The Great Outdoors All Nature Proclaims

     Hey there, people. Tonight I want to talk about nature. I'll try to not be a total hippy here, but you've got to understand how much I love the outdoors.  I absolutely love to go hiking, camping, backpacking, snowboarding. It's great. Here's a picture from one of my most recent experiences with this earths vast beauty: 

     This picture was taken atop Sonora Peak which is at an elevation of around 11,400 feet. Needless to say, it was well worth the hike. From this rock fort built at the summit to block the observers from the harsh winds one has a jaw dropping view of the Sierra Nevadas and might even be able to catch a glimpse of Yosemite National Park if they look hard enough. It was hands down one of the most beautiful things i have ever seen. I have never experienced God's amazing handy-work to such an extent. The vast mountain ranges and the jagged ridges perfectly contrasted the smooth blue sky filled with fluffly white clouds. The verse from Psalm 19, "The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of His hands," rang so loudly in my ears that day. 

     Now, my ventures haven't been that extreme lately, what with college and all, but i still make time every week to get out and just love this earth that God created. Admire His Creation's beauty. There's this club at my university that deals with the dealings of nature and has a day hike every Sunday morning. Yes, this is the same time as church, i know, but to a certain extent, getting out in the wilderness and just experiencing God's great work is my own little version of church. I have never felt closer to God than the times when i've been out in the immense nature of His great world. Just listening and watching the skies and earth proclaim his great name. It brings me this peace that i have never known before. 

     While on this subject I've got to bring up those intense stars up there on those dark, peaceful nights. 

Now those beauty's up there that light up the night, those declare the greatness of God just as much if not more than those vast mountain ranges of the Sierras. It's almost impossible to look up at night, far from the harsh city lights, and not just feel incredibly small. It is so humbling, and difficult, to face that extent of awesomeness at times. It used to scare me to look up at the night sky and see those balls, thousands of light years away, and think about how minuscule i was in the grand scheme of things. But now it brings me nothing but comfort. For my God is holding all of those huge stars in place, and created those beautiful mountains, and loves little old me just sitting admiring the whole thing.