Have you ever thought about the intricate complexity of the human eye?  It amazingly allows us to not only view objects, but to view depth, color, size, and every little detail of the world around us.  Really, the eye is a super complicated machine with many parts.  And usually we take it so very for granted.

 

Photo Journey Step 1 - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

For fun today, my husband and I went on a 100 step walk.  You may remember the 100 step walk we took last fall.  Today we stepped off in a different direction, through the alleyways, and into the business area of our small town.  Every 100 steps we stopped and my challenge was to look around and find something interesting to photograph.

 

Photo Journey Step 2 :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Photo Journey Step 3 :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

As I went through the photos, I realized that none looked like what I remember seeing.  Our eyes process so much more of our world and capture so many elements, details, and contrasts that the camera lens is incapable of discerning.  For us, all those adjustments to light and dark, reflections and shadows happen imperceptibly. We are amazing works of God’s hand.  My mind cannot fathom how each of the parts of the eye work in tandem with the whole body.  It is truly miraculous.

 

Photo Journey Step 5 :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

 

Photo Journey Step 4 :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

So as you, hopefully, enjoy this photo journey, think about the depth and dimension that the camera cannot capture.  And yet, as we look at each photo, our mind’s eye often fills in what the lens of the camera has missed.

 

Photo Journey Step 6 :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Photo Journey Step 9 :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Our eyes are often thought of as the window to our soul.  The images our eyes see become burned into our minds, never to ever leave.  This verse from the Bible gives us something to contemplate as we consider our eyes.

The eye is the lamp of the body. You draw light into your body through your eyes, and light shines out to the world through your eyes. So if your eye is well and shows you what is true, then your whole body will be filled with light.  But if your eye is clouded or evil, then your body will be filled with evil and dark clouds. And the darkness that takes over the body of a child of God who has gone astray—that is the deepest, darkest darkness there is.    Matthew 6:22-23   The Voice (VOICE)

 

Photo Journey Step 7 :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Photo Journey Step 8 :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

How many places do you pass by on your walk or commute that you are no longer seeing?  Your mind’s eye may have tuned out the familiar.  It was incredibly fun for me to stop every 100 steps and turn around in my stopping spot and look.  Forms and shapes and textures jumped out in new and fresh ways.  And even though the journey started out mostly gray, it was interesting to note that even the sky changed bit by bit, clouds dissipated, and color and contrast emerged.

 

Photo Journey Step 10 :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Photo Journey Step 12 :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

I’m feeling pretty grateful for all these dark brown eyes of mine can do.  As one with an acute visual awareness, a visual learner, and creator, my eyes are key to who I am.

Will you join me on Joy Day! in giving thanks for our eyes and so much more?  

 

Photo Journey Step 11 - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Let’s give an eye-witness.

I’ll start…
Thank you God for:

  1. An important connection
  2. The prayer of belief that was uttered at breakfast and answered the same afternoon.
  3. The Truth Project and learning more about how you created us.
  4. Peace.
  5. Your constant affirmation reiterated over and over.
  6. This blog and the lovely people who stop by.
  7. “No.”  Not what we wanted to hear, but I know You closed the door.

Now it’s your turn!!
Scroll down to the “Share Your Thoughts” section below and add your seven.  I know you’ll be glad you did.

 

Thanks for taking the time to stop by!
I love reading your thoughtful words…please be sure to leave a few.  They will be like a warm hug in my day.

If you’ve enjoyed this post, would you click on the social sharing buttons on the side or the bottom and invite your friends to visit?  And if you haven’t yet…please join me on Facebook.  Thank you!!

His eye-witness…

Diane

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Comments

  1. Carol says

    Thank You, God, for:
    this year’s word…..Serve
    You care about every detail of our lives
    the kitchen amaryllis
    a sunny day today
    birdsong…..spring is coming!

    • Diane says

      Thank you for taking time to share your ‘seven’ Carol!
      Hugs and blessings!!

  2. JaneEllen says

    Love all your photos. My favorite is the wall with the bird houses, awesome. I’m so glad you take photos. Those memories are so special to keep.
    My parents were photo takers all thru their lives. My Mother worked at a photo place well up into her late 70’s. I love looking at photos. One of the bloggers puts black and white photos on for a post on Friday nights. Love them also.
    Sadly when my Mom had to leave her home so many of the wonderful photos were gotten rid of as I had no way to send them to our house. I do have two albums she made of relatives from years ago before I was born. Keep taking those wonderful walks and snapping your photos. I look forward to seeing more.

    • Diane says

      Thank you JaneEllen!!! Stick around and there will many more photos to come. Yesterday I visited a conservatory and snapped a bazillion photos!!
      It’s wonderful that you have those two albums to treasure. Isn’t it difficult to let go of photos with so many family memories and sentiments?
      Hope your day is Extraordinary!

  3. Mel says

    Oh, what a lovely exercise in changing your vision. Yes, I go the same route day in, day out–just switching the route has forced me to see new things–but I adore this 100 step exercise. No change in habit/route, but a change in how I’m looking at things. Afterall, isn’t that one of those basic things I struggle with on a regular basis. *laughing* Me and my limited vision. So, yes, I’ll have to try this one…..when I’m more mobile. 100 steps on crutches…..holy moly……bring a chair! LOL

    And my joys!
    * the HUGE yellow moon setting this morning
    * the Halloween owl cup that found it’s way to my desk for this morning’s coffee (bless his little pea pickin’ heart!)
    * the pictures of the Bug making snow mens
    * the sound of a train coming down the tracks
    * the 7 inches of snow ending up to be 4 inches!
    * I saw a ROBIN!! 🙂
    * forgiveness

    • Diane says

      I’m so glad you enjoyed the journey and the purpose, too. When you’re able…you’ll have so much fun creating your own. 😉
      Thank you Mel for taking the time to share your ‘seven.’ Really…God’s goodness is not only around every corner…but right smack in front of us too. Yes? I do love seeing your gifts…
      Hope your day is sunny!

  4. Renee says

    I love the idea of taking a walk like that and you have some pictures!

    • Renee says

      I meant to say GREAT pictures!

    • Diane says

      I do have pictures too!! And for a blogger…that’s a good thing…yes?
      Thanks for your kind words.
      May your day be extraordinary!

  5. What a beautiful post! I am going to have to remember to do this with my kids this spring.

    Hugs, Mary Beth

    • Diane says

      Thanks Mary Beth! 🙂
      I love the idea of doing that with your kids! So many teaching moments await. And each is nested in fun and adventure.

  6. Thank you for:
    1. White sycamore branches against a cameo-blue sky
    2. A quiet morning while girls are off to school and toddler is off to “tots” class
    3. Staying tethered to you, My Lord, and hearing your voice gently guiding me throughout this morning
    4. Feeling weak and lost, and leaning on you as a result

    • Diane says

      Thank you Elizabeth Anne May for stopping by and for taking the time to share your ‘seven.’ So grateful for the goodness of the Lord…in the good and not so good. Sometimes just knowing he is there and leaning in hard helps the most.
      May you sense his presence in an amazingly special way today.
      [hugs]

  7. Beth says

    Thanks for taking us along on your walk towards a visual feast. I agree, God has made our eyes (well, everything) so amazingly complex and full of blessing. I want to take one of those 100 step walks, Diane. Sounds like a great idea!

    • Diane says

      Oh Beth, I’m so glad you enjoyed the walk. It’s a good way to make the ordinary extraordinary…and makes my heart sing. I’m sure I got a few looks…but it was incredibly fun. Let me know if you take “the walk” too.
      May your day be filled with JOY!

  8. Laura says

    A hundred step walk. How fun, Diane! This is a sure way to notice the beauty God drops in our path. And a lovely gratitude list too. Today? I’m thankful for you and all my friends who hop by the Well spring to share their playdates with God.

  9. Jane B says

    Thank you for the beautiful pictures AND the beautiful thoughts!
    I am thankful for—
    –waking up this morning (when you’re my age, that is a blessing!)
    –friends who care
    –God who watches over me when I am afraid
    –sunshine and blue skies today, following a scary storm yesterday while driving 8 hours to New Orleans!

    • Diane says

      You are so kind Jane. 🙂 I’m blessed that they touched you. And thank you for taking time so share your bits of gratitude. [hugs]

  10. Gorgeous! What a walk! Love the old buildings.

    • Diane says

      How nice of you to say that! Thank you Kirsty!
      Hope your weekend is Extraordinary!

  11. Nice photos!

    • Diane says

      I really appreciate your encouragement Hans! 🙂

  12. Karen says

    The 100 step walk is a really great idea – I am going to have to give it a try. You are so right that there are many things I pass by everyday and no longer see. Your photos are really fantastic – thank you!

    • Diane says

      Thank you!!!
      I’m so glad you liked the “eye-dea” Karen! I hope you give it a try and have fun with it too!!

  13. Photo walk is delightful ~ love the birdhouses shot ~ Excellent photography ^_^

  14. What a great idea! I should take a 100 step walk and see what the Lord shows me to capture.

    Here are my 7:
    Growth through brokenness.
    His abiding love.
    Happy and healthy children.
    Provision in our lack,
    Friends who speak the truth in love.
    The smell of fresh coffee.
    The taste of fresh coffee.

    Happy weekend!

    • Diane says

      Oh Barbie….your first of ‘seven’ spoke to me. How very true. It’s so uncomfortable and yet Rom 8:28 rings so true.
      Thank you for taking time to stop by and share your ‘seven’ today. Have fun with your 100 step walk. 🙂 I know you will. [hugs]

  15. Lisa @ {4}SLP says

    i LOVE this idea… fabulous. i think i am going to do it. Lovely shots!

    1. chatting with friends who are miles away
    2. snow, snow, snow
    3. reading penned words that speak to the heart
    4. fresh bread put of the oven
    5. a full heart
    6. a date with me man and chat over coffee
    7. movie night with my kiddos

    • Diane says

      Oh Linda, I hope you take the 100 step journey too! 🙂
      Thank you for joining sharing your ‘seven.’ We are blessed people aren’t we?
      Hope your weekend is extraordinary!

  16. KG says

    I’m sorry I can’t Thank God but I am happy to have these 7things:

    1. Love in my life
    2. My kids
    3. My health
    4. My own business
    5. Great clients
    6. Sense of humor
    7. Great taste in men…:)

    xoxo,
    Khloe
    http://www.kgstyleblogs.com

    • Diane says

      Ah…but you can beautifully wear a heart of gratitude, Khloe. 🙂 BTW…I love #7! 🙂
      Hope your weekend is extraordinary!

  17. I love this idea! and the pictures you took are fabulous! The Scripture verses are perfect, and remind me to keep my eyes focused on Him.

    Thankful for my caring husband, fun daughter, compassionate son, warm house, blogging friend, here-and-now friends, good food, and tomorrow’s Sunday!!!

    Mary

    • Diane says

      Thank YOU, Mary!! He is so good to help us encourage one another.
      Thanks for taking time to share your ‘seven’ too! How very blessed you are! 😀
      May your weekend be joy-filled!

  18. I so love walking and noticing the things that pass by too quickly when I drive! Adore this collection of views in your post, especially that huge number of bird feeders lined up on the wall! Amazing!

    • Diane says

      That garage wall filled with birdhouses has been inspiring me too. Someday!
      Thanks for your kind words of encouragement. Blessings!

  19. A lovely blog♫ Too many things to be thankful for today, but I am happy to come across another blogger whose faith shines through words. May the Holy Spirit guide you in all your endeavors♥ My Top Shot effort: http://lore-eleven.blogspot.com/2013/02/fun-with-sundials.html

    • Diane says

      Your words are so sweet and encouraging! 🙂 Thank you for stopping by my spiritual sister!

  20. Yes, the creators design of the human eye with its ability to discern what no machine can must be near the top of His favorite creations. You brought up an insight I hadn’t ever considered before. We miss a lot of what our eyes can reveal. Thanks for the post.

    • Diane says

      I appreciate your words of confirmation and encouragement Rick! 🙂
      May your new week be Extraordinary!

  21. Marty says

    Seven things I am thankful for:
    The early morning shadows because that means we have actual sun shining this morning
    My sweet husband, also my pastor, as he has prepared himself all week to bring God’s message
    My five wonderful children who will later this morning kneel with me as my sisters and brother as we go before our God
    Kind friends that we will join for lunch this afternoon
    The Lord’s Table where we are invited to gather and feast each week
    God’s provision in all manner of things and finally,
    blogs such as yours that remind me each week of His goodness and the family I have all over the world through His son 🙂
    Blessings to you this day!

    • Diane says

      Marty….your words of gratitude were a treasure to read…and your closing brought tears to my eyes. Praise God that he would use what I have to bless and encourage. [hugs] He is good…all. the. time. 🙂

  22. Thank you for coming by sharing your creative photography on Weekly Top Shot #72!

  23. Nicki says

    I like your project of 100 steps and photographing something visually interesting – I’ll keep this in mind next time I am feeling uninspired.

    • Diane says

      I think you’ll enjoy it Nicki. It is challenging too. The day of my journey was very gray and of course, it is still winter here, so at first there doesn’t seem to be much of visual interest. But, I went with it anyway. Have fun with it!!

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