Remember the Abundance of God's Steadfast Love

I am encouraged to remember the abundance of God’s steadfast love.

We have sinned and deserve judgement. Yet, in steadfast love and mercy, God saves His people. Here is the reason:

for his name’s sake, that He might make known his mighty power

Psalm 106:8

This truth inspires me to meditate on God’s acts in the abundance of His love. Then make it known as He purposed for His name’s sake.

I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands

Psalm 143:8

I recalled the abundance God’s steadfast love as I sought to know His greatness, hiking in the mountains. In 2018, Lida and I started to hike the Scarp’s Ridge trail on the last day of our participation in the Crested Butte Wildflower festival. The trail was steep. We enjoyed a grand view together. It is the work of God’s hands, making His power known.

Ruby Peak according to the Majesty of God — Ruby Peak on the right and The Dyke on the far left

I headed further ahead of Lida, so she could go at a slower pace. I was drawn to a ravine to get a picture of a Pine Grosbeak. There I slipped causing my camera lens to hit a rock and cease to work. Further, on a high ridge, there were several alpine butterflies. It was hard to get a good picture with my cell phone. Here I share a photo of a Colorado Alpine, with unusually large dots on the lower wings compared to specimens I saw in Wyoming . God, in the abundance of His steadfast love, knows how to make me want to return.

A little further and I could see the colorful mountain range beyond the Robinson Basin. Breathtaking!

Ruby Peak and Robinson Basin, 7-15-18 — Ruby Peak, Mt. Owen, and Afley Peak in the distance from Scarp Ridge Trail

It was still a long way up to Scarp Ridge. Content for the time, I headed back down, and joined Lida for the trip home. In His steadfast love, God let me see enough of His wonders to draw me to return the next year for His name sake.

The festival in 2019 was very different because of the large amounts of snow that remained in July. We took two cars, and after a couple great days together, Lida headed home. The organized hike to Scarp Ridge was cancelled. A man who had just explored the trail showed me pictures of snow and did not encourage me to go. Here a couple photos I took later that represents what he shared with me.

Snow-covered Scarp Ridge Trail, July 10, 2019 — Snow-covered Scarp Ridge Trail looking back to the south, Irwin Lake on left, July 10, 2019

Unusual snow pattern on Scarp Ridge Trail — Unusual snow pattern of melting snow on Scarp Ridge Trail, 7-10-19

Still feeling called to go, I decided to head up that way anyway. I knew Irwin Lake campground was near the trail. At least it would be a possible place where I could park our Ford Expedition to sleep (bed was set up in the back). I was glad that God had given me a desire to see His glory there.

Glacier Lily was a gift according to God's abundant steadfast love — Glacier Lily near Irwin Lake campground was a gift of encouragement according to God’s abundant steadfast love

There were still a few more hours of daylight, so I drove up the four wheel drive road to the trailhead and started up the trail. The snow did not cover all the ground. The hillside was rich with creation pouting out speech of God’s creativity, beauty, and power.

Hunt's Bumble bee on Purple Fringe wildflower display abundance of God's glory — Hunt’s Bumble bee on Ball-Head Waterleaf wildflower display abundance of God’s glory

Textile Onion wildflower on Scarp Ridge Trail — Textile Onion wildflower is a picture of joy and praise to God

Spring Beauty on Scarp Ridge Trail, let the earth Rejoice in the Lord — Spring Beauty. Let the earth rejoice, Jesus reigns!

Western Wallflower on Scarp Ridge Trail was a gift of God's steadfast love — Western Wallflower on Scarp Ridge Trail was a gift of God’s steadfast love for His name’s sake

Glacier lily up close, has flare yet humbly bent over before the Maker of heaven and earth

Glacier Lily with long red stamen illustrates the glory of the Creator-God

Gushing water bursts into droplets, like steadfast love ever flowing — Gushing water bursts into droplets, like steadfast love ever pouring out speech declaring the glory of God

Kings Crown emerging in a stream, Scarp Ridge Trail — Kings Crown emerging in a stream, a picture of refreshing goodness of God

King's Crown in Bloom, Scarp Ridge Trail, reminder of Christ the King — King’s Crown in Bloom, Scarp Ridge Trail, reminder of Christ the King

Colorful rock in clear stream are like precious jewels, little children to Jesus — Colorful rock in clear stream are like precious jewels, like the children of God to Christ

Skypilot wildflower gives glory to God in the heights

Alpine Sunflower on Scarp Ridge Trail remind us of the light of God that gives us life

Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever.

Psalm 136:2

I made it to a large snow field and noted that I could probably walk on it in the morning when it is cold. On the way down I was blessed to see a pair of Spruce Grouse venturing out from the woods along the snow. Maybe they were going to feast on stinkbugs trapped in the snow field (maybe during an avalanche). The first time I have seen this bird. God is good.

Female Spruce Grouse seen in the abundance of the God's steadfast love — Female Spruce Grouse seen in the abundance of the God’s steadfast love

Male Spruce Grouse off Scarp Ridge Trail. First time I have ever seen one.

Stink Bug in Ice Field, Scarp Ridge Trail — Stink bug trapped in snow field among many others.

So richly blessed by the abundance of God’s steadfast love. This was only a scouting adventure before the hike to the top the next day.

I was discouraged on the way down by old injury in my right foot. It was becoming very painful and I used a stick to help me walk. I was thinking that the hike planned for the next day would be abandoned. The adventure continues in the next post.

Remember the Abundance of God’s Steadfast Love

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