows filled with dredged material.The tug, BAYFIELD, measures 45 feet long and 13 feet wide and has a 170-horsepower diesel engine. It was retired from active service in 1995 and placed on permanent display here in Canal Park in 1999.
December 13th - Lighthouses in the Seas Smoke On a frigid December morning, the sun rises behind the North Pier Lighthouse in Duluth.Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. James 4:14
December 14th - December Full Moon at Split RockThe moon passes behind Split Rock Lighthouse as it slips into the heavens.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
December 15th - Ice CoastIce-laden driftwood collects icicles on a frozen beachfront in Duluth. The Duluth Canal lighthouses are faintly seen through the sea smoke.By the breath of God, ice is given, and the broad waters are frozen fast. Job 37:10
December 16th - Ice Bench - Waiting for SpringCold seating is available along the Duluth Lakewalk in the winter months.Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
December 17 - Winter City1000 ft Paul R Tregurtha arrived in Duluth as the lights of Bentleyville light the way
December 18th - Snow CoverThe forest around Split Rock Lighthouse became a winter wonderland after a two-foot snowfall blanketed the area during a December storm.This view down the snow-covered path reminds us of the immense beauty found in deep winter, created by God's hands.Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters. Proverbs 25:13
December 19 - Stony Point Fishing ShackMany years ago, this shack served its purpose and now stands silently watch over Lake Superior. Its working days are over, but like an old grandpa, it represents an essential heritage to those who pass by.And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19
December 20th - The last Saltie of the year arrived Duluth to load grain.
December 21 - Winter SolsticeThe Covered Bridge at Amnicon State Park in Wisconsin sits in a quiet, snow-covered valley, waiting until spring. With -20F temperatures, the bubbling rivers seem ready to be encased in ice for a few months' rest.As the winter solstice approaches, the days shrink while the nights stretch. Yet, amidst the darkness and cold, a sense of peace and stillness emerges. The quiet beauty of the snow-covered landscape calms and invigorates our spirits. This season may remind us to slow down and appreciate the simple joys of life, like warming ourselves with a cozy fire or losing ourselves in a good book. As we prepare to welcome the longest night of the year, let us embrace the beauty of this season and the chances it provides for rest and reflection. In peace, I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8
December 22 - Cold Iron, Warm SunriseSea Smoke rises through the iron gridwork of the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge on this -20F December morning.From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised! Psalm 113:3
December 24th - Safe HarborOn a frigid December night, the Lift Bridge frames the Duluth North Pier Lighthouse.Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling! Psalm 43:3
December 25th - Christmas DawnThe saturated soft colors of dawn flood off Lake Superior to meet the coming Christmas day. "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
December 26th - White Light - Split Rock LighthouseFresh snow at Split Rock Lighthouse covers the landscape in a blanket of white.He gives snow like wool; he scatters hoarfrost like ashes. Psalm 147:16
December 27th - Sea Smoke Sunrise-22F produces magnificent scenery around Lake Superior, and the lighthouses enhance the beauty of the Duluth Shipping Canal.It is truly amazing to witness the natural beauty that surrounds us and to appreciate the wonders of creation, as described in the book of Genesis.And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years... Genesis 1:14
December 23 - Winter ShorelineThe rocky shoreline of Tettegouche State Park is a great place to visit any season of the year, but winter has characteristics that are very beautiful indeed.He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. Psalm 23:2
December 28th - Crincle Ice Ice formations at the mouth of the Lester River in Duluth make for interesting artwork.He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.Psalm 23:2
December 29 - Clear IceDeep 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. 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
December 30th - Sunset Through the PinesThe 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