Where Does It All Come From?

Believe it or not, I've lived in California almost my entire life and hadn't been to Yosemite until last month. (I know, right?) There was so little snow in Mammoth we made the trek over through the pass and enjoyed a beautiful drive. I fully expected it to be pretty, but a little underwhelming. After all, hasn't there been all that talk of how tourism is destroying National Parks? And really, without much snow, how pretty could it be?

The answer is, actually: breathtaking! As I looked down the valley towards Half Dome, I was reminded of one of my favorite Bible verses, Psalm 121:

I lift my eyes up to the mountains
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from You,
Maker of Heaven, Creator of the Earth.

While I realize everyone has different beliefs, when I look at something so perfect and beautiful in nature, I feel this overwhelming sense that a being far greater than I am created it. It gives me great joy and peace knowing that Someone who created all these wonderful things also watches over me. Sometimes, when I see the sun coming down in beams through the clouds, I feel as though God coming down to Earth right there.

I was especially excited to go look around because I absolutely love Ansel Adams and his photographs of Yosemite are so iconic. We didn't take much opportunity to take scenic photos - just snapped a few more touristy ones. It was quite packed with cars and people, so I couldn't bring myself to take shots that didn't pay homage to the quiet, unspoiled beauty of Ansel Adams' Yosemite.