September 1 - Saltie Arrival - The Federal Katsura arrived in Duluth on a windy day with waves rocking the boat.The fresh air and cool breeze are a wake-up call to a new 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 3:22-23Thank you, Lord, for new beginnings!
September 2—Twin Falls—Twin Falls is located near Port Wing, Wisconsin, on Highway 13. It is one of those hidden places you can usually go to, and no one is there.Deep calls to deep at the sound of Your waterfalls;All Your breakers and Your waves have rolled over me. Psalm 42:7The love of God flows into your soul every day. Thankfulness is an invitation.
September 3 - Clouds in the WaterHeavy Thunderstorms swept south of Caribou Lake, leaving a beautiful sunset in its path. Reflections into calm water doubled the enjoyment of the scene.One Bible verse about reflection is from 1 Corinthians 13:12: "For now, we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." This verse speaks about our current limited understanding and perception, which will one day be replaced by a complete and full understanding.God created the natural world to reveal Himself to us in all his various attributes.
Sept 4 - Bowstring Bridge - The Bowstring Bridge across the Amnicon River graces the beauty of this beautiful park located near Superior, Wisconsin. Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me. Psalm 42:7
September 5 - Moonrise watchers - As twilight settles over Duluth, the North Pier Lighthouse stands like a solitary sentinel at the edge of Lake Superior. The sky, a twilight tapestry of dusky blues and purples, is a dramatic backdrop for the rising moon. As it ascends higher into the night sky, its beams highlight the architectural details of the historic lighthouse. .Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars! Psalm 148:3
September 6 - Moonrise watchers - As twilight settles over Duluth, the North Pier Lighthouse stands like a solitary sentinel at the edge of Lake Superior. The sky, a twilight tapestry of dusky blues and purples, is a dramatic backdrop for the rising moon. As it ascends higher into the night sky, its beams highlight the architectural details of the historic lighthouse. .Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars! Psalm 148:3
September 7 - Northern Glow - September nights bring increasing hours of darkness and a greater chance to view the Northern Lights.The auroras illuminate the night sky with vibrant green, pink, and purple hues, creating a breathtaking display that seems to dance and twirl above our heads.The colorful auroras are an incredible phenomenon created by charged particles from the sun colliding with gas molecules in Earth's atmosphere. In the northern half of the globe, they are known as the aurora borealis, named after the space expert Galileo Galilei. The lights dance across the night sky, capturing our attention and displaying God's Glory.If you live up north, remember to look into the skies on a clear night; you might see this beautiful interaction.The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Psalm 19:1
September 8th
September 9th - Autumn ShoresThe golden colors of autumn bathe the North Shore of Lake Superior. While surrounding leaves bask in the warm autumn sun.The orange lichen clinging to the rocky shoreline grows slowly, enriching the scene's beauty. Lichen is a fungus found all across North America and worldwide and is actually two organisms functioning as a single plant. Autumn is a beautiful time of year to explore and appreciate God's creation and glory.Trust in the Lord forever, For in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock. Isaiah 26:4
September 11 - VastnessThis photo captures an awe-inspiring view of Lake Superior, with its vast expanse of sparkling magenta-tinted waters stretching as far as the eye can see. In the distance, the laker, Arthur M. Anderson, can be seen moving slowly on the waves, a mere speck in the lake's vastness. Above all, the moon hangs suspended in the sky, adding an ethereal glow to the mesmerizing scene. It's a breathtaking sight that speaks to creation's immense power and beauty, leaving the viewer feeling humbled and inspired.Every day presents views like this around the big lake; remember to take the time to stop and appreciate the blessing of today.For by him, all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16
September 12th: An ocean freighter quietly slips through the Duluth Shipping Canal under the watchful gaze of the Inner Breakwall Lighthouse.The damp, moist air is refreshing to the eyes, and the nearby gulls' approving cries add a touch of liveliness to the scene as the incoming boat stirs up fresh fish for breakfast."Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." - Psalm 46:10It is incredible how the providence of God brings all these together for one moment of enjoyment.
September 14 - Deep Forest Red - Autumn in the Northland comes early, with the first leaves beginning to change by late August. The landscape is in full autumn beauty by mid-September, and colors peak by early October. Surrounded by the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of the forest canopy, the cool air and sound of leaves crunching underfoot captures the senses of this particular time of year.Autumn in the Northland is stunning, with colorful hillsides and reflections in streams and lakes. 'O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.' Psalm 104:24
September 15 - Sunbeams through the Keyhole - Tettegouche is one of Minnesota's most beautiful state parks. It features a mile of Lake Superior coast, including the Baptism River mouth, cascades, and falls; four inland lakes; rugged semi-mountainous reliefs; and an undisturbed northern hardwood forest. While this structure has long since collapsed into the lake, its memory remains for many photographers.God's Glory"Have you commanded the morning since your days began and caused the dawn to know its place... Job 38:12
September 16 - Full Harvest Moon - The Lantern Room of the South Pier pokes the full moon of September as it passes through the sky.The timing of the lighthouse flashes is meant for ships to identify them, and the timing of the moonrise is intended for us to know the creator of the universe."While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease." - Genesis 8:22
September 17 - September Skies - The Milky Way shines over the North Shore of Lake Superior with the lights of Two Harbors in the background.The Milky Way Galaxy is an incredible work of creation and home to our earth. It is 150,000 light-years in diameter. Our Solar System resides roughly 27,000 light-years away from the galactic center, on the inner edge of one of the spiral-shaped concentrations of gas and dust particles called the Orion Arm.When I look up into the nighttime September skies, the work of God's creation is apparent and humbling. God's Glory: The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day, they pour forth speech; night after night, they reveal knowledge. They have no speech; they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. (Ps. 19:1-4)
September 18 Cascade River Falls - One of the most accessible and scenic waterfalls on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Cascade State Park is just a few minutes from Lutsen, MN, and is a short hike from the parking area to the falls.The water cascading through the falls here begins a 600ft tumble down the ravine to Lake Superior below. The Faithfulness of God“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” Revelation 4:11
September 19 - Shoreline BouldersAs the sun rises over Lake Superior's tranquil waters, the rounded boulders look like eggs pushed up from the bottom of the lake. Here, a large driftwood log lays along the shoreline of Split Rock State Park located on the North Shore of Lake Superior.With dawn breaking on the calm waters of the big lake, a refreshing mist cools your face and refreshes your soul, knowing that your God mixed these elements for our enjoyment and His Glory.The Power of God 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
September 20 - Tettegouche State Park - Tettegouche is one of Minnesota's most beautiful state parks. It features a mile of Lake Superior coast, including the Baptism River mouth, cascades, and falls; four inland lakes; rugged semi-mountainous reliefs; and an undisturbed northern hardwood forest.The slapping of the waves along the shoreline and the thick scent of damp cedar trees filled the air with a calm peace—today would be a good day!These small, simple enjoyments of life are why God made scenes like this one.God's CreationGod called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:10
September 21 - Lost Horizon - With mid-September now upon us, the landscapes of the Northland glow with the warm colors of autumn and sunsets that catch your attention.Much like the precision of an artist's brush, God splashes His creation with a master's touch.The Perfection of GodFrom the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised! Psalm 113:3
September 22 - Cedar Falls - Temperance River State ParkWith autumn now upon us, the mix of colors and the smell of damp leaves fills our senses with memories of summer days gone by and thankfulness for today.In this scene, the white cedar tree frames the waterfall at Temperance River State Park on the North Shore of Lake Superior.Cedar is a precious wood known for its long life and resistance to rot.This tree grows out of a rocky cliff, and it has the incredible ability to gather nutrients from little earth and hang onto the rock with great strength.God created the simple cedar tree as an example of His perfection and resilience, indicating that the whole earth is full of His Glory.The Strength of GodThe Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.Exodus 15:2
September 23—Autumn Reflection—With the autumnal equinox behind us (September 23), the hours of darkness are now longer than daylight, and the cool nights of late September lead to rapidly changing colors and calm waters.The ridges along Nine Mile Lake near the Boundary Waters' reflected colors also reflect the beauty of God's creation in the Northland. Thus, nature reveals God in a small way and gives us hope for what lies ahead.Hope in Christ!For now, we see in a mirror dimly but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:12
September 24 - Colored Carpet - Entering the last week of September, the inland forest ridges are nearing peak fall colors and are stunning to see, especially from the air.The brilliant colors have been in the leaves since they first popped out last May; however, the chlorophyll breaks down because of the loss of daylight hours and rapidly cooling temperatures, and the green color disappears. Instead, the yellow to orange colors become visible, giving the leaves their fall color.The breathtaking autumn colors are the grand finale of a season of growth and help to make us aware that a season of rest will soon come upon the landscape.Seasons - A Time for EverythingFor 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 silent, and a time to speak;a time to love, and a time to hate;a time for war and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3The Beauty of God in CreationLift your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power not one is missing. Isaiah 40:26
September 25—Cascading through Autumn—Recent rains swelled the rivers and streams along the North Shore of Lake Superior, creating magnificent scenes such as the upper Cascade River, where this image was taken. The sound of the turbulent waters below, combined with the autumn colors and sweet scent of the pines, fills the senses with God's created beauty.The Provision of GodAnd the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. Isaiah 58:11
September 26 - Lake Superior Stones - Lake Superior's waves, sand, and rocky shoreline act like a giant rock tumbler to round and polish stones of many sizes before being deposited along the coastline. These rocks range in size from one to 25 pounds and have been banging against each other on the lake floor for many years. In this scene, the multicolored boulders grace the shore of Tettegouche State Park near Silver Bay, Minnesota, and make for an incredible display of the artistry and craftsmanship of the Hand of God.The Strength of GodI love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18
September 27 - Autumn Splendor - The beauty of the autumn season is upon the northland, and the brilliant, crisp colors of the forest foliage are on full display. This scene of the inland tapestry around Grand Marais, Minnesota, only leads to one word - WOW!It is hard to believe that the colors will soon be gone in only a few short weeks, and a winter white blanket will cover the landscape.Autumn is a time of reflection, rest, and thankfulness. It reminds us that life is short and to get things in order.The Goodness of God"For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." Isaiah 55:12
September 28 - Bowstring Bridge - The 55-foot-long Bowstring Bridge at Amnicon Falls State Park spans the river at the Lower Falls. This unique bridge, also called Horton Bridge, was designed by Charles M. Horton in 1898. It originally had no roof and was a highway bridge located further upstream.Taking a stroll across this elegant bridge, combined with the sound of the river below and the scent of the cedar forest, makes a complete sensory delight any time of year.The setting for this bridge makes it a unique location filled with solitude and peace where one can escape the day's business and find a small piece of paradise.The peace of God!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 righteousnessfor his name’s sake.Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil,for you are with me;your rod and your staff,they comfort me. Psalm 23
September 29—Things Are Looking Up—At this time of year, a walk in the forests brings refreshment and hope to our body and soul. The blue skies and sunlight light up the colorful leaves of every landscape in the Northland, revealing the peak colors of the year.Breathing fresh, clean air while hiking down the wooded trails makes it easy to look up and thank God for such a simple pleasure. The Perfection of GodI 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 121:1-2
September 30 - Crossing into October With Autumn colors in full display now, September is ending in all its wonderful tapestry of color. The falling leaves blanket the earth in a colorful mosaic of warm color.The wooden bridge in this image crosses the St. Croix River at St. Croix State Park as the road heads into the multi-colored forest.The falling leaves blanket the earth in a colorful mosaic, and as the seasons move on, they will soon be ready to fertilize the new growth next spring. The Peace of ChristDo not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6
September 13th - Colored Bayfront - September is a time of festivals and celebrations, a vibrant contrast to the impending winter. It is a time to thank God for the harvest and prepare for the colder months. These balloons are a beautiful attraction, but the reflections added by moonlit reflections are even better.Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (NIV) - "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace."
