I wanted to share a few photos taken in my garden this summer. The flowers may seem ordinary, but when viewed up close, their intricate beauty inspires a sense of awe and gratitude to the One who gave us such simple things to enjoy.

At a time when everything seems more complicated than ever and on the verge of falling apart, it is simply the real Truth that bring me back to the peace I’m seeking.

Jesus said to him, “I am the [only] Way [to God] and the [real] Truth and the [real] Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

John 14:6 Amp

And the peace of God, which surpasses all ^[a]comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence or anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Philippians 4:7-9 NASB

Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always].

Colossians 3:15 Amp

The heavens tell about the glory of God. The skies announce what his hands have made. Each new day tells more of the story, and each night reveals more and more about God’s power. You cannot hear them say anything. They don’t make any sound we can hear. But their message goes throughout the world.

Psalm 19:1-4

Recently, I explored the village of Darlingford, Manitoba, under clear skies following a recent snowfall. My previous visit to the area also had sunny skies but this time the temperatures were much cooler, approximately a 35°C drop.

Darlingford occupies the Darlingford Moraine, a glacial ridge most likely formed when Noah’s flood waters receded about 4,374 years ago.

The Darlingford School Heritage Museum, constructed in 1910 as a school, was designed with provisions for a southern expansion that never materialized. It operated until 1984, received provincial heritage designation in 1987, and reopened as a community museum. The facility adopted its current name, Darlingford Pembina Heritage Museum, in 2023.

These commemorative trees are part of Darlingford Memorial Park. You can see the prominent Darlingford communications tower visible in the distance—a landmark observable for miles across the Pembina Valley.

A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], But the Lord directs his steps and establishes them.

Proverbs 16:9

Back in the 1990s as a kid, ringing in the new year meant changing the date written in the top right corner of school assignments. Now deep into the 21st century, the world has changed in countless ways, but one anchor holds firm. God’s Word endures as that unchanging truth, no matter the future or man’s plans for it.

Commit your works to the Lord [submit and trust them to Him], And your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance].

Proverbs 16:3

You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 16:11

He who did not spare [even] His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?

Romans 8:32

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.

Isaiah 43:2

Dear children, Let’s not merely say we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.

1 John 3:18

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Then Jesus said, Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

I am leaving you with a gift–peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

John 14:27

You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call on you.

Psalm 86:5

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

John 10:10

Take hold of the life that is truly life.

1 Timothy 6:19

In just the last few weeks almost all the snow has melted, except for where it had been piled or accumulated in the ditches. The birds have clearly taken notice and seem to all be coming back north at the same time.

Some of the birds I’ve seen in great numbers this week are canadian geese, tundra swans, mallard ducks, and red-winged blackbirds.

Our early spring drive through the Badlands was memorable and beautiful. Just after we arrived, the scenery quickly changed as a heavy snowfall quickly blanketed the rugged terrain in a layer of white.