The Humble Dove

Today's post reflects on a bird that has had quite it's claim to fame by the many symbolic meanings that has been attached to it.  Throughout the ages, the dove has been representative of peace and love.  Innocence, purity, hope and renewal are also symbolic adjectives that illustrate what the dove represents.  This small bird, part of the pigeon family, hardly seems likely to be the carrier of defining moments throughout history.  Lacking the majesty of an eagle with its' amazing sight, speed and power, the dove is humble in comparison.

They mate for life and are devoted parents to their offspring known as squeakers (honest!). Since they are not predators, the dove is a harmless bird and feeds on fruits, plants and seeds. They give a sense of freedom and are excellent navigators in the capacity of courier.  Perhaps, because of the very nature of the dove, the bird was chosen to be a significant messenger in the course of human events.

Photo by Roger Williams

The dove is used as a symbol defining the presence of God.  In the scriptures, the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus in the form of a dove, when he was baptized in the Jordon.  A voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son, in you I am well pleased".  The dove is used in visual declaration that binds the divine in Father, Son and Holy Spirit and to become one with us in spiritual rebirth.

In ancient days, there was a flood that destroyed the earth detailed in Genesis as recorded in the Old Testament of the Bible.  Only an ark and those on it were saved from the devastating waters.  Eventually, a dove was released from Noah's Ark and returned with an olive leaf indicating that the waters were beginning to recede.  The combination of the dove and the olive branch became enduring symbols of the sign of life, new beginnings and deliverance.

Come!  You are invited to join me at The Turn-Up Patch in two weeks on Monday, February 25th.   Until then....

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....

Blanket of Snow, Blanket of Love

Christmas is the gateway into the new year.   As the new year approaches seven days later, it is good to take the celebration of Christ and carry its spiritual momentum into the days and months of 2019.  As the angels declared good tidings and joy with the birth of Christ unto humanity, may it become a living reality in bringing hope and peace in our daily lives.  Just as new-fallen snow blankets nature may His Presence, in the blanket of love, provide shelter from anxieties and storms of life.

New fallen snow came to Grant County this past week and with its arrival brought beauty to the countryside and fun in winter recreation.  I don't have to travel far to capture a beautiful photo moment, since these were taken from the front yard.  Not such a delight for travelers on winter roads but for those who live in winter climates, they are prepared with snow tires/chains and maneuver the winter roads with dexterity.

There are several quotes that I end this post with.  Combined, there is a message of God's love for one and for all.....  "A snowflake is one of God's most fragile creations, but look what they can do when they stick together! (anonymous)
God loves each of us if there were only one of us. (St. Augustine)

I'm sorry I did not show up for my December 17th post but will try to keep our regular 'date' every two weeks in 2019, starting on Monday, January 14....

   

Nature, Solace and Anne Frank

Just as winter fights spring in its impending arrival, so does fall fight the approaching season of winter.  I was amazed to see this startling and vibrant rainbow while traveling home.  It didn't seem warm enough for a rainbow with a forecast of imminent snow.  This scene reminds me of our personal journey in life when an unexpected blessing can cross our path to brighten and cheer our day. 

Snow eventually caught up with the weather and as predicted, blanketed our area with the first carpet of white.  Travel becomes more difficult in Eastern Oregon in winter because of mountain roads that lead north, south, east and west.  For those that have lived in this area for any length of time, they have become seasoned travelers and know the wisdom of equipping their vehicles with snow tires and carry a set of chains 'just in case'.

The trees can look so barren and lifeless after they lose their cloak of green leaves.  However, transformed by their nakedness, the exposure of bark and branch brings a dimension of beauty that can be missed by summer foliage. 

I feel blessed to live in an area where beauty abounds no matter what the season.  This morning, the sun peaked out from snow clouds casting light that dispersed shadows on the surrounding hillside.  Afternoon clouds cleared to blue sky that gave its own contrast to snowy Canyon Mountain.

Anne Frank, whose young life was cut short by the cruelty of twisted evil in the hostility of antisemitism, had this beautiful quote.   Her words live on in depth of inner beauty and wisdom...  "The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God.  Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.  As long as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be.  And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles."


Join me at The Turn-Up Patch in two weeks on Monday, December 17th....

Freedom and Norman Rockwell

Norman Rockwell is a name that is fondly remembered as an artist who depicted Americana in innocence.  His paintings showcase respect, honor and humor as his paint brush splashed over the canvas that revealed stories in human living through his eyes.  One of his quotes..."Without thinking too much about it in specific terms, I was showing the America I knew and observed to others who might not have noticed."

He was born on February 3, 1894 and he died at 84 years of age on November 8, 1978.  He was a beloved author, painter and illustrator and known for his covers on the Saturday Evening Post.  In 1977, he received the nation's highest peacetime award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, by President Gerald Ford.

Among his collections, Norman Rockwell's Four Freedoms became a phenomenal success after their publication in 1943 during the 2nd World War.   These paintings are a poignant and powerful reminder of what we hold dear in the name of freedom....  Freedom of Speech,  Freedom of Worship, Freedom From Fear, Freedom From Want.                     

As we approach Thanksgiving this week, let us all be thankful for the liberties that we enjoy and appreciate.   Freedom should not be taken for granted for it was won and is sustained by the sacrifice of many.

Freedom is a dynamic that began with God who gave humanity the choice in free will. Let us not worship freedom over the Creator who gave us freedom.  He alone is Omnipotent!  And we should never get so arrogant as a nation to dismiss His Sovereignty in replacing Him with lawlessness in the name of freedom.

Until we meet again at The Turn-Up Patch on Monday,  December 3rd...

An Annual Tradition in Dayville

Since we just had Halloween, I am doing a repeat of a post on Dayville's fun and festive community in harvest celebration.  It is an annual event, always with scarecrow street decor to the delight of residents and visitors passing through.  I had to take this picture of a brand new addition to the scarecrow creations displayed at the Dayville Cafe.  This meet and greet group are the most lovable harvest characters to have by your door.....

 

 

By the way, the restaurant food is the best in the county and so is their varied pie selection - try a slice of the apple jalapeno caramel pie... yummy!!  You'll want to take home the whole pie.

 

 

Harvest Time and Community of Dayville, Oregon    (Posted on October 24,2016)

Today, as we journey through Harvest Time, we take a little trip to Dayville.  I wrote about Dayville in October 2013 when the community was celebrating their Centennial including a fun video I put together of the creative scarecrows that lined their main street.  You can check out this post at the below link, which gives some background history about Dayville. 
http://turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2013/10/centennial-scarecrows-dayville-oregon.html
Three years later, the friendly town of Dayville carries on their harvest time tradition, complete with this welcoming sign featured in the park. 

In all kinds of weather, through storms and sunshine, the sturdy scarecrows remain vigilant during October welcoming travelers driving through on Highway 26.  The residents who join in the creative fest for best harvest scarecrow, outshine in individual handiwork and it is difficult to make a choice as to a favorite ragamuffin.  Here are just a few samples...

 

Not to be outdone by scarecrows, pumpkins come into display with their whimsical faces drawn by a talented Dayville resident.  Featured at the Community Fall Festival, they were a hit as well as the food fare, prepared and served with plenty of delicious cuisine choice.

Many thanks to the Dayville residents who make Harvest time in the John Day Valley unique with creative scarecrows and to Ruthie Moore for her 'funtastic' pumpkin faces - all done for our viewing pleasure!

     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Join me at The Turn-Up Patch in two weeks on Monday, November 19th....  See you then!