Saturday, June 13, 2009

Framed

My husband's photographic eye was delighted by the 'frame' nature provided for the cabin cruiser in the above photo.

How carefully an artist frames his work. The frame can make or break the picture - it can bring out certain aspects or color..or play down another part. The frame directs the eye to what the artist wants to draw attention to.

I read a quote recently by Dr. John Allen Lavender, " ..Everything you say and think and do is governed by your own 'frame of reference'. Actually, there is not a single phase of life which isn't colored to some extent by the approach you make to it."

An interesting quote isn't it ? And how true !

If , for example, your frame of reference is an easily offended spirit, then you will view everything from within that 'Frame' and look for any intended or unintended offence directed toward you.
Or, if you have a frame of thankfulness, it is easy for you to find the good where ever you go.

I think we are often quite unaware of how what we believe 'frames' our judgements and on what we base our decisions and opinions.


There is a verse in scripture that has the word 'framed' in it.. Reading the verse with this understanding of 'framed' suggests a very enlightening concept.

Heb 11:3 "By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible."

We understand that God's creation was spoken into being by His Word... but envision what this verse articulates. That God did nothing, created nothing, except it fit within the FRAME of His Word. God's work and being is 'framed' by His Word.

Should we not also take care that who we are, what we 'create' in the world around us, is framed by God's Word? That all we say or do or think is consciously kept within the frame of reference of God's Truth and God's directive for our lives as revealed in the scriptures?

What is your frame of reference for viewing the world around you? Your frame of reference not only determines how you view your world but also how the world views you!

8 comments:

Vicki said...

Thanks, Julie. I need to take more care in what I say (and type) so that my words are more loving and caring and less likely to hurt or offend. Often I put myself first in what I say (or do). I must try to think of every statement, word, deed, thought, action...as being within God's frame...and I must try to be the work of art that God made me - all of us - to be.

Lovella ♥ said...

Ouch . . I know that I tend to have a "touchy" side. I am far too easily hurt .. when no offence was intended. I find it easy to blame that characteristic on my genes. .so sad really.
I have been trying so hard to correct this..but I know I have a long way to go. .
Thank you for this good lesson.

Elsie said...

Great lesson again, Julie! I experienced a "framing" situation yesterday at a large birthday picnic.....the birthday girl was hugging an older lady, when the person next to me turned in disgust and proceeded to tell some negative stories about the older lady. How sad, that people and events are sometimes framed in a negative light, when we as Christians should be framing everything with grace, love and forgiveness.

Marg said...

Ooo...That's quite the post. Thank-you because you know how to scratch where it hurts, but that helps me to continue to grow and look at a new perspective.
Thanks for sharing.

Anneliese said...

Wow . .. a lot said and so well, once again! Thank you, Julie.

Thoughts on Life and Millinery. said...

Framing thoughts and words...and re-framing doubts and fears to positive possiblities sure is worthwhile. I have just finished framing and re-framing several pictures, and indeed, a badly chosen frame can ruin a lovely picture, and a well chosen frame can make even ordinary art look terrific.

And then there is lighting on framed art...another subject...

And knowing the time frame etc...

Thanks for the reminder to frame words and thought carefully Julie!

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

Hi Julie - thank you for stopping by and commenting. Yes, we DID get to go inside Chartwell! It was rather crowded that day with other tourists, unfortunately, but the home is very unpretentious inside and quite inviting and comfortable. The views out the windows to those gorgeous gardens are stupendous, even in the rain. Photos were forbidden from inside the home or I would have taken a few window views!

I enjoyed your post here about framing....as always you have made a thoughtful lesson out of an every day event.

Judy said...

I like this reminder, Julie...to put our thoughts and words within the God's framework.

A great object lesson...and tell your hubby he framed his picture nicely.