How to begin?
The idea for this blog has been percolating for some years now. Finally sitting down to attempt writing the first post, I am overwhelmed by a hundred questions banging around in my head, the nagging noise of fear, confusion, doubt, and much resistance. Then the words of a dear friend in email bring me back to what the focus is all about, and I know now how to begin…
It’s all about the glory of God.
On the short hike in the dark of early morning to Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park, Utah, it’s difficult to imagine the glory that awaits. Arriving at the expansive span before sunrise, with the view of the Washer Woman formation, the pulse quickens. But it’s about 15 minutes after the sun has risen, when bright sunlight hitting the red rock below bounces up to set Mesa Arch’s belly glowing in fiery reflected light, that your jaw drops in awe of the spectacle you are witnessing.
To place myself in the path of God’s glory, have my eyes opened to it, and drink deeply of it, has become my passion and life pursuit as a Christian and photographer of the landscape. But it was not always so. Most of my years have been spent desperate to find some small glory for myself, clinging to the approval of people, striving for performance-based acceptance, and distracted by far lesser passions. In recent years my sovereign Father has been gracious to lead me into brokenness, exposing pride and idolatry within, and tearing down the facade. And then in love he has begun rebuilding the foundations of identity based on who he is and what he has done to rescue inept rebels like me through his Son Jesus Christ, and through that is stirring up an appetite for his amazing glory.
By God’s grace I hope to use the medium of this blog to share glimpses of the Creator’s handiwork that he has allowed me to capture through the art and craft of landscape photography. As the prophet Isaiah declares, “the whole earth is filled with his glory!” (Isaiah 6:3b, ESV), and my cameras can testify to this. Scriptures, writing, and other resources may be used with the photography to help magnify the greatness of our God.
Clearly a Christian audience is in mind here, with the hope of bringing encouragement to people who trust in the triune God of the Bible, but all are welcome.
High up on the flank of towering Mount Rainier in Washington state, the Paradise glacier is the source of a river bearing its name. For a few summer days one particular August, which is more akin to springtime in this high country, the conditions combined to create a rare spectacular yellow and pink monkey flower bloom decorating the Paradise River and falls just below the glacier.
Each week I will endeavor to prepare a table with delicacies of the Creator’s magnificence and invite you to pull up a chair and eat and be satisfied. But any fruitfulness from these efforts will be solely up to God’s moving and working. My foundational role is simply to glorify the Lord by seeing and savoring the awesomeness of his works, then responding with gratitude and worship through the creative process of image making and writing. This is his call for me, by his enablement.
If you choose to journey along, may our souls resonate with the psalmist:
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!” (Psalm 34:8a, ESV)
July 2nd, 2014 at 9:59 am
I’m so glad you decided to do this Ross! This is so beautiful and uplifting!
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July 2nd, 2014 at 10:32 pm
Kathy, such a blessing to see you here!
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July 2nd, 2014 at 1:58 pm
It elicits the exclamation Oh My GOD! — and instead of being an expletive, it’s the explosive cry of worship…Thank-you Ross.
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July 2nd, 2014 at 10:34 pm
My dear niece, so beautifully worded, you brought me to tears and a moment of worship.
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July 2nd, 2014 at 6:50 pm
Thank you for this glimpse of both the Glory of God, and of your heart.
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July 3rd, 2014 at 12:16 am
So good to see you doing this my dear friend, and so good to be here. May the Lord be praised greatly and may we be humbled by glimpses of His magnificence!
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July 3rd, 2014 at 5:57 am
Ross, this is wonderful. I’m looking forward to more inspiring words and pictures. This is a very good thing dude!!
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July 3rd, 2014 at 10:46 am
Beautiful words from your soul and stunning photographs Ross. You point us to Jesus. Thank you, thank you for sharing with us!
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July 6th, 2014 at 11:19 am
Thank you Virginia, Slavomir, Steve, and Melissa for words of encouragement!
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July 8th, 2014 at 3:11 pm
Ross, your photos are wonderful. But I appreciate even more the transparency of your heart as expressed in your words. May God enable you to capture many more of these glorious moments, windows into His glory that they reflect.
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July 10th, 2014 at 9:40 pm
Thank you Coleen!
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July 8th, 2014 at 7:15 pm
I’ve just now learned of this work of yours Ross. I’m so stoked you are doing this and look forward with an eager heart to partake in His love for us through you and your work here. Thanks!!!!
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July 10th, 2014 at 9:42 pm
Yes Marc, it is His love shining forth in the creation beauty! Great to see you here my dear friend.
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July 8th, 2014 at 7:52 pm
Let the record show…I am one of the few (if there are any others) with Ross Martin originals hanging on my wall. Excited to see more of what I get to see everyday!
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July 10th, 2014 at 9:44 pm
LOL, this is true Sam 🙂
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July 18th, 2014 at 11:36 pm
Thank you Ross for having to step out and have the courage to do this blog. You are an amazing photographer, brother in law…..and friend. Thanks for all the love, support, laughs and trouble we get into 🙂 Love you!!!!
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July 19th, 2014 at 4:45 am
Ross, I am so excited you found your courage to share your gifts with us. The photographs along with your writings truly touch and inspire. My entire family is blessed to have you in it. Please continue the work which you are obviously called to share.
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July 22nd, 2014 at 3:15 pm
Lori and Michele, thank you for encouraging me! You are awesome sisters and I thank God for you both.
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