creation Archives • Into the Light Adventures

By Sandra J

Reflections of Divine Guidance

By Sandra | November 4, 2024 | Comments 10 comments

Reflections of Divine Guidance -A Journey Through Creation

The Earth from a Drone

In this image, one might see the heavens and the earth as they coexist, reminiscent of Genesis 1:1-2, where God created the heavens and the earth. The vastness of space above symbolizes God’s divine realm, while the earth represents His creation.

Just as the drone captures a broader perspective, so too does Scripture remind us that God’s ways are higher than our ways, inviting us to consider the divine plan that spans beyond our immediate view.

Sunlight and Mist

This scene evokes Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” The mist represents the uncertainties of life, with the trees—akin to lost souls—yearning for direction.

Yet, the penetrating sunlight symbolizes God’s guidance and grace, illuminating the way through the darkness of doubt and confusion.

The Calm Lake

In the tranquil lake, we find a reflection reminiscent of James 1:23-24. Here, the Word of God serves as a mirror and invites introspection. The still waters echo Psalm 23:2, where God leads us beside still waters, restoring our souls.

This serene setting is a place for contemplation. It encourages us to reflect on our journey and the peace from resting in God’s presence. Philippians 4:7 notes that the peace of God guards our hearts and minds.

These scenes collectively invite us to contemplate our relationship with the Creator, our path in life, and the peace found in His presence.

Reflections of Divine Guidance

By Sandra J

Golden Season

By Sandra | October 29, 2024 | Comments 11 comments

Golden Season – The Art of a Flower

In petals soft, a whisper glows,
Colors dance where sunlight flows.
Each curve a brushstroke, grace unspun,
Nature’s canvas, art begun.

With every bloom, a story weaves,
In fragrant sighs, the heart believes.
A fleeting moment, beauty’s hour,
Life’s tender touch—an artful flower.

Golden Season

By Sandra J

Autumn Sunflowers

By Sandra | October 28, 2024 | Comments 19 comments

Life often teaches us in the most unexpected ways, and sometimes, it takes the simplest moments to reveal profound truths. Recently, I experienced a beautiful metaphor for resilience and grace. I want to share this lesson from a little seed I planted and then forgot.

A few months ago, I planted a few sunflower seeds. I nurtured it for a while, watering and tending to it with hope and excitement. But as time went on, I grew disheartened. The seed showed no signs of life, and eventually, my attention waned. I stopped watering it, convinced that it had failed. I gave up on it completely.

Imagine my surprise when I returned to the garden weeks later. There, midst the weeds and the remnants of my neglect, stood a stunning flower, vibrant and full of life. The colors were brilliant, and its presence was nothing short of miraculous. How could something I had abandoned flourish in my absence?

In that moment, I couldn’t help but reflect on how similar this is to our own lives and faith journeys. We often plant seeds of hope, love, and dreams. However, we sometimes see them wither due to doubt. Despair or the daily grind can also cause them to wither.

We find ourselves overwhelmed, wondering if anything we’ve nurtured will ever bloom. Just like my neglected seed, we feel like our efforts have gone unnoticed, forgotten in the chaos of life.

This experience with the flower taught me a powerful truth. Even when we give up, God is still at work. There are times we feel our prayers are unanswered. We believe our efforts are fruitless. But, like that seed, growth often occurs beneath the surface. It remains unseen and unfelt.

God’s timing is perfect, and His plans are often beyond our comprehension. My flower emerged when I least expected it. Similarly, we find that our moments of struggle and doubt can lead to unexpected beauty. Sometimes, what seems like an end is merely a pause, allowing God to work in ways we can’t imagine.

Autumn Sunflowers

By Sandra J

As Dawn Breaks

By Sandra | October 25, 2024 | Comments 12 comments

As Dawn Breaks, the world begins to stir. From the vantage point of an old bridge, the river below lays perfectly still, a sheet of glass reflecting the sky above.

The water is a mirror, capturing fluffy clouds drifting lazily across the horizon. It’s a moment where time seems to pause, inviting deep breaths and quiet contemplation.

Standing on the bridge, the view is breathtaking. The river winds gracefully through the landscape, flanked by trees adorned in the vibrant greens of late summer.

The silence is soothing. It is broken only by the occasional rustle of a breeze. There is also the soft splash of a fish breaking the surface.

In this serene setting, worries drift away like the clouds above. Here, on this bridge, amidst the stillness, one can find clarity and tranquility. It’s a perfect morning, a fleeting glimpse of nature’s serenity, reminding us of the beauty that exists in quiet moments.

Have a wonderful weekend.

As Dawn Breaks

By Sandra J

Camping Along the River

By Sandra | October 24, 2024 | Comments 8 comments

Camping Along the River. Early morning along the river can make for some beautiful photos. My favorite time of day. Peaceful and quiet.

Have a great day.

Camping Along the River

By Sandra J

A Majestic Marvel of Nature

By Sandra | October 8, 2024 | Comments 12 comments

The white pelican is a majestic marvel of nature, embodying a blend of grace, power, and beauty in its wingspan. As it spreads its wings, the sheer expanse is nothing short of breathtaking. With a wingspan that can reach up to nine feet, the white pelican commands the sky. Its presence is almost regal.

The beauty of the white pelican’s wingspan is remarkable. The contrast of its pristine white feathers against the vast sky accentuates this beauty even more.

As sunlight filters through the feathers, they can shimmer with a soft, iridescent glow. When the pelican soars, it casts a striking silhouette against the horizon. Its wings form a dramatic, sweeping arc. This captures the eye.

A Majestic Marvel of Nature

By Sandra J

Little Known Fact

By Sandra | October 3, 2024 | Comments 15 comments

Little Known Fact about the Blue Jays, or maybe others do know this about this colorful bird.

They work together when danger is close by. I have heard others say that blue jays are a pest. Mainly because they kind of hog the bird feeders. Well, they do that, yes. I have seen them, but other birds can be pushy as well, like the grackles and morning doves.

I saw for the first time a Coopers Hawk hanging around my bird feeders this year. It just doesn’t seem right that a bird will eat another bird. Coopers hawks do just that.

We knew when the hawk was in the area because all the blue jays give out warning calls. All of a sudden the hawk is flying after one, as the blue jay gets away. All the blue jays start chasing the hawk.

I will have photos of that tomorrow. I was pretty impressed how these blue jays stuck together to try and chase it off. More tomorrow.

Little Known Fact

By Sandra J

A Summer’s Warmth

By Sandra | September 4, 2024 | Comments 10 comments

A Summer’s Warmth. Gently recedes, autumn steps in with its own distinct charm. It drapes the world in a stunning tapestry of golden hues.

There’s a certain magic in this season. Nature’s palette shifts from the vibrant greens of summer to a more mellow, sunlit symphony of golds, ambers, and ochres.

The leaves have started to turn in my neck of the woods.

A Summer’s Warmth

By Sandra J

Days Are Getting Shorter

By Sandra | August 21, 2024 | Comments 27 comments

Days Are Getting Shorter – As I sit at my computer on this serene early morning, I watch the daylight gradually stretch its arrival, casting a gentle glow through my window. I wait patiently, eager to see the birds make their appearance at the feeders.

The blue jays have arrived, bringing their young along to learn the art of foraging. The fledglings, fluttering around with eagerness, receive gentle guidance from their parents as they practice eating on their own.

I have been taking photos of these colorful birds, trying to get shots of them in flights to see their colorful feathers.

As most of you have probably heard, AI is here to stay and it is making an impact on our photography world as well.

Yes, I have been dabbling into the art of AI with my photos as I have extra time these days. Exploring this new technology to make greeting cards for the upcoming seasons apon us.

I only use photoshop and they have incorporated a new AI into its program this month. I quite enjoy using it and creating art by using my photos as the generative reference images.

I have two samples below showing the difference between using your own reference photos and using text to image program.

This first photo below I used my blue jay photos to make this wintery greeting card. It does pretty well I think. I also list on all of my work when it is AI generated or not and how I made the piece.

Now this print below is using the text to image system. Where you describe what you want the photo to look like. I do not prefer this type of imagery. But I can see where some folks might like to use this, for creating children’s books or something like that.

There is a place for art using this new technology I believe, it does not replace photography at all, but it is definitely here to stay and being used throughout industries of all kinds, from advertising to creating movies.

Right now I can still tell the difference between AI and Real, but that may change as the software keeps improving.

I believe there will always be a place for genuine photographs because computers can’t replicate the human touch. While technology can imitate creativity, it can never replace the authentic essence of human expression.

Days Are Getting Shorter

By Sandra J

She is Sneaky

By Sandra | August 16, 2024 | Comments 15 comments

She is Sneaky this little fawn, she is just starting to come out of the woods with mom in this first photo, the minute I come out with the camera she high tails it back to the woods.

Everyday she is getting more brave to not run when she sees me, she is curious and mom keeps a close eye on her.

Have a great weekend.

She is Sneaky

By Sandra J

The Eye of a Cat

By Sandra | August 5, 2024 | Comments 27 comments

The Eye of a Cat, this is my cat. Kit Kit is her name. I sit at my dinning room table to do all my computer work and this table is right by a nice large window. I like to watch the birds outdoors as I am doing my work.

My cat loves to sit right next to my computer, sometimes looking out the window and if it is a little cooler in the house. She likes to curl up on the transformer box that I use to charge the computer. It is like her own little warming station.

Anyway, on this day she was looking out the window and I was looking at her eyes. An amazing thing to see up close, a cats eye. So I had to take a few photos close up. I had my phone camera right next to her face and she just sat there perfectly still. Liking the attention.

The Eye of a Cat

By Sandra J

The Storm Clouds Gather

By Sandra | August 2, 2024 | Comments 21 comments

The Storm Clouds Gather, dark and dense, A tumult roars, the heavens tense, Lightning cracks the twilight’s veil, A furious dance, a tempest’s wail.

The sky ignites with electric fire, Each flash a fierce, consuming pyre, Thunder’s voice, a booming cry, Echoes through the bruised night sky.

Yet in the chaos, midst the rage, A fleeting light begins to wage, As torrents drench the world below, A secret promise starts to show.

The storm, though wild, begins to fade, Its fierce embrace now softly swayed, And through the tears of shattered rain, A ribbon forms, a hopeful chain.

Colors break through, soft and bright, A spectral arc against the night, A rainbow blooms, a quiet cheer, A bridge of peace in storm’s austere.

Have a wonderful weekend.

The Storm Clouds Gather

By Sandra J

In Twilight’s Hush

By Sandra | July 29, 2024 | Comments 16 comments

In Twilight’s Hush, where whispers drift, The storm clouds weave a gentle shift, Like ghosts in realms of azure seas, They float with soft, enigmatic ease.

With edges brushed in shades of grey, They roam the sky in a fleeting ballet, Their wispy tendrils tease the night, An ethereal dance of shadowed light.

They gather slow with sighs of lore, A murmured tale of tempest’s core, Yet in their grace, a calm prevails, An artful play where calmness sails.

No thunder’s roar or lightning’s claim, Just drifting clouds with no ill aim, They kiss the heavens, drift and part, An endless play of storm and heart.

Their fleeting forms in twilight blend, A moment’s breath that does transcend, In wispy trails, their stories told, Of storms unbound and skies unrolled.

In Twilight’s Hush

By Sandra J

Good Ole Song Birds

By Sandra | April 29, 2024 | Comments 10 comments

Good Ole Song Birds, lets start the week with some good ole song birds from the mid west here. One can never go wrong with the cardinals. Spring time means bright red colors for these male cardinals. I have taken many, many photos of these birds, so what keeps me taking more of him?

Well, trying to find a different background to add to the photo. The bird looks about the same in every shot, but it is the background that can be a challenge to change up the photo.

There are lots of different trees these birds land in, so I look for a shot where the trees or branches will make for a new and interesting print.

By Sandra J

Little Blue Heron

By Sandra | March 26, 2024 | Comments 14 comments

Little Blue Heron – A new bird for the year. Someone had told me they saw this blue heron and today I went for a walk, and their it was high up in the tree. I wasn’t sure what it was until I got home and looked at the photos.

Adult Little Blue Herons are very dark all over. At close range or in good light, they have a rich purple-maroon head and neck and dark slaty-blue body.

Little Blue Heron

Good Morning March 1st

By Sandra | March 1, 2024 | Comments 47 comments

Good Morning March 1st, Hello all, how was everyone’s month of February? I had a wonderful couple weeks off, visiting with friends and family. I look forward to catching up with all of your blogs over the next few weeks.

Spring is in the air, flowers are starting to bloom down here in the south. I have been so busy photographing pets the last couple of weeks. Word got out from folks sharing their pet portraits and I have them calling me everyday to do more. Which I love to do, I will be sharing some of those in the coming weeks.

We only have a few more weeks down here in the south, and then it is time to start traveling again. Heading north for the summer months. Have a great weekend. 🙂

Good Morning March 1st

Stay well, RJ. Blessings to you, may our Lord guide you in all your days. 🙂 thank you.

Pet Portraits

What’s Up

By Sandra | January 9, 2024 | Comments 25 comments

What’s Up – How you doin?

These two birds were following each other the entire time we were on the beach. One would pick up piece of food or shell and then the other would run right over to check out what he had.

Friendships on the beach

What’s Up

Sepia Toned

By Sandra | December 13, 2023 | Comments 32 comments

Sepia Toned – Sepia is a reddish-brown color, named after the rich brown pigment derived from the ink sac of the common cuttlefish Sepia.

I like to use the sepia finish on some of my flower or insect photos, so I had to look up what the word actually means and surprised myself finding the answer.

Fun Facts

What is a cuttlefish you might ask 🙂 – Cuttlefish ink was formerly an important dye, called sepia. That is where the name of this color comes from. I did not know that myself.

I like how the white on the tip of the wings of this butterfly did not change much when changing this photo to sepia tones.

Sepia Toned

By Sandra | November 21, 2023 | Comments 46 comments

Swan Dive – Look at the size of those flippers. I took these photos in Iowa a couple of years ago. I just had to bring them back up being I have been posting about swans.

We were walking along the edge of a small lake surrounded by tall vegetation and we could here this loud noise and the sound of water splashing. We walked over to a clearing and looked across the water and found the source of all this commotion.

Seeing a swan taking a bath is quite something. They have a wing span of 6 to 10 feet long. The longest wingspan recorded is 10 feet 2 inches.

The trumpeter swan is the largest extant species of waterfowl, and both the heaviest and longest native bird of North America. They come in at 15 to 30 lbs.

These swans need at least a 100 meter-long “runway” of open water: running hard across the surface, they almost sound like galloping horses as they generate speed for take off. About as long as a soccer field.

Hopefully I will photograph that one day, landing and taking off.

Swan Dive

Taking the Back Roads

By Sandra | November 8, 2023

Taking the Back Roads – Sometimes life takes us down back roads, for me, back roads are my way of life. They can take us on adventures we may have missed if we only take the roads everyone else travels on.

When we’re traveling down those back roads we can experience some of life’s greatest lessons and blessings.

See things that God intended for us to see. Things we might not have seen otherwise. Sure the Interstate that everyone else is taking looks much easier. It is faster and predictable. But those on the Interstate will experience the same thing that everyone else is.

They will not see the beauty that you see. They will not have a story to tell.

The excitement of taking the road less travelled resembles taking that narrow path that will lead us home.

Taking the Back Roads

The Great Awakening

Real Christianity

All That is Light

By Sandra | November 3, 2023

All That is Light – He himself is Light

With whom there is no variation or shifting shadows

Reflections of Light video with Poem by Daryl Madden

Video link here; Reflections and Light by Sandra J’s Photography

Real Christianity

The Great Awakening

All That is Light

Autumn and Thanksgiving

By Sandra | November 2, 2023

Autumn and Thanksgiving – this first photo I made for all the young children in our family for them to try and find all the animals in the photo. This makes for a great puzzle as well. You can make a puzzle out of any photo you take these days.

This years fall colors were so different I think, they had a softer, almost pastel color to the leaves.

Like that old cereal called Captain Crunch, these colors remind me of that.

Autumn and Thanksgiving

Old Grist Mills

By Sandra | October 31, 2023

Old Grist Mills – A Gristmill is a facility where grain is ground into
animal feed or flour. Gristmills were vital to the
development of the Midwest. Without them the early
settlers would not have been able to feed themselves
or their livestock. Since every settler had to journey to
the mill, they were a hub of many activities where
families exchanged news and socialized. At one time
Iowa had 500 gristmills.

We found this mill in Iowa in a town named Lime Springs. I took this photo last week when I was visiting my sister. We went for a drive, which I love to do. Never know what one might find in the small towns of Iowa.

Grist is grain that has been ground or is in the process
of being ground. It may or not be bolted (sifted) into flour
or ground further. Grist is any material that is being
processed by a mill.

Below is Pine Creek Mill in Muscatine Iowa, I photographed this one years ago. They were such an important part of life back in the day. I find the history of how things were made so interesting now, amazing the innovative ideas people have come up with to make life easier in some ways.

Old Grist Mills

Transition to Autumn

By Sandra | October 11, 2023

Transition to Autumn from the lush green and blue to the warm colors of autumn.

Tree Tops in Full Color

Autumn Colors

Transition to Autumn

Landscape Photography

By Sandra | October 10, 2023

Landscape Photography or should I say waterscapes. Waterfalls and lakes a plenty this summer. Blue being my favorite color. Or is it green, yep it is blue and green.

The combination most often found in summer landscapes. Blue sky’s and lush green forest and add some water and it is an oasis of peace and solitude.

Landscape Photography

Lake Superior at Sunset

By Sandra | October 9, 2023

Lake Superior at Sunset, we made it up to the big lake a couple of times this past summer. Sunset is always beautiful across the lake. it is like the little ocean of the north to me.

The water is cold and clear with lots of forest lining the highway along the beaches.

Colored rocks galore.

But in the winter, this lake is amazing. With ice breaks piling up along the shore lines and of so cold when the wind is blowing across the lake.

Brrrrrr, I am glad we can go south for the winters these days.

Lake Superior at Sunset

Last of My Flowers

By Sandra | October 6, 2023

Last of My Flower photos from my gardens. They are still blooming but we are in the process of heading south again. I want to say thank you to Beth for telling me about Zinnias. She said to let them stand all winter, they give great coverage for the birds, plus they can reseed themselves in the spring.

I did notice the birds would go under the flower plants in the heat of the summer. It was dark and cool in there. Like it was their own little forest.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Last of My Flowers

The Cheerful Flower

By Sandra | September 22, 2023

The Cheerful Flower – Sunflowers grow large, tall, and cheerful flower heads that brighten and animate your yard—and though you most commonly see these aptly-named beauties in sunny yellow, the annuals can be red or orange, too. There are so many good reasons to grow them, beyond the fact that they make you happy: They’re easy to cultivate, attract beneficial pollinators like butterflies and native bees, and draw beautiful songbirds (many species love these blooms!)

Including deer, they love eating them when they are young plants. But I was able to keep them away from a couple of my sunflowers so I could see them bloom and provide seeds for the birds this year.

Short video below of my tallest sunflower, over 10 ft. this one. Like the sun looking right at you. Click here, Sunflower

Have a great weekend. 🙂

Have a great weekend.

The Cheerful Flower