Tuesday, February 5, 2013

"Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord . . ."


Luke 10:23
Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see."

My husband, Danny, is passionate about photography.  Everywhere we travel, his camera comes with us.  Because, as Danny says, "I never want to see the perfect shot and not be prepared to capture it."

But, taking that "perfect" shot doesn't mean Danny won't tweak it using Photo Shop, an essential tool for any serious photographer.  He has such an eye for color, contrast, cropping, and composition.  Even a so-so photo can breathe new life under his direction.  It's an amazing process to witness!

Recently, Danny adds a program called Photomatix which allows him to merge three images of different exposures.  The end result?  I'll let the following before and after shots speak for themselves . . .





















Wow!  What a difference!

When Danny posts the new and improved sock photo to the Facebook page of a photography group he has joined, one person leaves this comment:  "It's so amazing to take the ordinary view of socks, of all things, and turn it into art."

Danny's response?  "God made the art.  I simply noticed."


~

Are you noticing God's artwork in the world around you?

Will you pray with me?
Open the eyes of our hearts, Father, that we might see Your mighty hand in all Your works.  Give us pause each day to notice Your miracles all around us.  Bless all those who use their gifts and talents to Your honor and glory.  Amen.

31 comments:

  1. Great reminders. I enjoyed the beautiful photography.

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  2. That was an awesome way to put it. We need to open our eyes.

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    1. Yes, we DO need to open our eyes! :)
      Blessings, Janu!

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  3. Loved his images...And I also love to edit photos too! Yes, God's glory is absolutely everywhere...In every cell, in every breath, in every sound. Danny is so right, we need only to take notice!
    <3

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    1. Glad you enjoyed these, Jessica; I'll be sure to tell Danny!
      And, yes, His glory is everywhere and in everything - He's just waiting for us to notice.
      Blessings to you!

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  4. And to press the point spiritually... in the eyes of THE Expert Artist, even the most ordinary of our lives are His work of art. Great stuff, friend.

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    1. Oh, what a beautiful and comforting thought, Andy! Yes, the potter forms our clay perfectly. :)
      Blessings to you!

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  5. Great art and great message. I loved this post. thank you for the reminder.

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    1. Thank you for your kind words, Jan. In seeing your photos, I know you notice God's artwork! :)
      Blessings to you!

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  6. Hi, Martha:
    Seems if Danny and I share a common interest. Have camera will travel is my mantra as well. I'm always seeking that "perfect shot" as well.

    Does Danny show his photos anywhere?
    Does he have an online gallery?
    Has he ever shown his photos in public?
    --
    Chris

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    1. Yes, you certainly do share that interest with Danny! He has entered (and won) several photo contests. No online gallery . . . sorry!
      Thanks for coming by, Chris, and blessings to you!

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  7. hi Martha - glad you shared this post. There is so much greatness of God all around us - we just need to take a moment and notice it. We tend to take so much for granted because everything is always around us and has become so familiar.

    But if we think about the miracles of the small and big things around us, it's really moving and inspiring. We should spend a moment each day observing the natural beauty around us and marvel at God's creation :) These photos are awesome!

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    1. Thanks so much for coming by, Vishnu, and for your words of wisdom here. Yes, we do tend to take so many things for granted; we need to wake up and see with new eyes!
      Glad you enjoyed the photos!
      Blessings to you!

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  8. More than anything else, I notice his artwork in me. A not-so-bright person like me was taken by him and transformed. I owe it to him for what I am.

    And Danny's photos are beautifully transformed, Martha.

    To god be the glory.

    Joy always,
    Susan

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    1. Susan, you've shared a beautiful thought that we should all take to heart - his artwork is, indeed, in each one of us! When we think that way doesn't it make it easier to love ourselves and others?
      Glad you liked the photos, too!
      Thanks for the visit and many blessings to you!

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  9. Hi Martha :),

    these photos are very nice.Compliments to your husband.
    Actually,I do notice God's work around us.Everytime I go for a walk and observe the nature,I am amazed at how everything is beautiful and serves its purpose.
    Thanks for the prayer.XO

    God bless you.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Jasmina!
      You are one of the observant ones - that's a truly wonderful gift to have because you are never separated from God when you can see the world that way.
      I will pass on your compliments to Danny, too. :)
      Blessings to you!

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  10. I loved Danny`s response Martha! We should use the talents that God has given us to bring Him Glory. Wonderful photos!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Nelieta, and for your kind compliment for Danny's photos. Yes, in all things we do, we should give God the glory!
      Blessings, my friend!

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  11. Being one who deeply appreciates photography, I love his work! The 'sock' photo is simply amazing. Not only does the editing change the image, but it reminded me that everyone that looks at one individual thing, will not always see the same image. As in life, we see and hear something, but it may be interpreted differently by our brains. Our God is a mighty God, isn't he? To make each of us so simple, but yet so very complex:)

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    1. Thanks for visiting, Mary, and for your thoughtful comment. It is a great reminder to us that we don't always see things the same way and need to learn to appreciate others' points of view.
      And, yes! Ours is a mighty and awesome God!
      Blessings, my friend!

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  12. Fantastic work by Danny. And I love his statement. It's so true? All we have to do is notice!

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    1. Yes! Just sit up and take notice and know every good gift comes from God.
      Thanks so much for coming by, Corinne! I'll be sure Danny sees your comment. :)
      Blessings, my friend!

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  13. wow!!! I love photography blogs...they show me things I never would have seen and also remind me to notice His creation!! pretty amazing photos! what fun stuff they can do too!

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    1. Thanks for visiting, Annmarie! So glad you enjoyed the photos. These are such great reminders of God's awesome creation.
      Blessings to you!

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  14. Those "after" photos are truly gorgeous! All that beauty was right there "before" but hard to see. Thank you for sharing these.

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    1. Thank you, Galen, for stopping by and for your kind comment!
      Yes, I'm truly amazed by what Danny can do using this program. And, I agree with you - the beauty was always there, and we can see it in our mind's eyes when we our hearts are open.
      Blessings, my friend!

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  15. Danny knows what's up! :) We photographers just notice the beauty God left for us to capture and sometimes make it more beautiful with the creative abilities God gave us! :)

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    1. Thanks so much, Rachel,for visiting and leaving your astute comment. Yes, may the day of the visually gifted dawn! It often takes that to wake up a sleeping world . . .
      Blessings to you!

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  16. Really amazing :) I love his artworks that you continuously share with us in both of your blogs. Thank you so much for putting more spice in 'noticing' things... and thank you for the new app you've introduced.

    I always look at the sky, God's canvass :)

    I pray with you that our hearts may truly see the things around us...

    Lots of love!

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