General Chat

Good morning :-)

Love your thoughts on the different images we have looked at this week......... <3


No image of Jesus today – each of us has looked at the different portraits of Him and each of us has probably seen something different to what others have seen.

We may not know what Jesus actually looked like, but what we have to concentrate on is knowing Him and ‘seeing’ Him from a spiritual perspective. ‘Seeing’ him through faith.

Lord, open the eyes of our hearts, that we may see and know you. Amen.

This gentle hymn helps to put these thoughts into a prayerful context.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZsZkB-HcyE


As for the Grinch - what a good job I can't put photos on here.......lol :-D


Thinking of kandj and her OH with love and prayers. <3

Cx :-)

As you say Cynthia, Holman Hunt’s painting “The Light of the World” is very well known. For me, there is just too much in it. I think the message is in danger of getting lost in all the symbolism. it is a terrific piece of art and I do admire it but it doesn’t move me in the way a simple portrait can. It appeals to the intellect rather than the emotions.

It is interesting how we all see things differently. Emma sees sadness in the face - I see patience.

You are certainly making us think this week.

I hope your Christmas Fair is a great success Cynthia. I am sure you will be a wow as the Grinch

Thoughts and love as always for Kandj, her hubby and her family <3

I see what the artist was saying to us in this image but
his eyes say he is giving up hope on reaching into the soul.

But surely Christ would never give up. The sadness in the face
stands out for me.

Cynthia you as the Grinch lol, go green I say
:-D

In my thoughts as always kandj and her hubby x

Good morning :-)

Loving your thoughts and its interesting to see how the different portraits provoke different ideas.

Today's picture is one with which you will possibly be familiar with.......

The Light of the World - Holman Hunt (1827-1910)

I quote……’This painting was first exhibited in 1854, and caused an immediate sensation. There is meticulous care for detail. Nothing is suggested or left out. Branches and flowers are positioned with care, and each has a symbolic meaning.

No artist since Blake put so much zeal into his work. But whereas Blake was a mystic, Hunt's message was straightforward, to the point. His moral and devotional feeling impressed the crowds who came to see his paintings, many of which had a Christian message.

In 'The Light of the World', Christ knocks in vain at the door of a human soul/conscience. But the weeds and vines growing in front of the door show how long it has been since this soul responded to Christ's presence.’


http://www.druma.co/the-light-of-the-world-painting/the-light-of-the-world-painting-light-of-the-world-postcard-images/



Yes, poor kandj's husband has the dreaded MRSA bug bless him - as if they didn't have enough to cope with. We continue to surround them both with our love and prayers. <3

Its our church Christmas Fair tomorrow and I am hoping to run the usual coffee stall - the theme for the Fair is 'Christmas Movies'. My 19 year old granddaughter has volunteered to change her work shift to help - she has been helping for about 8 years now bless her. She chose the movie for our stall - The Grinch :-S I have yet to see the movie but will be sporting a 'Grinch T shirt' and a Father Christmas hat. I will not, however, be painting my face green............................. :-D

Love to all. Cx :-)

Like Emma I found this image thought provoking. I think the face looks so sad, as though He has lost all hope, but there is a kindness and gentleness there. I like this but would find it difficult to live with.

I understand from another thread that Kandj’s poor husband now has the MRSA bug. May their faith sustain them through yet another setback. Keeping the family ever in my thoughts <3

This portrait says to me that Christ was not asking Why?
but was looking at us with pity in His eyes for what we did.
I ask if He were to appear today would we treat Him in the same way?

Thought provoking portrait for me Cynthia.

Holding kandj and her husband in my thoughts and prayers <3

Good morning :-)

These faces are interesting aren't they? It just shows how people have perceived Jesus over time.

Here is another one.........an early portrait by another artist unknown to me....


Petrus Christus (1410-1475)

I quote…. ‘The reproachful eyes of Christ look out with an uncompromising gaze, seeming to ask the viewer 'Why?' Petrus Christus, who painted so many gloriously frivolous angels and saints, does not even try to sugar-coat the message here. He lays the blame for Christ's death squarely on our shoulders.’


https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/60.71.1/


Continuing prayers for kandj and her husband as they battle against so many health problems. <3

I am now torn two ways with this latest image. Because of the light in the picture it does give an impression of divinity that I thought was missing in the first picture but it is quite a traditional image and didn’t make me think in the way the first one did. Now, if we could combine the two......

Thoughts and prayers for Kandj and her husband and all others in a similar situation <3

This painting I find more natural than the first one.
Like Vera I thought it looked very theatrical and
an actor had sat for the portrait.
I suppose the year these were painted was in tune
with that time.

Very interesting subject Cynthia x

kandj and her husband <3

Good morning :-)


Thanks for your thoughts on the paintings and I know exactly what you both mean. Here is another one to ponder...


Warner Sallman (1892-1968)

I quote

‘This is an extraordinarily popular images of Christ, said to have sold over 500 million copies. Sallman's Jesus is serene, thoughtful and visionary. His mouth is set in a firm line, as if he sees his grim future and accepts it.

Many families have used this painting to remind themselves that Christ is present in their home and their hearts.’

I can remember that we had a similar picture in my childhood homes – but with Jesus facing outwards. I was fascinated by his eyes because they seemed to follow you wherever you went. Can’t find it on google though.

At the end of the week, it will be interesting to know which image - if any - is your favourite, for whatever reason.

https://www.warnerpress.org/head-of-christ-print.html


Hoping and praying that kandj has managed to get some much needed rest and that today is a brighter one for them both. <3


Cx :-)

Kandj, you and your poor hubby are going through such a difficult time. Try and take care of yourself as well. You are ever in our thoughts.

Cynthia, another good theme this week. Looking at it just as a painting I love the Richard Hook portrait but I do have reservations. I feel the face does show energy, and hope, and a willingness to tackle anything and really shows the human side of Christ but, for me, the divine side is missing. I don’t know how you would portray His divinity without the obvious halo or shaft of light but, as it is, it looks to me like an excellent portrait of a very good actor portraying Christ.

EDIT. If anyone is in touch with Pat please pass on my good wishes. I shall miss her posts about the bells and the saints’ days.

I'm not sure of this artists impression of Christ.
I suppose we all have our own image in our heads
of what Christ looked like.

Blessings and prayers for kandj and her husband x

Good morning :-)

Lovely to hear from our kandj again, and sending lots of love and prayers to her and her husband as they continue to battle their way through this really bad time. Keep strong friend.... <3


A couple of weeks ago, the art world was stunned by the sale of the famous Salvator Mundi painting by Leonardo da Vinci. This caused me to look at other artists who have portrayed Jesus - and in so many different ways. I will provide links for you to see these various portraits.

Today, Richard Hook (1914-1975) Not an artist with whom I am familiar, but his portrait of the head of Christ captured my attention. I quote......

‘Here is a face that is energetic, full of hope, idealistic in the best way - everything that Christians believes Christ was, and everything each Christian tries to be. The man in this image believes anything is possible, and that we are capable of reshap-ing the world in God's image.’

http://www.christcenteredmall.com/stores/art/hook/head-of-christ.htm


Let me know what you think........ :-) Love to all, Cx :-)

Hello all

Not been in very long and I'm anxious, upset and sooooo tired.
Hubby has been moved to a Rehabilitation Unit to begin Physio to get him back on to his feet and able to walk safely without risk of falling. He is weak and weary after the pneumonia and heart attack poor love.

A asked a nurse to please help him into bed and then he began with chest pain again. It's not nice to witness and not nice at all for him when he is so exhausted.
The staff were kind and sympathetic towards both of us and allowed me to stay beside his bed holding his hand as I did my best to calm him down until he settled after around 40 mins and I left to come back home...... thanks for all the ongoing thoughts and prayers. They are really helping to keep me strong right now. xxxx

So sorry that Pat has left Genes. Please pass on all our good wishes to Pat Jem. She will be sadly missed for her postings on the Christian thread. ((hugs)) xx

Thoughts and prayers to kandj and her husband <3

Good morning :-)


I'm really sorry to hear that JemimaFawr - I used to look forward to Pat joining in occasionally with her tales and, of course, the bells.....the bells. Please do give her my very best wishes.

No word from kandj for a couple of days - she must be exhausted poor thing. <3


Today, Her Majesty and Prince Philip celebrate 70 years of marriage - what an achievement. Many congratulations to them both.


Lord, we thank you for this special couple and for all of the years that they have had together. Today, as we celebrate their anniversary, our prayer is that you will continue to bless them in the years left to them.

Let their testimony of love and forgiveness be a help to other couples as they start on their own journeys into married life. Amen.


Cx :-)

Yes Pat's ok, Cynthia, but she's left GR.

If any of her friends would like to keep in touch with her, please PM me :-)

Good morning :-)


Thank you JemimaFawr - is Pat OK? She occasionally pops on here with her tales about church bells and festivals.

Nothing from kandj at the moment but we continue to surround her and her husband with our love and prayers.


The Collect (special prayer) set for today:

Heavenly Father,
whose blessed Son was revealed to destroy the works of the devil
and to make us the children of God and heirs of eternal life:
grant that we, having this hope,
may purify ourselves even as he is pure;
that when he shall appear in power and great glory
we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom;
grant this for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
to whom with you and the Holy Spirit,
be the Kingdom, the power and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.


The Gospel for today tells the Parable of the Talents.


I think things will be a bit quieter in church today, after the busyness of Remembrance Day.

Cx :-)

Hi Everyone :-)

I have a message from Cyprus Pat for Kandj.

She want's Kandj to know that she is thinking of her and her hubby and the family.

Keeping kandj and her husband in my thoughts and prayers x