This Was 1 Of My Favorite Stained Glass Windows In A Church When I Would Visit Many Churches. I Used To Work For A Pictorial Church Directory Organization.

 

Many years ago I used to work for a pictorial church directory organization. Maybe you are familiar with this type of program. Maybe you may have even participated in this sort of church directory in the past? They would schedule appointments with churches for portrait taking sessions. It really was a lovely concept. There would be a section in which the church was focused in the directory. Then each family that wanted to participate would schedule an appointment for their family portrait session. They had the opportunity to order portraits also. No pressure was placed upon the church or the families to purchase. I was a low key sales representative. I would listen to the needs, concerns of the families as they shared with me what they were interested in or not interested also.

If I remember correctly, there were bonus item the church could attain based on the sales of portraits also. I even scheduled a portrait seating myself and I will share a portrait taken at the time of me many years ago. I even had on the turquoise ring (I love) when it had all the pieces of turquoise still in place. Since then a gemstone would get loose and fall out unbeknownst to me until I noticed it was gone. I had a boss at one time that created jewelry and she blessed me with a few opal stones to glue in place to cover up the lost turquoise stones. Some fell off eventually. Then I have a jeweler that when I would go into the store he would let me go through the loose gemstones (that they no longer used in a variety of shapes or they came from rings that were dismantled) and we would look for a size and color (to coordinate with the ring colors) to cover up the place where the turquoise used to fit and he would use a certain type of glue to place it on the ring. I think I still have one of those gemstones still on the ring. He would not even charge me for this. Pretty amazing customer service in this day and age in which we live in. It was not an expensive ring, I probably bought it at TJ Maxx years ago. Genuine turquoise and I even inquired if it could be reproduced in another setting. To still have all the original gemstones in place and remain in place with the setting selected. It really was not worth going that route. So in the meantime I use a seed pearl type of pearl that you use to make jewelry (from the craft store) and I just glue one in place as needed. Than reminds me I have to do that again. I call this my ring of may jewels because there is a variety. You have different little pieces of turquoise, seed type of pearls, small opal and a gemstone from the jewelry store (it may be a small sized amethyst.)

How did I get off of my subject and share about a ring?

I would set up appointments with church leadership, pastors, and even do presentations for church boards to share about the program. I was in and out of churches on a daily basis. I probably still have in notes somewhere a list of my favorite church stained glass windows. Back then I hoped to write a book featuring my favorite church stained glass windows in that region.

I fell in love with this church's stained glass window because it was unique and there was incredible peace when I was in the sanctuary. This may be the oldest church, it even has a church marker representing the historic date of this church in a small boating community. It was actually across from a park that was in front of one of the Great Lakes. Imagine this ... the beautiful snow drifts that would be there in the midst of a Winter lake effect snow storm. Then the gentle Spring breezes as the trees blossom. The heat and humidity of a Summer day with flowers in bloom. The beauty of a Fall day with crispness in the air and the incredible variety of colors painted on trees in the form of leaves just painted by God for us to enjoy their beauty.

One day I was in the area and asked if I could go into the sanctuary and pray, they granted that kindness to me. As I was sitting there that is when the beauty of this simple stained glass window captured my attention. Then I began to look around the sanctuary and noticed the tall white shutters over the windows. I loved the blue carpeting and the chandeliers. You could sense there was history in this small church. I then began to let creativity flow while in church and I noticed there were 2 aisles. For a brief moment in time I could see a wedding taking place in this church. I do not know why but I began to see this as a perfect type of church if a couple wanted an intimate sort of wedding. There is just something special about this church. Then I began to see how it would be a perfect church setting for a couple that was going to get married and it may be a blended type of marriage. Meaning a couple that they both had children and they would blend together in the marriage. Come on and see with me. I saw 2 families coming together in a church service. The bride would walk down the aisle with her children (at the time young children) on the left side. The groom would walk down the other aisle with his children. Both would then meet at the altar with both sets of children and the marriage ceremony would take place. See, that was the former event planner in me peeking out with insight. Can you see what I saw?

Who knows, maybe there is a young couple out there that just may seek out this church and get married there. Back then there was even a bed n breakfast not far from the church that may even accommodate guests attending the wedding. That all came from me sitting in a church sanctuary many years ago.

The other pictures are of different moments captured of the sun. I just added that to bless you. Do you need a bit of sunshine in your day, if so here it is. If there is a young couple out there contemplating marriage, you should read the book I also share written by Derek & Ruth Prince, it will bless you. Also, seek church leadership guidance/counseling before embarking on your marriage union.

The ring I make reference of is in the 1st portrait setting, on my hand resting on the table.

The photographer really did capture my personality in this photo session, joy filled but also the serious side of me.