Christmas Shopping Ideas for Gifts that last all year.

Why not deck the walls with prints of nature?Fa La La La La La La La La!

Below are a few sample of photos available at my website below:

https://denisecalandraphotography.picfair.com

These are just a few of the photos available at my website. Go check them out! They are available in prints, framed prints, canvas wraps, and giclee art prints. They would make great gifts! Order today.

©️Denise L. Calandra 2022

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While The Dew Is Still On The Roses

Photos by denisecalandraphotography

Wow, sometimes the best things come in the morning. A new day, a fresh beginning for us to behold. As I stepped outside, early one morning, I was surprised and delighted to see such glorious beauty in front of me. The fresh morning dew lay quietly upon the roses, shining and glittering for all to see. They were still while receiving their refreshment for the new day. Yes, God cares for all His creation! How much more does He care for each and everyone of us, whom He has fearfully and wonderfully made. Take time today to be still and refreshed by our Heavenly Father and others will surely be blessed as well.

Take time to consider these scriptures from God’s word. Be blessed.

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
Psalm 46:10 (NKJV)

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:6-7 (NKJV)

“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.”
Psalm 139:14 (NKJV)

“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 (NIV)

For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5 (NKJV)

There is an old hymn, now public domain, called “In The Garden.” Read the lyrics below and reflect on our loving God and Creator of all.

I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses

And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am his own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known

He speaks and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing

And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am his own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known

Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you. May God Bless you!

©️ Denise L. Calandra 2022

Scriptures for daily thought and encouragement!

Pictures available at:

https://denisecalandraphotography.picfair.com

For learning to have a closer walk with God and learning how to walk God’s way, check out the discipleship series below.

Christmas Shopping Thoughts

These are just a few of the photos available on my website. Go to https://denisecalandraphotography.picfair.com to check these photos out, plus many more. They are available to purchase in prints, framed prints, canvas wraps, and giclee art prints.

They would be great Christmas Gifts. Order yours today!

https://denisecalandraphotography.picfair.com/

Copyright: Denise L. Calandra 2021

Sugar Snow

Rose Bush
Leaf Budding

Sugar Snow

It came, a late winter snow,

Not wanting its grip to let go.

But spring had begun,

Wanting its turn to run.

Buds are appearing,

As the snow is nearing.

Gently it falls, spreading white flakes,

A little is all it takes.

Saying I will help you grow,

One last time, before I must go.

Each season has a time,

I pass over to you, now take your turn to shine.

Sugar Snow by Denise L. Calandra

This photo was taken in April. The buds were just blooming. Along came some snow, softly covering the new flowers. It took a very pretty picture. It reminded me of a Bible verse talking about the seasons. Of course, that verse is Ecclesiastes 3:1:

“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven.” NKJV

Even if seasons overlap a little, they do each have their own time and purpose. It is nice we get to enjoy them.

© Denise L. Calandra 2021

Photographs available for purchase at my store:

https://denisecalandraphotography.picfair.com

Breathe On Me

Your Very Breath Sustains Me

One afternoon I was outside in my backyard enjoying the wildflowers that were growing. There was a refreshing summer breeze blowing. It was an invigorating moment. One of life’s gifts to help us forget, if only for that moment, the troubles around us.

As I looked down at the flowers, I watched with interest, how the breeze gently picked up the open petals and blew them to the side. Softly, the breeze came along and lifted the petals right up guiding them over. I try to see God in His creation and   look to see what He says in His word; then put it together.

So along came the breeze and gently lifted the petals on the flower. It directed them. The breeze whispered by as if to say:                                                                   

“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 NKJV

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 NKJV

“Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it’.” Isaiah 30:21 NKJV

“You will show me the path of life; In your presence is fullness of joy.” Psalm 16:11 NKJV

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NKJV

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3: 5-6 NKJV

“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.” Psalm 37:7 NKJV

Learn from the flower to rest in Him. It trusted as the wind gently picked up its petals and directed them to the side. At this moment, it knew that everything would be okay. There was no struggle, it just went with the flow. If only we could truly learn to rest and trust in the Lord. We could save ourselves a lot of trouble. Lay your burdens down at His feet and believe He will uphold you through it all. Let the Holy Spirit guide you and direct you. Truly rest in Him! Invite His breath to flow on you.

© Denise L. Calandra 2020

Scriptures for daily thought and encouragement.          

The Word Of Our God Stands Forever

These Black-Eyed Susan flowers are bright and pretty. God created them, for a season, for us to enjoy. They are standing strong and tall, in all their glory. Sadly, they will fade away. God likened our lives to the grass and flowers that dry up, wane, then vanish. We are reminded, in God’s word, of the shortness of human life on the earth. All life is strong and glorious for a season, but we are fleeting. He created us for His good pleasure. In our time and purpose, let us not waver. Stand strong and tall in your season, giving all glory to God.

Having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself.”  Ephesians 1:9 (NKJV)

This is His word, let us take comfort in knowing that the word of our God will withstand all time on earth and into eternity. While our time on earth fades, we too, if in Christ, can share eternity. Not only will His word stand forever, He does as well. Let this comfort you as you walk along your earthly journey. He will not, at any time, leave you nor forsake you!

“For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”                               Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV)

The Bible is His living word to us.  It is up to us to read, memorize, study, hide, believe, receive, claim and love it!  It will “Stand Forever.” LIVE IT!

  “The grass withers, the flower fades,
But the word of our God stands forever.”                                                                
Isaiah 40:8 (NKJV)