This first picture came back looking so different from what I had in mind. I have never taken photography classes, but green on green on green... what was I thinking!
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I went back a week later sans camera and cased the same location for a better shot. I'm sure I looked like a fool, standing there without any equipment, staring at the statue, putting my hands up to frame the picture, leaning and squatting very low. I was surprised that it would be so difficult to get a decent snapshot of this guy..
Two weeks later, I went to the same spot. This time, I had my camera. The picture was such an improvement in my own eyes, that I was happy to carry a print around with me and show a couple of photographer types. The way I told the story, you'd think this picture was the climax of a great adventure novel! But I listened, as they gave me constructive feedback, and as much as I like the second picture, there is still a lot of room for improvement, such as:
- One background... sky or bushes
- better use of depth-of-field
- use angle or photo-editor to remove lamp post
- don't shoot at noon for a better color of the sky, etc.
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Sometimes things don't turn out as expected. We can't think too much of our plans and just accept the fact that we are fallible. We learn, maybe improve, and then sometimes find that there is still more room for improvement..
As I have been drawn more to prayer in recent times, I find that this lesson can overlap in that area, too. Admittedly, we do not pray as we ought. If God doesn't answer our prayers the way we first ask, we may need to rethink our conversations and take the time to reflect, asking if there is a better way. Stay teachable.
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15 comments:
Hi Craver,
Lovely to see the results of your photography.
Just wonderingif you could take a shot of it against a early morning sky or an evening sky, to get it as a silhouette perhaps?
Hunker down and shoot upwards. Might even have to lie on your back to take the shot.
Trust me ....
I think with regards to prayer that often things aren't as we see them and that's whey we don't pray as we should. Just like the picture you saw through the lens was actually far more complext than you realized. Love the connection to prayer, here, Craver.
Love it! I can see what you are trying to say!
Good boy, the second shot is much better!
Craver, I've got to admit that I am still leaning towards the first shot because of its overall greenish play with the statue's patina. Then again, I am no pro in the least, just visceral. Broad daylight flavors everything out here and so I am also finding that early or late daylight can make a BIG difference in the results.
I find the answers to my prayers do come from genuinely thought-out requests, as well. Protection from demonic attacks, however, are 'right here, right now, 24/7' and that tells me something very important, too.
I find myself wondering... what would it look like to improve in prayer? Maybe at least showing up, you know?
showing up is good indeed - I, like LL frequently do wonder what it's supposed to look like. Tonight for instance looked very different when only two were listening to music and praying in the car afterwards, much more satisfying to my soul and far closer to the throne - funny.
And, by the way, my hand actually hurts - remind me not to practice so much next time - only exacting what it due.
I appreciate the tip, David. I don't know when I'll be back there, but several of the parks in this area have the same kind of statues and I see some good potential there.
So right Charity. There is often another way of seeing things. But if we just connect the dots...
Pray for me Martin, that I might have eyes to discover what truths have been there all along, and that I don't get too creative and fall for the lures of freshness and innovation.
Visceral is the perfect word for the first shot, Lin. If I remember correctly, that was the last exposure in that roll of film. I took the shot instinctively. If I get a digital camera, I'd like to just go nuts and do a series of experiments.
Funny thing about demonic attacks... they can't inhabit the house (body) of a saint, but they can sure throw stones, eh?
LL, showing up is a good start. Last night we had a record number of people show up to prayer meeting, and that included some squirmy babies, but I'm glad they were there. I hope the Lord allowed each person to see something that they didn't see before. Not special or new revelation, just clearer eyes to see what is already there.
Aren't you glad you were there last night, Halfmom? We made church history. Well, for our church, anyway.
Your hand hurts? Castigo de Dios.
No Craver - I'm not interested in HISTORY or NUMBERS or $$$$$ - and that is what I heard last night and it broke my hear.
I am only interested in the Holy Spirit hovering over us like He did when He created - in Him creating something new, something without the dross of whatever root has so infected us that we go through this same issue time and time again for my entire 10 years at NSC. And each time, we settle for the easy solution when the immediate pressure of crisis is off and the root problem is never examined, discovered or dealt with.
I want the Holy Spirit to pass through our midst as he did with the sin of Achan and burn away the dross, even if it is me.
As to hands - perhaps so. Thanks for being such a good sport though - I may even owe you an apology!
You're right, and that's a good point. I wouldn't want any of those markers to become idols. At the same time however, we have the positive scriptural precedent of erecting "standing stones" or "stones of remembrance." In and of themselves, they are not the big deal. They're just physical handles to remind us about something spiritual, (in our case, revival) which is the real reason for celebrating.
M'lady, you pack quite a punch, but my arm is fine. No apology necessary. But seven?? If you try to slug me every time I deserve it, you'd have a full-time job. Just don't whack me while I'm carrying a cuppa java, or you'll have to clean up the mess.
I think anything that gets in the way of doing God's work GOD'S way, not in the strength of men, is an idol irregardless of good intention.
We cannot measure by external standards such as numbers, etc. If we do, we risk the possibility of negating a large number of the old testament prophets who did not see a response to their message but were still doing exactly what God told them to do, when He said do it and how � so He was pleased with them. The overt appearance of "blessing" may only be a diversion of the enemy to divert attention from lack of revival.
Not to be redundant, but remember we are talking about a repeated pattern � repetitions on a theme over many years. I want to see revealing and chopping of the root, not the breaking off a weed at the ground level as the weed is only a symptom.
As to 7 � 2 for the two offenses to the young ladies; the other 5 � because you ditched and ran and your beloved (2 for her) had to catch up with you before your big sis (3 for her) did!
You know that I love ya, Sis; I really do, but that first sentence is like fingernails on a chalkboard. I hope you'll allow me to speak plainly.
First of all, "irregardless" is not a word. If you deconstruct it, you'll find that it's a double-negative, and therefore cancels itself out. But that's just a personal pet peeve.
Second, how does one create an idol with good intentions? Similarly, wouldn't this part of the sentence cancel out the first part?
Third, if we are talking about earnestly striving for something good, ex., Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, we MUST do this with "our" strength... ALL of our strength, even if we are doing something "in the Spirit." Certainly, there is nothing good that I have ever done, that I have done with absolutely pure motives, and that will be fixed someday, but not 'till heaven, but I will (and should) be measured by my deeds, since no one can know my heart, except God.
Which brings me to my final point. While conceding the fact that it is possible to misinterpret external measurements, that does not mean that we should discard them altogether. Why does God's Word list the Fruit of the Spirit, or the qualifications of an elder?
When a church our size averages eight or so at the regular weekly prayer meetings, I'm uncomfortable with that. But the elders challenge us to fast and pray, and all of the sudden, it's over 100, we can rejoice that it is a step in the right direction. It's not perfection, mind you... just a step. Nevertheless, it's okay to be happy about that.
Yes, I do know you are a loving brother. Otherwise, you would sock me back.
No, I did not know it was not a word. It is idiomatic in the scientific literature and therefore in my everyday language. Even editors have never drawn this to my attention. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary says, “The most frequently repeated remark about it is that “there is no such word”. There is such a word, however. It is still used primarily in speech, although it can be found from time to time in edited prose. Its reputation has not risen over the years, and it is still a long way from general acceptance. Use regardless instead.” So much for all that English Composition and Scientific Writing I had to take.
The comment about numbers was not meant to imply that the sheer number of people in attendance last night was not a wonderful thing or something that should not be rejoiced over. I did not intend my comments to be interpreted that way. Those were not the numbers I was referencing. At this point, I think the rest, including the theology should now be an issue for a private discussion.
By the way, I just found out I totally messed up and missed a grant deadline. It was today and not Friday as I had written on my calendar months ago. My University would not let it go in today even if I had been able to finish it by 5pm because it takes them 1-2 days to review it and we were missing a critical document from UIC document too; both individual death sentences. Interesting that I wanted to finish it early, over the past weekend, but was sick instead, and you know where I was last night, certainly now working. Sometimes life is just plain weird.
I’ll talk to you later – or we can meet in the foyer and duke it out.
Our work is so different. I cannot truly know the angst of missing a grant deadline as profoundly as you. Regardless, I will bring this burden before the throne of grace today. Shalom.
Craver
I like post irregardless of what others may say. Sorry, couldn't resist.
Seriously, I've found myself using irregardless then actually asking myself - is that even a word? Now, I know...and I'm better for it. ;-)
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