Michael T. Photography - Up North

09/08/2026

"A Trillion Stars" One of my favorite photos that I have ever taken. One of our youth taking in the night sky as can only be done when you are way away from the city lights in northern Wisconsin.

"...so that you may become blameless and pure, "children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation." Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky." -- Philippians 2:13

09/07/2026

Hiking the Grand Canyon. Breathtaking!

09/07/2026

“Orange Oyster” While I love finding edible mushrooms while I am out camping and hiking, I am finding more and more that I really love taking photos of any kind of mushroom that catches my eye. This particular mushroom’s scientific name is “Phyllotopsis Nidulans” but is more commonly known as the “Orange Oyster”.

The beauty is only in its appearance as the sulphurous odor that comes from this fungi is similar to rotten eggs or cabbage. While they are not poisonous, the horrible odor deters any sane person from eating it. (I know what you want to ask me. “Does that mean you tried eating it Michael?”) No I did not. I am continually amazed at the variety of fungi that is out there in the northwoods!

09/06/2026

Hiking at Bell Rock near Sedona Arixona today!

09/06/2026

09/05/2026

Hiking the Grand Canyon today!

09/04/2026

"Superior Praise" Four of our student leaders on their senior trip from a few years ago. Last stop on the trip is Lake Superior. Great group of students who make doing youth ministry a blessing!

09/03/2026

"Scouting out the Lake" My son Chase and my wife's rescue dog named "Scout" looking out over a lake in Northern Wisconsin.

Scout is a mixed breed (Australian Cattle Dog and Healer mix) and was severely abused before a friend of ours (who rescues dogs from situations like this) asked if we would consider taking her into our home.

It hurts my heart to watch her cower any time someone approaches her but it makes my heart sing to watch all the love she is getting not only from our family but from those endless teens who are in and out of our house through youth ministry.

She is slowly learning to trust, to relax and to realize that not all humans are like her first owners.

"Not every person knows how to love a dog, but every dog knows how to love a person."

09/02/2026

“September is Here” While I do enjoy the summer, something special happens inside me when the calendar turns the page into September each year!

September means that the temperature will start to cool down, the insects will gradually start to go away and the leaves will start to turn colors around their edges – giving just a little hint of what is to come in October.

It also means that I will be taking most of my vacation time in these next two months, camping, canoeing, fishing, hunting and hiking through the Northwoods.

September comes from the Latin word septem, meaning “seven,” because it was the seventh month of the early Roman calendar. I was born on the 7th of February, so 7 has always been my favorite number.

From a biblical standpoint the number seven is incredibly significant as it denotes completeness or perfection. After creating the world God rested on the seventh day and the seven-day week has been adopted by all human civilizations.

Mostly for me, September means a complete recharge of my soul. Autumn allows me to spend time out in God’s creation at the perfect time of year!