The photo in my header is one of the Grand Haven Pier Lighthouse and catwalk. The catwalk is unique to most piers. It was used in rougher weather to access the lighthouse at the end of the pier – I do not believe it is in use any longer and public access is denied because of the dilapidated condition. However; one can freely walk on the main part of the pier underneath when weather permits. You can pick out the people in the photo if you look closely.
I have spent many hours on this pier – it is a delight to walk. Although not visible, on the front side of the pier at the end is a large additional section which accomodates quite a few people. During the summer, it was a particular joy to sit on the cement butress [to keep boats from ramming into the lighthouse] there and wait for the sun to go down. The rewards were some very spectacular sunsets.
During the fall and winter, when windy storms moved in, the water would splash over the top of the end lighthouse. At times, I have witnessed the water frozen in mid-splash, creating an icy masterpiece for a brief time. If you are interested you can google images of Grand Haven Lighthouse, it’s one of the most photographed lighthouses in Michigan – I believe there are well over a 100 lighthouses around the shoreline of the “Great Lake State”.
What I learned most about this pier is the strength of the water. Lake Michigan is the second largest of the great lakes and can stir up terrific powerful storms. I remember one early fall weekend there were a number of gigantic cement tumblers connected to the catwalk beams with massive chains – bigger around than my arm for use in repairing the cement walkway – about 30 feet wide. During the night one of those strange fall storms came barreling down from the north, changing direction from a westerly one earlier in the evening. The storm churned up extremely high winds and tremendous waves that washed over the pier during the night. It moved the trailer we were camping in by over by a foot – what a thrill ride, eh?
By morning, when the storm passed along, we walked the pier. To our amazement the giant iron cement mixers were gone. The chains had been snapped by the pressure of the waves and threw the mixers in the water like little rocks. We could not believe our eyes.
When I saw this photo that a friend sent to me, I was reminded of that night due to the dark water with the heaving and splashing waves. It’s a little hard to tell from the picture, but that section between the beach and the edge of the pier is full of humungous bolders to help hold the cement pier in place. As the water comes rushing in, it churns and twists like a giant blender causing the water to rise and fall in many directions at once. It is a treacherous place to swim and many have lost their lives jumping off the pier into the water trying to time the waves against the side of the pier.
The dark churning tumulteous water is similiar to my journey into Hebrew Roots. As I struggled during that time for solid footing, all I did was bang into the rocks, which threatened to end my life, albeit spiritually. I could not reach the safe haven of the pier.
The photo shows the sun shining its beams onto the water and the pier, and I am touched that God chose to shine His redeeming light on me during a time when I almost drowned in deception. He rescued me from the agitated water and set me on His Rock, Jesus Christ the Cornerstone. He is Awesome!
There is another reason why I picked this particular photo, and it has to do with you, the reader! 
The lighthouse is often depicted in Christian art to represent us reflecting the light of Christ to a world that is lost. I pray that in some way the truth and factual evidence that I present here on these pages may be a lighthouse pointing you to the Bible, God’s truth. I hope that these pages clear your mind and help break off any chains of false teachings and false movements that threaten to keep you from running the race towards the Author and Finisher of our faith. It is my hope and prayer that He shines through every page that I present on this blog for the praise of His glory.
In Jesus Christ, The Light of the World . . .
For the Love of Truth,
sheep wrecked
