For such is the kingdom of heaven

Sorry for my long absence, my friends. I have a lot going on right now but I wanted to stop by and share some photos that I hope don’t seem too depressing.

Last weekend, I went to scout out a location for a photo shoot I will be doing this weekend for a former colleague who is being ordained. It’s being held at her church, which happens to be one of the oldest in the county where I live. It was built in 1742 and the parish was created in 1706.

I saw some very old photographs taken of the church in its early years in a display case in the little vestry house which led me to my editing choice for the images I’m sharing today. I used Old Skool (HD) by Totally Rad Actions, giving an old-time wet plate effect that emulates the look of 19th century photographic processes.

 

I love the trees on the property.

 

 

And I could feel the history of the place as I walked among the grave-strewn lawn.

 

 

(There are gravestones everywhere.)

 

 

The church, although very tiny, actually holds 150 people. This will be one of my vantage points during Saturday’s ceremony.

 

 

The windows are incredible with their wavy glass edges.

But what really got to me were some of the gravestones.

 

 

Lydia and her sister, Mary, both died at a young age. Lydia at age 18 . . .

 

 

. . . and little Mary at age 11. Their poor, dear parents.

The tombstone reads:

Suffer little children, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

The entire quote is not here. Perhaps it couldn’t fit on the tiny tombstone. It should read:

¹⁴ But Jesus said, “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven”.

(which means to let the little children come to Him, and not hinder them in doing so because the kingdom of God belongs to them as much as anyone).

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There are two giant oak trees on the property and they are called Big Red and Little Red. Above is Little Red, which sits off to the side between the church and the vestry house.

 

 

And behind lies a small road around the property which is located at the edge of the river. Such a beautiful, yet tiny piece of hallowed ground. And such a peaceful feeling as I walked and took photos on a sterling September morning.

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I’m headed to bed at an early hour because I am just so tired. It won’t always be this way, and that is something I’m telling myself to help me through this phase right now. Some day maybe I’ll tell you all about it but for now, I’ll simply say goodnight. And I hope your week is a beautiful one.

Thanks for stopping by today. Until later, my friends ~