The Cross in Amazing Grace

I was asked to take photographs of a recent celebration of the 75th Jubilee Anniversary of a little parish nestled in our valley.      St. Elizabeth of Hungary in John Day began its journey in 1938 and has persevered in faith these past 75 years.  I did a little study on St.Elizabeth, namesake of the church, who was born in 1207 and died at the young age of 24.  The condensed version is that she was an exceptional woman of God, who gave up luxury to tend to the poor and sick.  She is generally represented as a princess graciously giving alms to the wretched poor or as holding roses in her lap.  In the latter case, she is portrayed either alone or as surprised by her husband, who, according to a legend, met her unexpectedly as she went secretly on an errand of mercy and the bread she was trying to conceal suddenly turned into roses.  She is a symbol of Christian charity.

We often read about saints of old who experienced extraordinary happenings and the Bible is full of related miracles by the hand of God and dramatically so in both Old and New Testaments.  Miracles occur in our present time; most are silent unlike dramatic and we can almost miss the whisper of God in our daily lives.  I would like to share with you a phenomenon that I can't explain, which appeared in one particular photo taken at the Jubilee Mass.  I refer to the photo to the bottom left, where you see the appearance of  light coming diagonally from the top side of the cross, underneath the hand of Jesus.  I remember that shot distinctly since my camera was having difficulty focusing, which never happens.  I immediately reviewed it on my digital camera and saw the light, which had not been visible to my naked eye.  Of all the altar photos that were taken such as the one on the right, there is no stream of light - only this particular one.  I was not using a camera flash since it is too intrusive in such settings.

Since it is so unusual, there will be mixed perspectives in viewpoint.  Someone claimed it was a reflection, but there was no reflective agent to cast the markings of such a light.  Another felt that it was a Godly inspiration and can only be explained in the light of faith.  And another told me that miracles exist in the eye of the beholder so I leave this up to you, my dear readers, to ponder.

There are various denominations under the umbrella of Christianity and the unifying factor is the Christ, the Cross and Resurrection Life. His Divine Light meets in the altar of our hearts in sweet communion.  I view the Cross as the Throne of Jesus, the Messiah, where the forces of light and dark met and from where Light prevailed and tore the temple veil.  The following is a beautiful expression of thought written by St. Andrew of Crete regarding his message on the Exaltation of the Holy Cross: ...."Therefore, the cross is something wonderfully great and honourable.  It is great because through the cross the many noble acts of Christ found their consummation - very many indeed, for both his miracles and his sufferings were fully rewarded with victory."   His victory became our salvation through His amazing grace in forgiveness and acceptance as we are or 'just as I am'.

The word Eucharist  is a beautiful Greek word with rich meanings of thanksgiving and communion.  I enjoy the shape of the communion host, which is perfectly round.  It reminds me not only of the holiness but also the wholeness of God available to me and to you every moment of our lives.  His wholeness fills all my holes of imperfection in the marbling of human nature in light and dark.

In my own belief, communion is an outward expression of an inward experience of love with the Divine.   
It was articulated  when the Word or expression of God was made flesh and dwelt among us...
It was finished  when the Word or expression of God, in beaten flesh, dwelt upon a tree to die in order to save....  
It was transforming  when the Word or expression of God, in resurrected flesh, made available His Spirit to dwell in the hearts of mankind.   
It is consummated  within our vessel of flesh as the dwelling place for intimacy in becoming one with the Father of Lights - the Son, who is the Light of the world - the Spirit, who is our guiding Light.

I share a little with you about my personal journey through varied Protestant denominations and Catholicism. I have sat in ministry through priest and pastor, including a woman minister.  I have been in services where worship music brought you to your knees in adoration.  Scripture opened up to me as living Rhema through those who taught and preached the Word of God.  There is another place where I journeyed, one in which I call, "the sheep of My pasture". In this place, there are many who are deep believers in Jesus, their Shepherd.  For varied personal reasons, these are ones who prefer not to attach themselves to church structure but rather attach themselves in living relationship with the Christ.   Since we all bear the name Christian, it is time to look at our Common Denominator who is Lord of all.  It is time to lay aside differences and join in a community of heart for the sake of the Cross.  There is strength in being united to cast a great Light across the land to combat ensuing darkness.  

This past week, we have witnessed such darkness in the slaughter of innocents in Kenya and in Pakistan by an extremist belief gone amuck in distortion, resulting in the frenzy to kill.  There is a quote I recently discovered by Pablo Neruda:  "You can cut all the flowers, but you cannot keep spring from coming".  Many flowers have been cut down needlessly in these attacks against God's precious creation, but spring will prevail as it has in the past, in the present and in the future determination of time.

The following link is given if you would like to read in full St. Andrew's discourse on the cross:
http://www.christophersmith-op.com/2011/09/14/the-feast-of-the-exaltation-of-the-holy-cros


As we enter the season of Fall, please meet me again at The Turn-Up Patch in two weeks.... October 14th.  'See'  you then!

Peace, Gratitude, Friendship & Guinness

Several important events this month are processing on planet earth as a united voice on a global scale.  One took place on Saturday, September 7th.  Pope Francis called for this day to become a day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria, the Middle East and throughout the world.  He extended this invitation as a grassroots cry for peace that was echoed by Christians and non-Christians alike in vigils around the world.  Pope Francis stated this:  "This evening, I ask the Lord that we Christians, and our brothers and sisters of other religions and every man and woman of good will, cry out forcefully:  Violence and war are never the way of peace!  May the noise of weapons cease!"  In the Vatican alone, there were 100,000 who took part in the Rome event.   

The other will take place on September 21, which is World Gratitude Day.  This began in 1965 at the International East-West Center in Hawaii during a Thanksgiving Dinner.  At the dinner, attendees pledged to hold a Gratitude Gathering the following September 21st in their home countries.  This grew to be an annual event on a global level.  World Gratitude Day is described as "a holiday for all peoples, a day of meditation for all religions, a day of celebration for all humanity, united by knowledge of simultaneously shared emotion, a day when triumph of the spirit can make a world community."

While World Gratitude Day is celebrated once a year, this annual occasion reminds us we should all be grateful for each and every day we have. As the summer days have rolled into September and the advent of fall, I am thankful for the occurrences of beauty in every day surprises.  The photo below is one I took several weeks ago captured in the early morning hour.  A welcome rain had fallen the night before resulting in a low-lying fog that drifted over pastures and hills as daylight broke.  I felt grateful to be a witness to God's indescribable beauty, which He displays in nature in a landscape that speaks of peace.

I had another September surprise with an early morning ultra-light "fly-by" with the American flag.  Our local patriot will do this on occasion as a reminder of our country's history in sacrifice and the mark of God, which the flag represents.  (See post on "Identity of the American flag", Monday July 1, 2013 - archives located in the right column of this page written in red text.)   I view the flag as a symbolic sentry over this nation in the safeguard for freedom and peace.


























I am also grateful for family and friends who enrich my life.  My Father of Lights has blessed me many times through the love, support and encouragement that I have received from these special ones throughout the years.  Where would we be if there were not people in our lives who truly cared.  They are treasured gifts in my life who walk beside me in this journey of life and reaches into the eternal, our true home.

I recently viewed this commercial, which is rich in character and substance in its message.  Some commercials that we view have more of these two attributes than some of the shallow sit-coms and reality shows they sponsor.  Basketball is a rigorous sport, even more so when played within the confines of a wheelchair.  The attitude is determination, showing skills learned without the use of legs. The surprise ending leaves one feeling humbled and in awe of the camaraderie and friendship which has been built between these men to make another man's life a happier place in their commitment to such a friendship.   Such wonderful things can happen when people pull together for the good of others; be it peace we all yearn for in the world, gratitude for what we have and for selfless actions in the intention of God to love one another.  Watch this and be inspired!  I do have to say that if Guinness would make the nations behave this way in good will... let's all have a round throughout the world.....

You can also view this video by clicking on the below link, presented by Edward Heising.  He published the clip on YouTube on September 3rd.  As of this date, there have been over 5,000,000 views.  The commercial itself was created by BBDO New York with music "To Build a Home" by Cinematic Orchestra.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwndLOKQTDs 


Until we meet again at the Turn-Up Patch on Monday, September 30th;  here's a quote for you by William A. Ward.... God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today.  Have you used one to say 'thank you?'

Rosie the Riveter and Doris

On the first Monday in September, the United States observes Labor Day, which pays tribute to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It also recognizes the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and betterment of our country.  It was created in the late 19th century by the labor movement and became a federal holiday in 1894.  Labor Day is symbolic of summer's end and is celebrated with events from parades to sports.

I'd like to honor women (and a special woman) in this post in recognition of a defining moment in history, in which women made an impacting contribution during World War II.  Thousands of women took up traditionally masculine and dirty jobs in factories, assembly plants and shipyards.  By working in previously male-dominated manufacturing jobs, women helped the United States fight the war while the men fought over seas. Norman Rockwell's painting of "Rosie the Riveter" says it well in his illustration for the cover of The Saturday Evening Post on May 29, 1943, which was the Memorial Day issue.  Note the price on the cover of 10 cents!

There was a popular song at the time "Rosie the Riveter", the lyrics of which celebrate the female factory workers of the war effort.  It is presumed that Norman Rockwell created his iconic painting in reference to this song.  Rosie shows attitude in confidence and strength in bringing her ability to carry out a job, which was considered a man's occupation.  It was representative of the times, showing American spirit and patriotic symbolism.  With the American flag in the background, Rosie wears buttons and pins on her clothes, including a "V" for victory.  It is interesting to note that Rockwell posed his model to match the Sistine Chapel ceiling image of the prophet Isaiah, painted by Michelangelo in 1509.  The resemblance to Isaiah, even with a halo above her head, implies that she is fighting for the cause of God and to preserve the American Way.
An excellent website for more information on Rosie the Riveter, can be found at:
http://www.pophistorydig.com/?p=877

The special woman I referred to is not in regard to Rosie but rather to Doris, my mother-in-law, who is now 91 years of age.  She was an original Rosie the Riveter in the shipyards of California for a short time during the war effort.  An able-bodied woman, fierce in dignity and independence, she did what she could to survive during hard times.  With her gumption to stand up for herself, combined with a keen wit and pointed words, she was a force to be reckoned with.   Doris is now in a care facility, her able body now withered and confined to a wheel chair and her mind confused with bouts of dementia.  In her more lucid moments, and to her credit, she still has her keen wit and pointed words - a reminder of a woman who had to make her own way in a world that was not as gender friendly as we know today.  If you take a close look at the first photo below of Doris and then closely look at the painting of Rosie the Riveter, you can catch the similarity in attitude of the two women; one created in an artist's mind and the other created by the experience of life.

Yesterday's challenges with attitude

Today's challenges with resilience

We must always be mindful of the contributions that the majority of the elderly have made in our society, both men and women.  They may not have always done it right, but they did the best they could with the knowledge and emotional makeup that they had throughout their years.  From generation to generation, their hands were "put to the plow" to eke out a living and were a driving force in changing the face of America in the progress of industry and technology.  They are to be admired and respected for their enduring length of years in contribution to the workforce, the backbone of America.

Salute to Doris!... a survivor who was a woman determined to get through tough times, proving herself in a man's world.  She was a crack shot, teaching her sons how to hunt, shoot, kill and skin a deer for meat on the table.  For a time, as a single Mom, she rolled up her sleeves and joined the workforce in diversified occupations from beautician to store clerk.  She was an expert rider and could match a man in rounding up sheep and cattle as a hired ranch hand.  To this day, she still retains a love for horses and enjoys looking at photos in horse magazines and watching western movies.  And yes, she also was a "Rosie, the Riveter".


See you again at the Turn-Up Patch, two weeks from now on Monday, September 16th.   

Can a Flower Speak?

Spring gives birth to a beautiful season called summer in which the expression of nature takes on a life of its own.  Colors, fragrance, design and distinctive sound can tantalize our senses from sight, to smell, to shape, to vibration.  I'd like to emphasize one such creation as flowers, which come in so many varieties enticing a human's imagination to produce works of art.  This comes in the form of flower gardens, florist arrangements and an array of creativity in jewelry, perfume, paintings and photography in the expression of the essence of a flower.  Nature has it's own display in a diversity of wildflowers scattered in fields and mountains to be enjoyed.  

Colors are exquisite and cover the spectrum in series of light, each commanding attention to its characteristic hue.  
The fragrance of flowers is uniquely different according to the specific flower.  The aroma is not only attractive to a human, but the scent of a flower attracts insects and birds in pollination.
The shape of a flower comes in all forms and sizes, having a basic structure common to the flower plant, but differ in distinctive features in appearance.
The sounds of a flower.... does a flower speak?  Not audibly, but if you truly notice a flower, their blooms can speak volumes in their own language.  Have you ever heard of "floriography"?  Since botany began, flowers give meaning and symbolism through their hundreds of years in existence.  Take for example, the Bleeding Heart.....

I have always admired the beauty of the bleeding heart blossom. It is a favorite of mine along with the magnificent rose.  Both are indicative of love but I'd like to reflect on the bleeding heart in today's post.  Its delicate beauty speaks loudly through its simplicity.  No other plant has a perfect heart-shaped flower and the blossoms are considered a symbol of undying love and stand for elegance and fidelity.  

Spiritually speaking, the bleeding heart brings to mind the compassion of heart expressed in 1 Peter 3:8..."All of you should be of one mind.  Sympathize with one another.  Love each other as brothers and sisters.  Be tenderhearted and keep a humble attitude."  
The medieval name and/or religious meaning is "Mary's Heart", suggesting the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  This is a devotional name used to refer to the interior life and the beauties of the soul of the Virgin Mary.

If you turn a bleeding heart blossom upside down and pull the two halves apart, use your imagination and you will see a lady in a pink bathtub, or perhaps a white lyre with strings of silk.  You can also press the flowers between the pages of a heavy book and use these tiny hearts in decorating letters, cards, a valentine message or create a bookmark.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is a beautiful quote built on three key words, blossom, fragrance and influence.  I leave you with this thought...."The blossom cannot tell what becomes of its fragrance as it drifts away, just as no person can tell what becomes of their influence as they continue through life". ~ Unknown

This is a suitable message for me regarding flowers.  I have decided to take more time to "stop and smell the roses", which is necessary for freshness in perspective and inspiration.  I will be posting every two weeks instead of on a weekly basis on my blog.  With that being said, here's an old Irish blessing for you, my readers, "Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand."

See you on Monday, September 2...    I hope you will continue to meet me at The Turn-Up Patch.

 

 

 

 

 

The Glass

Many of you are familiar with the scenario of the glass and about attitude as to how we view our experiences in life. Several philosophical theories have been developed about the glass, which can contain liquid, being full or half-filled, or remaining empty.    The following illustrations give the varied narratives about the glass....

Regarding the theme of the glass, it promotes the idea of a school of thought, whether it is towards pessimism, optimism, opportunity, a realist or an enlightened moment.  Here are some of the underlining forces that can determine how one lives their life either for growth and increase or loss and stagnation:
1.  Choice
2.  Perspective
3.  Personal Filter
4.  Life Experience
5.  Influence
6.  Gratitude or lack of
7.  Belief System
8.  Counting Blessings

  
There is a scripture in Philippines 4: 12, 13, which states:  
"I know what it is like to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty.  In any and all circumstances, I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need.  I can do all things through Him who strengthens me".   
                                                         
The secret that Paul is referring to is the secret of contentment, whether his glass in life was half full or half empty or completely full or completely empty.  His station in life did not account for his happiness or contentment.  This secret was His reliance on One who was beyond himself.  He discovered an 'alive' God who became his sustaining strength throughout the good times and the bad, and yes, the empty times as well.  One of the meanings of contentment is to have a peace to dwell in.  It would be wonderful to reach a maturity level to walk through the sunshine and storms of life where inner peace is not disturbed.  As Philippines 4:7 says, "and the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus."

In looking through images of the glass, I discovered this one that really has something to say.  The glass is shown half filled but it is full of the winged presence of butterflies and doves, both representative of renewing life through God's Holy Spirit.  You can look at the photo below and see out of your own personal perspective.  To me, it becomes my life (the glass), which is full of possibilities and purpose.  His Divine Life flowing within me should not be obstructed by whatever circumstance I find myself in.  God's Presence breaks the barriers of circumstance, and becomes an outward expression of an internal state of being.  I discover peace in the progression of Life within 'the glass'.

Until next Monday, see you again at the Turn-Up Patch.  In the meantime, have a great week and  may you be blessed with contentment and peace as only God can bring.......

The Broken Butterfly

It is estimated that there are 20,000 species of butterflies in the world.  Can you imagine the creative display of winged colors and designs to exhibit on such a large scale?  They stimulate the imagination of the human mind to fashion their own creations of butterflies through stories, paintings, jewelry, pottery, acrylic design; just to name a few.  Here are a few photos of butterfly wings which show off such intricate glory in their natural state.   Through the eye of the camera lens, many thanks to the unknown photographers who were able to capture such beauty to share with the rest of the world.

One of the most incredible facts about butterflies is the way they change from crawling caterpillars into winged beauties. There are four steps in becoming a butterfly: egg, caterpillar, pupa, and adult. This process is called metamorphosis, which comes from the Latin words for "changing shape."

I am amazed at the varieties of butterflies, which exist in so many countries of the world, each having a dazzling spectrum of colored patterns in their wings.  We are intrigued by their beauty and hardly consider them an insect. They remind me of colors which you see in stained glass, artistically orchestrated in a motif symphony of brilliance.  The photo below is of a butterfly called the "stained glass butterfly".

Butterflies can be rather difficult to photograph as they flutter through the air, doing their graceful wing dance until they decide to light upon a bush, a leaf, or a flower.   I spotted one such butterfly landing on a tree leaf just long enough for me to take a couple of shots with my camera.  As I zoomed in for a closer view, I discovered the butterfly had broken wings; parts and pieces were missing as you can see from the photo below.  The butterfly escaped my scrutiny and flitted away, oblivious to the fact that his wings were not whole. He took to the air and continued his graceful wing dance to find another place to rest or search for butterfly food, deliciously found in flower nectar or tree sap.   As you can see, compared to the butterflies in the photos above, this one is not whole as the others but still beautiful in design and able to fly, doing what butterflies do.    

I use this illustration to talk about brokenness, which affects humanity.  We live in a broken world and as a result, each human being has experienced brokenness that could keep our inner wings crippled and stunted in life.  However, if we look at the butterfly, which is symbolic of resurrection and renewal,  the possibility arises that we are able to emerge out of such brokenness into beauty and power.  It is about transformation and new life.  Our Lord is in the business of renewal, which is a perpetual force available to us as we live in the shadow of His wings. 

Psalms 36:7 states "God, your love is so precious!  You protect people in the shadow of your wings".  In light of that scripture, our Father of Lights is our wholeness... He covers our damaged wings in His completeness and fills in the broken places, enabling us to fly and continue on in our journey through life.

The worship band, Hillsong United, have lyrics to the song, "Shadow of His Wings", which gives spiritual perspective in the changeless assurance of God's covering over our brokenness into His wholeness.

My spirit rests in You

You're all I know

Embrace and touch me

Like a child.

I'm safe in You

 You're my shelter through it all

You're my refuge and my strength

Lord I hide in the shadow of Your wings.

 My Lord, You're faithful

You supply all good things

You know completely

All my thoughts
My deepest needs.

Dearest Father of Lights, as Creator and Guide, may You restore and renew what You have created and keep safe what You have restored and renewed.   This beautiful film clip of a butterfly emerging from a cocoon is a witness to God's creativity in nature and a reminder that nothing is beyond His redemption of wholeness. 

The above video presentation is by Lua, wonderfully expressed to the instrumental of "Shadow of His Wings".  I hope that you will take time out to watch this extraordinary visual imaging.  
You can also link to it at:   
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96TJpxI44gE


Join me next Monday at the Turn-Up Patch....

My Feline Friend

Cats!  You either love 'em, hate 'em or tolerate 'em.  Since I am a cat lover, I wanted to expound on the marvels of this four-legged furry, purry critter that can be as aloof as can be needy.  They can pendulum swing from craving attention to 'leave me alone'.  These feline friends can lick your hand or claw your hand, depending on the mood.  They can ignore you if they are busy doing other things, like sniffing obscure smells that only a cat can detect.  You can be subject to a dirty look, if you fail to have their favorite treat on hand.  

...can't see me!

...not a happy day!

They love to play hide 'n seek, thinking you'll never find them, not knowing that their tail gives them away in their hiding place.  These furry critters sleep most of the day (and night), waking up in spurts of energy, only to succumb into another naptime.  They become alert to any type of moving meat; whether it is bird or mouse, even a young rabbit at times.  Their prowess of hunter kicks in as they begin the hunt. After a fresh kill, they are proud to bring it to the doorstep of their human family, as if to say...'I brought you some dinner tonight'.  And then they wonder why their owner displays such horror at such a find!  When in a playful mood, cats love to chase and jump, entertaining themselves with a tiny ball until boredom sets in and it's 'game over'.... time to groom and nap.

Cats instinctively know if you are having a bad day and curl up nearby as if to say,  'I care'.   They can be soothing as you pet their coat of soft fur, a simple action that seems to exude peace.  Cats can find their way on your lap, in your bed or curled up beside you in your favorite chair. They can stealthily  climb up onto the top of your printer or the back of your office chair and lay there watching you work... and wonder... why humans stare so intently at this thing they call a monitor screen.  Then tired of waiting to be noticed, compete for attention and walk across your keyboard causing distress for the owner and satisfaction for the cat. 

Some have learned to ride in a car or truck and consider it an adventure; others have to be put in a cage, which usually means a trip to the vet.   They roll over and are extravagant in showing off their furry bellies, stretching out with four paws in the air, waiting to be touched.   Their sandpaper tongue can lick your hand in appreciation of you, their human friend.  An outstretched paw with sheathed claws can reach out to touch your face and gently pat as if to say, "I love you".  Or they can simply stare.

...here's looking at you!

Their hearing is more sensitive than humans or dogs and a cat can see about six times better than a human at night, according to cat trivia.   I pay attention when my cat sits up and takes notice without a sound... her body language tells me she is in tune to something that I cannot hear or see. 

The photos that you are viewing are of  my cat 'Turnup', for which this blog is named.  As I mentioned before in my very first post, she came to us abandoned, scared and starving.  It seemed logical to call her Turnup since she just happened to turn up at our home, which has become her patch of territory.  We have become the best of pals and I count her as a little gift which God sent my way.   I found out that she is a Maine Coon, a particular breed of cat that is affectionate and cat-smart.

...she thinks I'm smart!

Living in the country, often domesticated cats (and dogs) are dumped by the side of the road and left to fend for themselves.  There may be a few who wander from their home and become lost, but that is rare.   Most often, owners abandon them for whatever reasons they use to justify this action.  Few make it; they most often are a victim to the elements around them, which include predators, environment and starvation.  Some become wild in the process of survival.  Instinctively, they look for a lost semblance of being fed and you may find one at your doorstep for a handout.  And then it becomes another person's responsibility for choice as to what to do with the critter at your door.  I found this poem which was written anonymously.....

A Cat's Prayer
I hope I'm not asking too much, Lord
All I want is a home of my own
And to know when my next meal is coming
Instead of the scraps I get thrown.

I've been out in the cold for so long now
Coping as best as I can,
But it's not so long I've forgotten
The touch of a soft caring hand.

I really don't want to be greedy
At the moment I'm all skin and bones,
So would it be too much to hope for
That someone will give me a home?

...welcome home, Turnup!

I love stories that are happy and/or have happy endings.   In this day of advanced technology, we become instantly aware of so much tragedy, inhumanities, war and crisis of every kind throughout the world; it's good to come across stories and video clips that bring a smile.  I'd like to share with you three such stories, which are delightful to read and to watch.  Actually, it's four since you just read about Turnup's happy ending.   Click on the links and give yourself a lift for the day by checking out these current Internet cat sensations:

1.  Momo, the swimming cat, in High River, Alberta in Canada
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/06/21/alberta_flooding_momo_the_cat_is_a_survivor.html

     

2. "O2 - Be More Dog".... a funny video clip.  You'll have to see it to appreciate it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMzgl0nFj3s 

3.  Grumpy Cat's interview on ABC News
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skwUUiDtKpA 

Join 'us' next Monday at The Turn-Up Patch!