The Wind Chime
In the spring and in the summertime,
There’s a chime that hangs from my rose vines,
That swings and rings when blown by the wind,
Or when it’s touched by my fingertips.
The wind chime hangs with balance and poise,
And at night lends to the stars a voice;
As the white stars begin to shine through,
The chime chimes a pure and wondrous tune.
Like a good secret that is not kept,
Or a butterfly that eludes nets,
Or the delightful scent from a rose,
That fills the air when my garden grows;
The chime is a charming garden bell,
with a cheerful sound that does not tell,
Where the borders or boundaries are,
As it rings joy through my neighbors’ yards;
And reminds us with worthy notice,
That we live lives with holy purpose;
And defend the values we treasure,
And focus on what really matters;
And spend some time, some meaningful time,
Beneath the chime, beneath the rose vines;
And memories, like flowers, gather,
When loved ones in our gardens, gather. 1
—Belinda Bondi
Copyright 2011 Belinda Bondi
What really matters in your life? Do you realize that each one of our lives has holy purpose?
Live with that in mind.
Two days ago Catholic author and speaker Paul A. Ray met with premier photographer Mike Nykoruk at Highlight Studios in Rochester Hills, Michigan, to shoot the front cover of Paul's book, A New Voice for a Broken Soul.
In the life-changing book, Paul shares inspiring stories of his miraculous deliverance from an addiction to alcohol on June 9, 2002, and his journey to the fullness of the Christian faith found only in the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.
Mike specifically designed and built the set in his studio to create the image for the front cover.
The striking image is based on a vision granted to Paul following his miraculous healing by Jesus Christ from an addiction to alcohol.
Mike and Paul at work on the set
Mike NykorukThen, following many hours at his desk to create the final image from the many pictures that were taken, Mike provided us the cover image today. Soon, it will go to award-winning graphic designer Roseann Nieman of Niemanart Graphics, director of graphic design at Joseph Karl Publishing, who will add the text and final details to complete the front and back covers.
Catholic author and altar boy Nick Bottesi visits the set.
This life-changing book is moving well through the many steps toward publication, and we just cannot wait to present it to you. Paul's account of God's miraculous and unfathomable love and mercy is a reminder to us all that we are loved and valued beyond measure.
Paul placed pieces of broken glass on the altar as Mike shot multiple frames. Twice while working on the set, Paul cut his hand on the glass, and drops of blood fell from his hand on to the altar cloth. What a sight that was to behold!
A vital part of Paul's healing and summons to greater Divine Intimacy in the Catholic Church involved the true Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Jesus, who shed His Precious Blood to redeem all of humanity, enticed Paulus to faith. Paul accepted, and at this moment in time is living a life of holy purpose by sharing his story to bring the love of Christ to others. There on the altar, Paul shed his blood for Jesus in return.
Just like the wind chime, Paul's story reminds us "...with worthy notice, that we live lives with holy purpose;" and we should "defend the values we treasure, and focus on what really matters..." 1
Recognize, accept, return, and share the immeasurable love of God which is timeless, limitless, and miraculous.
A vital part of Paul's healing and summons to greater Divine Intimacy in the Catholic Church involved the true Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Jesus, who shed His Precious Blood to redeem all of humanity, enticed Paulus to faith. Paul accepted, and at this moment in time is living a life of holy purpose by sharing his story to bring the love of Christ to others. There on the altar, Paul shed his blood for Jesus in return.
Just like the wind chime, Paul's story reminds us "...with worthy notice, that we live lives with holy purpose;" and we should "defend the values we treasure, and focus on what really matters..." 1
Recognize, accept, return, and share the immeasurable love of God which is timeless, limitless, and miraculous.
Catholic author and speaker Paul A. Ray"A New Voice for a Broken Soul" by Paul A. Ray (Joseph Karl Publishing) will be available in early 2012.
If you are looking for award-winning,
life-changing reading, you will find it here.
life-changing reading, you will find it here.
God is at work in you!
_________________________
Source: 1. Written and Compiled by Michele Elena Bondi, God Moments II: Recognizing the Fruits of the Holy Spirit (Rochester, MI: Joseph Karl Publishing, in print). The Wind Chime, Copyright 2011 Belinda Bondi.