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.
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.
View looking south from Darlingford Memorial Park.Formerly known as the Darlingford School Heritage Museum.
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?
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
I couldn’t resist a walk once the sun broke through after the pre-Christmas blizzard. The view overlooking the Pembina River was absolutely stunning.
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.
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.
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.
A few facts… Moose are shy, solitary animals, and don’t travel in packs. They can live for up to 25 years, and prefer cold climates, like Manitoba. Apparently moose can outrun a person by the time they’re 5 days old, traveling up to 56 km/h (35 mph). Yikes! Don’t get too close.