Christmas Symbolism

You know how some people try to find symbolism and meaning in everything? Well, while I may not do that exactly, I did wonder if the Christmas cactus actually had anything to do with Christmas and if it contained any symbolism in relation to Christ.   I don't want to be one of those people who try really hard to make something fit when it doesn't, but then I realized that if Christ is, indeed, the Creator... and I believe He is... then it stands to reason that His creation will reveal things about and have a connection with Him, right?



A Christmas cactus is also known as a holiday cactus, because it generally blooms around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.   It's scientific name is zygocactus, which is Greek meaning 'joined or yoked cactus', because of its segmented 'leaves'.  Whenever I think of words having a Greek name or origin, I always think of My Big Fat Greek Wedding.  Anyway, if you're familiar with the teachings of Jesus, you might have been reminded of His invitation found in Matthew 11:28-30:

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Who couldn't use a little rest, huh?

A Christmas cactus is an epiphyte, another Greek word meaning 'upon plant', because if a segment is broken off, it can grow on another plant, but is not parasitic.   Rather, it is a type of symbiotic relationship called commensalism in which one organism benefits while the other neither benefits, nor is harmed. Jesus invites us to abide in Him in a relationship that promises blessings.

While the Christmas cactus can be propagated through seeds, it is generally propagated using one or more of its segments.  If you know anything about Christianity, you know that it is propagated by spreading the 'seed' of the Good News, also known as the Gospel, but it is most effectively propagated through personal contact and discipleship.   It is only when we are willing to give of ourselves and love one another, as Christ commands, that others can know and come to understand the love of Christ.

So... how's that for symbolism? Do you think it's a stretch? Or could it be a small part of God's revelation to man through His creation?

The Gift

I recently did a photo shoot for a brand new family for Christmas.  Little Annabelle is a precious and long awaited gift.  Thank you, Lord, for giving her life.





This was the last shot I took after the session was finished and I was ready to put my camera away.   Annabelle looked so peaceful and adorable in her little baby hammock, I just had to get that last shot in.

The Storyteller

I did a Christmas family photo shoot a couple of days ago. This is one of my fave shots from the session. I asked a question about their recent holiday trip, and their son was quick to give an account. Candids tend to be some of my favorite shots, because they show natural interaction and expression.



Thank you, Rahne, Kris, and family! You all are so much fun!

Gracie: 5 Months Old

We had so much fun with Gracie a couple of nights ago. At first, Sally was checking her out, and Gracie kept trying to reach out and touch her, but Sally decided she wasn't interested.



Gracie wants to get moving so badly. She loves doing 'push-ups' and 'flying', and although she can inch herself backward and rotate, she still has not yet figured out how to crawl. She practiced so much that she became a tired Gracie. She's growing so fast...

Tea Tree Oil and Kitties Don't Mix

This past Wednesday, we had a scare after I'd attempted to remove a tick from my daughter's kitty, Leslie, using tea tree oil.  Little did I know that tea tree oil is extremely toxic to cats and can even lead to death.  (Tea Tree Oil Toxicity) After examining the tick and bite, my daughter did some research online and gave Leslie some raw food mixed with charcoal.  I posted a plea for prayer on Facebook, as well as asking for prayer during our evening Bible study/prayer meeting, and we just continued to watch her and keep her hydrated.



Later in the evening, she began to act just a bit differently... a little quiet, but she still seemed okay.  My daughter took her up to bed as she usually does, and the next morning, I waited anxiously for them both to come downstairs.  Not only did Leslie seem to be herself again, but she even invited my daughter to play a game of hide-n-seek!  Yay!  Thank you, Lord!

Texture by David Gunter

Gracie: Baby Dedication

Today, Max and Emily presented Gracie, as well as themselves, to the Lord in a dedication ceremony.







Pastor took Gracie in his arms and explained that dedicating one's baby to the Lord does not secure eternal salvation and an entrance into heaven for her, but it is a public display of the parents' decision to raise her in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.   (Ephesians 6:4) Gracie will one day have to seek the Lord herself and choose to trust Him as her Savior.

He also encouraged church members to support Max and Emily in their endeavor, and promised that as a church, he and the teachers would strive to teach her about God and His Word.





After saying a prayer and handing Gracie back over to her parents, Pastor presented Max and Emily with a little New Testament for Gracie.  It warms my heart to see the love Max and Emily have for her and the Lord, and the dedication our pastor has to being a good under-shepherd.

Senior Portrait: Josh 2011

Josh is a wonderful young man who loves basketball and food.  He also loves the Lord and helps with a children's church ministry.   He's kind of an extension of our family, too.  Thank you, Josh, for allowing me to take your senior portrait. :)





















Which one is your fave?