Lantern Bearer

This beautiful and serene painting by the incredibly talented Amy Grimes is titled Lantern Bearer. Amy says it’s about how God is our source and when we look to Him, we reflect His light.

Pondering the luminescent scene, the dainty fairy holding her glowing lantern, looking up through the wintry night sky at the bright source of light, reminded me of this verse:

“Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.” – Psalm 34:5 (NLT)

As a photographic response, I wanted to focus foremost on an open Bible, knowing how we look to God so often through His holy word. I tried to heavily focus on the text of this verse, but also hoped to capture much of the reflective quality of light through the use of crystal and glass. I hope you can imagine your own face softly glowing as you look intently over these pages surrounded by sparkling light.

He is the Maker of light. He is the light, and our source for all that is good, and true, and beautiful in this sometimes very dark world. May we look to Him in every season, and see ourselves, and each other, in the brilliant light of His love.

You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light. – 2 Samuel 22:29 (NIV)

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” – John 8:12 (NLT)

The featured image and painting, “Lantern Bearer,” is courtesy of Amy Grimes and used with her kind permission for Cultivating. It has been modified to fit the featured image size restrictions inherent to this website. The photograph provided by Julie Jablonski is also used with her kind permission for Cultivating. Both images are copyrighted material and may not be reproduced in any form.

Julie Jablonski

Julie is a still-life photographer who finds endless beauty in the small, delicate details of nature and everyday life. Self taught and still learning, store bought flowers paired with vintage china pieces are some of her favorite photo subjects. Julie lives in southeastern Wisconsin with her husband David. After more than 30 years together, they are now empty nesters, and still wildly in love. When she’s not taking photos, shopping at antique and thrift stores with her husband, or visiting with her two kids and their loves, she spends time reading, writing, and dabbling in various forms of art. Above all else however, Julie is a lover and follower of Jesus Christ and wants nothing more than for her life to bring God glory.