Sometimes the very best thing to do is take a walk around the block which is how I captured these blushing beauties. God’s blessings are all around us if only we look up.

When traveling through the greenery of Norther Indian, I can occasionally hear the dulcet tones of John Denver in my mind. Although I am far from any rocky mountains, there are so many blessings to be found in these Midwestern views.

Amid high winds, crashing waves, and ‘No Swimming’ signage the seagulls took the opportunity to lounge on the beach unchallenged on this May morning. It was a blessing to be able to stroll the beach at the Indiana Dunes although we decided against sunbathing ourselves on this chilly occasion.

Every year I am newly amazed that the yellow blooms are the first to flower, as if announcing the coming of warm yellow days to come while chill spring rain still spatters our windows. Sunny daffodils smile at baby girl and I as we take our walks through the neighborhood, bundled up against the icy wind. Even huddled against the cold, these outings are still a blessing as we witness God’s creative work in real time.

The Midwest truly is a miraculous land where everything simply grows. After just one afternoon of 40-degree temperatures, I thought I spied a few tiny buds already beginning to peak into the treetops and the grass definitely seemed greener. However, even as we catch a glimpse of Spring, I still love to see the sun twinkle off the last of the Winter’s snow.