Milky Way, Mountain, Muddy Jeep

Isaiah 40:26

Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: 
Who created all these? 
He who brings out the starry host one by one
and calls forth each of them by name.
Because of his great power and mighty strength, 
not one of them is missing. 
Isaiah 40:26 (NIV)

I have been fascinated with the night sky for years and after becoming a believer in Jesus Christ, I have come to realize one way God speaks to me is through falling stars.  When I read the book, Captivating, by John and Stasi Eldredge, the author wrote, "God's version of flowers and chocolates and candlelight dinners comes in the form of sunsets and falling stars, moonlight on lakes and cricket symphonies; warm wind, swaying trees, lush gardens, and fierce devotion."

God longs for a relationship with us and as it is written in the bible, 

You will seek me 
and find me 
when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)

God created each one of us and knows us so well that His romancing is personalized, scripted for your heart.  He knows what will take your breath away.  Some of us have had our hearts broken but we must keep it open to God so we can hear his whispers and receive his kisses.  

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:16 (NIV)

On July 15th, 2016, my friend Marcus and I camped at Mineral Creek in Colorado in hopes of capturing the Milky Way on our cameras.  

west view of campsite
north view of campsite
east view of campsite
dinner: beef stroganoff in a bag. It was actually quite tasty.
Traveling Jesus aka "TJ" snaps

The moon was a waning gibbous that night which puts out too much light to capture the Milky Way.  Later into the evening, the moon was tucking itself behind the mountains, allowing for a chance of a perfect dark night full of twinkling stars.  Marcus said to give it another hour and then the Milky Way should be fully visible.  I admit the night was cold, with limited visibility, and I was very tired.  I lied in the tent unable to sleep.  At 3:30am, an hour later, as I stepped out of the tent and looked up, I immediately saw a shooting star.  I smiled and thought, "yes, this night is suppose to happen!"  I saw several shooting stars and at the end of the night, I saw a falling one going straight down.  I knew this one was specifically for me.  There have been times in the past when He has sent me a falling star to ease my fears and increase my hope.  It's called a godwink.  As Squire Rushnell describes in his book, When God Winks at You, "a godwink can seem like a coincidence or a silly little thing.  It is in fact personalized messages from God that reassure us, stop us from worrying, chart our path in life, and help us keep the faith."  

the moon dropping behind the mountains
thank God for warm clothes!
Milky Way, Mountains, Muddy Jeep.
This was the last picture of the night.  Taken at about 5am.  The sky was starting to lighten up.

I was so happy to have had the chance to view the Milky Way.  All I kept repeating was, "thank you, Jesus" as I looked at the numerous stars shining so brightly.  I felt God's presence all around me and felt so small, knowing that I deserved none of this.  I thank God for my friend Marcus, who helped make the evening possible.  We shared a mutual goal in capturing the Milky Way on our cameras.  We both read articles to know what settings to use on our Canons and brought our best lenses, tripod, etc.  We did the best we could to prepare and plan.  Ultimately, I know this was all possible by the grace of God.  I thank Him for the opportunity to capture His creation for the world to see.  This trip to Colorado was my last trip before I start ministry school in August at Christ For The Nations Institute to major in photography and videography.  I am so excited and feel this is the next step that God has planned for me.  How do I know?  There were many signs.  Months ago, as I was driving on the highway wondering about my future and asking if CFNI was the choice for me, God sent me a clear and bright sign, a falling star.

In his heart a man plans his course,
but the Lord determines his steps.
Proverbs 16:9 (NIV) 



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