“In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.”   

Psalms 95:4-5

It's been a personal pleasure growing up in the church and participating in the many trips the church has to offer. Many of which involve, ‘getting out into nature’ which is one of my personal favorite parts. I have been on countless trips, skiing in Duluth and Montana and the more recently created, the Boundary Waters trip. For me, when I am out in nature enjoying myself (whether it be skiing or paddling), hanging out with my friends and mentors, and just taking in the beauty God made, I see God most clearly. I see him in my friends smiles, in the trees and in the sun. I don’t know why I see God so clearly in those places.  

When I go to church I find it harder.  It was like a revelation to me. I didn’t quite understand it at first but then it all made sense. I think since I expect to see God there, it makes it harder to see Him. My expectations tarnish my vision of what is already there. My expectations set the bar too high. Every place is different. It’s hard to feel God in the church when I’ve felt his presence so much stronger elsewhere. I think it is the combination. At the church, I have people I can see God within, but on the trips, I see God in not only the people but in nature. I really see what God’s hand created and I experience it. I believe everyone sees and senses God differently. I see God in my adventures in nature, but somebody else might see God somewhere else. As a Christian, I believe it's important to learn where you see God best because in tough times when you really need God you have to know where to find him. For me, it may be with loved ones, and in God's creation, so I know where to find God. So it's your turn to ask yourself the same question.

Prayer: Dear God, I pray to you to grant everyone reading my devotional the power to look more deeply to find You within their lives. And to let us all have the opportunity to do so. Please follow each and every one of us through our individual faith developing our relationship with you. Amen.

Rhiannon Ullom