Genesis 1:24 

And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.” And it was so. 25 God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.

I've read once there are an estimated 1.2 million different known animals on earth but that is just the ones we know of, and it could be over 8 million according to some scientist. I can't comprehend 1.2 million and 8 million doesn't even register in my mind as to what that might look like. But to the creator of it all it's just a number. Just like a billion stars is just a number. That is pretty good!!!

What else could God say besides, "it is good"? It doesn't take very long for us to recognize all the amazing creatures and beautiful scenery around us. Why else would we be drawn to the outdoors and wildlife? It is obviously good. Good for us emotionally, mentally and spiritually. 

Introduce a young child to water in a puddle, a puppy or bird in the yard and their expression says it all. There is a wonder and awe in all of us. We are all drawn to these things. Nature and creation make us smile and fills us with joy.

Medical doctors have long recognized nature is good for us. What is it that makes it good for us? I'm not sure but I know their prescription to get outside works for me. Listening to birds sing, ocean tides crash, or seeing deer in a field eating all do my heart and good. If it is pleasing to Him as a Creator who has a much higher standard it should obviously be good to us as the casual observer. I encourage you this week to get outside daily and just observe. Forget what is going on in your life and around the world. Just be silent and notice the wonder around you. See that it is good!

Remember...

He created it
We care for it

Matthew 6:25-27

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life.

In light of recent events I'm taking a break from the series I've recently started. I hope this is a help to someone out there.

When I started this journey into photography 25 years ago it was about creating images of nature and the other things I saw while exploring. I was inspired by light, the animals and the people I was with. As I’ve gotten older it’s sometimes a bit less about the final image. It's become a way to escape mentally and getting away from the daily pressures of life.

A few years after I bought my first camera I began to have severe anxiety and panic attacks. Photography became a distraction and a way to focus on something other than my anxiety. Over the years photography has remained part of my therapy and method to maintain a sense of peace.

The years of anxiety tested my faith in God, but eventually it brought me closer to him. Matthew's words became a daily meditation. The panic attacks gradually subsided, but these words still speak to me on a regular basis. While out hiking and taking photographs I am continually reminded of God's faithfulness with each crashing wave, sunrise, animal or spectacular forest I document.

Quite often while I edit an image of an eagle, sandpiper or gull I'm reminded of this verse. I am grateful for these times, because I still need the occasional reminder of His faithfulness not only in my past, but also for my future. I won't say it's always easy to give all the anxieties in life to God, but with each trip outside I gain a sense of reassurance. If God, the Creator of the universe cares for a sparrow that much, can you imagine how much more He love you and me? As hard as it may seem during these days, let me assure you God is in control and cares for every aspect of your life.

Genesis 1:20-21

And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.” 21 So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

According to Merriam-Webster.com the definition of "Great" is;

1 a : notably large in size : huge all creatures great and small
b : of a kind characterized by relative largeness
c : elaborate, ample great detail

I couldn't agree more especially as it relates to great creatures! Some great in size and some are great in detail. Some are both! If you have ever gone whale watching you know what I mean. There is something absolutely awesome and almost beyond comprehension to witness something so large and full of life.

Even more impressive is that God created the “great creatures” so what does that say about his greatness. Quite often when I’m stressed photography is my distraction and my therapy. There is something about being the nature and see how it in all its majesty. I’m often reminded that as challenging my situation might feel, I’m in the presence of greatness and if he can create all this around me he can handle my situation. Perhaps not in the time I would like but I can continue in the confidence that the maker of all creation can certainly look after my tiny (in perspective to the entire universe).

If you are looking for help with a need in your life, look no further than the creator of all that is great.   

He created it
We care for it

I once read that photography is the art of painting with light. I guess this makes sense, because without light there is no photography. I love to play with the light and look for unusual patterns, silhouettes, and creating flare or sunburst.

Is it possible that there is anything that has been photographed more than the sunrise or sunset? Why is this? There is no shortage of them. They happen daily... unless you live along the Bay of Fundy where fog is a fifth season. The contrast in light, dark, yellows, reds, oranges and God beams make for visual eye candy.

Ansel Adams once said "Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter."  - For me it is definitely true ~ Most often I feel that God is the real artist not me, I just happen to be there to record it. I can adjust a shutter, aperture and edit a photo on my computer but I don’t feel like I can take the full credit. Without God as the creator and designer of the universe there is nothing to photograph.

He has provided me with the Earth as a masterpiece to enjoy and document as photographer. As I do this, I hope others will see something unique or perhaps something common, but have a new appreciation for the world through my images. With every excursion, hike or drive I’m reminded that God is the ultimate artist and I have a responsibility to tread careful around his gallery as I enjoy it. I hope you will too. He provided free admission so it’s the least we can do.

He created it
We care for it