Living Moments In Picture

Cameras are a wonderful invention that tell stories in photography.  The subjects are limitless - from God's creations in multiple forms to preserving memories or capturing an expression of heart. They can be used to show humanity on their best day as well as on their worst. Recently, several photos have come my way that made me reflect on a deeper level.  More than just lovely photographs, they deserve further attention than a casual glance. The content makes the ordinary leap into extraordinary as each emits a sentiment in life.

This picture shows a beloved expression between two siblings saying goodby.  It was sister's first day of school and little brother was having a hard time letting her go.  The photograph was taken by a friend of mine who is mother of these two beautiful children.  Through the eyes of her camera, she was able to catch an unposed moment shared by sister and brother.  There is a sweet innocence in this living moment that makes me think of God's intended plan as to how we should be with one another.  

A quote comes to mind by Robert Frank..."There is one thing the photograph must contain, the humanity of the moment".

Photo by Kim Carone

This next picture was taken in Malta by another friend, Fr. Julian Cassar, who also shares interest in photography and began his own blog seven years ago.  He uses his talent with photos and messages to inspire and uplift his readers.  Father Julian spent 35 years in priestly ministry in the United States serving parishes in New York and Oregon before returning to his homeland of Malta.  He presently ministers as chaplain at 'Risen Christ' Hilltop Gardens Chapel in Naxxar.

The photo is part of his reflection entitled "1000 Posts".   He writes in part, quote.... "As a cover photo today I use a photo I took last Saturday on a photography outing to the remaining limited countryside in rural Malta.  I found this man sitting alone, with just nature around him, no wires, no tower cranes, no cell towers, but just himself, his God and a peaceful atmosphere around nature's blessing." 

Photo by Fr Julian Cassar

 To read Fr. Julian's post in its entirety, check out his blog link...  http://dungiljan.blogspot.com/2019/01/1000-posts.html

I can identify with this quote by Diane Arbus, "Taking pictures is like tiptoeing into the kitchen late at night and stealing Oreo cookies."    Regarding this quote, you have to really like Oreo cookies to understand! 
Meet me at The Turn-Up Patch in two weeks on Monday, February 11th...   Until then, God bless you in your living moments in the days ahead.

Redemption, Humpty Dumpty and Kintsugi

The post today is based on several scriptures.... 'Yet you, LORD, are our Father.  We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand' - Isaiah 64:8  and another.... 'You have turned things upside down, as if the potter were regarded as clay.  Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, "He did not make me"?  Can the pottery say of the potter, "He has no understanding"? - Isaiah 29:16

The first scripture is in recognition by the created unto the Creator for forming humankind and making man and woman in His own image as described in Genesis.  The second scripture presents a dichotomy as it is in opposition to the Creator by the created.  Pride and rebellion entered humanity through influence of darkness and thought themselves to be as God.  Conflict began in the garden of Eden and continues to this current day.  Humanity became flawed, broken and much damage is done to one another and to oneself in the battle of good vs evil.

The nursery tale of Humpty Dumpty who sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall; All the king's horses and all the king's men, Couldn't put Humpty together again. Quite the situation of mankind.  But God in His wisdom and love already had a plan to put His beloved humanity back together again.  According to scripture, God sent His only Son to take on the flesh of humanity, yet containing the spiritual embodiment of His Father. We call Him, Jesus - this King of Kings and Lord of Lords who can put a broken vessel back together again.

Redemption comes to us on an individual basis to choose or not to choose.  By the Spirit of God, we can be made whole again in constant restoration.  There is a Japanese art of fixing broken pottery called Kintsugi that means golden repair.  It is the centuries-old Japanese art of joining broken pieces of pottery with a lacquer dusted in powdered gold, silver, or platinum.

There is a unique appearance to each individual piece of pottery.  Fractures and breaks are seamed together and makes the repaired piece beautiful and revitalized with new life.  And so it is with  Divine fusion that can restore and give new life to a broken vessel.

Come!  I invite you to join me at The Turn-Up Patch in two more weeks for my next posting on Monday, January 28....