winter – Denise's Scriptural Photography

Washed White As Snow

“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.”
Psalm 51:7 NKJV

This picture was taken on a cold, snowy winter day. It was taken in a parking lot covered with snow. This lone tree really stood out against the white snow. It was a stark contrast to behold. I always consider God’s creation and His word when taking photos. This, however, goes way beyond creation and right to the heart of God! It really illustrated the above verse in Psalm 51.

“Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.”
1Peter 2:24 NKJV

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.”
Ephesians 1: 3-6 NKJV

The blood of Jesus washed our sins white as snow, because He bore them for us on the tree. Read and consider carefully Ephesians 1:3-6. Here we see, that even before creation, God had our salvation in mind. His love for us is immeasurable! It goes way beyond our comprehension. This is truly the heart of God toward us. I am forever grateful.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16 NKJV

Scriptures for daily thought and encouragement!

©️ Denise L. Calandra 2023

Check out some photos available at the sites below.

https://denisecalandraphotography.picfair.com/

https://denisecalandraphotography.zenfoliosite.com/home

Keep The Light Glowing

***His Light Shines Even in the Dreariest of Seasons***

We have made it through the month of January and are now in February. We are pretty much in the deepest part of the Winter season. The busyness and excitement of the holidays are now past. In many regions the cold and snow have outworn their welcome and the dreariness of Winter has settled in. It is cold, dark and bare.

As we go along throughout our life we encounter many different situations, times and changes. This is all part of the natural course of life. We often refer to them as trials or seasons in time. What season do you find yourself in? Some seasons are wonderful, full of excitement and busyness; living out a purpose for that moment. Other times you may have struggles with health, finances or relational situations. Some moments are just quieter and lonelier than others. We all experience these at various times and levels.

As Christians we know that we need God to help us get through all things. In good times, as well as difficult ones, our help comes from Him. We need to acknowledge God no matter what season in life we find ourself. It is easy for us to be full and our light to be shining very bright when things are going well. However, we need to be ever diligent as to not take God for granted and become neglectful of Him. Do not fall into the trap of thinking oh I am fine, lest you start drifting away into your own thoughts more and more.

When hard times come we also must be careful, lest we find ourselves wondering where God is. Do you find yourself in a long, dark, fruitless struggle? Are you waiting on the Lord for answers? During these times we tend to cry out to God for His help and direction. We might even feel closer to Him, at first, because we are seeking His help. What can happen, though, if we do not get an immediate answer, or perhaps not the answer we desire? What if our situation seems unending and all we seem to be getting from God is quiet, what do we do? We definitely can become discouraged and disgruntled. We need to be careful not to get an unbelieving, disillusioned heart. Do not sink into darkness, keep the embers burning, do not let your light dim or go out! Trust that God is right there with you, because He is!

Some of the following scriptures and thoughts might help you to take comfort and give you guidance to get through challenging times.

We need to in “ALL” things acknowledge God, giving Him glory, honor and praise. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”Romans 8:28 NKJV

He promises us in His word that He will never leave us nor forsake us. “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 NKJV

Do not sink to despair. “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God.” Hebrews 3:12 NKJV

The darkness can not overcome the light . “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
John 1:5 NIV

God will help you to keep your light shining, do not let it go out! “ For You will light my lamp; The Lord my God will enlighten darkness.”
Ps.18:28 NKJV

In all things remember to trust, do not grow weary and let your light shine bright for all to see. To God be the glory!

Scriptures for daily thought and encouragement!

©️ Denise L. Calandra 2023

Pictures available at:

https://denisecalandraphotography.picfair.com/

https://denisecalandraphotography.zenfoliosite.com/home

Renew and Refresh Your Soul

Take the time, be still or dormant for a season, then the refreshing will come.

Many of us would not consider the winter season to be refreshing, as said in Proverbs 25:13. Living in the north country of New York, I had to learn to deal with winter. Winter is the longest season up here. It can be extremely cold, very snowy and yes quite long to endure. Since most of the time is spent indoors, using it wisely for a season of refreshing, or better said as renewing, is helpful. Actually, this is a scriptural principle.

Ephesians 4:23(NKJV) tells us, “and be renewed in the spirit of your mind.”

There are the seasons of busyness in our lives, all throughout our years. Taking a “time out”, being dormant or still is needed to grow and gain renewed strength. Let us learn from nature around us.

John 12:24(NKJV) “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.”

The pictures of the grass, wheat, and plant appear to be dead or barren. The river is frozen; it’s very still. They all seem to be in a state of uselessness, when really, they are resting and refueling for the next season of fruitfulness. Whether a beautiful flower to behold or a delicious fruit to eat, they are busy preparing to emerge again. It is hard work, and the dormant season is necessary. They are being still, resting so they can be revived once again.

Do we take time to be still? God tells us in His word,

“Be still, and know that I am God,” Psalm 46:10 (NKJV).

I look at winter as a “time out”; a time to reflect, prepare and refuel. We also can be ready for the busier seasons ahead. A day of lightly glittering, quietly falling snow can be peaceful and cleansing. It is a beautiful sight to behold. Being still and enjoying the wonderful beauty winter has to offer can help bring renewal and refreshment to your soul.