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Dr. Del Tackett is the author, architect and teacher for Focus on the Family's The Truth Project, a nationwide initiative designed to bring the Christian worldview to the body of Christ.
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Devil’s Tower, Wyoming
Posted on July 9, 2009
Filed Under Personal |
I woke up this morning realizing two things. The first is how much I love the outdoors and the second is how much I needed a vacation! I am especially enjoying the dawn encounters with God’s amazing creation. Yesterday, I watched a blue heron catch a fish while the early mist was still on the lake and a doe having breakfast with her two fawns. I have climbed to the top of rock formations and greeted the sun’s first rays. For me, few things are more special than mountaintop devotions at sunrise.
We just finished two days at Keyhole State Park, surviving the booming lightning and the torrential rains. Both Colorado and Wyoming are a lush green right now because of the continual blessing of those downpours.
Keyhole is just south of Devil’s Tower, a massive uplift of magna rock that juts out of nowhere in northeast Wyoming.
You can see it for miles.
We hiked the mile or so trail around the base and then drove to a western ridge to get a better perspective. It is sacred ground to many Native Americans. The Kiowa call it “Rock Tree” and the Arapaho, “Bear’s Tipi”. There are several different geological theories as to how it formed. I don’t think we really know. It rises 1267 feet and consists of individual seven-sided columns.
It is a wonder to behold.
Job 12 says to “…speak to the earth, and it will teach you…”. So, to a great extent, it is sacred!
We are headed now to Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore, Jewel Cave and Crazy Horse Monument.
Wish you were here!
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15 Responses to “Devil’s Tower, Wyoming”
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I grew up in Wyoming and am now in Colorado and am thankful everyday for the way I feel I can breathe freely here. If you have flexible plans might I suggest hitting Sheridan, Wyo for the rodeo this coming weekend? It’s a bit of the ol’ west at it’s best. We’re just at week 2 of the Truth Project in my group. So far so good!
I can remember some fond devotions had in the outdoors. My first outdoor devotion as a believer at Cedar Campus (IVCF) in Michigan. One just a few years ago about 3,000 ft. above Yosemite Valley. What a blessing. Even sitting on my deck is better than in the house for devotions. Why is that? Del, I was going to say, get up early and drive the wildlife loop in Custer SP - lots of animals. We had a great family vacation there last summer. Also, do an early morning walk through the Badlands. Very nice.
Hi Dr. Tackett,
Blessings to you and yours! I am continually blessed by your blog and your ministry.
This year I learned of John Calvin’s role in the execution of Servetous. There is evidencr that had not public (laymen and unbelievers no doubt) opinion turned against such executions, there would have been many more. Does it not rightly anger the world to see Christians today take a black and white stance on issues like abortion and gay marriage and yet not only give Calvin a pass on his crimes but lift him up as a hero of Christianity?
One other thing…is the investor-driven Wall Street really ethical? Is there a better way for Christians to invest their money?
Outside devotions are fabulous! I am retired, and love to go out to the deck in the mornings to have my quiet time with God. Sometimes its not so quiet, as the birds can make quite a loud symphony. And I love it! I am constantly amazed at how God has blessed me! Living in East Tennessee, we get to enjoy the four seasons, and I love them all. In summer, like now, the sky is blue, the trees and grass are green, the birds sing, the air is fresh…how good God is!
Why God allowed me to be born and raised here is beyond my understanding. To be born in a free nation is one thing, but to have the additional blessing of this marvelous part of His creation all around is humbling. How I love this Father, this Papa, of mine!!!
I too am a Wyoming native, but God has placed me in Texas. God blessed me in Wyoming, not just the beauty itself but the memories of camping with my father, catching trout, trailriding, etc…
It’s true that the rocks cry out in praise to the eternal God. And to think that the beauty we see now is only a shimmer compared to the splendor that awaits us in heaven!
I met Jesus as a child by taking solo walks in the woods in north Florida. I’m not sure when that first encounter happened, but I marvel at how He met me and how much I understood as a 12-year old when I look back at my first Bible and the notes that I wrote within it. Today I’m 48 and still, I feel closest to my Father when I meet Him in the great outdoors. He is SO good and So faithful.
Thank you for sharing some personal of your personal moments with our great Creator! I am looking forward to our Church’s first annual camping trip in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Not just for the time in His creation but the fellowship time out of the actual church building!
Blessings!
Hello…sounds like you enjoying yourself on a much needed vacation. Your travel has brought you to some beautiful places.
I was talking to a friend about places I wanted to visit. And you’ve mentioned two of them we discussed: Mount Rushmore and Devil Tower. Maybe one day, Lord willing, this will come to fruition.
Enjoy yourself. Be safe. Be blessed.
I once read Genesis 1 outside with a storm coming up on the lake. It seemed like the wind was drawing pictures on the lake, then I read: “Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.”
I was moved beyong measure that God would show me what it might’ve looked like.
I am constantly amazed at God’s creations and love the outdoors.
We were just in the Black Hills so we’re excited for you and the beauty you will continue to behold. Thanks for always pointing us back to the awesome face of God in your writings. Enjoy the rest of your vacation!
Marlene from Michigan
I was thrilled to see the pics of Devil’s Tower, I grew up there with my family. My dad was a ranger there for several years. I met the Lord after moving from the Tower, but every time I visit I am awed by and thankful for the blessing of God’s creativity and beauty. It inspires me to praise Him.
I’m a Wyoming native, and still live here. It’s a state full of wondrous nature, but thank you for helping me see some of these things from a new perspective. One can get jaded.
We hunted a few time when I was young in an area that was quite dry by September and looked flat. But the area was honeycombed with narrow low meadows, where there were water and trees and perhaps a deer or two… It was more beautiful because it was so unexpected! Gotta love the way God does things.
Or the area north of Medicine Bow National Forest. It has pines and aspens, sagebrush and wildflowers, giant rock piles and rock embedded, all with creeks and hills and vales, and mountains in the distance…
Oh, and I assume you saw the Grand Tetons. God unveiled them for me as I watched from the window of the Jackson Lake Lodge, after I had prepared a presentation for the Lydia prayer conference there. I was enthralled and could only worship God (in my heart)..
Oh Del!
I just love the way the Lord speaks to us… if we will just listen!
I am struggling with a family situation that I’ve been praying, meditating, and seeking His will about for hours.
And then I saw the picture of you standing in front of Devil’s Tower… our family’s favorite destination and camping memories extraordinaire. Our chilren are adults now and our camping adventures are behind us. But the memories linger…
So… one little picture, hundreds of treasured memories, and now- Praise the Lord - His blessed peace . Oh Del, who would have thought when you stood in front of that column of rock that God would bless you and a stranger by using the picture as His instrument?
And as for His magnificent creation- Devil’s Tower, those majestic basalt columns have once again created another blessing and memory.
Praise God in all His mystery and Glory! Amen! Amen!