Cannon Beach, Oregon - by Elly Lyons

Have you ever wondered how God paints the sky with such beauty?

The waves lapped at my feet as I stood on the damp, cool sand of Cannon Beach, watching the sun begin its slow descent toward the horizon. The air was thick with the salty scent of the ocean, and I could taste the briny tang with every breath. Gulls cried out in the distance, their calls mixing with the soft roar of the sea. A gentle breeze carried the crisp scent of driftwood and seaweed, and I could feel it brushing against my skin like a soft whisper. The towering form of Haystack Rock loomed before me, silhouetted against the deepening shades of pink, orange, and purple painting the sky.

I had come here with one goal in mind: to capture the beauty of God’s creation. There’s something about the coast, especially at sunset, that speaks directly to my heart. It’s as if, for a brief moment, heaven touches earth, and the colors on the horizon are a reminder of something greater than myself.

With my camera in hand, I felt the familiar pull of inspiration deep in my chest. The sunset unfolded like a story, each cloud catching the light in new and breathtaking ways. As the golden hour bathed the beach in soft, warm light, I knew I had to capture this fleeting beauty, this masterpiece created by God's hand. My fingers worked quickly, adjusting the settings on my camera, my eyes never leaving the sky. I wanted to remember this moment, to freeze it in time, so that others could see what I saw—a glimpse of heaven on earth.

Standing there, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace. The vastness of the ocean before me, the endless sky above—it all seemed to whisper of God’s greatness, of His care for every detail of His creation. The colors in the sky deepened as the sun kissed the horizon, casting a final glow across the water. I snapped one last photo, knowing I had captured something special, something that spoke of the Creator’s love and artistry.

That evening, I walked away from the beach with more than just a photograph. I left with a heart full of gratitude, reminded of the beauty and wonder that surrounds us if we only take the time to see it.