I found Jesus.
At an estate sale.
When I was coming out of the basement at the sale, with the print in hand, a little old lady asked me if I had found anything good in the basement. I jokingly replied "I found Jesus" and then turned the print around to show her.
Crickets.
I don't think she even knew what to say.
Except she was probably thinking "that girl is going to H-e-double-toothpicks".
It's a lithograph of Jesus called Christ At Heart's Door by Warner Sallman.
When I first saw it stuffed high on a dusty shelf in the basement (did I mention that digging for overlooked things at estate sales is half the fun) I grabbed it for the frame.
I never pass up a good vintage frame with nooks and crannies in it.
It wasn't until I came home and started Googling the print, that I sort of fell in love with the whole shebang.
Can you see the outline of a heart made from the arches at the top down and around through Jesus's cloak?
Google tells me the print is based on Revelation 3:20 - "Behold, I stand at the door and knock . . .
You often see Mr. Sallman's prints used on those little cards they hand out at funerals that give details about the deceased's life. Whenever I went to a funeral as a kid I always made sure I collected one of those cards.
How's that for bringing the story down a notch. Mention funerals and everyone starts thinking about Great-Aunt Gertrude's send off.
Last year I found an old Infant Jesus Of Prague statue.
And now this.
Might be the start of a collection. Or God trying to tell me something.
"Lay off the finding Jesus jokes".
The Speckled Hen Cottage
Too funny...but, in a respectful way! Isn't it strange how you buy something when you're out junking for one purpose but after you look at it for a few days (it does grow on you) you pretty much keep it "as is"? Well, I can't praise you enough on your new collection~~~
Sheila Halterman
Now that's funny right there, I don't care who ya are..crickets...lol....you are hilarious! I would have laughed at your "joke", but then again, yes, it's a beautiful print. I've seen it many times before, but never noticed the heart shape...thanks once again for you fun posts.
Anonymous
YES.. best part of the story? "Crickets"...
I read that and thought it was a HOOT (though I did 'get the joke' and funny in respectful way.
GADawn57
Flor de Maria Holmes
Very funny. And, yes, a beautiful print
Anonymous
Okay, I literally laughed out loud at this post. If you're going down for this post, or your joke, I'll probably see you there for laughing! Hopefully, there will be some great estate sales there.
It is a beautiful frame and print. I usually end up keeping the print intact, when I really just bought it for the frame. I have a geranium print and an Asian print that I bought for the frame and/or mat and then fell in love and couldn't separate them from their frames.
Lois R. from SWPA
Ann Collver
Growing up a friends mom had that print along side of a print of Jesus knocking on the U. N. Building. Haven't ever seen the U.N. one again.
Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME
Several families I knew growing up had a version of that print. I think it is beautiful....and the depiction is so true. I am glad you "found Jesus...." He was waiting for you!!
P.
Well, I laughed. Then again, the hubs and I usually break out in a sotto voce version of the Depeche Mode song, "Personal Jesus" when we find little statues of Himself while thrifting. My grandma had that picture on the wall in one of her spare bedrooms. I looked at it many times when I spent the night.
TARYTERRE
Made me smile.
Joanne Noragon
Good find; take it as you will. Good frame, too.
Musings from Kim K.
A wonderful rescue and an even better story.
ThrifterSisters
Isn't life so much more fun when you an find humor in it? Jeez, (us) that lady should lighten up 🙂
~Erica
Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces
My husband and I try to have fun when we're out treasure hunting...sometimes people don't get our sense of humor either! I'm always looking at old prints for the frames, too...they're a lot better made than the new ones in the stores today!
Curtains in My Tree
what a good find, finding Jesus
yes we can always use another old frame to paint up
Anonymous
Did you notice there is no way to open the door? It has to be opened from the inside to allow him in. That's what they said in Sunday School.
Pam Kessler
I did not notice that!!! Very interesting! Thanks for pointing that out.
Bernideen
I was going to tell you "I stand at the door and knock.." then saw you googled it. This represents the Evangelical view of Jesus. The statuary represents the Catholic view. Very fun post!
Melanie
Cool find - and I like your sense of humor! I really like your blog...found it through your post on FB. (The blogger and gardener's page.) I'll be adding your blog to my blog roll! I hope you'll visit me and become a follower as well. 🙂
BucksCountyFolkArt
I had that exact picture but in chalkware form! I've also got a couple Infant of Pragues and have had fun restoring them (They often lose their fingers and cross). My family jokes that I have an altar in my art room!
Debby
The lady probably didn't hear you. If she is like my mother she won't wear her hearing aides. Maybe the Jesus things are finding you thinking you need looked after hah. Snow again.......can you believe it.
Melinda
What a great find!
I think maybe they do needing your TLC.
M 🙂
Vickie @ Ranger 911
Too funny, Pam! It is a lovely work of art and goes well with your statuary, so I think it's a keeper!
rush
I'm glad you found Jesus and brought him home with you. It's funny how blond baby Jesus is, considering he was apparently from the Middle East! And, his blue eyes turned brown later in life. Sing with me...donuts make my brown eyes bluuuuueeee... except in reverse! I just found your blog, and I am having fun! (When I find a new blog I like, I go waaaaayyyy back, usually to their beginning.)