Denise's Scriptural Photography
Scriptural Pictures to Inspire Faith. Exalting the Wonder of God's Creation and his Word.
Now that the holidays are over and decorations are down and away, do your walls seem bare and in need of an uplift? Why not consider some wall art to freshen up your decor? Check out these two photo sites below to help.
https://denisecalandraphotography.picfair.com
https://denisecalandraphotography.zenfolio site.com
©️ Copyright Denise L. Calandra
Photos to inspire and relax. Go somewhere peaceful.
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Romans 12:2 NKJV
Be “transformed”, what does this mean? A simple definition from dictionary.com states: to undergo a change in form, appearance, or character; become transformed. Fall is a season where we see transformation taking place in the trees. The leaves are “transformed” in their appearance.
A refresher on the food making process reminds us that as the amount of daylight decreases and the temperature begins to drop, the chlorophyll color of green, breaks down and goes away. When this occurs the true color of the leaves are seen, hence the beautiful Fall foliage from this transformation.
Let us look at what God tells us in Romans 12:2. First He tells us to not be “conformed” to this world. What does it mean to be conformed? Again dictionary.com gives us an idea of what it means to conform. It simply states: to comply or act in accord with the prevailing standards, attitudes, practices, etc. that a group or society adhere too. The Bible speaks of the ways of the “world” versus the ways of God. The standards of society do not meet the standards that God has for us in His word. We especially see our society falling deeper away from God’s ways, where immorality and lawlessness seem to prevail. We are not to conform to these ideas.
While God warns us that we should not conform to the ways of the world; He at the same time urges us to be “transformed, by the renewing of our mind”. How do we do this? When we accept Jesus as our Lord, God sends His Holy Spirit to dwell in us. We have the mind of Christ in us and we are being renewed and transformed to God’s ways. Perhaps this transformation is not as outward or visible as we see with the leaves, however, it is a real and amazing process. It is a character transformation and is done inwardly. However, the change should be visible in our behavior.
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
Galatians 2:20NKJV
“Be ye transformed”
©️Denise L. Calandra 2022
Pictures available at:
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
My husband, daughter and I were exploring The Remington Recreation Trail in Canton, NY, on a sunny summer day. Not taking this path before, we had no idea of what to expect. We were not sure where the path led, how long it was or where it ended. We discussed this as we continued walking along, enjoying the scenery. Around one of the turns on the walkway, we came across a shed building, known as a Lean-To. It was a picturesque setting to behold along the wooded pathway. It made me think about how it served as a place of shelter if we met up with inclement weather or needed a rest. What a surprise haven to find!
This spurred me on to consider how much more of a treasure and refuge we have in our Lord and Savior. As we go through our life journey, overwhelming situations may come our way. It is a comfort to know that we have God to look to. He is our safe place. His word confirms this to us. Look at what these verses tell us:
Psalm 91: 1-2 (NKJV) “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust’.” Or
Psalm 46: 1-6 (NKJV) “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn. The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted.”
He assures us that He is our true Lean-To!! He is our shelter along the way. Will you Trust Him today? There really is no other way.
© Denise L. Calandra 2021
Photo available at: https://denisecalandraphotography.picfair.com
Thought for today . . . If you are in the tunnel of darkness, always remember there is light at the end of the tunnel. The light at the end of your dark tunnel is the living Christ. Travel through that tunnel and come to the light. Let Jesus light your path. He is the way, truth and life. Fear not for He is with you. Believe and trust.
As we transition from Summer to Fall, we surely become aware of this, not only by the cooler temperatures, but also by the display in colors of the leaves. Where I live, it is a season we get to enjoy. The leaves lose their chlorophyll, allowing the true colors to come forth. It is also a time of harvest from all the Summer growth. In Fall, we prepare for the season of Winter, where we rest and enjoy the reap of the harvest, while waiting for the renewal and refreshing that Spring brings. God speaks about this in His word, in Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV,
“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven.”
Each season has its purpose. Every year the Summer, season of growth, closes with the change of color in the leaves, becoming Fall. Fall is a time of change and harvest. As the leaves fall to the ground, a yielding to the next season of Winter is taking place. Winter is a season where we rest and enjoy the harvest. Then, once again, Spring arrives, bringing with it a fresh newness. It is a season of new beginning, planting and hope. The cycle starts once again. All the seasons have their “purpose under heaven.”
Surely, this is true in our own lives as well. All the times and seasons have a “purpose.” We learn; we apply and grow. We reap; rest and trust God through it all. Let God show you His “purpose under heaven” for you. Then take your opportunity; share it in due season and He will bless you beyond your dreams.
If you keep God first, He will keep you first.
What was it like, before He created the earth and all that is in it? God has no beginning and no end. We are unable to understand how this is possible, as finite beings. We have a beginning and an end. The earth itself has a beginning and will have an end as well, but God Himself has no beginning or end.
Sometimes when I read the Bible, I try to visualize how it might have been at that time. Try to imagine what it was like before creation, when only God existed. I also wonder what creation could have looked like as God spoke all into existence. Take a minute, close your eyes and try to envision before and after creation. He created the heavens and the earth. Things only begin for us in Genesis 1: 1-2.
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” NKJV
If you ever want to see nature, in its innate raw beauty, Alaska is a place you should consider going. On a cruise along the Inside Passageway, you see the landscape in all its natural form. Early one morning, looking at the mountains and water, in this photo, I thought about creation. Could it have looked something like this? Genesis 1:10 came alive to me, prayerfully this picture, along with God’s word will speak to you also. We truly have an awesome God.
Genesis 1:10 “And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the of the waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good.” NKJV
His creation was beautiful in the beginning and still is today. His word and promises, to us continue.
On an Alaskan cruise, out in the Pacific Ocean, I enjoyed a miraculous sight. The sun was setting, closing the day, while the moon was rising, beginning the night watch. My thoughts went to Genesis 1:1 NKJV,
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
As we read further into the story of creation, I realized the truth of this account as I gazed upon the sky. In Genesis 1:16 NKJV we read,
“Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also.”
Simply put, I was in awe and wonder of our God, who did this in the beginning, and faithfully continues to do this daily. How can we think that there is no proof God exists? Everywhere we look; we see that He is real, His creation and His word reveal this to us continually; they coincide. From Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21, this truly is the word of God.
“From the rising of the sun to its going down
The Lord’s name is to be praised.” Psalm 113:3 NKJV
“Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all you stars of light!” Psalm 148:3 NKJV
The setting of this photo draws you in. It brings a feeling of coziness, glowing warmth, and peaceful comfort. The lamp Illustrates the glow of His love and light flowing to us; fully enveloping us, illuminating the words of Psalm 119:105, NKJV.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
God is like this! He is our light, hope, comforter, teacher, strength, shield, protector, and much more. In everything we do, He longingly, reaches out to us, ever so gently bidding us to come to Him. In His word we read the following:
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 NKJV
“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 NKJV
“Jesus said to them, ‘Come away with me. Let us go alone to a quiet place and rest for a while.’” Mark 6:31 NKJV
“Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11 NKJV
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” James 4:8 NKJV
Take a break, sit a while, learn of Him, let his word and His spirit fill you. Feel His love and light surround you. Let Him be the lamp to your feet. God Bless!
One of my favorite areas to walk is by The Saint Lawrence River. I am constantly inspired by the Master’s design of His creation around this river. The beautiful scenes of nature can be enjoyed anytime of the day, what a delight this is. I never know what to expect. Along this walkway, there are many types of birds; Black Hawks, Ospreys, Canadian Geese, and Robins to name a few. You can find some of these birds perching in the trees. The geese strut along the path; the robins sing, but the black hawks and the ospreys are flying, gliding and soaring above. They move with such graceful ease; spreading their wings appearing to float on the air. It seems they don’t have a care in the world. Although the birds in this picture are not eagles, they do give us insight about the meaning of Isaiah 40:31.
” But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.” NKJV
God is telling us to wait upon Him, He will renew our strength. He will enable us to mount up, spread our wings like eagles, to fly. His strength will enable us to run and not get weary; to walk and not faint. The key is, He will do it. He doesn’t want us stressing about every little thing. If you are in a hard time, a struggle or a waiting period, listen to what God is saying. Stand on His word, which is his promise to us, if He cares for the birds, how much more for you? Rest, wait, trust, mount up, glide and soar! He will renew your strength!
Denise's Scriptural Photography 