The High One
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| Denali, “the High One,” capped in glacial white. Known today as Mt. McKinley. |
“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12 NIV
It was our 35th anniversary and the mountains were replete with forest green pines and shimmering aspens. Our hearts warmed with joy and memories. As we stood on the edge of Denali National Park in Alaska, our cabin-like hotel room overlooking the rushing Nenana River, flowing glacier silt yet inspiring. My heart raced backwards in time to camping days in Sequoia National Park, California when our guys were young. The brisk air blew away the cobwebs of time and there I stood amidst the giant redwoods, laughter echoing from voices around me, energy surging through my legs as we hiked the forested trails.
In moments, tears blurred my vision of the majestic Denali forest before me and age whispered through the trees that time had eroded my ability to hike as in my younger years. My poor husband was mystified by my reaction and stumped as to how he could help me. Tears of joy were understandable to Hubby, considering the beauty surrounding us that echoed praises of God’s glorious creation. Sadness was incomprehensible.
We arrived in Denali after 7 glorious days with friends aboard a cruise ship, four breathtaking shore excursions, several early morning risings, and two very tired bodies. Emotions hovered on the surface like several glacial icebergs afloat in Alaska’s bays.
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| McKinley Chalet Resort |
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| Redwood baskets draped in Alaskan wildflowers |
In this pristine natural wonder, I flipped open my modern cell phone and quickly connected with our sons, describing memories and wonders I wished to share with them. In God’s goodness, homesickness was abated, and I could once again see how he had marked our journey with joy and led us out in peace. His mountains sung forth the praise of their Creator while the trees embraced us with His love.
We prepared for our next morning’s early departure into the Tundra Wilderness where we would see Denali–the native name which means, “the High One.” Our bus driver had called it “the Great One,” known more commonly as Mt. McKinley. Doesn’t it move your spirit to know that the true High One, the only Great One dwells above the precipice of the mountain, Denali, which He created?
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| Touring the Tundra Wilderness |
Thank you to my guest posters, Sharon@Sharon Sharing God and Jennifer@Jennifer A.Janes, who graciously presented their nuggets of wisdom within these written walls while Hubby and I celebrated our anniversary.
Thank you, too, to all of you who left comments on their posts and other posts that I had dated to publish during the time I was gone. I’m sorry I was unable to answer your comments as internet on the cruise ship is exorbitant. However, I plan to visit you all now that I am back.
It is wonderful to be home after seeing so many of God’s glorious creations in the “Last Frontier.”
Continue the journey through Denali this week as I feature more of God’s glory in His Tundra creation.
Linking up with Spiritual Sundays, Scripture and a Snapshot, and Playdates with God
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these pictures are amazing….I can only imagine what it must feel like to stand there and drink in all the beauty.
Sarah–It was an amazing feeling, full of awe for God
Julie–You described Him so beautifully for who He is. Thank you for your prayers. It’s good to be home again.
Ceal–Thank you for the welcome. I am so blessed to have you and Julie as great friends. God blessed us immensely. Thank you for all the prayers.
Katie–God’s beautiful creation is awesome.
Now that’s the kinda place I would love to have an anniversary holiday at. The scenery is spectacular and isn’t God’s creation just so beautiful from the barren tundra to the pretty little wildflowers. Congratulations on being 35 years together.
welcome home!
Now Unto the the KIng Eternal, Immortal, Invisible, The only wise God
Be Honor and Glory forever and ever! Amen!
julie
WELCOME HOME!!! You were missed!!!!
These pictures are absolutely beautiful!!! So happy you had a wonderful time!!! God is good!!!! Love you!!
~Ceal~
These are magnificent … the last one especially catches my eye.
These are beautiful!!! Thanks for sharing God’s beautiful creations with us!!
Love Isaiah! Your photo captured the Scripture so well.
Happy Sunday to you!
Christine
The photos shared are breathtaking! Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Misty
Wow. I hope to get to Alaska some day. What a great way to celebrate your anniversary!!!
Your photos are absolutely gorgeous! What beautiful scenery…and such a wonderful place to celebrate 35 years together!
Janis,
These are gorgeous! I love to come here, Janis, and always leave with my full. What a beautiful place to celebrate an anniversary. Happy 35 to you!
Beautiful photos, Janis – and I’m so glad that you had a wonderful vacation. Nothing like some time in God’s great wilderness to restore a sagging spirit and fill a heart with the glory of His creation!
Yes, it’s such a privilege to know “The High One” personally. He stands in eternity past, present, and future – the Great Mountain of our faith. Oh, what a glorious LORD!
It was my pleasure to guest post on your blog – but I’m thrilled that you’re back in Blog Land! Looking forward to more of what God shared with you while you were on vacation.
GOD BLESS!
Janice, first of all, happy anniversary – belated of course. Second, those pictures are magnificent. I covet your trip 🙂 and throwing in how amid all of the natural beauty you flipped your phone on and talked to home. Funny! I look forward to reading more new stuff from you – I hope you are refreshed – you and your hubs and your marriage. Thank you for this treat. God bless and keep you and each and every one of yours.
Gorgeous photos, the first is my favorite. What a wonderful reminder of God’s work laid out before us.
What beautiful memories and gorgeous photos. Thank you for sharing them with us. Alaska is one place I would like to go. Especially on a day like we’re having now with 110 degrees.
Blessings,
Charlotte