FIFTH SUNDAY REVISITS the mountaintop experience.
This is a fun ART.FORM VIDEO to take another look at balloons and mountaintop experiences. It’s perfect timing, too, because my spotlight artist, Norman Dickson is beginning a new class at BRTC. If you live close by and want to learn Photoshop techniques, be sure to sign up. It starts next week!
We all love times . . .
when we find ourselves in the middle of one of life’s mountaintop experiences.
We scaled the giant mass. With strength we didn’t know existed, we held on, stretching and pulling reaching the peak. Every ounce of fortitude needed, every provision required – supplied. We feel like we can take wings and fly.
What a thrill!
And the scenery. . .
We can see clearly for miles. Open fields of wildflowers occasionally interrupted by clusters of treetops swaying in the wind. Rivers flow down, sloping around a bend to the hidden valley below.
While at the top, everything feels right with the world.
We dread the descent . . .
Because of that hidden valley.
We know there’s no summit delight to be found there. Often, it’s quite the contrary. The fields are filled with weeds, the trees a dark forest, and the water’s fierce currents promise to pull us under if we dare enter.
Hence, life warns possible hardship ahead.
Remember this…
All the provisions needed will be there, too. How can we be so sure?
Because the God of the mountaintop is the God of the valley.
It’s just a different scenery.
“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4: 11-13 NLT
My spotlight artist this week is Norman Dickson.
He is a Photographer, Graphic Designer and produces web content. He lives in Jonesboro, AR.
From Norman:
Image Art caught my eye at the age of 18. The old saying that if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life is true. We all need wages, but enjoying work like I do is very satisfying.
I love making new friends while meeting their needs. (My other career is in sales and public relations.) Photography gives me a tool to do that. I’m able to share how I see the world with others, hopefully enriching theirs.
My workspace is wherever I am, but my favorite creative space is looking through and beyond the camera lens, exploring the world in unique ways. Early morning and late afternoon light are best for photography, but dramatic lighting can happen anytime. Another workspace is on my computer using graphic programs that allow me to change the final art while having fun.
During the days of film, the photographic experience was quite different. Final results weren’t evident until the film processed and prints were made, so students had to work hard to master the craft. Digital has changed this. The good side of digital is we all can do image art and at a lesser cost. The bad side is that fewer master it well.
There is joy in capturing moments with a camera. No special skills are required, but my challenge to those that love this art form is to study the depth the craft has to offer.
Take flight and enjoy the balloons!
You can view and purchase Norman’s images here
You can purchase the GRACE WARRIOR DEVOTIONAL SERIES here
Norman Dickerson is a name I will come back to.
Thank you Melissa. You were born to write. I will be back on Tuesday, with my thoughts collected, and share just how your words effected me.