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Put Things In Right Perspective


When I took my dog, Buddy, for a walk yesterday (somehow he always knows that time, even when the time changes), we went the usual path in the neighborhood. With the COVID-19 Virus in full bloom, and everyone inside with the stay-at-home guidelines, several of the homeowners stepped outside to say hello after seeing us walking by through their windows.

One woman, who also has a Golden, always loves to give Buddy a hug. She was very sad how she felt that she could not do this, even though pets do not seem to be on the ‘ social distancing ‘ list. I mentioned how we take that all for granted now, how touching others does more for humanity than we realize.

This woman, who is a professor at the University of Chicago, said in conversations with others are saying how ‘ Mother Nature is saying to slow down ‘.

To be honest with you, I have lost this perspective a bit. I think slowing down was the right message for me to hear. It always amazes me who or what God uses to help us put things into perspective, if we are willing to be aware of it.

So this got me to thinking, how next week is Holy Week and many of the ( Christian ) churches will not have any services .. something also taken for granted ..

In other words, God has a vision for each church that we would grow so much in our love for God that we would love people the way He loves them: unconditionally and passionately. To be filled up with His grace, truth, and purpose so that everything we do will reflect Him to those around us.

The picture at the link below, has a similar message in the description about slowing down and to put things in right perspective … if you have a few moments to read it.


Measuring Up To Jesus



Thanks for reading. A blessed Holy Week to you.

Frank


'Pictures That Share Hope and God's Love in the World'

I invite you to view my collection of colorful uplifting photographs and gifts, and bring new light and life to your home and those you love. I produce and sell photographs of moments in time, and human interaction, that share hope and God's love in the world, through my Catholic Faith.

Frank J Casella Photographs Website



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Since we are called to stay-at-home for the COVID-19 guidelines, many of us have extra time on our hands. Once we get the house cleaned until there is no more to do, and the garden in order, and whatever else, until we are faced with silence.

This leaves two options, either we scroll social media, or we do what we did before social media came around.

Thinking.

One of the things that has helped me to do this is to write my thoughts in a quality notebook that will last a generation or two, but you can also do this digital on a Free private blog tool like Tumblr or WordPress.com.

The important thing is to get started, because when we write our thoughts is helps us to know where we stand on things, and our children learn from this as well.

The journal is meant to be a record of achievement. That will, at times, include recognizing and charting failures. Write down your accomplishments and what you could have done better. Writing by hand has a proven effect on the brain.

Building things takes more time than taking them down.

I recognize how fortunate we are to have technology that allows us to go beyond physical isolation. The library building is closed for a time, but I can download books from there as well as other services. In an age of distraction, the notebook produces a rare commodity: high-quality thinking — the type of thinking that can make us a student of, and for, our own lives.

Writing down your thoughts forces you to clarify what you’re thinking and confront ambiguities or inconsistencies.

You can not check e-mail using a spiral-bound notebook.

Paper facilitates creative thinking.

It is said that if you start to spend an hour a day with your own thoughts, it will take up to sixty days before you remove all the clutter and eventually can start the hour thinking about yesterday and today! I have found this to be so true!

When it seems like there are fences in life, always live in faith and simplicity ... in what is known as the classroom of silence.

You will be amazed how much the world becomes a brighter place, for you, and for the others around you.

Our spiral notebooks are 6" x 8" in size and include 120 pages which are lined on both sides. The artwork is printed on the front cover which is made of thinck paper stock, and the back cover is medium gray in color. the inside of the back cover includes a pocket for storing extra paper and pens. Ships withing 2 - 3 business days and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.



Thanks for reading.

Frank J Casella



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Fasting

With this being the first Friday of Lent, I wand to focus on Fasting.

Looking at the imagery on the side panel, I'm reminded of the bareness of winter, yet also the beauty of it as well.

Please click on an image to the right and spend some quiet time to pull yourself into the peacefulness of fasting.


Looking for words to take this meaning of fasting a bit farther, I would like to share with you words of the spiritual spring training from the blog of Fr. Burke Masters, Chaplain for the Chicago Cubs.

"As we head into the third day of our spiritual spring training we focus on fasting. Athletes are asked to eat healthy and abstain from certain foods so that their bodies can be in the best condition possible. We too are asked to fast during Lent to help strengthen our wills, to avoid temptation and to grow in grace. However, fasting does not just pertain to food.....

... What is the point of fasting? It is meant to strengthen our will, so that we can better love God and our neighbor. Therefore, if your Lenten fast makes you grumpy or mean, change your fast. For example, if you give up coffee for Lent and it makes you cranky all day long, you might need to look for another fast. The point of fasting during Lent is not to endure some self-denial without the bigger goal of growing in love. Our goal is to be a saint in heaven one day. What will help me grow in holiness this Lent? For example, if I want to be a hall-of-fame baseball player and I am practicing a drill repeatedly that doesn’t improve my skills as a baseball player, I need to change the way I am practicing. Everything I do should lead me to be the best version of myself."


Read More on the Father Burke Masters Blog


More imagery for your Lenten contemplation, visit:

The Catholic Subject Gallery



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With Lent upon us, I want be more respectful of your time and to limit the blog post mails I send you to once a week, usually on Friday. There are several features that I send you every week and every month, and now I will be including all that apply in one weekly mail each Friday.

If you know of someone who would like to get these mails not signed up yet, please send them this mail with your Forward button or Click here and send them the URL to that sign up page.




View the Feature of the Week Gallery

This week, until next Friday, I am featuring the artwork here at rock bottom pricing - no discount code needed. Enjoy! [This includes all Wall Art: Canvas Prints, Framed Prints, Acrylic Prints, Metal Prints, Wood Prints, Prints and Posters, Tapestry, plus Greeting Carts and Phone Cases, and more!]



Thanks for reading, talk with you again real soon.

Frank


'Pictures That Share Hope and God's Love in the World'

I invite you to view my collection of colorful uplifting photographs and gifts, and bring new light and life to your home and those you love. I produce and sell photographs of moments in time, and human interaction, that share hope and God's love in the world, through my Catholic Faith.

Frank J Casella Photographs Website



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To come back to this blog directly Bookmark: Blog.FrankJCasella.com

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Frank J Casella - American. Photographer. Catholic. Co-founder. Living in Chicagoland - USA. Pictures speak in ways that words can not. Since I was a kid, I've been perfecting how to put the viewer where my subject is - I call this "Pictures People Listen To".

I've been a Documentary and Stock Photographer since 1988, and Independent Artist exclusively on Fine Art America since 2013. Though, I've had a camera in my hand since I was a young boy. I produce and sell pictures of moments in time, and human interaction, that share hope and God's love in the world, through my Catholic Faith.

I'm also co-founder of Chicago Catholic Men's Forum, and Executive Director of Catholic Men Chicago Southland, since 2004. When you foster a Man in holiness, the positive adjustments he makes creates a upstanding man, husband, or father, and this impact can be felt for three generations.

I'm a product of Columbia College Chicago and, shortly after, my childhood dream became reality when I was assigned to photograph the ministry of the (Roman Catholic) Archbishop of Chicago - the late Joseph Cardinal Bernardin.

My artwork style is inspired by Norman Rockwell. I'm privileged to be nurtured by John H. White - Pulitzer Prize photojournalist.




Life Mission:

My life mission is to share hope and God's Love in the World. Jesus said, “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.” ~ Luke 9:62



Testimonials:

"Frank Casella .... is like an Old World artist, creative yet meticulous, inspired yet careful, in awe of visual beauty yet not afraid to engage it through the lens of his camera. .... Frank Casella's work is what we mean when we say that photography can be an art".

-- Rev. Anthony J. Brankin, Chicago Priest and Sculpture


"Frank, I just wanted to Thank you again for coming to our photo club and your program on visual storytelling. I know we all got something from your presentation. It was a good idea the way you got us involved in your program. ....

.... For myself it was humbling to see how well you can design a moment to last forever. And your sense of getting the essence of the subject, that simple moment. I have a new respect for black and white images and I understand how it can enhance an image. Thank You again Frank it was a privilege for us to have you as a program presenter."

-- Tim McGrath, c/o Park Forest Photography Club


“Frank, Great Work and great job on your Website. Your work is thoughtful and good and you are an excellent Godly man and photographer”.

– James Klein Lenderink, Commercial Photographer



Stay Connected:

If you would like to see new artworks released, latest promotions, and blog entries, sign up for my Mailing List - LIst.FrankJCasella.com - delivered one to three times a week ... Direct to your Email box! Unsubscribe at any time. I am very intentional about my use of social media....


To that end, here are positive reasons why I post primarily on my own blog or mailing list, not always on social media:


1. Having a home

This site is a creative outlet for me and my works. When I want you to know something, I'm going to talk about it here, both with the picture descriptions and with the blogs. This is where you'll be able to find me over time and space. This is my home.

For example, people in my old neighborhood used to just drop by to sit on the front porch and catch up; this site serves the same purpose for me. It's something we can depend on so we can always be in contact.


2. Internet citizenship

This is called the "web" because our sites all interconnect with links. Hyperlinking is what gives the Internet its richness. Following links has helped me learn so much, and give back. My own blog site lets me do that.



Where To Find Me Online:

I post articles on Linkedin when I have something to say, or a story to share, to contribute professional insights.

SundayLetters - A picture, a life topic, and latest blog entries or creative projects, always on Sunday about once or twice a month.

Official Website Email List - Latest photographs, promotions, and related posts from this blog..

CMCSVirtues - A Blog to Nurture Catholic Men's Spirituality


Follow my Photography Page on LinkedIn - Linkedin.FrankJCasella.com

Check out my personal pictures and projects at the Personal Work Collection - Photos.FrankJCasella.com.

... If you find an image there that you'd like to see for sale, drop me a note - Contact.FrankJCasella.com.


View My hometown photo project 'Home Sweet Homewood 1 Day' at - Homewood1Day.FrankJCasella.com - moments in time photographs of Homewood, Illinois





Come back here to browse my website, and bookmark - FJCPhoto.FrankJCasella.com

Search My Stock Photos on www.licensing.frankjcasella.com


Drop me an E-mail and say hello - Contact.FrankJCasella.com. (Phone calls by appointment made via email.)







“As a photographer, the big secret is entering into the charisma with the person you have in front of you. If you don't feel it, you'll never do it well.” ~ ARTURO MARI, Vatican photographer

Holy Adoration Altar


First, I would like to wish everyone on Happy Spring! At the link below are some images that I only wish were ' Scratch - N - Sniff ' so you can get the full aroma! They are all moved to the top here:

Browse through my Flowers and Trees Collection



Second, about the picture for this week:
Adoration is a sign of devotion to and worship of Jesus Christ, who is believed by Catholics to be present Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity, under the appearance of the consecrated host, in the form of hosts, that is, consecrated altar bread.

As a devotion, Eucharistic adoration and meditation are more than merely looking at the Blessed Host, but are believed to be a continuation of what was celebrated in the Eucharist. From a theological perspective, the adoration is a form of latria, based on the tenet of the Real Presence of Christ in the Blessed Host.

Whether you are Catholic or not, looking at this picture it is hard to argue the love for Jesus and the power of prayer these people illustrate. I've also included here the Crucifix for Lenten devotion.

Join my Email List for the latest promotins [View the Feature of the Week Gallery]

This week, until next Friday, I am featuring the artwork at this link at rock bottom pricing - no discount code needed. Enjoy!

[This includes all Wall Art: Canvas Prints, Framed Prints, Acrylic Prints, Metal Prints, Wood Prints, Prints and Posters, Tapestry, plus Greeting Carts and Phone Cases, and more!]



Finally, my recent article about the COVID-19 Virus. It got me to thinking since I wrote it how Social Distancing should really be called Physical Distancing .. because we need to be social even though farther apart. There seems to be a movement going in this direction.

Sunday Letters - Comfortable

Even though most of our churches are closed until further notice, we still have three weeks left of Lent. This is not a time to forget our spiritual lives. In fact, it is a time to grow deeper. So much until our focus is on love, the greatest of all the virtues. Jesus tells us that He can summarize all the Commandments with two – love God and love your neighbor.


Joy and Peace

Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!

Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near.

Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.

Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Phil 4: 4-7




Thanks for reading, and a meaningful lent to you.

Frank


'Pictures That Share Hope and God's Love in the World'

I invite you to view my collection of colorful uplifting photographs and gifts, and bring new light and life to your home and those you love. I produce and sell photographs of moments in time, and human interaction, that share hope and God's love in the world, through my Catholic Faith.

Frank J Casella Photographs Website




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To come back to this blog directly Bookmark: Blog.FrankJCasella.com

Subscribe to the blog only by RSS https://fineartamerica.com/rss/blogs/frankjcasella

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Menu For Lent ~ Fast Or Feast



Lent is a time of preparation for the death of Christ on Good Friday and His Resurrection on Easter Sunday. It is a period of 40 days of repentance, with prayer, fasting and abstinence, and Confession.

Lent begins on February 26, 2020, Ash Wednesday. Remember that “the act of putting on ashes symbolizes fragility and mortality, and the need to be redeemed by the mercy of God” (Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy, no. 125).



Fast for judging others; feast on Christ dwelling in them

Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of all life

Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify

Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude

Fast from anger; feast on patience

Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism

Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation

Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives

Fast from hostility; feast on non-resistance

Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness

Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others

Fast from discouragement; feast on hope

Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm

Fast from suspicion; feast on truth

Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast from promises that inspire

Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence

Fast from problems that overwhelm, feast on prayer that sustains




We live in time like never before of spiritual poverty, you don't have to look very far to see all of the confusion in our land. We have many faiths, places of worship, and the Holy Bible at our fingertips, yet we are at war in our own homes, anger and division is widespread. This is why I feel compelled that we all need to work together to bring us back to the fundamentals of the Founding Fathers of our country -- prayer.

So, I encourage you this Lent to join me in gazing at the crucifix praying the Lord's Prayer. To let these words each day absorb into our souls and transform our lives. May it guide us to make Christ the center of our lives even more than now.



The Lord’s Prayer.


9 “This is how you are to pray:

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

10 your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as in heaven.

11 Give us today our daily bread;

12 and forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors;

13 and do not subject us to the final test,

but deliver us from the evil one.

14 If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you.

15 But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.


Matthew 6:9


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With Lent coming up in a few days, I want be more respectful of your time and to limit the blog post mails I send you to once a week, usually on Friday. There are several features that I send you every week and every month, and now I will be including all that apply in one weekly mail each Friday.

If you know of someone who would like to get these mails not signed up yet, please send them this mail with your Forward button or Click here and send them the URL to that sign up page.




View the Feature of the Week Gallery

This week, until next Friday, I am featuring the artwork here at rock bottom pricing - no discount code needed. Enjoy! [This includes all Wall Art: Canvas Prints, Framed Prints, Acrylic Prints, Metal Prints, Wood Prints, Prints and Posters, Tapestry, plus Greeting Carts and Phone Cases, and more!]



Thanks for reading, talk with you again real soon.

Frank


'Pictures That Share Hope and God's Love in the World'

I invite you to view my collection of colorful uplifting photographs and gifts, and bring new light and life to your home and those you love. I produce and sell photographs of moments in time, and human interaction, that share hope and God's love in the world, through my Catholic Faith.

Frank J Casella Photographs Website




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To come back to this blog directly Bookmark: Blog.FrankJCasella.com

Subscribe to the blog only by RSS https://fineartamerica.com/rss/blogs/frankjcasella

To get updates about new photos and blog posts, like this one, straight in your inbox, subscribe to the E-mail newsletter. About one to three times a week. Unsubscribe at any time.

Thank you for visiting blog for Frank J Casella Art Photographs. Pictures of moments in time, and human interaction, that share hope and God's love in the world.

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I am very intentional about how I (don't) use social media, because I choose to live a balanced life in a noisy high tech world.

I've become passionate about designing my life around focused work and protecting my time from distraction and devices. After all, it's the only way to get any photography done.


This blog is about pictures, hope, and God's love. To start reading from the top, click the 'VIEW ALL" button above. Enjoy!

Follow along with my journey at the options below. Thanks and see you in your inbox soon!

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To get updates about new photos and blog posts, like this one, straight in your inbox, subscribe to the E-mail newsletter. About one to three times a week. Unsubscribe at any time.

Burning Cloud - Landscape Art Photograph Copyright 2018 Frank J Casella


This moment in time reminds me of how, sometimes, I wish that I could just burn off the clouds over my head ( the weight on my shoulders ).

But then, I remind myself that it is through the storms of life that makes me a stronger person. Every successful person, whether a founder of a company, a Catholic Saint, a single parent, or the the person who's made the greatest impact on you, even if you have not met them but would like to someday if possible, have learned through their struggles.

The late Zig Ziglar, who you know I'm a big fan of, says:


"I never lose ... I either win or I learn."


When we go through storms, in life or with the weather, it's important for those of us who believe to remember to not so much talk to God about our storms, but rather to talk to the storm about our God.  In His time, and in His will, I can tell you that you will see things shift before your eyes.

Just like the picture above, all the things going on at the surface will burn off and rise up into the heavens. .... God will take it from us ... but we have to give it to Him first.

Yes, easier said than done ... The good news is the more you let go, the easier it gets. ... then the more God asks of us. It's ongoing, and we get more strong through it.



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Growing In Faith

A Statue of the Holy Family sets an example, or symbol, of prayer and teaching the faith – how men and women should relate to one another in complementary ways and how important mothers and fathers are to children.

This statue says to me about structure in a few ways:

Firstly, look at the composition and body language of the figures on top. The details of their hair and body parts, and clothing. The expressions on their faces. A persons hands (artist) did all of this. All of these are types of structure.

Second, there is also the structure of the stand the statue is on top of, it’s size, the message ‘Growing In Faith’, and the shape being round to function with the form of the concrete slab below it, and I see the circular shape to be ever flowing .. how structure, as life itself, is always a work in progress.

Finally there is the unwritten message from this statue. The Holy Family as a model of the ideal family structure. Father, Mother, and Child(ren). How the roll of the family unit works to foster life and develop growing in faith.



Click to Purchase


Click to License


Thank you for reading. Enjoy your day!

Frank J Casella, Catholic Art Photography


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Threshold - Faith in the LIght of Dawn


“Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark.”


Here we have a tulip flower that is opening up with the dawn of the morning light.

Faith and hope are just that … believing in the things not seen, and acting as if it’s going to be.

Much of our experiences and struggles can leave us with a scar, as like an injury on our hand so to speak.

Yet the thing about scars is that even though they may not go away, they do heal. As time goes on, and the scar keeps healing, sooner or later it can become not as noticeable ... or be a reminder of perseverance.

Sometimes scars can be from relationships, our lives can be shattered, like a vase that falls off the table and breaks into many small pieces.

The good news is, that with time and healing in putting the vase back together, piece after piece, it may not look the same but can become instead a beautiful mosaic.

This is where threshold comes in. Each experience we have comes with it the doorway to a new day, a new era, a way to look at the past more intelligently for the future.

… A life filled with hope.



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