All images are copyright © 2008-2013 Russ Martin,
(unless otherwise indicated). All rights reserved.


Monday, April 30, 2012

John 6:47

This just jumped up and grabbed me. I knew there was a great picture here. I just had to take a few shots to find it. It was worth the extra effort. The bronzes and wonderful window light are what really make this one special.

Baptismal Font 
St. Francis Catholic Church

Sunday, April 29, 2012

I - Jesus is Condemned to Death


When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and a purple robe, Pilate said to them: "Look at the Man!" John 19:5
 
Station of the Cross 
Saint John Catholic Church
Fryburg Ohio 

Scripture - The Way of the Cross Devotional

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Weekly Scripture

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32 NIV)

Friday, April 27, 2012

The Beloved Disciple

One of the biggest mysteries in biblical scholarship concerns the identity of "the disciple whom Jesus loved." According to the Gospel of John, this was the disciple who leaned on Jesus during the Last Supper, and the only male disciple present at the crucifixion.

Click on this link to read some interesting arguments on the matter: The Beloved Disciple (Gospel Mysteries)

Altar Relief The Last Supper
St. Francis Catholic Church

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Walk with Christ (Down Under)

This has been a good year for me as far as getting published. I was contacted by a group located in Australia that wanted to use one of my images for their banner for their up coming Walk with Christ. I told them to leave the photo credit off but they left it in anyway.

Graphic Log of an Exodus

This beautiful picture is the digital paint creation of Jose A. Rivera of Carolina - Puerto Rico. Jose E-Mailed me wanting permission to use one of my pictures in his artwork. So if you think the Resurrected Jesus looks familiar it because he made it using my picture. HOW COOL IS THAT.


Jose Rivera gave me two links -- one to his business Brainstorm Art and one to his blog Graphic log of an Exodus that this art work is posted in. Both sites are under construction but are still worth a look.

Below is a BIO he sent me:

Graphic log of an Exodus: A digital artistic stimulus to promote a day of graphic expression, poetic and aesthetic on how I see the world and its contemporary expression as you see it reflected in my artistic expressions about my entire cultural heritage of the island of Puerto Rico and my growth in my culture, religion and to develop critical thinking.

Here is the picture of mine that he used for his composition.

 

I would like to thank Jose for not only asking permission but also for sharing this wonderful work of art. There is even a chance that we may work together on some future projects. Now how exciting is that to have the Lord combining two peoples gifts to help spread the Good News.

Weekly Scripture

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.

A Life's Journey

Hosea 2:19
And I will betroth you to me forever. 
I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, 
in steadfast love and in mercy.

I meant to post this Valentines Day but forgot. This picture is from a winter photo shoot I did for a magazine. They were a wonderful and inspiring couple.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Strings of Scripture



I found this today on the Internet -- "Strings of Scripture". I find it both Amazing and Disturbing. The scripture becomes so poetic and beautiful.....But what do we Risk when we distribute the scripture this way? I would love to hear your comments on this.

This is the You Tube Description: "Jesus is String Rendition #1 from the new book "Strings of Scripture ~ Book of 77. Strings of Scripture consists of unique arrangements of Biblical verses categorized by topics. Each topic contains related verses that drive home the essentials meanings of the Living Word.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Vintage Crucifix


I saw this and was immediately thrown back to the 70's with the paneling. The Crucifix fit the time period as well. Add some nice window lit lighting and you get a pretty nice pic that has a very retro feel to it.

St. John's Catholic Church   
Fryburg Ohio

Mark 6:41

Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all.

Mural St. John's Catholic Church 
Fryburg Ohio

Ta Hagia; Sancta


The holy things (ta hagia; sancta) 

St. John's Catholic Church Fryburg ohio

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Weekly Scripture

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV)

Friday, April 13, 2012

Romans 6:9

Christ, having risen from the dead, dies now no more;
death will no longer have dominion over him, alleluia.

St. John's Catholic Church
Fryburg Ohio

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Scallop Shell

The sea shell, especially the scallop shell, is the symbol of Baptism, and is found frequently on Baptismal fonts. The dish used by priests to pour water over the heads of catechumens in Baptism is often scallop-shaped. The scallop, too, is a symbol for the Apostle James the Greater.

Text from Christian Symbols Fisheaters 

I love the reflections of the church in the basin. 

Baptismal Font and Shell 
St. John's Catholic Church
 Fryburg Ohio

Angel Amongst The Lilies

I found and loved this composition while touring the St. John's Catholic Church.

St. John's Catholic Church 
Fryburg Ohio

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Easter Lily


When I turned around and saw this I just new it was going to be a great pic. This will probably get printed and put in the next show.
Easter Lily Altar 
St. John's Catholic Church 
Fryburg Ohio

He Lives In You


He lives in you
He lives in me
He watches over
Everything we see
Into the water
Into the truth
In your reflection
He lives in you 

Child's Art Work 
St. John's Catholic Church 
Fryburg Ohio

Lyrics from the song "He Lives In You" - From the Lion King

Friday, April 6, 2012

Reveal Yourself To Me

Father, I would like to know You. Please reveal Yourself and the Lord Jesus to me. Please don’t let me be deceived, believing what is false. I thank You that I can approach Your throne in confidence, because I come by faith in Jesus Christ and His righteousness. Please bring me close to you. Lead me into the truth. Open my eyes to see all that you want me to see. I trust the Holy Spirit to teach me, because Jesus said ‘He will teach you all things.’ I call upon You now, trusting that You will do according to Your Word, as You have said, 'Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.' Thank you."


Stained Glass Window
St. Wendelin Catholic Church 

Breaking The Pattern

Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:38-42).

The story above while a familiar one can still be a hard lesson. Ask yourself this Easter -- What pattern are you holding onto that needs to be broken so you can focus on what really matters?

Stained Glass Window 
St. Wendelin Catholic Church

Thursday, April 5, 2012

The Weight Of The Cross


My beloved Jesus, it is not the weight of the Cross, but my sins, which have made Thee suffer so much pain. Ah, by the merits of this first fall, deliver me from the misfortune of falling into mortal sin. I love Thee, O my Jesus, with my whole heart; I repent of having offended Thee. Never permit me to separate myself from Thee again. Grant that I may love Thee always; and then do with me what Thou wilt.


It has been quite some time since I posted a complete picture of one of the Stations of the Cross. I found the subdued colors very interesting.

The above text is from The first three Stations of the Cross, with St. Alphonsus  The New Theological Movement

Station of the Cross III
St. John Catholic Church - Fryburg Ohio 

View From A Pew

I am always looking for interesting angles when taking pictures. I thought using the pews in the foreground and shooting up at an angle gave it a kids view feel.



St. John Catholic Church Fryburg Ohio

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

The Spires of St. Rose

It's been a while since I posted a picture of one of the churches so I thought I'd add one -- with a twist of course. The last time posted a picture of this church it was shielded in scaffolding. The parishioners of this church do an outstanding job of keeping the church building maintained. It truly is a beautiful church.

St. Rose Catholic Church

My Chains Are Gone

My chains are gone
 I've been set free
 My God, my Savior has ransomed me
 And like a flood His mercy rains 
Unending love, Amazing grace

Lyrics from: "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)"

 Station of the Cross 
St. Rose Catholic Church

Angel de la Guarda - Del Puente

(Guardian Angel) - Spanish Prayer

Angel de mi guarda oh mi dulce compania no me desampares ni de noche ni de dia hasta que me entregues en los brazos de Jesus y de Maria. Con tus alas me persigno y me abrazo de la Cruz y en mi corazon me llevo al dulcisimo Jesus. Amen.

Angel Statue
St. Rose Catholic Church

Monday, April 2, 2012

Messiah Complex

X-Men Messiah Complex

When I saw this image come to life in the editing process, I just couldn't resist the X-Men reference. No disrespect to our Lord and Savior is intended.

Cemetery Crucifix - St. Rose

Prayer to Jesus Crucified

BEHOLD, O good and sweetest Jesus, I cast myself upon my knees in Thy sight, and with the most fervent desire of my soul I pray and beseech Thee to impress upon my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope and charity, with true repentance for my sins and a most firm desire of amendment: whilst with deep affection and grief of soul I consider within myself and mentally contemplate Thy five most precious Wounds, having before mine eyes that which David, the prophet, long ago spoke in Thine own person concerning Thee, my Jesus: “They have pierced My hands and My feet, they have numbered all My bones.”

Stained Glass Window and Statue 
St. Wendelin Catholic Church

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Matthew 16:19


 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

 I took the liberty and did a little creative post processing on this one.

  Stained Glass Window
St. Wendelin Catholic Church

Crucifix Silhouette and Stained Glass

I am the resurrection and the life; 
He who believes in me will never die. 
I am the resurrection and the life; 
He who believes in me will live a new life.

lyrics from the song I Am the Resurrection

Crucifix and Stained Glass Window
St. Wendelin Catholic Church

Palm Crosses

Click on the link for instructions on how to make your own  Palm Cross. Very Cool. I just wish I had a palm so I could make one. I actually had one today in church but someone picked it up by mistake when I put down it to clean up and pack up my media stuff. Bummer

Thanks to Rich who made this post in Over the Rhine and into the Tiber Blog Warning this blog is a what I would call a "Tell-it-Like-it-is and call-em-the-way-I-see-em" -- not for the faint of heart LOL.

 The tutorial won't make the one I have pictured above. Sorry it was the only one I had in my archive.

 Lent Palm Cross 
St. Joseph Egypt Ohio