The Reason for the Season

Morton Arboretum's east woods in winter

Christmas is a time for us to get together with our loved ones, exchange gifts, and relax and reflect from the chaotic lifestyle that we live day to day. One thing though was on my heart as I thought about this time of the year, and that is the significance of Christmas... It says it all in the name. We all know that the main reason to celebrate Christmas is to remember the birth of Jesus Christ, but I've kept just reflecting on why this was so significant, and why I have taken it for granted. This is my Savior we're talking about! (and for many of you reading this blog, yours too!) Hundreds of years prior to this event, Old Testament prophets like Isaiah were predicting and awaiting for the day that the Messiah will come to rescue them. Jesus came to this earth humbly and was born in a manger from a virgin. He did not come in robes or descending from Heaven in a chariot of epicness, but pretty much a barn. Little did many know that this baby was the Son of God in human form. Shepherds and wise men were the only witnesses at the time. But, this child had a destiny to fulfill that was the most important event to us humans. He would grow up to teach, to tell the Law, to provide for those in need. He also came to give His life for ours. Jesus bared the weight of all our sins, yes every person's sins from when they were born until they died, on Himself so that we may have the chance to be with Him forever and not suffer eternal punishment. We are dead and have no life. We may be just dust in the wind (song reference). We never deserved this because of our disobedience to God. Yet, God loves us so much, that He gave the life of His Son so that we may have life with Him! John 3:16 in a nutshell! For those who believe the message of the Gospel are promised with eternity in Heaven. It won't be an easy time on earth, but the reward is worth it for faith and trust =)!

Remember the real reason for the season as you spend time with you family this Christmas season. Remember the grace that was brought to earth on that day. Remember the real gift of Christmas this year. God bless!

My Faith as a... Tree?

Eastern Hemlock and Tuliptree
March 2010 Pisgah Forest, North Carolina

I think of trees as the silent one's who don't get credit or much attention. They do stay in the same spot for their whole lives and grow, but we couldn't exist without them. Being plants, they undergo photosynthesis, converting carbon dioxide with water and the sun's energy into the sugar compound, glucose. The main bi-product from this process is the oxygen that we breath. Trees are made of cellulose, pectin, and lignin. These strong proteins give trees their stiffness and strength, and we benefit from this by using the lumber for building many structures for our shelter and daily lives. The majority of the fruit that we eat comes from hundreds of tree species, as well as hundreds of medical products. Trees are a symbol of wisdom, longevity, and strength in many cultures, and the aesthetic appeal that they give us with flowers, leaves, and much needed shade are spectacular. I think that trees are pretty amazing organisms, and it's seems like that I use them as an example of my growth in my faith with Jesus.

Autumn at Devil's Lake State Park
October 2010 Baraboo, Wisconsin

Here's how I see it. When the gospel has been shared with someone, a seed is planted in their heart. If they cultivate their soil right, then that seed will germinate into a tree who's growth will be guided by the greatest Light in the universe. Like all trees, progress is slow when growing, but it'll all pay off. There are times when conditions are great, and the nutrients and water from the Word of God fuel your growth! However, there will be times when growth will slow and eventually go dormant. But just remember, trees need dormancy to successfully produce fruit ; )
In general, trees put up with many environmental stress factors. Drought, lightening, high winds, fire, insects, and ice can damage such a strong organism. A single storm could destroy decades of growth in the blink of an eye. Many of these trees who fall in these events are unhealthy in some way from disease and stress, and out in the open without any protection. As a follower of Christ, there are many storms in our lives that our tree will put up with. Branches can be knocked off here and there, but if our tree is healthy with the Light and vital minerals from the Word, it can endure through these tough times. A sick and unhealthy tree, however, may fall over in a storm (this is what happened to my faith tree). But, it's not the end. When a tree falls over in a storm, dormant buds sprout from the stump, and vigorous  growth begins towards the light. This growth is usually healthier and more active then the previous. My tree may have fell in a major storm, but I know that the Light will always be there and constant, and I began to get more nutrients back in my life, and vigorous began to sprout again, and this "rebirth" of my faith is healthy this time. Plus, I was left in the open exposed to the elements. Now, I'm in a forest of other trees (followers) in different stages in their growth who are there for protection, support, and guidance. I like to call it the "Forest of Christ."
This is just how I see faith because God has helped me to use creation as examples of how to hike more miles with my Father through the wilderness. Just remember to keep you tree healthy with the right amount of water, minerals, and light. Also, growth is always with some companion trees around. With all this in you life, that seed will grow into a sturdy and mighty tree that will produce fruit so that new trees will sprout in the world.

Bur Oak at sunset
July 2008 near Bemidji Minnesota

Finding the Obvious: Gift from God

Wild Lupine
May, 2009 Illinois Beach State Park
Zion, IL

I was attending my usual Sunday church service, and our pastor was talking about how as Christians, we should be on a constant fire for our Savior and how the Holy Spirit has made us unique to not only praise Him, but also to spread His word to others. Some like praising and sharing Jesus with music, while others enjoy deep prayer. For myself, I realized that I fell into a different category when he mentioned, " Some of you enjoy hiking and being in creation..." A light bulb turned on, a hamster started running on his wheel, a spark what lit, the sun began to rise... well you get the point.
Now, I've known for a long time that God made me just a little different then the rest of the 5, 999, 999, 999 or so people currently on this planet (you'd be amazed how hard it is to find people to talk to about the different plant communities of the midwest), but I never knew why. For those of you who know me, You pretty much figured this out about me from when you met me, but I never knew how significant a spiritual gift can be in an individual's life. These examples were going through my head today.
First one, I always get a so called "seasonal depression" every winter. I'm usually not myself this time of the year, and I do not think clearly or have thoughts in my head about myself that I wouldn't expect from me. But once the snow melts and the weather warms, I go outside again to do all the activities that I love to do in the outdoors. Basically, God made me to worship Him with the great artwork that He has surrounded me with, and if I avoid that niche in my life, then I avoid crucial time in my hike with my Father.
Second, it seems like I understand a faith-based relationship with Jesus with different analogies that I pick up from nature... like this blog! For instance, I've always seen my christian life as a tree (I'll explain this in another post coming shortly), or faith is like photosynthesis: you need light (in this case, the Light of the world) in order to properly grow. A life with Jesus can completely change you forever like the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly, or singing you heart out in praise like a songbird on a spring morning. It seems like God has shown me these things to get a better understanding of what my life should look like.
This seems so obvious to others that I have been gifted by the Holy Spirit for my love of creation and why I like it so much, yet it's taken me years to figure this out. God has given us spiritual gift for His glory and to help spread the ultimate gift, sufficient grace of Jesus Christ, to others. If you haven't found yours yet, then pray about it so that it may be revealed to you.

A Look Back on 2010

Sunrise
November at Green Lake, WI

I must say, this year went by so fast! I can't remember every event that has happened throughout this year, but the one that really stuck out to me was the bp oil spill. It was the only time this past year that I was truly angry. How the government and the company handled the situation was terrible, the economy and the ecosystems of the Gulf Coast were devastated, and locals felt like nobody cared about them as the weeks went by. Despite how the situation was handled, I did forgive them once they plugged the hole (with a crappy design) and I have moved on. Hopefully, the wetlands of the Gulf Coast will recover from this ordeal. Also, 2010 was the 2nd warmest the planet has ever been since we started to keep records (as I'm currently writing this, the temperature for my town of Lombard, IL it is currently 51 degrees outside. But it's for one day only and then winter will return). A very warm spring jumpstarted many spring wildflowers to blooming a few weeks ahead of schedule, and a hot and wet summer made working outside difficult for me. Hopefully we'll get a break this coming year.
As for me, I did quite the bit of traveling. I went to North Carolina in March, Texas in June, and Washington state in August. In between I did my excursions throughout my homestate of Illinois and Wisconsin. So many cool birds and unique plant life were abound in these regions but I can write a book on everything I saw. I also worked at the Morton Arboretum for the summer. This living tree museum has many gardens within the park and I had to tend them for my internship. I had an awesome bird feeder setup in my college town of Platteville, WI, and I'll never forget all the birds that visited it during my last semester as a sophomore.
As for my hike with God, It was better then previous years. Sure I went through time of growth and dormancy like a tree through the seasons, but He is always there waiting for you to talk to Him and He will guide you through the good times and the bad times. What I love about God is that He will never change. Years come and go with their events, but God has stood through all of these and still has His love, judgement, and His gift to the earth. I pray that I can read His word more often and understand what He wants for me in 2011. he has shown me so many great things and has provided for me throughout the year, and I can't wait to see what He has in store for 2011!
I do want to thank my Platteville family for being there and being awesome friends, my friends at home, and my wonderful girlfriend. Thank you for making 2010 a great year!
Here are some of my favorite photos from 2010:

Bur Oak at the Morton Arboretum
January in Lisle, IL

Milkweed pods with frost
January in Platteville, WI

Beaver Damage
January in Platteville, WI

Highbush Cranberry Viburnum with frost
January in Platteville, WI

Downy Woodpecker
January in Platteville, WI

American Goldfinches
January in Platteville, WI

Glaucous Gull
February in Winthrop Harbor, IL

American Hazelnut flowers
March in Lombard, IL

Sunrise
March in Pisgah Forest, North Carolina

Eastern Fence Lizard
March in Pisgah Forest, North Carolina

Sharp-lobed Hepatica
March in Platteville, WI

White-throated Sparrow
April in Platteville, WI

Bloodroot
April in Platteville, WI

Bellwort
April in Belmont, WI

Jack-in-the-pulpit
April in Belmont, WI

Striped Coralroot Orchid at Cedar Campus
May near Cedarville, MI

Indian Paintbrush at Cedar Campus
May near Cedarville, MI
 

Black-footed Albatross
August 20 miles off the coast of Westport, WA

Sunset and Sooty Shearwaters
August in Westport, WA

American Chestnut leaves
September in Platteville, WI

 

                                                                                                         

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Everyone you can think of anticipates this time of the year. Commercials and other forms of advertisement brainwash our minds on what to get our loved ones as gifts, and you become part of a rat race that sweeps malls and stores across the nation  like a devouring swarm of locusts... oh Christmastime.

White-breasted Nuthatch

Going out and shopping like this isn't bad at all. We get an extra boost to our economy (because we so desperately need it!), we actually have to be creative on what we get our friends and family... or just get them the new iphone to "Keep up with the Jones's," and you try to make someone happy with what you put your though into... or be lazy and get them a gift card (which there's nothing wrong with). Over the years, the commercialism of Christmas has become a huge deal in the United States and around the world. Companies plan on when to release some of their products for the holidays, and they advertise them with holiday jingles earlier and earlier each year. In fact, they make it seem like that Thanksgiving isn't a big deal! It scares me sometimes. However, there is one Christmas gift that you can give someone. It doesn't cost anything and it keeps giving for the rest of your life. Plus, it's the root word in Christmas.

Long ago (not in a galaxy far far away), God sent His son, Jesus Christ to earth. He didn't come dressed elegantly or power hungry for the latest and greatest, but came in the most humble way: a baby. He also was born in pretty much a dumpy place to house domestic animals, not a castle or palace. Yet, He would grow up with the people around him and teach those how to love their fellow brother and sister. In fact, He loves us so much that he gave his life for us. We are destined for eternity in Hell because of our sinful nature. But, Jesus saved all of humanity through His blood. All we have to do is know that He did this for us and accept Him as our Savior. Through this, He changes our hearts when we follow him so that we can love those around us... I guess you can say it's a gift that keeps on giving.

If you know someone you really care about who needs this gift more then any material thing, share them the real Christmas story and the real true meaning of Christmas. Because one day, we will lose all our possessions of earth, and what will you have then?

On that note, I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and safe travels to y'all!

American Bittersweet

Praise

Savannah Sparrow near Bemidji, MN

Whenever I observe a bird singing in the springtime, I'm always amazed at how he gives it everything he has. Feathers ruffled, bill pointed to the sky, and a loud song explodes from those small lungs of his. Sure, birdsong is mostly about finding a date and telling nearby males about his home turf, but God has shown me a lesson that I though I'd never learn through a songbird (Love how He does that by the way).
Song and worship has become one thing I enjoy in my christian hike. I never use to sing that much on a Sunday morning or even at all. But then I realized what He has done for me. Jesus Christ lived a perfect, sinless life, and He paid the ultimate penalty of sin through death so that all of humanity has the chance to be free from the slavery of sin. Plus, He will never give up on you, never judge you, bring you great blessings, fight battles with you, and He actually wants to hang out with you too. So, when you think about all of what He has done for you, way more then what we deserve, How do I react? I sing my heart out like a bird chanting in the spring, giving it all I have to exalt the King of kings! And, I'm joined with all of creation, including those little birds who praise their Creator.
So, I challenge you the next time you are in worship, think about that bird in your yard who sings loud to wake you up at 3am. If he can praise the Creator of the universe with all of his little heart, then why not try it yourself? Remember, if you have a relationship with Jesus Christ, your chains have be broken! Exalt Him like a bird would.

Verse of the day: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life i now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." - Galatians 2:20

Why do Leaves Change Colors in the Fall?

Fall color at Devil's Lake State Park

I went on a hike at Devil's Lake State Park the other day as a stress reliever, but I also knew that it was the peak time for fall colors in central Wisconsin... and boy was there a colorful palette across the Baraboo hills! It was one of the most beautiful drives and hike I've ever taken. Many of you probably wonder driving by on a autumn day why would trees change such striking colors? Amazingly, scientists still cannot fully answer that question, but some of the factors have to do with weather throughout the growing season and day length.

Red Maple leaves

As you know, nearly all plants contain the pigment Chlorophyll. This is what makes the leafs green and helps the plant take in energy from the sun to aid in photosynthesis which is how the plant makes food (with the added components of water and oxygen in the equation too). with the coming of fall, the length if nights becomes longer, and this triggers a biochemical change within the leaves. This is a sign for the tree to seize photosynthesis, stop producing and destroys the Chlorophyll in the leaves. As a result, other pigments in the leaves are revealed like Anthocyanin (gives the leaves a deep red color) and Carotenoids (gives the orange and yellow colors). After that, the tree goes through senescence or detaching of the petiole (leaf stalk) from the node.
Weather also plays a role. The key ingredient is warm, sunny days and crisp, but not freezing nights. This mixture specifically produces the striking reds in leaves. Also, intense colors also need a warm spring, normal summer, and adequate moisture throughout the growing season. This year, Wisconsin had a warm spring, wet and warm summer, and cool nights in the fall... the perfect combination for fall colors! And now you've learned something today.

Smooth Sumac leaflets

What's astonishes me is that the tree knows. Think about it, here is an organism that has no brain or central nervous system, and yet it goes through this whole thing because it "knows" that winter is coming... this is a plant folks. It's events like this that made me realize that everything didn't happen by chance or accident. Something to think about when you're zoning out at class or work. Anyway, you can now enjoy the fall colors even more this autumn!

Verse of the day: "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." - Proverbs 4:23