Abstract Illuminated Clouds Silhouetted Trees – Square

Black and white silhouettes of trees are set against a textured Illinois sky with illuminated scattered clouds. The top of the trees form a sharp contrast with the lighter sky, giving this square format image a peaceful yet abstract and dramatic quality. Copyright 2018 Frank J Casella.

Sometime we can feel a bit scattered, yet God can use this to illuminate our purpose in the journey of life, if we let Him.

Legacy. How do you want to be remembered?

The texture of tree bark, illuminated by the interplay of sunlight and shadows, illustrates the many years of life it takes to make a legacy. Copyright 2019 Frank J Casella

These are the words that came across my computer this week, and what I’ve been pondering since.

Many of us go through life taking for granted the short time we have on earth to make our mark, I suspect. Others of us make profound statements with our life. Most of us, I believe, carry on family for another generation.

My life mission is to share hope and God’s love in the world. That doesn’t seem to be profound on the surface of things but, if you think about it, many people today live without hope and don’t know or see how God works in our lives. People need examples of goodness and hope.

It would be great for many of us if our legacy where to build a skyscraper, or a great work of art, or invent a disease curing drug, or like Thomas Edison with the light bulb. But the more noble legacy is to get others, especially our family, to Heaven. That can have an impact three generations deep!

So, after we die there may be things we did in this world that may be remembered, but what is more important I think is the people who help others because of how we have helped them. Our name may not be on it, but it will be in God’s book of Christian service.

Enjoy your day, you won’t get it back.

Winter Red

A square artsy designed photograph of the winter sunrise sky, through the silhouetted trees, that indicates a snowy day in my hometown of Homewood, Illinois – USA. In life how transparent are we to allow others to know about the person that we are? Winter Red – Copyright 2013 Frank J Casella.

Significance and Meaning

Clouds and Trees Black and White – Copyright 2021 Frank J Casella

I found the moving clouds passing over the silhouetted tree branches to be an interesting juxtaposition of shapes and elements. The contrast between the dark branches and the ever-shifting shades of gray in the sky creates a captivating scene. Black and white photography accentuates this interplay, allowing us to focus solely on the intricacies of the natural world.

Have you ever taken a moment to lie on your back, gaze up at the towering trees, and contemplate their beauty? It can be a profound and meditative experience. As you study the branches, observe how they entwine and intersect, creating an intricate tapestry against the canvas of the sky. This simple act can offer respite from the noise and distractions of our busy lives, allowing us to reconnect with nature and find solace in its tranquility.

In these moments, I often marvel at the wonder of creation. Reflecting on how God orchestrated the formation of the sky, the dance of the clouds, and the majestic presence of the trees, we can’t help but recognize the meticulous attention to detail in His grand design. The harmonious relationship between these elements speaks to a greater plan at work, a profound interconnectedness that extends beyond the natural world.

Just as the sky and the trees complement each other seamlessly, so too does God’s plan for our lives intertwine with our own unique journeys. Each one of us is part of a grand tapestry, with our own joys, struggles, and purpose. It is a comforting thought to know that the Creator of the universe has intricately woven us into His divine plan, and that our lives have significance and meaning.

So, next time you find yourself beneath the canopy of trees, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and harmony of nature. Let it serve as a reminder of God’s extraordinary craftsmanship and His loving provision for our lives. Embrace the stillness, listen to the whispers of the wind, and find solace in the truth that you are an essential part of a greater design.

Social Media Sales Truths

Photo: ‘Morning Lit Magnolia‘ – Copyright 2015 Frank J Casella

I’ve noticed recently as I go to and from my days between meetings and conferences, and kids sporting events, that most everyone keeps tabs with their smartphone. As I walk by and glance at what’s so important, I can say most of the time it’s Facebook …. still.

Though I have personally dumped my FB account since 2016, it seems that I’m in the minority. I also don’t have a smartphone, rather a flip phone … still.

When I am out on the street I make a concentrated effort to be with people, and not be distracted … especially while driving the car. I do use social media however on the computer, as an artist, and be very intentional with it.

Many of you who have followed my writing know how much I’m inspired by the Zig Ziglar Corporation. I have pulled together bits and pieces of what they teach about the timeless truths in a Social Media sales world. I practice them, and have come to believe in these:

1) Don’t hide behind Social Media – don’t confuse activity with accomplishment.
2) Write your own blog – example your expertise, integrity, and reputation.
3) = Critical = When posting always include knowledge and information that is valuable to the reader – even if they never contact you. They may refer you.
4) Selling is a transfer of feeling – amplification is key!

That last point, by amplification I don’t mean to say that you post your content everywhere you can. Rather you post content that is valuable enough that others share it and amplify your work and your Brand.

There is nothing more important than (what is known as) a third-party endorsement. In other words, it’s not who you know, but who knows you … and then, who THEY know. Get it!

I also believe that email is the original Socal Media, as your mails can be shared just as easy as any of the others. And now a close second is Masodon, which works very similar to email.

Thank you for reading. Enjoy your day!

Bird Cottage

Photo: ‘Bird Cottage‘ A small house in the country, for birds. We have much to learn from birds of nature about solitude – Copyright 2013 Frank J Casella.

What’s In Your Heart

Photo: ‘What’s In Your Heart’ – Winter scene, morning sunlit trees, with snowy branches – Color Photo Copyright 2018 Frank J Casella.

Whats in your heart.

We all make decisions every day.

When we say ‘yes’ to one thing, then it is at the cost of many ‘no’s’.

We all have a hole in our hearts that need to be filled. What we fill into that void determines our world view.

Said another way, what goes into your mind is what’s in your heart. If you want to change your life, change what goes into your mind.

For example, focus on serving others, and less on self.

For those of us who believe, when we open our mind and say ‘yes’ to God, and let Him dwell in our hearts, then what we say ‘no’ to is a sacrifice that makes life worth living.

We no longer feel that void, because our hearts are overfilled with a true joy and love that radiates to others, and makes the world a better place to live.

Enjoy your day.

Last Peek of Winter Sun

The golden hour winter sun illuminates with color the snow-covered tree branches. How much do we, or can we, reflect the Light that is illuminating our own lives? Photo: ‘Last Peek of Winter Sun‘ – Copyright 2015 Frank J Casella All Rights Reserved.