I Can Only Imagine...
by talj

Comment by talj:
Thanks for taking the time to look Karma, I really appreciate it. I have just downloaded the Casting Crowns song, thank you :o)

I agree, I am very picky about my shots and can find plenty of holes in the "technicals" of this image but you have hit the nail on the head, this is all about the emotional aspect :o)

I too wondered if Moses had stood where we were. Half way up the mountain there is a pool of water where it is said Moses spent time. It's a strange feeling to be somewhere like this and imagine who may have been before you.

'Flower Power'
by talj

Comment by Shiiizzzam:
Very nice still life. Love the title, too. Composition, framing and lighting are superb ! 10

'Flower Power'
by talj

Comment by h2:
nice idea; frame is overdone, crop is too tight

I Can Only Imagine...
by talj

Comment by karmat:
This shot finds its power in its simplicity I think. I could comment on the "technical" aspects, but, that, to me, devalues this shot, as it seems to be an emotional one.

I don't know a lot about you, other than what you have posted about your loss, but this shot seems to mirror that. The darkness is large in the shot, but yet is still overpowered by the light. There is hope, and it comes with the sunrise.

Another song I thought of when I saw this is one by Casting Crowns called "Praise Him in the Storm." A highschool classmate died of brain cancer in June (he was 35), and it just doesn't make sense. I think God understands when the darkness is so prevalent that all we can do is "hope" that we are hanging on. And, while he is crying with us, He doesn't want us to turn away from him, but I think He understands that that is how we feel.

On another thought -- I wonder if Moses had stood where you were? i would love to visit Egypt, and the middle east in general, just to see the "history" that lives there.

Anyway, thanks for sharing the picture with me. I hope what I said made some sense.

Here are the lyrics for "Praise Him in the Storm"

I was sure by now
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

My Leg
by talj

Comment by aimeethetoo:
Ow. Yuck.

'Flower Power'
by talj

Comment by IreneM:
Great idea, wish the flower had been slightly more in focus. That looks like a Scottish plug ;-)

'Flower Power'
by talj

Comment by Thai:
good choice of subjects and I asume the connection is the plug as a vase, good luck 9

'Flower Power'
by talj

Comment by klstover:
Composition is a little extreme for my tastes however I don't think it hurts your excellent photo.

'Flower Power'
by talj

Comment by aberration:
Clean, simple and great take on the challenge.

'Flower Power'
by talj

Comment by scaramanga:
Great play on words :) Well executed shot: lighting, contrast and colors are great. I would prefer a composition with more negative space.