Someday--it's on my bucket list!--I'm going to learn to paint clouds. But until then, I photograph clouds. I've photographed hundreds of clouds.
Little clouds...
and big clouds.
Clouds over water...
and clouds over rolling pasture land.
Pink clouds...
and orange clouds.
Clouds from above...
and clouds from below.
Clouds framed by an arch...
and clouds framing a steeple.
Clouds with sunbeams shooting out the bottom...
and clouds reflecting sunshine on top.
Yes, I love clouds. But I have to admit, the clouds I photographed last Sunday evening were some of the most exciting. Look at this one...
Do you see it? The squiggly line trailing from a funnel shaped cloud? Yep, that's a tornado forming. I took at least ten pictures of its progression (I posted them all on Facebook, if you're interested in seeing the rest of them). I've photographed clouds while smiling, while blinking back tears--my standard response to something of incredible beauty--and even while squinting. But this was my first time taking photographs while shaking so badly I wondered if they'd even come out. Hubs and I stood, watching, anticipation literally lifting us onto our tiptoes.
Later, when the storm had passed (the tornadoes...eight in all...chose to bypass our community, thank the Lord), I examined the photos and remembered my intense emotional reaction to watching and wondering if that tornado was going to come to my doorstep, and I couldn't help but think about the times I've looked up at clouds with a fan-shaped sunbeam shooting through a hole in its center. Each time, I've experienced a rush of anticipation and wondered, "Will Jesus appear in that cloud?"
I've asked that questions hundreds of times since I was a little girl. As a child, the thought that I might see His face appear in the clouds kind of scared me. I had lots of living to do--didn't want Him to come just yet. But the older I get, the more I long for that moment. He promised He'd come, and He promised we'd see Him in the clouds: "...people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory (from Mark 13)." And on that day, we all get to take a ride through the sky to live with Him eternally. What a day that will be!
Until then, I'll keep taking photographs of clouds. (But if none of them ever again contain a tornado, I'll be perfectly okay with it. *grin*)
God bless you muchly as you journey with Him! ~Kim
Kim, I saw the pics on Facebook last week...wow!! Scary! At least I didn't see the one that was within a mile of our home back in Feb/March! It's wonderful to just take time, lie on your back, and watch the clouds pass. *sigh* I haven't done that in years...
ReplyDeleteFun story, though, and I may have told this before. One day on my drive to work last year, the sky was almost completely covered in clouds and the sun was coming up. There was this one streak that seemed lighter and brighter than the rest of the sky. I saw that and said "God, you just finger painted that one up there, didn't you?" It seriously looked like a child's finger painting!! Our God does so much just to make us smile :-)
"Our God does so much just to make us smile." AMEN, Catherine! I've thought so many times He didn't have to make the world a feast for eyes, but He did it. I'm so grateful. :o)
ReplyDeleteLove how you caught the sky-blue pink color in the clouds. Sometimes those clouds look like they are the curtains of heaven, like if the breeze would just move them a bit you'd see right in, and then i wonder if that's the window our loved ones look through to see us.
ReplyDeleteMarianne, you have the heart of a poet. :o)
ReplyDeleteHey Kim! I just saw this news article...of course, the wedding took place on Saturday in Kansas :-)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.theblaze.com/stories/couples-amazing-wedding-photos-capture-tornado-swirling-in-the-background/
Oh Kim....what a wonderful post--and I have to admit that I've always loved clouds too. Your photos were absolutely breathtaking (my fave is the church steeple with the clouds!!) but they were all beautiful! (well okay, maybe that tornado wasn't beautiful, but amazing!). Praise the Lord the tornado spared your community! I cannot even imagine being able to hold the camera still enough to snap the picture, LOL--you were brave *smile*. ~ Also loved your thoughts on Jesus appearing in the clouds--what a GLORIOUS thought!!! ~ And I have to add that ever since my precious Parents have journeyed to Heaven there have been many times I gaze up at the clouds and can imagine I see Mama and Daddy smiling down at me from among the clouds--reminding me that I'll be with them again one day--that thought always bring comfort to my heart. ~ Hugs, Patti Jo
ReplyDeleteKim, loved this post! The funnel cloud--not so much. *tremble I pray for the lives and areas that faced the 8 tornadoes.
ReplyDeleteI have painted clouds before and hope to do more. I photograph them every chance I get. I think it is because I long to see the Jesus' return! Glorious day, O what a glorious day that will be!
How is Rosie? Still praying for you!
Hugs to all.
Clouds are so pretty...
ReplyDeleteEach has its own story, in fact.
It's sad that people (including me) don't take the time to look at God's daily artwork like these clouds.
Loving the pictures!
<3 Essie
Patti Jo, I could relate to your longing to be reunited with loved ones. Sometimes I think about the welcoming committee that will be standing at the gate when I arrive--oh, what joy to see those dear faces again! Blessings to you, my friend.
ReplyDeleteMiriam, I'm envious! My attempts at clouds have been dismal at best. As I said...someday. :o) In the meantime, my camera does a pretty decent job.
ReplyDeleteEssie, I think it's sad we're all in such a hurry. There's beauty everywhere when we stop to look. I think that's why I enjoy my grandkids--especially the wee-est ones--so much. They notice EVERYTHING, and then I get to examine the world through their innocent, wondering eyes. Thanks for stopping by!
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