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365 Project Day 358: Empty Vessel
Posted on 26. Dec, 2011 by maryanne.
Shining in and Through
Canon 5D Mark ll, 100 macro 2.8, 2.8 aperture, 1/125, 400 ISO
My mom gave me these lovely seltzer bottles yesterday. I love their color and character. I set them on my kitchen table when I came in last night before I went to bed. Chris and I both went to bed feeling a little sickly last night and then woke up with full blown colds this morning. Both of us are exhausted, and now we are sick too. We try to take care of ourselves, but this has been an extremely busy season for us.
Time to rest. We no longer have a choice.
While I was refilling my hot tea today, I saw the bottles illuminated by the afternoon sunlight from my kitchen window, casting their colors across the table. They were beautiful, their glory shining in the light of day. They hardly seemed like the same bottles that I brought home the night before. Mesmerized, I walked over to them, studying them. Empty vessels. Was I like them? Empty and poured out? I am certainly poured out, but not as empty as I need to be, not to shine like that. Just tired. I feel the debris still rattling around inside of me. Fragments of busyness and selfish ambition that rush in to fill the ache of emptiness. I found myself in an immediate quandary over this truth. In order to be filled with the things of God, his light and love, I need to be emptied.
The problem is, I do not like to endure the ache of emptiness, and so I continually occupy myself with anything but. I want the fullness of God, but I do not like to let go of what is familiar and comforting.
And so, I pray. He says to ask Him when I need something. Even if what I need is his help to reign in my own will. My stubbornness. ” Lord, please empty me.”
I can no longer bear the rattle and battle of all the other things that so conveniently pour in to fill even the smallest of voids in my spirit. “Empty me, and fill me with You,” I pray again. I want to be like these bottles, filled only with your light and the colors that they have been given by their maker.
“I will endure the ache, if You will fill me with Yourself.”
Matthew 5:6 ~”Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
2 Corinthians 4:7 ~”But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;”
Ready
Color and Character
Filled with Light
Open Heart
Made for This
Iridescent Heart
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365 Project Day 357: A New Generation
Posted on 26. Dec, 2011 by maryanne.
Sweetness
Canon 5D Mark ll, 50 1.2L, 1.4 aperture, 1/40 shutter speed, 1250 ISO, on camera flash bounced off ceiling set to ETTL
My sweet great-nephew Wyatt had his first Christmas this year and the family gathered around to ooh and ahh over his chubby cheeks and pudgy toes. We could not get enough of him. Babies bring so much life and joy into a home. He had lots of people waiting in line to rock, feed, and snuggle him to sleep today. He didn’t seem to mind. We were all hypnotized by his efforts to express himself with his little sounds, as he shaped his perfect baby lips into circles and smiles.
The children’s table is now another grown-up table as life moves on and comes full circle again. Change can be difficult and wonderful all at the same time. This table is now full of talented, compassionate and witty adults that I am proud to call my family. I see the beauty and grace of the Lord in each of their faces. Kingdom seeds have been planted in each one, and the fragrance of the presence of God rests on them.
This is true wealth.
Wealth and Riches
I especially loved watching Annie feed Wyatt. She will be a marvelous mother someday. She has a special connection with children. I have seen it over and over again. I captured some sweet moments of them together. Love his little pudgy fingers wrapped around his bottle. Any mother knows, this is the best place on earth. We were made to hold our babies next to our hearts. It’s the letting go that is a little more complex.
Here are a few more of Annie and Wyatt together.
2nd Cousins
Finger Kisses
Family Joy
Baby Toes
Isaiah 59:21 ~” ‘As for me, this is my covenant with them,’ says the Lord. “My Spirit, who is on you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will not depart from your mouth, or from the mouths of your children, or from the mouths of their descendants from this time on forever,’ says the Lord.”
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365 Project Day 356: Merry Christmas
Posted on 25. Dec, 2011 by maryanne.
The Best Gift
Canon 5D Mark ll, 100 2.8 macro, 3.5 aperture, 0.4 shutter speed, tripod, and 580 EXll off camera at 1/64 power to right of subject
Merry Christmas everyone. God is with us. May you feel the His light and love today.
Luke 2:1-20 ~” In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria). And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
’Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”
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365 Project Day 355: Oh, Stars
Posted on 24. Dec, 2011 by maryanne.
- How They Shine
Canon 5D Mark ll, 16-35 2.8L, lens set to infinity, 2.8 aperture, 15 second shutter speed, 3200 ISO, a tripod and remote were used
I have wanted to photograph the stars several times during this project. Tonight was my night to try. Although I did not photograph them as well as I wanted, I am astonished at what I found with the help of my camera. I did not see this many stars with my eyes. Stargazing always seems to help me right-size my perspective. Finding my smallness always brings me relief. He is God and I am not. The expanse of the universe, the stars that He spoke into being now speak this truth with more eloquence than I can pretend to muster. How they must have tumbled out from His lips like jewels sparkling into the darkness. I would have loved to have seen that. Look at them. Can you believe He made those for us to walk under, to light our darkness, to show Abraham a picture of the vastness of the generations to come, or even lead wise men to a the King of all Kings?
My daughter Katie has written a beautiful song about the stars. You may listen to and download it for free here. I am so proud of her. She has a worshiping heart. I do not know what else a mother could ask for.
Happy Christmas Eve, everyone. Let us worship the One who not only threw the stars into space, but allowed His son to be born under them as a gift to the world.
Matthew 2:9-11 ~”After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.”
God's Promises for Me
Jewels in the Darkness
Home Under Heaven
Shine On
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365 Project Day 354: Are You Pursuing What You Already Have?
Posted on 22. Dec, 2011 by maryanne.
In Pursuit
Canon 5D Mark ll, 50 1.2L, 1.4 aperture, 1/30 shutter, 400 ISO
“I was flipping through old photographs
Dusting off dead dreams. Funny how it seems
I’m always wanting more.
Wouldn’t it be crazy or would it just be sad,
If everything I’m wanting I already have?”
~Sherri Youngward, Back to the Beginning
These lyrics from Sherri Youngward’s song Back to the Beginning came to mind today as I ventured into the world of shopping for Christmas. As my heart drifted into the sleep of “getting more” I longed for a way to get back to what I know to be true. I will not find what I am seeking in another gift or thing.
Only God can fill me, and gratitude helps to repair the holes in my soul that ache in the pursuit of more. So as the tide of the season tugs at your legs and feet this week, I pray you can find your footing, your peace, in gratitude. I encourage you (and myself) to thank the Giver of all good gifts for the treasures that are right under your nose. He is good and He is God.
He is with us.
Here a few photos I found on my Instagram that I took this week with my phone. They are imperfect and grainy, but sure reminders of how very rich I am.
So rich.
Isaiah 55:2 ~”Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.”
James 1:17 ~”Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
A Favorite Face
A Boy in Worship
Puppy at my Feet
Beacon of Safety
Fire and a Star
A Cheerful Reminder
A Light that Shines
Christmas Coffee
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365 Project Day 353: Christmas Pony
Posted on 22. Dec, 2011 by maryanne.
Love
Canon 5D Mark ll, 24-70 2.8L, 2.8 aperture, 1/13 shutter speed, 1250 ISO, tripod used to avoid camera shake
I couldn’t resist photographing someone in front of the spot lights and drizzling rain tonight. It was magic waiting to happen. The perfect subjects? My lovely Annie and my sweet horse Jackie. It was precious. I didn’t know how Jackie would react to the house all lit up with Christmas lights, but she didn’t seem to notice. In fact a couple times she fell asleep with her chin resting on Annie’s hands. She is simply wonderful. She might come into the house if I ask her. Maybe later.
I have my Santa girl and a Christmas pony. That will bring a heart cheer, even in the rainy mist. Lots going on here at the Morgan house, as I am sure there is at yours. I am endeavoring to slow down and breathe in the beauty and joy of the season. Usually all I have to do is open my heart and eyes at the same time. I found it tonight in a spotlight, the rain, and a couple of very special subjects.
May the God of all hope meet you this day and cheer your heart.
Happy Thursday.
Romans 15:13 ~”May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Favorites
Horse Whispers
Sweet Friendship
Green Booted Cutie
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365 Project Day 352: When the Days are Not Merry or Bright
Posted on 21. Dec, 2011 by maryanne.
Finding Christmas
Canon 5D Mark ll, 100 2.8 macro, 2.8 aperture, 1/50 shutter speed, 500 ISO
We are having a happy Christmas in our home this year, but I am also keenly aware that this season can enhance the grief that so many are experiencing. I have had some difficult seasons of my own. One that I only faintly remember, it was so painful. The one year that Christmas came at the most inopportune time. It was the year of the dark shadow. Grieving the loss of a baby, I was absent from my family and my own ability to stay present. I could not function as a mom, a wife, a friend or a follower of Christ. Looking back now I know in the deepest places that God was holding me, all the pieces of me, in soft, strong hands. I was held, covered and safe in the darkness, until the light dawned again.
It did dawn.
If you are going through a time of grief, or if this season somehow deepens your past pain, I pray that you would know how loved you are. Extravagantly, lavishly loved by your creator God. He gave up everything to fight for you. You may know this with your mind, but just not be able to feel it. I pray you can, that you will.
Know this. You are not alone. All you have to do is breathe out His name and He is there, holding you, invisibly but surely. Jesus. Emmanuel, God is with us. He has promised He will never leave us.
If you are having a good season, I encourage you to be aware of those around you who may not be. A note, a phone call, an encouraging word, and best of all prayers help to make someone feel less alone. No one likes to feel alone.
Ephesians 3:18,19 ~”And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
Psalm 91:15 ~”He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.”
Left Outside
Waiting
A Son is Given
Redemption
Hope
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365 Project Day 351: Getting the Tree
Posted on 20. Dec, 2011 by maryanne.
His Favorite
Canon 5D Mark ll, 50 1.2L, 3.5 aperture, 1/320 shutter, 100 ISO
One of my favorite traditions that we have as a family at Christmas is getting the tree together every year. It hasn’t always been super fun. I remember a lot of cold rainy nights in Georgia looking for a tree with little ones and getting frustrated with the prices. Yes, it has been stressful at times, but traditions are worth fighting for. This year we did not get our tree until today, six days before Christmas. Johnny refused to get the tree without his sisters here. Chris and I understood, so we waited.
When we arrived at the tree farm, the man there told us all the trees were 25$ because it was so late in the season. We were so excited. Every year now, when we get the the farm, we all go to a tree we like and then the whole family comes over and votes on that tree. We always try to give the pros and cons of each one and usually we favor the one to which someone is most attached. Since we had the whole farm to choose from without the worry of cost, we had a little more fun today. We ended up bringing home “Goliath” as Johnny affectionately named it, who was a 120$ tree for 25$. This is the biggest tree we have ever gotten. It is over 12 feet tall and fills the space in our great room so nicely. Annie and Johnny and I had to rearrange the entire room around it while Chris and Katie were at the church rehearsing for the Christmas Eve service.
What is it about a Christmas tree that is so soothing and cheerful at the same time? I love this tree. We all do. I had to climb a ladder and still stand on my tippy toes to string the lights. As soon as we had it up and partially decorated, everyone gathered in the room savoring its scent and sparkle.
I know these traditions will have to change over the years, but I am grateful for one more Christmas with everyone here.
Numbers 6:24-6 “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace”.
Johnny's Choice
What about this One?
Santa Baby Wants this One
Well Chosen
Sparkle and Shine
View through the Steps
Banister Bokeh
Christmas Cheer
Shining Star
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365 Project Day 350: Bringing a Birdie Home
Posted on 19. Dec, 2011 by maryanne.
Together Again
Canon 5D Mark ll, 50 1.2L, 1.2 aperture, 1/125 shutter speed, 640 ISO
We decided to meet Annie at the airport in style tonight. We knew she would have been traveling for almost 24 hours and might need something a little special to cheer her. The kids and I shopped at Goodwill today for these lovely outfits on the way home from church. It really was fun. I know some wonder why my world dims a bit when we are not all together. This is one of the reasons why. My family is fun and full of life. My kids are very close and supportive of one another and I am so grateful. We are not perfect, but we do love one another.
I wish I had gotten shots of Annie’s face when she saw us tonight. Her plane came in early and she was waiting at baggage claim alone. When we saw her we began to shout her name across the airport and run wildly toward her. Johnny literally jumped over the wall of phones to get to her. She seemed a bit stunned by our actions and our apparel. She was still a bit far away but I could tell she was laughing. I think it was just what she needed. We definitely made a special memory (and an impression on other people at the airport). Good times. I did have Katie take a few of me with Annie just to prove that I got dressed up too.
Chris looked like something out of a Charles Dickens book. I love that man. He worked all day leading worship for four church services and then came to the airport at 10:30 at night dressed up like a Christmas geek. I will keep him. He is so patient and loving.
Here are a few more of our geeky Christmas welcome for our Annie-bird. I cannot begin to wrap my heart around the fact that all my birdies are in the nest tonight. I know it is temporary. I plan to soak in every moment.
Happy tonight.
Proverbs 17:22 ~”A joyful heart is good medicine”.
The Crew
Love these People
Safe Place
Christmas Nerds
Happy with Daddy
Keeping a Watch Over the Luggage
These Bags are Secure
Santa Earrings
Sunshine in my Arms
Let's Go Home
Snazzy Daddy
So Much to Tell
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365 Project Day 349: Emmanuel
Posted on 18. Dec, 2011 by maryanne.
Humble King
Canon 5D Mark ll, 70-200 2.8 L, 2.8 aperture, 1/50th shutter speed, 1600 ISO
Matthew 22:23 ~”All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ’The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means “God with us’).”
He was and still is the King of all the earth, and yet He humbled himself and was born in a stable. Amidst the dust of the earth, from which we ourselves were formed, He came. Mingling divinity with humanity, He came to us. His name Jesus, also Emmanuel, means God with us. As He breathed in our fallen air in his first cry, He must have felt our pain in flesh of His own. Our gravity pulling on His beauty from the beginning. He came for us. A baby came to our rescue, and we made no room for Him.
But there is still time.
Let us open our hearts wide that the King of glory may come in. Emmauel. He is with us.
Following a Star
Joyful Reception
Isaiah 9:6,7 ~”For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.”
