GOOGTOON: Jesus

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Wednesday

What Would Jesus Do Were He a Baker?

Much has been made of the accusations of gay discrimination and the subsequent announcement by Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson to revise a bill that rights activists and U.S. businesses contend allow discrimination against gays. Regardless of the legitimacy of the issue and what side of the argument Americans stand, I am flummoxed by the entire controversy.

I do understand the dismay of gays who feel their rights are denied by businesses who refuse offer them service. I also understand private businesses who believe that they should have the right to deny service to anyone.

What I cannot comprehend is how any person who professes to follow Jesus (i.e. a Christian) refuses to extend service to those whose lifestyles are deemed unworthy of their faith.

What?

What would Jesus do were he a baker?

Even more confusing is that I've not heard a single voice express their outrage at what seems to me to be an egregious demonstration of hypocrisy.

Have we strayed so far that we've forgotten Jesus' response to the adulteress at the well? Clearly, the woman's behavior was anything by righteous. Regardless, Jesus took the time to serve...

Why? He loved her.

Yes, I recognize the concern of Americans regarding the ever-increasing governmental intrusion into every part of their daily lives. I too would prefer that government side with freedom, allowing our culture to fully experience the consequence of its behavior - reaping what is sown.

However, when it comes to Christians denying service to those who do not share their faith, the disconnect of their action with the doctrine they embrace is mindbogglingly antithetical to everything Jesus taught. It's grotesquely absurd.

My fellow Christians are fond of citing "love the sinner, hate the sin." Yet, for all its pith, for some it does not seem to amount to anything more than good intentions.

I cannot think of any better way to display our love, a love worthy of the name Christian, than when we extend ourselves for the benefit of those whom we strongly differ. How else might others experience of the love of Jesus were it not for those who have professed to be his emissaries while living on the outside of heaven?

Unless I've missed something, and Jesus actually meant that the world will know we belong to him by our judgmentalism, it would seem to me that a more loving and Christian response to the non-christian is not rejection but expressing the heart of Jesus.

After all, were it not for loving Christians who accepted me and took me in while I was lost, I'd still be reveling without a clue. Romans 5:8.

One last comment for my friends who are reading this and shaking their heads as if I’ve lost it (which was swiftly made evident after posting this on my Facebook page...).

One of the essential differences between God and human is that whereas people are quick to judge by outward appearances, God discerns the heart. God is not into 'gotcha' tactics or looking for loopholes to trip you up - like humans. He is ‘sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; he judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.'

I trust Him to detect the difference between loving others, reaching out with the hopes of reflecting His love and grace, from that of "celebrating" in harmony with behaviors antithetical to His design.

In other words, it's exactly the reason of hating sin and loving the sinner that Jesus, were he a baker, would have baked a cake.

That is, unless someone would like to make the case that Jesus crafted furniture for only the righteous.

Mark
©Googtoon - Life • Popular Culture • Politics • Entertainment • Public Figures

Monday

DAILY QUIET TIME - The Intimacy Factor: Part 2 of 2

Now that you've had a chance to view the images and read the attached sentiments in Part I, let's take up where we left off.

Once a Christian is convinced that a Daily Quiet Time is a necessity for spiritual growth, the next challenge is developing and maintaining one - consistently. Though we may be motivated to set aside a portion of our day to spend with God, odds are we just may not know how.

As much as I would enjoy addressing the "how" of establishing a Daily Quiet Time, such is not the primary focus of my blog post - or is it? Rather than offering a DQT instruction manual, extolling its virtues, along with the DOs and DON'Ts of an efficacious plan, it occurred to me that a different, more meaningful approach might prove to be eminently more beneficial.

DAILY QUIET TIME - Matt was most open to hearing from God on the open range.

For me, I am one of those, like most people, who do not respond well to "do as I say," but am more apt to be influenced by, "do as I do." It's one thing to be told from the pulpit that we "should develop a Daily Quiet Time," but when was the last time a well-meaning pastor actually showed his flock what a Daily Quiet Time actually looks like being practiced in the real world?

Personally, I've been exposed to scads of hours of preaching on the issue Daily Quiet Time and yet for all the words and pleading, if not a bit of guilting, I've seen little movement among the church. We still don't seem to be getting it!

DAILY QUIET TIME - Juli returned to the innocence of her connection with God while gently swaying.

When I ask my friends about the quality/frequency of their Daily Quiet Time, the answers are all too familiar - most of which of are rational excuses, expressions of regret, and wistful sighs of "Someday Isle" (i.e. "some day I'll...make the time, find the time, won't be so busy," etc.).

Without exception, Christians are struggling and sputtering - they cannot seem to commit, let alone master the fundamental reality of plugging into the power source of their faith. Why?

From my point of view, it is possible that our leader's approach to teaching is not particularly effective? While we all know Einstein's definition of insanity (i.e. doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results), I have yet to see a mode other than expository. Pastors rely solely on explaining while neglecting other modalities of learning - primarily, painting pictures. They explain what DQT is, but fail to show us what it looks like.

DAILY QUIET TIME - For Tommy, his heart felt more open and responsive to God's leading while on his knees.

Our elder's reliance on an assumption, that their flock will "get it" if only they explain better, louder, cajole and plead, has been decidedly fruitless. Regardless of many a pastor feeling comforted knowing they performed their duty to inform, precious little movement has been made to advance the Intimacy Factor. Regardless of what part of the world I've visited, and I've traveled extensively, I hear the same sorry words from Christians from every corner: "I'm know I should...but am just too busy...

Since expository teaching is how it's been done and continues to be, there is scant little mention that a better way might exist, or even that the "tried and true" method of assumptive preaching is not as effective as so ubiquitously hoped.

DAILY QUIET TIME - For many, the tried and true, bedside connection, is the most consistent and lasting.

When I've approached my pastor friends with a different way they might more effectively reach hearts and change lives, my offerings are met with kindness and a smile. Regardless, I have yet to see an indication that any would actually consider a unique approach. Possibly the fault lies with me, that I fail to communicate my vision. For as much as I fervently believe there could be a better way, they simply cannot catch a glimpse of what seems largely conspicuous to me.

DAILY QUIET TIME - living a legacy of tradition laid by one father after another - setting the example.

Do I fault them? Not really. Exposition is what they've been trained to rely upon and it's the only way they know. Not to mention it is safe, practical, predictable and keeps bodies in the pews.

As a photographer, my perceptions are formed in pictures. When I am presented with an abstract spiritual concept I naturally see ways of expressing them through concrete imagery. For me, these mental illustrations feel similar to a parable. That is, the pictures are allegorical, designed to illustrate a truth or principle. Considering that Jesus chose parables to teach, it would seem rational to purpose a method where modern man might be as responsive as in His days.

Be that as it may, let's face it, for the most part, a vast majority of us human beings are visual. We sheep like it when pictures are painted. No? As informative as "do as I say" is to our intellect, "see how others do" is more apt to appeal to our sense of sight. Imagery has an uncanny way of searing patterns into our visual cortex, thereby constructing a visible blueprint from which we might draw upon.

DAILY QUIET TIME - Mick, a people person, found quiet in the environs of a comfy coffee shop.

As "picture painting" relates to developing a Daily Quiet Time, I can think little else that is laden with so much potential and poised to unleash even greater power.

Nearly four decades of creating photographic images for a diverse clientele has taught me that those customers who are the most elated with an Orange County Headshot are those who I've successfully painted a picture in their mind - a picture of where we are going and how we are going to get there. Explaining is one avenue, which has its place and is an integral component. However, once the mind is engaged and convinced, I have found no better medium for blossoming growth and incorporating head knowledge into heartfelt actualization than with use of illustration.

DAILY QUIET TIME - Where there's a heart bent towards God, there's also a will to find a way to Him.

To this end, I have created several Daily Quiet Time illustrations here in my blog post. As you no doubt have read their thoughts, you may have also noticed that their words are not explanations of what one must do, but rather personal stories that changed lives. We not only see real people, in real life activities, but get a glimpse into their personal world, seeing who they are and what they've overcome.

DAILY QUIET TIME - The sweetest music to God's ears.

Now then, while everyone depicted here has adapted an approach to their Daily Quiet Time in a way befitting their personal style, they in fact all share a common bond. Can you tell me what this common thread is? No I am not going to tell you right off. Where's the fun it that? I'll just say that you're probably right, and for more than one reason.

DAILY QUIET TIME - Kneeling, sitting or pacing - God cares not for the position of the of body, but the condition of the heart.

Okay then - as you read these stories, did you notice that no two are alike? Yes, they come from all walks of life, are different ages, sexes, come from dissimilar social classes and diverse regions throughout the country, yet there's more.

DAILY QUIET TIME - Realizing that it's now always easy to meet with God actually made it easier for Sunil.

While some prefer traditional Daily Quiet Time at the foot of the bed, others go for a walk, contemplate in a meadow, mediate over a cup of coffee or seek His face while exercising. Just as God created us uniquely, so are our ways to connect with Him. I know you've considered this before, but have you ever seen it?

DAILY QUIET TIME - Jennifer, like so many of us, discovered her optimal time to reconnect with God is before she even gets out of bed.

For the most part, the people depicted here are people like you and me. All recognize the real need for a daily walk with God, and even a greater urgency to set aside a portion of their day to connect with the Creator of the universe. We can relate to them in some way.

DAILY QUIET TIME - Tom not only found diamonds right in his own backyard, but in his own Adirondack chair.

It is my hope that as you have read their stories, something might have kindled a spark within you, which you related to, and in turn motivated you to dig deeper - moving you forward to finding what sort of setting most corresponds to a scenario that would work best for you.

DAILY QUIET TIME - It's never too late to connect with God, that is, when you still have breath.

If none come to mind, the next step is to consider which lifestyle most appeals to you, and what aspect might you take home and adapt to making it a doable Daily Quiet Time. Ultimately, it will be something unique to you. Something you discover that will at long last work - something that will connect you closer to God and transform your character into that of God's Son.

After all, Character Transformation is what being put on this planet IS ALL ABOUT. Right?

DAILY QUIET TIME - Toby's unconventional venue to meet with God is not only practical for him, he's got ample seating.

Lastly, and vital that you not miss - just in case you misunderstood me earlier when I called these images "illustrations," please note that I meant precisely what I said. Though the people are real, the words attributed to them are either expressed to me from friends and counselees, or from my heart. The only actual quote is from George Bush (along with one of his favorite verses).

DAILY QUIET TIME - George Bush reflects on what his daily prayer time means to him.

I have offered and presented pastors/publishers with the proposal that these illustrations, if presented from genuine individuals, from all walks of life, president and pauper alike, have the potential to shift paradigms, alter behavior, and thus change lives. There is some interest. How about you?

To wit, if you found this to be true, and you were in some way moved or motivated to establish your own Daily Quiet Time, please share your story with me (Mark@OrangeCountyHeadshots.com). I may want to include your story, along with a portrait of you.

Of course, for our publication to be authentic and credible, any Daily Quiet Time established will have to be something that's become a joyous habit and not just a flash. Should you believe your DQT meets this simple criteria, I'd love to hear your story and then see if it might be something I can illustrate so that other lives might be motivated into making a Quiet Time for themselves as well.

As always, should you have any questions, no concern is too small.

PART 1

Mark

©Googtoon - Life • Popular Culture • Politics • Entertainment • Public Figures

Mark Jordan Photography

Orange County Headshots

DAILY QUIET TIME - The Intimacy Factor: Part 1 of 2

A Christian cannot be one for long before he/she will be exposed to wall-to-wall sermons on the necessity of developing a Daily Quiet Time. If you have somehow missed this exhortation, or the concept is new to you, my two part blog post, DAILY QUIET TIME - The Intimacy Factor, should be helpful in getting you up to speed.

However, for the vast majority of readers, I suspect, who are enlightened and familiar with the requisite for establishing their Daily Quiet Time with God, my blog offers something entirely foreign. I can almost guarantee you will not have heard or seen it before, either spoken from the pulpit or sold at your local bookstore.

There's not much that's truly original these days, and maybe you'll realize the approach I'm about to divulge has occurred to your somewhere in your past - regardless, and with this caveat aside, I believe I've got something new to share. It's something if taken to heart, has the very real potential of changing your walk with God, forever.

First, let's begin with a definition:

Simply put, Daily Quiet Time is a routine practice where an individual schedules a portion of each day to connect with God. The key components of DQT are typically prayer (with emphasis on listening) and devotional reading or Bible study. Therefore, the degree to which one observes a DQT is in direct proportion to their closeness to and understanding of God.

To wit, one's Daily Quiet Time is the defining quotient in what I call the Intimacy Factor.

DAILY QUIET TIME - A Marine takes time to reflect upon God's Word.

The term "Quiet Time" was originally coined by 20th-century Protestants, mostly evangelical Christians, and may also be known as "personal Bible study" or "personal devotions." Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback megachurch in Lake Forest, California, points out that Quiet Time has also been called "morning watch" and "appointment with God".

Regardless of what we might call it and how it came about, if one's desire is to grow closer to God and know him deeper, the only way to increase the Intimacy Factor with God is to develop and maintain a Daily Quiet Time.

DAILY QUIET TIME - Tim found freedom once he embraced God where he could hear Him best.

At its very essence, Daily Quiet Time is a tradition of worship. Putting aside that when I was growing up in Riverside, California, DQT had a distinct meaning all its own: Dairy Queen Time. It was a different kind of "worship," but for a ravenous boy with a penchant all things sugar, DQT held a special place in my heart. So much so that when I was blessed with three kids to rear, I developed a tradition where I could justify satisfying my craving. I called it Jammy-Drive-Thru.

DAILY QUIET TIME - Laura's walk with God grew strongest as she walked with God.

Briefly, once our family's daily activities came to close, and the kids were comfy in our family room, reading or watching a video, and it seemed to me they needed a small reward just for being great kids, I would begin to sing a little ditty I wrote: Jammy-Drive-Thru. No sooner did the word "Jammy" roll from my tongue, than all three kids would jump to their feet, bound upstairs to prepare for bed and don their PJ's. Their goal was not only to get ready for bed but be buckled into our minivan before I could back it out of the driveway - all within 5 minutes. If successful, they would be treated with what is today's versions of a Dairy Queen: a drive-thru at McDonalds (their choice of either a cone or McFlurry.). In the many years of Jammy-Drive-Thrus, not once was a single child late.

This small celebration was just one of many family traditions. Little did my kids suspect there was a method behind the seeming madness (i.e. irrelevance). My hope was that by practicing tangible, imaginative traditions, they might also see the value from witnessing my lifelong, meaningful tradition of a daily quiet time with God.

DAILY QUIET TIME - Andrea found she connected with God best crisp morning air of a rising sun.

Mind you, my temperament is decidedly not one who appreciates "traditions." As the tag line in my portrait studio (Mark Jordan Photography: Timeless • Simple • Meaningful) denotes, I cherish matters of substance and relevance. While holidays and the typical events of life have never held my attention or interest, Jammy-Drive-Thrus and Daily Quiet Time were of utmost significance.

The parallel, as I saw it, is that DQT, being a daily tradition of worship, is very much a treat. It's something that I give myself to satisfy my deepest desire to be with my Father. It's the lifeblood of my relationship and connection to God. Those who value DQT, experience God in ways those who don't, never will.

DAILY QUIET TIME - For some, it's a comforting time to grow through the most tragic circumstances.

Needless to say, DQT is fundamentally essential to one's spiritual health. So much so that without it a "non-worshippers" life can and will perpetually unravel. Those who are convinced their life is much too busy to give God but a small portion of each day are left befuddled - life seems to be a series of derailments, off-track and unfulfilled. Tragically, the more out-of-control one's life feels, the more effort they invest attempting to restore it, trusting upon their own strength and willpower.

If asked to define the Christian life in one sentence, what might you say? Since this is a blog post, where getting to the point is the operative imperative, let me help you by boiling it down to but a single word: trust. What? You were thinking faith? Yes, faith is vital, but it is faith combined with hope that grows into the defining factor of the Christian walk - trust.

[SIDE NOTE: Highly Recommend "Ruthless Trust" by Brennan Manning]

DAILY QUIET TIME - Building spiritual muscle in more ways than one.

So then, getting back to a life void of a Daily Quiet Time... With God's voice and direction habitually out of the equation, the cycle of separation and confusion will inexorably roll on. Once the monster of self-sufficiency is fed and exercised, it also continues, growing out of proportion to everything else. Tragically, allegiance to self demands even more of one's time, blinding the gullible provider from the authentic source of power, wholeness, genuine joy and permanent peace.

In short, without DQT, the essence of the Christian life, trust, is inescapably diminished. And it's not that trust is axiomatically reduced to doubt, but rather something even more insidious: lethargy, inertia. indifference.

The "T" in trust is Time with God - without it, we're left with rust. And that is precisely what so many Christians have relegate their lives to today.

DAILY QUIET TIME - Perseverance and pressing in towards God moved Travis to a special place with Jesus.

In my years of Counseling Christians, the single most common thread in every broken relationship, with God and/or with others, is their lack of spending a portion of their day with God. It's not to say that a DQT immunes one from the life's trials, but attempting to brave each day as an ambassador of Christ without first receiving one's daily briefs could not be a more predictable and certain recipe for heartache and bewilderment.

Listen folks, Daily Quiet Time is that indispensable. It’s a non-negotiable.

DAILY QUIET TIME - Meditation can take place anywhere, even a relaxing bath.

Now then, before venturing on to Part Two of my Daily Quiet Time blog post, I'd like you to take a moment and reread the stories contained within the images above (I provide more images and stories in the second half as well). I also suggest taking a moment right now to ask God what He might want to speak to you and reflect upon as you do.

PART 2

Mark

Mark Jordan Photography

Orange County Headshots

Friday

The Real Life Story - Behind Our Christmas Card

Steve Jobs and A Man Who Has Indelibly Changed Our Lives

Each year I am presented with the daunting task of creating the "Mark Jordan Photography" Christmas card that is on a par with the previous year. Some contend that my attempt should be more lofty, and that I should strive to top each year's card. Whether or not I embrace such pressure is not my concern, but instead prefer to simply concentrate my efforts on designing and expressing something new, fun and creative. I don't think in terms of better - only that a Mark Jordan Photography Christmas card represents excellence. It's to this aim I commit myself, each and every year.

The Inspirational Headshot of Steve Jobs

With that said, this year was especially challenging. Why? Believe it or not, my goal is to not only create impactful family photography, but that my design in some way reflects a meaningful event of the year. As you might recall, the third leg of the Mark Jordan tag line, immediately proceeding Timeless and Simple, is Meaningful. As such, it's not only relevant for my family portraits, it's important for me to infuse meaningfulness into the various facets of my portrait photography.

This year, one of the most significant events of the year for me, and millions more throughout the world, was the passing of Apple's progenitor, Steve Jobs. Say what you will about Jobs, no one can argue he was not solely responsible for altering the way the world goes about its business. There's not many men in history who have left such an indelible mark.

The challenge then was how might I intertwine a portrait of my three children into the untimely departure of the behemoth icon? What possible design element could I pull together to render the faces of my most cherished gifts in a relevant manner to the "God of the The New Apple"?

To be candid, after mulling it over in my noggin I figured the contrast was too diverse and there was no feasible way to draw a parallel. I nixed it from the list of possibilites and went on to the next. Regardless of putting great effort into the another interesting concept, the challenge of making a credible link to such a strong divergent contrast kept nagging at me - unrelenting so.

The internal pestering refused to diminish, which had me wracking my brain for an apt allegory. This, in turn, had me scanning Google images for photos of Steve Jobs, hoping it might trigger the hook I was looking for. As fate would have it, I came across the headshot above. The proverbial light went on - ideas began to formulate.

Now then, I don't know if anyone is all that interested in what transpired over the following weeks and the detailed narrative of incubation, but suffice it to say, the journey from initial concept to execution was anything but linear. It was one revision after another. Or put another way, re-vision after re-vision. Each time I thought I had it tacked down, a new wrinkle surfaced, causing me to question my interpretations and approach the divergence in an unlikely way.

Once my concept solidified into a workable cast, another seemingly insurmountable obstacle arose: how to overcome the limited dimension of the card in relation to the substance I wished to incorporate - too little space for too much content. I then began to chip away, but to my surprise the answer was not in elimination but expansion. Instead of incorporating only the kids, the answer was adding our two dogs to the mix. Synthesis then became my operative taskmaster!

The Front of Our 2011 Christmas Card

At that point, having already overcome the dilemma of identifying relevance and design, other quandaries could no longer generate sufficient friction to slow this train from chugging forward. I didn't question whether the vision was possible and instead bulldozed ahead feeling confident the solutions would arrive. You know, a kind of "build it and they will come" scenario.

The trick then was to synthesize every detail relating to the inference of Steve Jobs, while maintaing a subtle, clean aesthetic, which might tickle the eye as well as the heart. Tall order, but doable. John Wooden, who knows a thing or two about success (and who I had the joy of photographing), once said, "It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen."

The snowflake for instance, a minor detail, yet actually has greater significance than simply suggesting winter. Without revealing too much, let me remind you that snowflakes are six-sided. Did you know the price of the very first Apple was $666? I'm sure you also recall that Jobs designed his logo which conspicuously reveals a bite taken out of an apple...

First Apple Computer: Price tag - $666

Possibly, Steve Jobs was telegraphing his intentions all along, hiding in plain sight. I've even heard him speak from his pulpit, expressing his plans of global domination where every human will be touched in some way by Apple's reach - which arguably has "indelibly changed our lives."

Clearly, I also strove to craft each portrait as a parody to the much celebrated and renowned studio portrait of Steve Jobs. I'm not much for relying on assumption, but reasoned my astute friends would readily detect each kid/dog costumed in Jobs' trademark uniform.

Even our card's sentiment, "Homage To A Man Who Has Indelibly Changed Our Lives," was carefully designed to direct the reader into connecting the dots, making the association to Steve Jobs. On the one hand I wanted to make sure there was no possible way for anyone to miss the tongue-in-cheek reference, yet plant just enough ambiguity so that when the tables were later turned, all would make sense.

Snowflakes are Six-Sided - This one has a bite taken out of it...

At the risk of being too apparent, I couldn't resist taking a bite out of the snowflake. I questioned whether I then rambled over the top by posing our Schnoodle's paw upon her chin. However, if all the questions I've received is any measure, apparently not...

I know what many of you were thinking, but no, Kacy cannot actually touch her chin with her paw. And in case there are any PETA campaigners reading this blog, we did NOT forcibly contort Kacy's paw into this position - I accomplished this feet [sic] in Photoshop.

As to our verse, once I baited the viewer into concluding that our Christmas card was in honor of Steve Jobs, the next step was to flip that understanding - in an instant. The abruptness of the small lone word, Jesus, at the top the verse, quickly proclaims that we are not as whacky as it would seem, and that any other possible focus of our affection the reader supposed was simply a product of an overactive imagination. Everything is as it ought to be - of course.

Tension...followed by resolution.

The Inside - Verse

Lest you're wondering why I would invest my time to write this blog post to simply explain a Christmas card, I'm doing so to save time and sanity. This way, each time I either meet someone on the street, get an email, or receive any sort of inquiry, I can quickly point them to my blog. I would appreciate greatly if you might consider doing the same.

Mark