My Southwestern North Dakota Photo Album: From Sunrise to Sunset

This picture was taken from my backyard on January 25, 2020. The setting sun was so pretty; I just had to capture it. My camera did not do it justice, though. This picture was taken just two short months before the whole world went into lockdown as everyone tried to navigate a global pandemic. At the time, I had no idea how much everything would change once spring came. I do not think that knowing what was coming would have prepared me. Especially living in small town North Dakota, I had no idea that what was talked about in the news would end up affecting me personally. The pandemic taught me so many valuable lessons. The primary ones being (1) fellowship is incredibly important; (2) true friendship, even when you cannot physically be together, is more valuable than anything on the shelf at Walmart (if there is even anything left); and (3) technology, while amazing and innovative, does not compare to truly being with someone else. Deep connections are made together, in person; and I ...

This picture was taken at Evangelical Bible Church in Dickinson, ND, on December 12, 2020. The frost covered trees with the cross jutting out captured my eye as I was exiting the church building that day. As I looked up at the frosty-themed view, I was reminded that my gaze should always be fixed upward. God should be the primary focus of my life. It is so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day events of life and to get distracted by the things of this world. When I am thinking more about the world than about God, my emotions become more melancholy and my thoughts become consumed with negativity. However, when I begin to focus on God; perfect peace, hope, and joy invades my heart and thought life. This is because God is the only One capable of perfectly providing lasting, good things to me; for He is the epitome of perfection and goodness. I know that I can go to Him whenever I am in need because He knows me the most deeply and my situation the most fully. I pray I never forget th...

This picture, taken on November 2, 2021; depicts the sunrise on that cool, autumn day. I woke up earlier than usual to see the sunrise and was not disappointed. It reminded me of the beauty of a new day and all of the beginnings that accompany it. What a great thought to keep in mind! Remembering to be grateful for a fresh start is crucial. It's so important to remind yourself of the blessing of new beginnings as you are entering a new season of life. Where there is uncertainty, there is also a fresh start. There is an opportunity to begin again. The past does not define you. The new start may provide you with the ability to be who you have always wanted to be.  

This picture was taken on November 5, 2021, near Dickinson State University in Dickinson, North Dakota. As I was driving to class that Friday morning, the sky captivated me. The way the storm clouds were receding as the sun was peeking through caught my attention and got me thinking. I realized that it can be so hard to find peace in the storms of life. Storms are usually accompanied by chaos, darkness, and fear. Amid the storm, it can be so difficult to remember the good. It's hard to be grateful and see how God is working in our lives. Almost always, there is an overwhelming sense of calmness and peace when a storm ends. A person is filled with relief to see that hard time pass away and can look forward to the better times ahead. Storms don't last forever, and they provide contrast to the peace that can come so naturally during the sunny days of life.  

On August 9, 2020; in Medora, North Dakota; the Badlands were accented by the setting sun. In this image, the sun was not fully set; so the beauty of the Badlands was clearly evident. Creation is so magnificent. The way God intricately designed nature, including some hills in the middle of nowhere in North Dakota, gives us insight into how intricately designed humans are. They are made in the image of God and given a purpose directly from Him. Even in moments where you may feel insignificant, you are still valuable. God created everything so wonderfully and then knew that the world needed one of you too. Being reminded of your value is vital to recognizing your purpose in life. Sometimes all it takes is slowing down. Taking a moment to simply be and take in the glory of what God spoke into existence is an incredible way to remind yourself of the One who knows and loves you more than anyone else is capable.  

On November 5, 2021; in Dickinson, North Dakota; it had rained through the night. The morning still maintained grey clouds and an atmosphere of gloomy weather. However, the sun was beginning to appear through the clouds. This image provided a glimpse into something critical for each person to remember: there is always something good, even if it is hard to find. There will be rainy seasons of life that cause us to be discouraged, melancholy, and hopeless. It can be so easy to desire an immediate end to the storm. Storms can be frightening, but they also provide moisture that is necessary for growth. Often, a person grows the most when they endure hardship; they come out stronger than before. Seasons of growth into something more strong, more resilient, and more beautiful are accompanied by that which may be less desirable. Understanding that growth is not easy and acknowledging that storms in life are inevitable can give someone the ability to simply dance in the rain, knowing that the...

The sunset on August 9, 2020; in Medora, North Dakota, was utterly amazing. As the sun was setting, the landscape was spotlighted in its glory. How often do we prefer to shy away from the spotlight? Stage fright is a very real experience for many, and it causes us to stay away from being the center of attention. While this may cause one to be humble, it can also bring about a sense of loneliness as well as low self-esteem. When a person's unique talents and abilities are not evident, they may begin to feel as though they are talentless and unimportant. This may cause them to hide from the spotlight even more. It is valuable to be reminded that shining brightly is positive. By doing so, we can bring light to someone else's season of darkness. Just like the brightness of the sun gives life to all creation, one person's courage to be themselves and demonstration of what they are capable of can encourage and enable those around them to do the same.  

This stunning image of the sun peeking through the clouds above the tips of evergreen trees was captured on November 1, 2021. It was a crisp, cool day at Dickinson State University. The sun provided a perfect atmosphere outside, though it was particularly deceiving. It made it appear as though it was a warm autumn day when it was actually chilly jacket weather outdoors. Often, people can be like the sun; their outer appearance can entice us to believe something untrue about them. Instead of getting to know someone, we simply assume what they will be like based on how they dress, do their hair, etc. How often do we miss opportunities to be positively impacted when we pass by someone that does not meet the physical requirements we subconsciously set in place? It takes a moment of courage to look past a person's outward appearance and look at their heart instead. I urge you to pause for a moment. Fight the desire to move past someone that may look unlovable and choose to get to know ...

  This beautiful image depicts the open sky visible when driving on the interstate from Bismarck to Dickinson. It was taken on June 22, 2017; but the open, blue sky can still be viewed today. There are many that would not enjoy the seemingly endless, flat ground of the North Dakota plains. However, when your gaze is shifted upward, there is even more beauty to behold. There are not big, white, puffy clouds resembling cotton balls every single day, but the sky is always seems open. The vastness of the sky can provide you with the realization that you are a very small part of a very big universe. While that could make you feel insignificant, I think it really opens your perspective to recognize that you are so meaningful and have a specific purpose. Once you understand that you have a role to play, it's important to go into the world and play that role as well as you are able. The open sky is a vital reminder of the importance of living out what you are called to do and pleases your...