The Story of Will

Welcome to my first post of 2015!   I can't think of a better way to start off the new year then to introduce you, dear friends and readers, to Will.   I have been wanting to do a special piece on this extraordinary boy and his family.  I did introduce you to Will's father, Joe Loudermilk, in a July 2013 post featuring his photography.  
 * (The corresponding link is referenced at the end of this post.)

My brother-in-law, Joe and his family paid us a visit this past summer and we had a great time getting reacquainted making up for the years in between.  As it happens in life, children who were once so little are transformed into growing youth, processing into their own identity and carving character through circumstances that present opportunity and challenge.  My nephew Will and his family were faced with more than the average challenge that we meet up with in life.  Will has cerebral palsy caused at birth that left him with a loss of fine motor control affecting his body and speech.  What he lacks in motor skills, he excels in determination.  He comes by his name naturally... WILL!  Short for William but long on the definition of the word will - meaning to have a drive, an aim, a purpose, a resolution, an intent, a volition.  This description is part of Will's internal spirit that is made up of the stuff that makes champions.  

Paladin is another word that comes to mind.  No, this is not about the old western TV series called by that name.  Rather, this word signifies deep meanings and speaks of noble courage, being a defender, guardian, protector, shielder.  All of these qualities are active in the care and encouragement of a loving mother, father, sister and brother.  Will's family champions a champion, pulling together as a supportive team to enrich his quality of life. They cheer-lead, applaud, value and embrace him, making a difference in his experience of daily living.  An intelligent boy, Will's interests are many, ranging from Starwars to Paleontology (study of fossilized prehistoric plants and animals).  He displays keen wit and loves a good joke in the enjoyment of humor.

Joe captured some moments on camera of Will with our border collie dog, Bud.  The two became best pals instantly with Bud constantly pestering Will for attention and affection.  I had a hard time deciding what photo to use of the three that Joe took of these moments.   All three show such heart, I had to post them all for you to see.  (Click on photos for enlargement)

Joe did a documentary story in pictures of his son, simply entitled "Will".  In his own words, he begins with a description of Will but it is through his photographs, you come to know the heart, mind and soul of a champion family.  The picture featured below is taken from the documentary.   I hope that you look deeply into the essence of these very moving photos captured by a Dad who uses his talent in photography to tell a story about family love for their son.  Link:  http://coachingforphotographers.com/coaching-for-photographers-cerebral-palsy-documentary-photography-by-joe-loudermilk/

I found this simple quote by Jack Dempsey that really exemplifies what a champion is - 

"A champion is someone who gets up when he can't" 

* Referenced link post: http://www.turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2013/07/and-so-god-made-photographer-part-ii.html


Come, visit me next time at The Turn-Up Patch on Monday, January 19th, when we shall continue to explore Joe's artistry in monochrome photography....

The Visible - The Invisible - And Christmas

I begin this post with threads of thought that eventually leads to a pivotal event we celebrate known as Christmas.  The birth of Christ has impacted and influenced the world and its humanity that began nearly 2000 years ago.  I'd like to mesh Christmas and weave within, the dynamics we have of infrared and color, filter and illumination, the visible and the invisible.  As this occurs in our natural world, so it is spiritually.

There are complicated definitions of visible and invisible light.  Simply said, the visible light is an electromagnetic wave that the human eye can see.  It runs along a spectrum from short wavelengths of violet to longer wavelengths of red, which gives us color perceptible to our eyes.  There is another kind of light that we can't see.  This is infrared light and is a thousand times wider than that of visible light, but it is invisible to our eyes.

In photography, for an effect or artistic component, an infrared filter can be used either on the camera or in photo editing.  This filter blocks all visible light and can produce a dramatic look in transforming the subject matter in the exclusion of color to an infrared image.  The camera subject is illuminated  by infrared light and the every day scene becomes extraordinary in the absence of color.

Color -  visible light

Infrared - invisible light

 




Illumination!   A source of light that can brighten and make clear.  All of us have had an 'aha' moment when one has a sudden insight in awareness or comprehension in understanding.  It can also be called an 'epiphany', which is any moment of great and unexpected insight or intuitiveness.  Belief is also a component of illumination -  it is the Holy Spirit filter to see into the invisible that thrusts us beyond the visible color of  human knowing.  For some, the aha or epiphany moment can lead to belief; for others, belief can be the catalyst to revelation that occurs along the way in the walk of faith.

We are just a few days short from an event that changed the course of humanity - the birth of illuminating Light that came in human form - Jesus, the Son of God, the Light of the world.    We honor the mystery, significance and magic that Christmas brings and are humbled by the fact that God, the Father of Lights, so loved the world...

 You can also view at:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zb1AsyltkpA

from The Turn-Up Patch to each and all  ~

 Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas!

Until we meet again in the New Year on Monday, January 5.....

 

Advent Within The Alpha and Omega

Advent is here!  Now what exactly does that mean??  The word itself speaks of 'coming' - to spiritually prepare before the celebration of Christmas.  It is a season observed in many Christian churches four weeks before Christmas with the themes of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love symbolically displayed in an Advent wreath.  Many families create their own wreath in participation of Advent.  Four candles are set on a circular wreath representing these individual themes, each one being lit on that particular Advent Sunday.   Some churches include a fifth candle called the Christ Candle that is lit on Christmas Eve.  The lit candles remind us of Jesus, the Light shining forth into a dark world.

We can be caught in the flurry of activity in preparation of what the Christmas season brings in our homes, community, school and church celebrations.  Decisions of what gifts to buy, decorations to use, food to serve, cards to be sent - these are just a few of the considerations to be made for family, friends and beyond.  Often, travel arrangements need to be made as well as juggling employment situations.   It is a time to be a comfort for those in isolation, loneliness and in need, which amplifies during this time of year.  

Mary (as in the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10) set herself before the Lord, taking time out to enjoy His presence and then dear Martha, whose time was consumed in physical demands. Advent can be a time to slow us down and turn our eyes away from the busyness of the season in all the 'doings' to the benefit of being still before God. Advent is a season of spiritual preparation designed to bring our awareness back to the simplicity of the cradled Christ to the complexity of the Cross and to the completion in His return.  It is in recognition of the Christ, by His Spirit within us, expanding into the Alpha and the Omega.  One of the most fervent prayers of Jesus is in John 17:21..."I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one - as you are in me, Father, and I am in you.  And may they be in us so that the world will believe that you sent me."

The Alpha and Omega is complete - the Beginning and the End and holds within the dynamics of Advent....
          -  The Eternal in His Presence among us in the current moment of time through the Holy Spirit (who is).  
          -  The Eternal before creation and manifested in the Christ of yesterday when first coming to earth as a baby (who was).
          -  The Eternal in the future to anticipate, prepare and expect the coming Messiah at the end of the age with everlasting                 life (who is to come).

 

It's good to separate into the stillness of God and then take that stillness back into our noisy world. Withdrawing into that silence of God that Advent can provide, brings a sensitivity and awareness of the Almighty.  Rejuvenation of hope, peace, love and joy quickens and enriches the spirit and is a reminder of our destiny within the Alpha and Omega.

Until we meet again on Monday, December 22.....

Thanksgiving Anniversary & Norman Rockwell

Two years ago on the eve of Thanksgiving in 2012,  I launched my blog, The Turn-Up Patch.  When I began my blogging adventure,  I decided to post writings and photos once a week but eventually cut it back to once every two weeks after a year of weekly posting.   I do admire those bloggers who post every single day with something new and interesting to share. I manage to keep up with the twice a month post, which works well for me.  As long as family, friends and readers keep turning up  to catch the latest post; I will continue my journey in the 'blogosphere'.  Presently, The Turn-Up Patch averages about 425 legitimate hits on each post, according to the current stats that are available to the blogger.   These hits come from various countries as well as within the United States.   I thank all my faithful readers who take time out in their busy lives to continue to visit me at The Turn-Up Patch.   Your encouragement and support is much appreciated.  You can check out the beginning post that also previews my first PhotoShow:   http://www.turnuppatch.blogspot.com/2012/11/happy-thanksgiving-welcome.html

I recently spent some time with Norman Rockwell (at least with his illustrated paintings), which hold whimsical caricature of days gone by of ordinary people in everyday life.  His paintings evoke an nostalgia for a time and place that held respect and honor in the American spirit. "I paint life as I would like it to be", Rockwell once said.  In studying his illustrations, you can spot the innocence and idealism that his paintbrush produced.   He passed away in 1978 at the age of 84.  During his lifetime, he illustrated 321 covers for the Saturday Evening Post and painted over 4,000 original works. 

In 1941, Franklin Roosevelt's State of the Union address contained four essential human rights that should be universally protected.  The four freedoms are identified as "Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom from Want, Freedom from Fear".  Rockwell chose to illustrate a Thanksgiving theme for his interpretation in his painting on 'Freedom from Want' and it was published in the Post in 1943.

 Norman Rockwell - "Freedom From Want" - from March 6, 1943 

Norman Rockwell - "Make a Wish" - from November 19, 1921

The above illustration was an earlier work of Rockwell.  It appeared on the cover of  The Country Gentleman, which was a sister publication to Post magazine in 1921.  "Make a Wish" tells a story about the Thanksgiving tradition of making a wish with a dried u-shaped turkey bone.  Whoever got the biggest piece of the wishbone after pulling it apart got their wish.  The painting expresses the simplicity of a humorous notion of a hopeful wish to come true.

 Norman Rockwell - "Girl Praying" - from November 27, 1943

This third illustration has been called "Girl Praying or A Girl in Prayer or Refugee in Prayer".  The scene is a young refugee during World War II praying over a soldier's field rations.  An American soldier's field jacket is placed over her shoulders, providing warmth.  Even though the meal is simple and the jacket worn,  she is in a prayerful expression of gratitude.  And thankfulness for the generosity of a soldier who gave what he could in both nourishment and comfort when he saw the need.  This painting can be as relevant in today's world as it was when originally published in 1943.

These are just three of many Rockwell timeless illustrations about Thanksgiving, among them:  Saying Grace 1951, Thanksgiving 1919,  Catch the Turkey 1917, A Pilgrim Progress 1921, Ye Glutton 1923 and others.

A Norman Rockwell quote:  "When I go to farms or little towns, I am always surprised at the discontent I find.  And New York, too often, has looked across the sea at Europe.  And all of us who turn our eyes away from what we have are missing life."

There is an old saying, 'the grass is greener on the other side of the fence.'  Often our eyes are turned towards the other side of the fence thinking that is where our blessings are to be found.  Instead, during this Thanksgiving season and throughout the year, look for the reasons to be grateful where our life is at and not miss out on the blessings set before us.  

"When asked if my cup is half-full or half-empty my only response is that I am thankful I have a cup." - Sam Lefkowitz      

Meet me at The Turn-Up Patch on Monday, December 8.....    HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

 

Unbroken Forgiveness

In tackling such a subject as forgiveness, it is difficult to condense this powerful experience in just a few words.    We begin with our Creator who is perfect in all ways and that He has no limits in His attributes, including forgiveness that radiates out of mercy.  Since our heavenly Father is Agape Love, He takes no offense, does not harbor grudges, does not keep a record of wrongs done as in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.  You could say that He is  'unbroken forgiveness' - an eternal force that is in the very spiritual air that we breathe, always constant and available to all.   As we receive personal forgiveness, the same principle to forgive others is the dual dynamic in experiencing freedom. 

Jesus was asked by the disciples how many times they needed to forgive someone.  Jesus said, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven"  (Matthew 18:22).

To dissect the word forgive and split it into the prefix "for", it has a meaning of complete.   And the word "give" contains the meanings of surrender, yield, to change.  In this context, when a person forgives, they relinquish their personal right to hold on to that offense or injury, no matter how justified.   In effect, it is letting go of deeply held negative feelings.  This brings personal healing and liberation to the soul and a pardon to the offending person or circumstance.

Louis Zamperini is one example of what the power of forgiveness did in changing his life around.  He was a heroic Olympian and World War II survivor as a Japanese POW.  You can read about Louis in the book entitled, "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand and has been made into a movie by the same name.  He lived through an Air Force bomber crash in the Pacific Ocean and drifted for days on a life raft.  He survived only to suffer brutally at the hand of his Japanese captors.  Louis was haunted by the memories of his incarceration until he came face to face with the force of forgiveness.    He lived out the remainder of his years in joy and purpose and passed away this year at the ripe age of 97.

Here is one of his quotes:  "The one who forgives never brings up the past to that person's face.  When you forgive, it's like it never happened.  True forgiveness is complete and total."

Tomorrow, on November 11, we celebrate Veterans Day.  I wrote a post last year in honor of all our serving military, past and present.  Included in that post is an article on "What is a Vet?", written by Father Denis Edward O'Brien, MM/USMC.   I hope you take some time to read it at this link:  http://www.turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-veteran.html


See you again at The Turn-Up Patch, two weeks from now on Monday, November 24....  

An Autumn Season Prayer

Many of us are familiar with the scripture in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven ..."    Today's post is centered on a beautiful autumn season prayer - the author is unknown.    

Father of Lights,  God of the seasons, there is a time for everything; there is a time for dying and a time for rising.  
Give us courage to enter into the change of transformation.

Father of Lights,  God of autumn, the trees are saying goodbye to their green, letting go of what has been.  We, too, 
have our moments of surrender, with all their insecurity and risk.  Help us to let go when we need to do so.

Father of Lights,  God of fallen leaves lying in colored patterns on the ground, our lives have their own patterns.  
As we see the patterns of our own growth, may we learn from them.

 

Father of Lights,  God of misty days and harvest moon nights, there is always the dimension of mystery and wonder 
in our lives.  We always need to recognize your power-filled presence.  May we gain strength from this.

Father of Lights,  God of harvest wagons and fields of ripened grain, many gifts of growth lie within the season of our surrender.  We must wait for harvest in faith and hope.  Grant us patience when we do not see the blessings.

 Father of Lights,  God of geese going south for another season, your wisdom enables us to know what needs to be 
left behind and what needs to be carried into the future.  We yearn for insight and vision.

Father of Lights,  God of flowers touched with frost and windows wearing white designs, may 
your love keep our hearts from growing cold in the empty seasons.

 Father of Lights,  God of life, you believe in us, you enrich us, you entrust us with 
the freedom to choose life.  For all of this, we are grateful.

 May this prayer be a blessing for today and in the tomorrow of your lives.
(Click on the photos for enlargement)

Until we meet again at the Turn-Up Patch on Monday, November 10 ....

The Bracelet And God's Colors

I discovered this simple little bracelet at one of the local stores in our area.  I was attracted to each color that diffused its own light, making a collective sparkling bracelet.  As I looked at the bracelet, the band of colors began to open a door in spiritual discovery.  The colors typify God's sparkles of Light and is a reminder of destiny that lies in His Hand of Abundant Life.  Colors of our Divine Creator have life - a force of beautiful energy that makes a difference in the human soul. When I reflect on what this bracelet represents to me, I am reminded of the ONE  available to live within us with His complete wholeness.  It takes me to Him in adoration of  His Divine Presence through the living facets of color.  No wonder He is called the "Father of Lights".

                              

Symbolically, there are bible meanings to individual colors.  Here are just a few that are mentioned....
                                         Red - Blood of Jesus, Redemptive Power, Protection, Love
                                         Blue - Living Waters, Holy Spirit, Revelation, Healing, Divinity, Grace
                                         Green - Abundant Life, Spiritual Growth, Eternal Life, Mercy
                                         Purple - Royalty, Dominion, Inheritance
                                         Fuchsia - Joy, Passion, Compassion
                                         Gold - Glory of God Deity, Righteousness, Faith
                                         Yellow - Light, Joy, Celebration
                                         White - Creator, Purity, Holiness, Triumph, Peace, Salvation
                                         Burgundy - New Wine, Cup of the New Covenant, Rejoicing
                                         Orange - Praise, Power, Fire
                                         Plum - Richness, Abundance, 
                                         Turquoise - River of God, Sanctification 
                                         Silver - Redemption, Word of God, Strength, Divinity     

A great woman wrote this.... "I believe that God is in me as the sun is in the color and fragrance of a flower - the Light in my darkness, the Voice in my silence."  That woman was Helen Keller.  She was not privileged to experience colors through physical sight, but she had the profound experience to touch God in His array of living colors within her heart.

I wrote a post in reference to Helen Keller - she left her mark in this world; one of inspiration, honor and character in the face of her sightless and soundless world.  You can read more about her in my writing entitled "Mountains, a Grain of Sand & Helen Keller" at this link: http://www.turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2013/03/mountains-grain-of-sand-helen-keller.html


Until we meet again on Monday, October 27 at The Turn-Up Patch, may God's colors enrich your inner life to transform into your outer world.