Very calming and beautiful photos, Cripplecreek! The second picture reminds me of what my Mother use to say: “The Gates of Heaven are open”. When we were just little kids and saw rays through the clouds, she would say that God was calling the newly passed home to Him. He was illuminating the way to Heaven. Sounds corny, huh?! Well, I have told that same story to my three and now when they see the rays.. one will yell, “Look, the Gates of Heaven are open”.
My great grandmother used to tell me that thunder was angels bowling.