Month: February 2015

R | Photoshoot

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments

I’ve not been posting photoshoots recently because, due to my dad’s request, we’ve been trying to figure out what works. Here we are at the return of photoshoots! There will be several fewer pictures – but enjoy nonetheless!

In January, I enjoyed doing a photoshoot with R. I loved how everything pulled together with the style of her outfit and the setting!

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“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” (Philippians 2:4)

Title my Story . . .

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments

“Sabina, you dawdler!” Impatience etched Gillota’s voice. “Mass is nigh over and Lord Raboc will not be kept waiting!”

Sabina nodded mutely and balanced her tray of bread as she piled on another loaf.

“Enough! Go!” The head cook flipped her hands and Sabina quickly heeded the message.

In the dining hall, Sabina could hear the low tones of Raboc’s laughter. At least he was in good humor this morning. Sabina relinquished her load to the table and returned to the kitchen for more. The rowdiness in the dining hall only escalated as Raboc filled himself with food and wine.

With her task finished, Sabina waited in a quiet corner for Raboc to leave the room. Her eyes travelled to the narrow slit of a window. From her elevated standpoint, she could see for miles down the well-worn road. In the morning sunlight, a cloud of dust formed on the horizon. Sabina squinted her eyes. No small company formed such commotion.

Raboc pounded his fist on the table and Sabina jerked her attention to him. “More!” he commanded, holding his cup out. Sabina rushed to fulfill the task then took initiative to clear up the used dishes. Each time she passed the window, she paused, her curiosity intensified.

“More!”

How much wine would Raboc inhale? It was still early morning, but Sabina obeyed without word or question. Finally, Raboc loitered to the next room and Sabina hurried with the other girls to clean.

On her final trip to the dining hall, a loud exclamation from the next room stopped her.

“And what pleasure have I this visit?” Raboc’s polite query contrasted his earlier tone. Sabina slipped to the doorway.

“No pleasure, but duty.” The man speaking was surrounded by several guards. Sabina’s eyes quickly took in the velvet cap and fur coats carefully adorned with peacock feathers. The king himself. “It has been brought to my attention, Lord Raboc, that you have taken control of funds and misplaced them.”
(the first tidbit of Ancel’s story)

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After hearing a sermon on Matthew 18, the story of Raboc and Ancel brewed in the back of my mind for a few weeks. This week, the Lord allowed me to finish the rough draft of Ancel’s story (2, 133 words). It is not my desire to retell Scripture or reinterpret it neither is this story intended to be an allegory. It is simply a story to demonstrate forgiveness and a few of the lessons that I have learned in that subject.

I had fun jotting down this story, doing several things which are new for me: 1) writing with an omniscient viewpoint (following more than one character), 2) writing mainly from the guys’ perspectives (yes, I am a girl and usually write in the viewpoint of which I’m most familiar), and 3) writing a story loosely {very loosely} set in feudal England (little did I know that my research for a paper on feudal England when I was sixteen would resurface to help me with a piece of fiction).

Now for the part which is of semi-importance: I really need a title. The working title was “That Thou Owest,” but after writing the story, I realize the title does not display the content of the story. So, I have a favor to ask: I need a title and would like your input! Of course, to know the content of the story, you must take your time to read it.
If you are interested in reading Ancel’s story, please shoot me an email at withajoyfulnoise(at)gmail(dot)com and I would be more than happy to send you a PDF of the story. In return, I ask that you offer some title suggestions – and while you’re at it, you can also give me your critique of it, if you notice anything that needs to be addressed.

The Armor of God – GOSPEL | Ephesians Study

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
Ephesians 6:15
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Shod – NT:5265  hupodeo (hoop-od-eh’-o); from NT:5259 and NT:1210; to bind under one’s feet, i.e. put on shoes or sandals:
Preparation – NT:2091  hetoimasia (het-oy-mas-ee’-ah); from NT:2090; preparation:
Gospel – NT:2098  euaggelion (yoo-ang-ghel’-ee-on); from the same as NT:2097; a good message, i.e. the gospel:
Peace – NT:1515 eirene (i-ray’-nay); probably from a primary verb eiro (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity:
The preparation of the Gospel of peace is to be bound under our feet. It gives the image of directing our steps – going places where we can share this Gospel.
This peace is the same peace that Jesus uses in John 14:26, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” It is by this peace that Jesus sends us, “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” (John 20:21)
Other verses that came to mind are:
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” (Isaiah 52:7)
“And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:15)

Taking these verses into consideration, as believers, we are responsible to prepare ourselves with the Gospel of peace. We are to have it on, like shoes, ready to go when God may send us.

Word Wednesday #42

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments
“The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.” (Ezekiel 34:4)
What a responsibility for the pastor is outlined in this verse. It’s interesting to note the order: those in the sheepfold (though diseased, sick, and broken) come first to be ministered unto. Then those astray, then those lost. Interesting the progression: diseased – sick – broken – driven away – lost.

Share a verse that God has given you today or copy the button if you’d like to join in Word Wednesdays with your blog!

 
 

The Armor of God – RIGHTEOUSNESS | Ephesians Study

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
Ephesians 6:11-14
(11)  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
(12)  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
(13)  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
(14)  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

The second piece of armor is the breastplate – that which covers the chest and protects it. This armor is righteousness (equity [of character or act]; specially [Christian] justification:). The simple definition and reference to armor implies that this righteousness is more than what comes from us. It is something we must put on, not draw from ourselves.
– We can receive all we need to know about righteousness from God’s Word
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2 Timothy 3:16)
– Righteousness by faith in God
“And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”(Genesis 15:6)
“For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.” (Galatians 5:5)
– Righteousness by keeping the law
“And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the Lord our God, as he hath commanded us.” (Deuteronomy 6:25)
– Clothing of righteousness
“I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem.” (Job 29:14)
“Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.” (Psalm 132:9)
“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” (Isaiah 61:10)
“By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,”(2 Corinthians 6:7)
“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.”(Revelations 19:7-8)
– God of our righteousness
“Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.” (Psalm 4:1)
– God’s righteousness
“For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.” (Psalm 11:7)
“Yea, the Lord shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase. Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.” (Psalm 85:12-13)
– Path of righteousness
“He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:3)
– Righteousness comes from God
“He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.” (Psalm 24:5)
“In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.” (Psalm 89:16)
“In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE Lord OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.”(Jeremiah 23:6)
“In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The Lord our righteousness.” (Jeremiah 33:16)
“For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” (Romans 10:3-4)
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”(2 Corinthians 5:21)
“I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.”(Galatians 2:21)
“And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” (Ephesians 4:24)
“Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.”(Philippians 1:11)
“And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:” (Philippians 3:9)
– Sacrifices of righteousness
“Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.” (Psalm 51:19)
– Righteousness of God’s Word
“Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.” (Psalm 119:123)
“The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.” (Psalm 19:144)
“My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.” (Psalm 119:172)
“All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.” (Proverbs 8:8)
– Promises for righteousness
“The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.” (Proverbs 11:5-6)
“Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.” (Proverbs 13:6)
“He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.” (Proverbs 21:21)
 “Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.”(Hosea 10:12)
– Righteousness by truth
” He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.” (Proverbs 12:17)
– Righteousness: reflection of our love for God
“The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the Lord: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.” (Proverbs 15:9)
– Righteousness and peace
“And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.” (Isaiah 32:17)
“And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” (James 3:18)
– Seeking righteousness
“Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger.” (Zephaniah 2:3)
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”(Matthew 6:33)
“But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” (1 Timothy 6:11)
“Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22)
– Our members as righteousness
“Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.” (Romans 6:13)
“Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” (Romans 6:18)
– Righteousness and believers
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” (Romans 14:17)
“Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.”(1 Corinthians 15:34)
– Righteousness by chastening
“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”(Hebrews 12:11)
– Wrath defeats righteousness
“For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20)
– Saved for righteousness
“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” (1 Peter 2:24)
– Suffering because of righteousness
“But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;” (1 Peter 3:14)

As believers, it is but our duty to be righteous in the Lord. We must seek righteousness – and seeing as God’s Word is profitable for instruction in righteousness and is righteousness Itself, we must again turn to the Bible to know how to live righteously. 

Creating a Watermark in Photoshop Elements

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
Last week, we saw how to create a simple watermark in Adobe Lightroom. Using Photoshop is a little more complex but (in my opinion) is worth the better effects!

First, create a blank file (I did 4×6″).

Next, just for the ease of visuality, I colored the background.

Now it’s time for text! Find a text that you enjoy and that captures the genre of your photography.

If you like, add some extra little elements. I added a butterfly (with the elements shapes) and a swirl (using the text Nymphette) to create a fun, cute logo.

This will give you a few layers (see bottom right corner). Select all of your logo layers.

Right click and select “Merge Layers” (or press ctrl+E). This will pull all of your layers together so that you will not accidentally select only part of your logo.

With your logo selected, use the move tool (on the left it is the top left option – image of the cursor and “plus”). Right click on top of your logo and select “Edit layer styles.”

A new window will pop up.

Select “Bevel.” It automatically will give you a 5px bevel. I usually like this option so select “okay” when done.

Now, lower the opacity of your logo so that it is translucent. I selected 25% opacity.

From here, you can drag the logo from your workspace directly onto a photograph in Photoshop.

Another option is to prepare your logo to be used in Lightroom. First, crop the logo so that there is little excess space around the edges.

Then, hide the background layer (deselect the eye in the layer box). This will make your logo completely translucent.

Save your image as a PNG file.

When it gives you the PNG options, select “None.”

Now, back to Lightroom, go to the watermark window (same as when you made a simple logo). Under the first option, select “Choose.”

Open the PNG file that you just saved from Photoshop.

As with the simple watermark, you will need to play around with size and position until you get what suits you.

Save this as a new logo.

Export your picture (or hundreds of pictures) and there is your logo!

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Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 
(2 Corinthians 10:5)