Listen

June 20, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

I sense a need for less talking and more listening. Choose whatever way you can best connect with God by listening. For me, of course, I listen to music that has been created by Christian artists that God has blessed with talent to share the Good News. For a period of time, not sure how long, I will be talking less and sharing messages through God’s Word and song and gathering new photos. May the peace and comfort of the Lord be with you. Amen.

He gives us strength…He gives us courage…His is the voice of truth.

Voice Of Truth by Casting Crowns

DSC_0003 (2) publish

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10

(This photo was taken in June of 2018 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Life With The Spirit

June 4, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

We can be content knowing God is in control. No matter what the world does to try and keep us away, God is always with us. We do not need to live in worry and anxiety when we put our trust in the Lord and seek His Word. The bible talks about becoming a new creation, choosing to live different from the way of the world and the sinful nature. Ask God to help you open the eyes of your heart and to see with the eyes of Jesus. Live with God at the center of your life and you will find peace. Amen.

DSC_0384 publish

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Ephesians 4:31-32

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 at a park near Bayfield, Wisconsin)

Beyond Forgiveness

June 1, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

We have been saved…the price has been paid…God has forgiven us for our sins. However, this is not the end of the story. It is the beginning of the rest of your story and your faith life. There is more for you to learn and do…there is a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ beyond forgiveness. Jesus is your Savior but is He the Lord of your life? Turn toward God in prayer and ask Him to help you see what’s next? Amen.

God’s Not Done With You by Tauren Wells

DSC_0933 publish

“…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 1:6

(This photo was taken in August of 2018 in Glacier National Park in Montana)

Enjoy Every Moment

May 31, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Our hours and days and weeks and months and years are filled with interactions and events…we have little victories and defeats every day. Every once in a while, a bigger event shows up in our lives. Most of the time, we always knew it was there and many things we have been doing have been working towards this bigger event…when the bigger moments are happening be sure to soak it all in. Being thankful, showing gratitude to others and being present in the moment is far more important than worrying about what others are thinking, saying or doing or about the perfect photo and other distractions. Some moments are only going to happen once in your life be sure to be present when they occur. May God’s peace be with you. Amen.

IMG_20190531_072723 publish

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Matthew 6:33-34

(This photo was taken this morning as these two ran down the street in our neighborhood while I was writing to you)

Be Strong

May 24, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

There is nothing greater, nothing stonger, nothing that can separate us from the love of God. You were created by God the Father, you have been saved by Jesus Christ, His Son our Lord and you are guided by the Holy Spirit. No matter what the world throws at you today…stand firm in faith. Amen.

Our God by Chris Tomlin

DSC_0559 publish

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous, be strong. Do everything in love.”

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 while traveling on Beartooth Pass in Montana)

Quiet Time

May 3, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Busyness is a distraction that keeps us away from spiritual growth. Living life at a frenetic pace not only wears down the body physically it also wears down and dulls your inner spirit. We were made to be more balanced in our daily lives. The example has been shown to us by Jesus…He often went off to be alone and pray, even when many people were clamoring to be with Him or near Him. If you reflect on your life over the past few days, weeks and months…how much time have you spent quietly, in solitude, just you and God? Seek balance in your daily life and you will find peace. Amen.

DSC_0105 publish

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”

Mark 1:35

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on the shore of Lake Superior near Bayfield, Wisconsin)

By Faith…Persevere

April 28, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

How do we grow in faith? How can our faith become the cornerstone of who we are? It depends on your perspective…if your faith is more about religion and performing for the approval and acceptance of others, you will find it a poor foundation that will easily crumble. Faith is a living part of who we are, we must feed our faith as often as we feed our physical body…faith is fed by reading the Word of God everyday, praying and seeking the will of God for our lives…we build and grow our faith by establishing and building our personal relationship with Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. That is the foundation that has stood the test of time and that is the foundation that God promises will sustain us. Turn towards Jesus and begin building a foundation of faith that will last. Amen.

DSC01477 publish

“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give you a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”

2 Timothy 1:6-7

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 near Dillon, Colorado)

Work In Progress…

April 12, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

We do not have all the answers…we do not know all the reasons why…whatever is happening, whatever is going on, we need to remember God is with us and as long as we are here He is not done with us yet. God’s Word does not change but there is always more for us to learn from it. Turn to God in prayer and ask Him to give you eyes to see His will for your life, this day and every day. Amen.

Diamonds by Hawk Nelson

DSC_1518 publish

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Ephesians 2:10

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Arches National Park in Utah)

Serve One Another

February 28, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

We are comforted by the presence of the Lord in our lives. A life of faith can lead to peace and joy that transcends worldly understanding. As we are fulfilled, we are equipped to help others who are in need. Our growth in our spiritual lives will shape us as a new creation, with new values, a new attitude and a new perspective. God does provide all that we need and it is up to us to use the blessings we receive to care for ourselves, our families and others. We are blessed to be a blessing. Amen.

DSC07554 publish

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Galatians 5:13-14

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 near Pike’s Peak in Colorado)

Pray

February 19, 2019 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Communicate…petition…give thanks…ask..seek…listen, do all of it with an open heart and an open mind. Prayer is not about the words you use rather it is about sincerity, belief and a willingness to trust. Prayer is about our relationship with Jesus. Because of Jesus we have the gift and ability to develop a deep and strong bond with God. As with any relationship in our lives the best ones take a significant investment of time. May we all take our greatest worries and biggest triumphs and share them with God in prayer. Amen.

DSC_0010 publish