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| Glacier Bay, Alaska |
The thermometer is sizzling at 113 degrees and the coolest place in the desert is the freezer section of the grocery store. I walk out into the night heat of 97 degrees thinking perhaps it should be nighttime for three months in the summer desert instead of dark for three months in the Alaskan winter.
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| Waterfall into Mendenhall Glacier |
What would it be like strolling the dimly lit streets of northern Alaska in frigid winter, I wonder. They do get sunlight even in the northern most areas for at least two hours every day. And the sunlit hours increase after the winter solstice (the shortest day of the year, December 21).
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| Eagles Roosting in a Ketchikan Bay |
Being critter squeamish, my first thought is, “what would I step on in the dark streets of Alaska?” At least I would not have to worry about our desert dwellers such as tarantulas, scorpions, a gazillion other arachnids, fancy varieties of beetles, and, heaven-help-me, snakes. Nothing that crawls could live in Alaska’s cold, dark days when temperatures shiver below 0, around -19 degrees. That’s the January average in the city of Fairbanks.
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| Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau, Alaska |
What a contrast to the beauty one beholds in the Alaskan summer along the Southeastern peninsula of rain forests, glaciers, and abundant wildlife. Even inland, the summer climate produces carpets of wildflowers, densely green forested mountains, and swaths of reds, burnt oranges, and tans across barren tundra.
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| Nootka Lupine, Rain Forest, Juneau |
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| Rain Forest, Ketchikan, Alaska |
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The reality is harsh. It takes the bitter-cold, hard winters, months full of darkness, and the chilling wind of isolation to create the heavenliness that makes more than 1 million people trek into Alaska’s rugged summer splendor. From such brutal conditions spring delicate wildflowers, breathtaking expanses of glacier draped mountains, and the majesty of God’s jagged mountain peaks. And we stand in awe of His wondrous creations
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| White Mountain Pass, Skagway, Alaska |
No one in his/her right mind would choose to endure unbidden harshness in one’s life. No one really desires isolation for any length of time except for specific disciplines. We were created as social beings, our spirits longing for companionship. And few, if any, welcome the metaphorical dark times in life. The extremes of life–both harsh cold and sweltering heat drive us to find the comfortable temperate zone. Shade or air-conditioning to insulate against the heat. Animal furs or furnace driven heat to warm the frozen night.
Yet, if out of such harsh weather, God creates exquisite beauty, why do we doubt and fret that out of our harsh life circumstances, He can create beauty in our lives as well.
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| White Mountain Pass, Skagway, Alaska |
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| Icebergs at Mendenhall Glacier |
Oh, if there was another way, I would jump at that opportunity to have God’s beauty in my life without the ashes, the joy without trials or mourning, praise for Him without first traveling the rough road of despair. Yet, He has a better way. And may He work an acceptance and joy in my heart when He allows the darkness and cold to descend upon my life, for out of it, He will bring HIS beauty.
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| Denali, Alaska |
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| Denali |
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| Denali |
Now, if I can just endure this heat.
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| White Mountain Pass, Skagway |
“…to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair (heaviness). They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the DISPLAY OF HIS SPLENDOR.” Isaiah 61:3 NIV (parenthesis, mine)
From My Heart to Yours,
Linking with Emily at Imperfect Prose on Thursdays (a little late)
and Spiritual Sundays
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Loved the photos. And what wonderful words of encouragement for all of us! And I gotta say – your ribs in the next post look awfully good right now! Can I come for lunch? 🙂 Have a blessed and happy holiday weekend full of sweet family memories. 🙂
Thank you, Kaye, for stopping by. Would be lovely to have you for lunch? What time (LOL)? Have a Happy 4th.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
oh janis, yes… and it’s so easy to forget the harshness amidst the beauty. there is such beauty in your words, sister. thank you for linking today.
emily~yes,beauty is hard to see in harshness. Thanks for your visit.
Shanda~hope you get there–It’s beautiful. Look for last minute deals. Thanks for your visit.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
glad to find your blog. coming over to visit after last night’s (in) courage session. love the photo and a change to connect
Those are amazing, detailed pictures displaying God’s amazing artwork! What a refreshing post!
Living So Abundantly: A new meme this coming Thursday, July 7, 2011, Give Back Thursday–come join the fun!
Such beautiful photos and a beautiful verse.
Blessings,
Joan
Such beauty. I’ve always wanted to go to Alaska.
That’s the second time I’ve come across that scripture today. Beauty for ashes, I want that!!!
Oh my, Janis – I adored these beautiful pictures of God’s majesty displayed in Alaska! Breath-taking. And then, your powerful words just spoke so mightily to my heart. Yes, the Lord is able to bring beauty out of ANY circumstance in my life. May He be praised.
I also liked the NLT translation of Isaiah 61:3 – I write the ending here:
“In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for His own glory.”
GOD BLESS!
These are such refreshing pictures as it is about 90 degrees here, God beauty is so amazing. I never really gave it much thought on the little creature that won’t survive the winter months in Alaska.
Blessings,
Ginger
Wow-wow-wow~! I sent this to many friends to show God’s amazing paintbrush!!!
these pics are stunning….I want to go to Alaska!!!
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My daughter has been to Alaska a couple times and love it. I might — in the summer. The darkness would be hard for me. I love the sun so. Love the analogy you put together.
Blessings,
Pamela
What gorgeous photos. Nothing compares to God’s beautiful creation, except his incredible love. Thank you for sharing. It’s a little cooler here in the desert this morning and at least the wind isn’t blowing – yet.
Blessings and Happy 4th.
Charlotte
What breath-taking pictures!
It is hot here where I am also, and seeing the snow and icebergs seemed to make me feel cooler:)
Charlotte/For Such A Time As This