A collection of Fall beauty from Matthiessen State Park. This park features canyons, hiking trails, streams, and waterfalls. It is a jewel in the midst of the plains of the Midwest. Thanks for stopping by!
matthiessen state park
Category: Matthiessen
tension
the tension between
my past and my present
the tension between
making earthbound choices
and setting my heart on things above
the tension between
reputation protection
and other-centered living
the tension between
my anger and grace
the tension between
forgiveness and revenge
the tension between
my faith
and loss
and pain
and my restless soul
the tension between
being an image bearer
and my shame
the tension between
my title and my actions
the tension between
crossing the bridge
and playing it safe
the tension between
myself
and myself
the tension between
the darkness and the light
inside this heart of mine
i fall
i soar
take flight
only to stumble
and cry for healing
and why is it feeling
like nothing makes sense
at least sometimes
nothing makes sense
for there is a time
for everything
under this radiant sun
time to take a step of faith
He is not done
i’m not at home
so
sometimes
it doesn’t make
sense
great day for a hike
We moved to our current home in Illinois from Michigan back in 2004, but it’s not the first time we have lived in Illinois. We first arrived in Chicago-land back in 1988. However, it wasn’t until we came back in 2004 that we discovered Matthiessen State Park.
The day started out with the typical refrain of cold, low, gray clouds, but Mr. I-Can’t-Seem-To-Get-The-Weather-Report-Right promised clearing skies and it came to pass that a beautiful, mostly sunny afternoon emerged.
One of the things I love about each of the it-feels-like-hundreds-of-times that I have visited this park is that it is always new. It’s like discovering and exploring for the first time, each time.
And I love the quiet… the sense of calm…
I am glad I made time to reflect… walk… listen to a waterfall, or the water gurgling over rocks and a stubborn oak leaf…
Thanks for stopping by.
the sun at matthiessen park
It’s not the cold or the snow that can be difficult in the winter. For me, it’s the lack of sunshine. We seem to have the following four seasons in this part of the Midwest: Cloudy, Spring, Summer and Fall. So, I was so grateful when the clouds took a break and allowed the sun to brighten a recent hike at Matthiessen Park. Hope the sun is shining where you are. Thanks for stopping by.
matthiessen moments
Spent about 3 1/2 hours hiking at beautiful Matthiessen State Park, in Utica IL. Winter here has been a bit strange: lots of unusually warm days, and not much snow. The park was especially beautiful, with a mix of winter, and a way too early for Spring vibe. The park is named for Frederick William Matthiessen. This was his estate and private park!
Fall moments
Apologies for the long absence. To celebrate my return to Photoblogville I give you a Fall moment…or two.
sandstone
Final picture from a recent hike at Matthiessen State Park. This is a good example of the numerous sandstone formations that are found in the park. The soft surface makes a great canvas for names, messages and other markings.
in stillness
just listen in stillness
echoes of paradise
calling to the deepest
places in your heart
where oneness
awaits your surrender
a quiet bow of the head
on your knees
you listen in stillness
the eternal song
beckons you
to the peace
of forgiveness and rest
stairs are to your right
Matthiessen State Park is a wonderful place to hike throughout the year. The next few photos are from a recent hike there.
when winter goes
In celebration of the end of winter (he said with great hope!) here is another picture taken at Matthiessen State Park when I was there a few weeks ago with my son and his buddies. We had a great time exploring these falls, and, considering where the boys climbed and explored, lets just say it’s a good thing that no moms were present!
rutakintome pictures 
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