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Photography by Phil Kenyon, Mitchell, ON (2026)

10/26/2026

Out of your hands

Imagine with me for a minute that you are an oak leaf. It has been a good season on the hillside. You started as a tiny shoot off the branch in the springtime. Over a spring and summer filled with embracing the nourishment of heat and rain, you blossomed into a large well-shaped beautiful leaf. Fall comes and cooler weather brings change. Your color begins turning a brilliant red appreciated by all. But then, a fierce wind comes and in a moment you are swept away to the forest floor.

This reflection of the annual life of a leaf might seem somewhat silly, but it helps us see and realize the idea that life is outside of our hands. The leaf depends on it's roots, trunk, and stem to survive. The tree needs a life-sustaining environment, the sun and rain to grow. I was reflecting on this idea of "Life is out of our hands" after a busy shift in the ER the other night and thought it was worthy of reflection.

I was working as the charge nurse when in the middle of a night shift, we received an EMS call that a crew was bringing in a patient who they had been performing CPR on, and had revived. We assembled a team of nurses, an RT, and the physician. The patient arrived and we quickly worked at trying to stabilize him. We briefly lost a pulse again, yet were able to revive Him with CPR, medications, and a breathing tube.

While working on him, he miraculously awoke and looked me right in the eyes with a look of fear. A breathing tube down his throat, wires and lines tracing across his body in every direction, a half dozen people above him in the bright lights. I quickly attempted to tell Him where He was and try and calm His fears. It was this moment that led me to reflect on this idea that "life is outside of our hands" In the ER that night, this man's life would have been snuffed out if not for the hands of many healthcare staff and God's grace.

I believe at creation the God of the Bible spoke life into being. Scripture tells us He continues to care for and preserve this world. He brings the sun and the rain down on even these oak leaves in the picture before us. When Sin entered the picture, brokenness and death came with it. Working in an ER where we work with people often in their critical and dying moments only makes this painfully real.

Thanks be to God that He has offered hope in this broken world in sending His Son, Jesus Christ. By His saving power on the cross, we can rest assured knowing that our lives are in His hands. If we are joined to Christ's vine, then although our physical bodies may fail, we may remain united to Him in heaven one day.

I often live life as if it is in my hands, and I am the one at the wheel. I like to think my successes and failures are dependent on my actions. However, in my own broken strength, I will fail. I often fail to see and acknowledge the ever present presence of God in my life. He has me in His hands.

"Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" Matthew 6:30

10/10/2026

Thankful on the waters

Probably one of my favorite moments on our camping trips last week to Restoule was when we meandered down part of Restoule River connection between Restoule Lake and Stormy Lake. It was a rainy forecast for the day so we were uncertain how to spend the afternoon. I had the suggestion that we get out for one more canoe ride and the weather proved to mostly hold off providing some good cloudiness for fall photography

The colors were amazing all the way down the river, however as we approached the final bend before the rapids where we had to stop on shore it was stunning. The water calmed in the corner creating a subtle reflection as observed on the bottom of the grasses in this photograph. A few of the maples in brilliant orange along the top section of the forest certainly put on a display.

Thanksgiving is a time of year where we may spend some extra moments thinking of all the ways God has blessed us. Taking in moments of beauty sitting in a canoe with my beautiful wife, in such a beautiful section of God's creation certainly helped evoke feelings of thankfulness.

Obviously life's moments aren't always as easy as this one, to spark feelings of thankfulness. There are painful moments too. This morning in my daily readings, I read Psalm 57 where David is fleeing from Saul who is seeking to destroy him. The Psalmist starts off calling out to God seeking refuge in Him from the danger, acknowledging that God is there to protect with His mercy and truth. Amidst this fearful moment in David's life, when He directed His heart towards God who he knew to be a Refuge, David was able to end the Psalm in thanksgiving and Praise.

The brokenness in this world can be painful and things don't always make sense. The water's of life aren't always calm like in this photograph. Someone told me after we went camping "Enjoy it now, you can't do things like that once you have kids." That person didn't know in the moment the pain in my heart at a line like that.

Yet, even amidst the painfulness in longing for children, I know and have experienced, like the Psalmist David who faced a trial by directing His heart to God, that when I do the same, He is there to show me His Love, His Mercy, His Truth again; When my heart is enveloped in God's love, He fills it with thankfulness and moments like this on the river where I can be thankful.

10/06/2026

The lowly Hobble-bush

During a hike on the Gib's Trail in Restoule Provincial Park, we noticed a high quantity of these unique leafy plants on the shady forest floor. As I often do, I pulled out my plant identifier app and determined these stunning little beauties are known as Hobble-Bush.

I was quite taken by the unique painting like leaves. Each leaf was so different and unique in color change. Ashley probably got a little annoyed with how much time I spent with my neck bent down trying to capture the unique nature of these leaves (Her Strava pace on her smartwatch probably did take a hit). I didn't know what one to pick out for a post tonight, so I decided to pick several and share them together.

The Hobble-Bush have a horizontal sprawled out nature where the plants branches spread out across the shady forest floor. They have a unique way of dropping roots off the branches into the forest floor creating new plants. Apparently the name "hobble-bush" came about because the numerous roots and connections between plants could "hobble the traveler going through the forest."

While I was clearing some of our forest trails in Niagara today, I kept my eye out, but sadly I don't think we have any hobble-bushes around here. I guess the skunk cabbage in the back corner will have to continue to reign as the "coolest plant" on our property for now.

I like to think I have a bit of an artistic side of me whether it be through creating a wooden bowl on the lathe, or closing my eyes and creating a musical tune on the guitar off the top of my head. Photography while a form of art is at bit different. I would consider it more a way of capturing the Greatest Artist's creations in the best possible light (although I guess this is also why I like woodturning on a lathe, casting a visible light into the Artist's work inside of a tree) . That Artist I speak of is our creator, God triune, who is on display in the Bible. I am in awe even in these little plants unique, artful fall displays, of the way God has created beauty in the creation around us.

"You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For you created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created." Revelation 4:11

10/04/2026

The Artist's Maple

I had an incredibly enjoyable time in Restoule Provincial Park with my wife Ashley this past week. We were privileged to once again witness some incredible beauty in the changing seasons up north. Through the week we watched the colors progress and develop each day as we spent time hiking, biking, running, and canoeing around the park. It was cool to revisit one spot along the Restoule River each day and see how the colors had changed.

I was editing some photograph's tonight before heading off to work and focused in on a few closer shots of the changing leaves. I thought of posting a couple together, but decided I will try and do some separate posts this week. The first photograph I edited was of this stunning maple leaf at the end of a branch.

If you know me, then you likely know I enjoy woodworking. Over the last years I have grown passionate about discovering not only the inside of a trees grains and patterns, but also developed a fascination with identifying trees and their external features. The Maple trees bark can vary quite a bit depending on the type and maturity of the tree, yet the leaves typically prove quite distinct and easy to identify.

It is the maple tree that often brings the most brilliant color displays when fall presents itself each year. I am taken in by the maple in this photograph's artistic progression from the proximal leaf's deep green into the yellow middle, and finally the deep red tips. Fall change on stunning display!

Today I was reminded of the importance of remembering that all in this life is received from God. Whether it be a simple, yet stunning fall maple leaf on display, or our eyesight to take it in. His creative beauty in creation around us is so often taken for granted. We must remember that He is the designer behind all these incredible sights around us.

As the fall season progresses, even as this maple leaf's progression was so vividly on display, I want my appreciation for seeing God's hand in this world and my life to grow.

"Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good." Genesis 1: 31

09/29/2026

Golden Hour

The sun is nearly gone
Yet it's magic keeps its glisten
A ray capturing those along the shore

I watch the light wane
the day of beauty nearly finished
Yet through my lens the excitement's just begun

Fall colors captured in it's brightness
The brilliant maple captures my heart again
Northern Canadian shield, awash before my eyes again

Oh God, my creator, my eyes are open
to see your hand this night
I see your intricate artwork displayed again

As I go to sleep now
I think upon the sunset
Thankful in the morning It will rise again

09/29/2026

Quiet colors

Calm and quiet, the waters still
Vibrant leaves flutter by
Clouds of texture, like fluff above

God's hand, his fingerprints written here
Each individual leaf, each tone, each style
Tells a story of His majesty and faithfulness

As I stand here by the shoreline
I watch the quiet afternoon
I'm thankful for the moment

09/13/2026

Coming contemplations

I must say, I haven't wrote in awhile, I have thought of sitting down with my laptop to write a post several times, but never followed through. I guess I have been enjoying working on projects outside.

Fall is starting to show hints of itself. Cooler evenings, slowing growth of greenery in the bush, hints of color change (or if it's several small maples out front my place, they've decided to go a brilliant red early). I said to Ashley the other day, that I still love every September since I finished school knowing I can continue to enjoy the fall, the same way I did the summer, with no school stress to go along with it.

The beauty of each changing season is always a reminder to me of the importance of taking time to pause and reflect on the goodness of God, His faithfulness on display in such a tangible way in creation. Reading passages like Ps 19, 104, helps remind me of God's active involvement in His creation, His care for the great and the small.

Thinking of passages that help me reflect on God's involvement through creation drew me to the well known passage of Isaiah 40. In creating a picture about who God is, the Psalmist speaks in vs 12 "who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, Measured heaven with a span And calculated the dust of the earth in a measure" Isaiah considers in speaking to the people how directly involved God is in this world.

Yet, Isaiah 40 also reminded me of the other, greater aspect of God, that creation points towards, His care and concern for humanity. One verse prior in vs 11: " he will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young." Yes, God cares for the birds, the trees, the water, but even more so He cares for you and me

Isaiah 40 was written to a people exiled to Babylon because of there sin and turning from God. This passage was focused on encouraging the to return to God. The Active God of the universe who despite out failings, wants to bring us back, like stray sheep, and offer us hope as we now can know came through Jesus Christ's death and resurrection.

The next time you step outside and appreciate the coming fall days, stop. contemplate God. See his active hand at work around you. See that this points to His active desire to know you personally. Finally, turn to Him and find the beautiful relationship He wants to have with you through Christ.

08/10/2026

30th birthday musings

Yesterday was my 30th birthday. It was a great day, I booked off work, so I was able to start my day with my incredible wife Ashley. We are able to attend our church, Zion FRC for both services, and end it with some family over for a lovely party. So many things to be thankful for.

I was able to go on a run at lunchtime yesterday. While out for a 7km jog through the countryside I did some reflecting and listening to some classic Michael W. Smith worship music. What a blessing just to be able to launch out and run through the beautiful countryside in health and strength. Time in reflection caused to have much thanksgiving to God.

In the last decade a-lot has happened in my life. 8 years ago was starting my nursing career, which albeit challenging, I love so much. 7 years ago I met my beautiful wife Ashley who is such an incredible blessing. In the last 6 years we have been blessed with two beautiful homes, now living in what feels like a surreal country property. I have a loving family and friends around me, what a blessing. Moving to Niagara I started to grow interested in all things trees and wood, and dove into the niche realm of bowl making and woodturning. Ashley and I have been able to travel to many beautiful places helping to continue to foster my photography and writing. The list could go on.

These are so many things to give thanks for. Yet, while I was running yesterday the thanksgiving didn't even primarily land on any of these areas of life. Instead I was so filled with thanksgiving for knowing and being known by my loving Father in Jesus Christ. The words of Ps 121 come to mind as going over rolling hillside: "I will lift up my eyes to the hills - from whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber." What safety, security, hope, confidence I have been able to have in the midst of many blessings but also many pains in the last decade, knowing that God loves me, has saved me, and watches over me day by day.

While running yesterday, the song "The Heart of Worship" by Michael W Smith came on. The line "It's all about you, Jesus" still comes to mind this morning. I am so thankful, He has come to live in my heart by His Spirit. Through His work on the cross, He offers me His righteousness, granting relationship with the Father. He walks in me each day, this, this is what I am especially thankful for as I walk forward into the next decade of my life. I know that regardless of what challenges I will face, God will remain by my side in love. Do you know this love?

"Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it" Ps 127:1 This verse reminds me to always walk forward knowing it is God who is guiding and directing the building up of my life. His thoughts and plans for my life are good. Do you know this guiding God? Knowing this fact has certainly helped me in the good moments as mentioned above, but also in the painful moments when life doesn't go as I hoped and planned for. God's plan isn't always clear, but it is right and good, and for that on my 30th, I give thanks.

07/01/2026

Happy Canada Day!

Our country of Canada certainly is a beautiful place. I have been thankful to view many beautiful scenes, and yet the country is so large and diverse, that I have really only scene a small fraction of them. I am thankful for God's beautiful creation to remind me each day of His goodness.

I pray for our nation, for Canada, that God's truth may go forth in this coming year. That leaders may seek His face, and see Him. I have lament and sorrow over the ways Canada has fallen away from Him. I Pray that Christians may stay true to God's Word in this land, and shine the light of Christ's love to those around us in this great land.

If you live in southern Ontario today, then have a wonderful, hot and humid day!

06/23/2026

Trimming the ditches

Clearly after spending awhile trimming last evening, I must have had vivid dreams about the joys of running a weed-eater, as I awoke this morning with desire to write about it and glean a Christian life lesson from it.

I'm currently writing while sitting on our back porch in the cool morning air. Ashley and I have been blessed with a beautiful home providing beautiful scenes in the morning light. The stretches of lawn dotted with many beautiful trees is surrounded by bush and along one side there is a pond currently providing crystal clear reflection of the morning light.

Now, back to trimming... What comes with a beautiful property, is also a lot of maintenance work. I like to joke that at our place "I could trim for days if I wanted to" Thankfully, I love spending time outside, and enjoy keeping up the lawn maintenance. With my shift work, I have time and opportunity to do these, for that I am thankful. (having some slick machines from my in-laws at Pic's Motor Clinic, certainly helps the enjoyment factor haha).

If anyone has run a string trimmer for an extended period, you know, the pleasure of becoming coated in grass clippings, lawn particles, and all that. Running a trimmer for a few hours, and guaranteed your arms will ache a bit. Last night I worked on the 500 foot ditch along the road. The weeds in al types, creep high fast; the grape vines in the one section, the reeds in the base, all become difficult to manage if left for too long. I have been trying to keep on top of them at least once a month so the weeds size doesn't get out of hand.

Now one might ask, how does can a Stihl weed-eater relate to my faith life? Open your bible to the new testament, especially to Paul's epistles and you quickly find repeatedly, a call for Christians to be active in their work against sin in their lives, and active in their promotion of the beauty of Christ in their hearts.

God wants us to shine, and be beautiful in this world that is so often choked out by the weeds of sin. He wants us to be like a well manicured lawn that people drive by and notice its beauty. In John 15:1-8 talks of how Christ is the Vine, and we are the branches. In Christ, when drinking from His goodness and power, we can bear much beautiful fruit for Him.

Colossians 3:1 says "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above" The chapter goes on to tell us in the theme of trimming, that we need to trim and cut off the sinful, broken areas of our lives, and make our spiritual lawn beautiful with the ways of Christ. He gives us the strength to do so and will bless our efforts, even when the trimming process is painful and hard.

Anyways, that's enough of me trying to connect my random thoughts to paper, back to trimming the lawn.

Photography by Phil Kenyon

10/26/2026

10/10/2026

10/06/2026

10/04/2026

09/29/2026

09/29/2026

09/13/2026

08/10/2026

07/01/2026

06/23/2026

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