What I've Learned: Gratitude is often about savoring all the little moments.
It occurred to me some weeks ago, dear Reader, this would be my first Thanksgiving and Christmas as a Christ-follower.  While I've always enjoyed celebrating the holidays, this year brings a much deeper contemplation of what it all means.  It's not just frivolity, eating stuffing & cranberry sauce while watching White Christmas and checking names off my gift list.

Instead, there is a nuance of purpose this year--an intentional awareness of and reverence for all my favorite holiday traditions.  Everything is more meaningful, more significant.  Each little opportunity to share the love of Christ reflects the peace I'm finding in my own walk with God.  There's a deep richness in the holidays this year that, frankly, I've never experienced before.  Like seeing HD TV for the first time, when all you've ever known was a black & white set with bad reception.  Of course, the equipment up-grade happened inside me.

Back to the holidays...Thanksgiving was lovely...and tinged with a bit of adventure.  I smoked a turkey for the very first time--delicious and very much fun!  I also spent the whole week asking people what they were grateful for and contemplating what my own life would be like if I'd been born anywhere else in the world.  The freedoms we have here as women--to be educated, own property, have a job and our own cars, to marry whom we wish--these things are unattainable for so many others around the world.  What a blessing just to live in this country, in this era!  What opportunities to see the world and affect change!  I need to focus on these and all the other blessings in my life instead of getting wrapped up in my own selfish concerns.

And now, as I sit here typing out my thoughts to you on this deliciously dark and cozy Christmas Eve night, I can't help but be amazed.  I wanted this Christmas season to be meaningful and chalk full of opportunities to help others. Well, God obliged: providing a chance to wrap cookies for folks languishing in prison and another to sing Christmas carols at the homes of total strangers.  I also rolled, dipped and gave away countless Oreo Truffles and stayed up late at night cooking meals for friends in need.  I got to savor every moment of Christmas concerts, church services, cookie decorating & wrapping the simple, meaningful gifts I bought this year.  The thing is, none of this had much to do with me.  It was all about Him and how best to love & serve His people.  It's a feeling I've never known, this peace in generosity.  Life-changing.

I wish you this peace too, dear Reader, and much joy in the coming year.  May 2012 bring you revelations of great joy and a deep sense of purpose.  And if you don't yet know Emmanuel, God With Us, and what he sacrificed to purchase forgiveness and freedom for you and me, may you also discover a burning desire to know Him better in the year ahead.  God Bless you and Merry Christmas!   




    

Funeral Potatoes

Culinary monogamy has been my M.O. for several years now, dear Reader.  Once I find a recipe that faithfully reproduces culinary nirvana, I stick with it.  Why mess with a reliable thing?  But, once in a great while you come across something (dare I say it?) better.

The dish in question: Hash Brown Casserole.  Though I adore my cheddar cheese soup version of this shredded potato delight, another has caught my eye lately.  Funeral Potatoes.  Yes, the name is awful.  But the cheesy potato goodness is so legendary that merely saying the name out loud can cause heads to nod and knowing looks to be exchanged. Funeral Potatoes are too good to serve only at sad events and should be elevated to a place of honor at most holidays. This delish recipe comes courtesy of our Fearless Trail Leader (and consummate baker), Julie Kneip.  Enjoy, Reader!

Funeral Potatoes

36 oz homestyle (square) hashbrown potatoes
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
16 oz sour cream
2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup set aside for topping)
1/2 cup minced onion (I like green onion)
1/2 cup melted butter
salt & pepper to taste
2 cups cornflakes (for topping)
1/2 cup melted butter (for topping)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a medium bowl, mix mushroom soup, sour cream, butter, cheese & onions.
Then, in large bowl, thoroughly combine potatoes with cheese mixture.
Season with salt & pepper to taste.
Pour hashbrown mix into lightly-greased 9x12 glass casserole dish.
Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
In medium pan, melt remaining butter.
Coat cornflakes with butter.
Remove casserole from oven & top with remaining cheese.
Then top with cornflakes and return casserole to oven.  Bake for 10 minutes.
Allow casserole to cool for 10 minutes.  Serve warm.
Makes 6-8 servings.









 

What I've Learned: God's plans are so much better than mine.
Sorry for the long delay, dear Reader.  It's been a busy fall.  But now there is plenty of time to catch you up on some of the lessons this season has reiterated for me.  The most memorable has to be the October wedding of my dear friends K & M.  After four months of intense planning, researching, soul-searching, prayer and portrait practice, Brother and I photographed their beautiful destination wedding at The Irish Cottage in Galena, IL over the first weekend in October.

Between the intimate setting, gorgeous weather and, of course, the adorable couple themselves, it was such a joy to capture the love and ambiance that permeated every part of K & M's special day.  And to think I might have chosen not to trust God's nudging to accept this challenge!  I could have taken the safer, easier path and not risked anything.  I could have said, God, you don't understand.  I can't do this.  But I didn't.

Instead, I chose to follow where He was leading me and am so glad I did!  Shooting this wedding not only gave me confidence and a better understanding of what I'm capable of as a photographer (as well as areas where I need to improve), it taught me to rely on God when trying something new--to depend on His guidance and provision in every situation.  It also offered a glimpse into what God wants me to do with these skills for His kingdom: helping me form and solidify the compassionate and discerning perspective I will bring to every photo shoot from now on.  What an incredible sense of purpose that brings!   

And what a gift to be able to use these skills to make tangible memories for others--especially those who might not otherwise have such an opportunity.  I can't think of a better reason to hand the reins over to Jesus and follow His lead. (Except for the gifts of Grace & Salvation, of course.)  My plans seem so very shriveled and small in comparison to His.  What about you, dear Reader?  What is God nudging you to do these days?  What part of your life does He want you to turn over to Him?  What would happen if you just let go and surrendered?  What if the results were better than you ever hoped?  What would that be worth?

    
















For your enjoyment, Reader, here are a few more of my favorite shots from K & M's gorgeous day:

Love, Pure & Simple

What I've Learned: God Gives Us Teammates for a Reason.
This post is just a little thank you note, dear Reader, to the four wonderful families who took time out of their hectic lives last month to pose for portraits.  Pastor Jim spoke about overcoming the fear of failure at my church recently.  One of the points he made was that when we face a challenge that we fear is more than we can handle, we should ask God to give us teammates--people with whom we can share our burdens.

I needed more portrait practice before tackling my first wedding this fall, so I put out the word that I needed families to photograph.  These lovely families graciously agreed to get all gorgeous and put on their best smiles to help me out.  The results of those four shoots were nothing less than my best work to date. 

Who can resist that face?

The shoots went beautifully (whether we had rain or sunshine!) and after editing each batch, I excitedly presented the families with the best of their images.  Fortunately, all seemed to be as pleased with them as I was.  What a great opportunity to use my lens to show them how beautiful they are!   

A Life Lived for God

But the echoes of this experience didn't stop there.  This endeavor also blessed me with two renewed friendships and the forging of a third new acquaintance.  Have to admit, I'm amazed at the ways God works in all of our lives--the simple way he takes an act of kindness and turns it into a way to serve others while strengthening His kingdom.  He even made it possible for Brother & I to work together on this project and spend some quality time.  All that and I got to be creative too!  Just goes to show, God knows just what we need and exactly how to weave it all together.

A Girl & Her Horse

So, thank you, my dear friends for your kind generosity.  Thank you for sharing your families with me and for letting me capture a hint of who you are.  Thank you for cheering me on as I tackle the next challenge: a wonderful and love-filled wedding.  Your help has meant more than you know.

Dahlia, Pencil Sketch Effect

Our Father is preparing us to meet the deep inner needs of others by bringing us through the dark places first. ~ Chuck Swindoll

God...comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.    2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV

What I've Learned: There are No Lessons Without Learning.
Dear Reader, the above quotes came from yesterday's message on my reusable spiral-bound daily devotional.  A Baptism gift from my spiritual mentor, the devotional features one deeply-ponderable topic or challenging thought accompanied by a Bible verse each day for 365 days.  I have found it tremendously inspiring these last months and keep it on my desk at work where it occasionally sparks a conversation.

Yesterday, I turned the page from the previous day and was immediately struck by the relevance of the topic and verse.  Lately, I find myself going over and over the pain of past events in my life.  My head is full of small revelations about cause, effect, and the still unfolding, far-reaching ramifications.  The above idea of using the pain we endure as a tool to help us guide others through their pain sits well within me.  It has that feel of a God-inspired revelation in the making.  Which usually means I could soon face a situation where it will come in handy.

The thing I'm learning about this spiritual journey, is that I only continue to grow and become more Christ-like if I take the time to pay attention and learn.  It's not a passive process.  With that in mind, this week I started two different Bible studies: one through my church and another through the church of an old high school friend.  One is a women's group.  The other, involves men, women, adults, and children (in a child-care-built-right-in atmosphere).  One group is comprised entirely of Caucasian people.  The other, entirely African American--except for me.  Both are incredibly warm and welcoming.  Both have a definite sense of how to proceed in a group setting, though they take markedly different approaches.  One is currently studying Women of Contentment in the Book of Ecclesiates.  The other, a MasterLife series on Discipleship.  Both studies involve daily readings, quiet time with God and...homework.

Homework five days out of seven.  I feel like I'm back in college again...and I'm kinda lovin' it.  Between the two studies, I'm all over the Bible every day.  Job, Ephesians, Genesis, 1 Corinthians, Luke & John--I'm finding good stuff everywhere I look!  I know, I should be overwhelmed.  I should be confuddled, not knowing what to apply where or overrun with questions and no time to sit and ponder them. 

But that isn't the case.  In fact, each concept we study in one group seems to magnify or reflect lessons in the other.  I've always been a big picture, extrapolate & draw-conclusions sort of thinker.  Did my best academic work in college when my classes happened to overlap material.  Each new perspective on the same topic yields a new and fascinating facet to be understood.  It's like changing the lighting while shooting a photo and getting a whole new image.

Bottom line, I am seeking knowledge and understanding of God's Word and how it affects my life.  I want my life to change.  I want to be different--a better person than I have been for 35 years.  I want to see Jesus in what I do and say; in the ways I interact with others and impact their lives. 

But this, like everything else in life, is a choice.  You have to choose to walk that path.  You can also choose to stand still or run back to what you already know.  I've tried those things.  They don't work for me.  So, I'm gonna try something radically new.  If going back to school to learn about Jesus is what it takes, this girl is all in.  Will keep you posted on what we're learning...   
              

H Family Photo, Fox River, Elgin, IL

God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt...
        ~Dave Barnes 'God Gave Me You'


What I've Learned: Blessings Reverberate.
Happy September, dear Reader!  Last week, while praying for guidance and God's wisdom as I prepare to shoot my first wedding in October, I felt Him nudging me to contact a few friends via Facebook and offer them free family portraits in exchange for the chance to practice shooting with my new gear.  I was super excited when all three agreed. 

Casual Couple's Shot

 This past Sunday, Brother (my official photography assistant) and I went to a service at the Joy River Baptist Church, in Elgin.  Joy River is 'home church' for VH, a dear high school friend that I haven't seen in over 15 years.  She invited us to the service and we arranged to shoot photos with her, her husband and their three adorable children after that.  After some wonderful fellowship and a great message given by Rev. Cynthia Hill, we walked outside and down to the newly re-landscaped banks of the Fox River in downtown Elgin. 

Love is a fine thing.

Brother, who was very professional and helpful, assisted in getting everyone posed and smiling broadly.  Then I got into the 'photo zone' and just enjoyed using my gear to capture the H family's natural joy.  What a pleasure!  Afterwards, I thanked my friend, promised to drop by her bible study later in the week and went home to see what kind of shots I'd gotten.  After working the editing magic, I was very pleased with the resulting 25 photos.  Here are my very favorites from that batch for your enjoyment, Reader.

Soon to be tickled...

 What a blessing this opportunity turned out to be!  Not only did I get to take (and give) great photos, but also got the chance to reconnect with my friend and build a wonderful new friendship--as Christian women.  I went to VH's bible study earlier this evening and found that God has provided an ideal opportunity for me to study His word with like-minded fellow believers.  The blessings of that simple request for a photo op continue to reverberate through the new lives I'm encountering and certainly, my own. Can't wait to see where they will lead next!

In Love

         
There’s more here than what we're seeing
A divine conspiracy
That you, an angel lovely
Could somehow fall for me...
          ~Dave Barnes 'God Gave Me You'

Nothing is so fatiguing as the eternal hanging on of an uncompleted task.  ~William James
   
What I've Learned: Afraid of Trying Something New?  Just DO IT!!!
Took a risk tonight and put together some equipment I've--frankly--been avoiding using because this particular gizmo is new to me.  Good thing it was easy to figure out  how the pieces all fit together (no directions included).  It seemed clunky and a little imposing once all set-up, but the minute I started snapping a few test photos, the image quality was so great--I fell in love. 

That's right, Reader.  I now have a serious crush on Bower Flash products.  Tripods, brackets and flash shoes, oh my!  What can I say?  I'm a sucker for anything that makes a subject look that good!  Long story short, I wish I'd done this weeks ago.  We'd already be well-acquainted!  What are you avoiding doing this week, Reader?  Something major?  Something minor?  Whatever it is, entrust it to God and get out there.  You never know what you're missing out on otherwise... 

Putting off an easy thing makes it hard.  Putting off a hard thing makes it impossible.  ~George Claude Lorimer


Someday is not a day of the week.  ~Author Unknown


Quotes courtesy of the Quote Garden.

Moth on Sunflower

What I've Learned: God's Fingerprints Really Are On Every Little Thing.

As soon as I heard Christ Community was taking submissions for a Fall Art Gallery exhibit, I was all-in, Reader.  The only stipulation made on submissions was that a bible verse must be displayed prominently on each piece.  Well, that was definitely God nudging me--for weeks I'd been thinking about putting verses to some of my photos with the intent to add a line of faith-based cards to my photography business.  Here was my opportunity to try it out! 

Slight Disagreement

For days I poured over my favorite photos to select three interesting, colorful and relevant candidates.  I then spent another few days looking through my NIV Study Bible and searching online for just the right verses.  It was amazing how each verse added an entirely new focus and flavor to the photos.  They were suddenly enhanced--God's presence becoming more discernible in their subjects.  Each photo took on a vibrantly meaningful depth I hadn't anticipated.  But, this love for taking photos is a gift from God, so it shouldn't be a surprise when He uses that to make something wonderful.

I suddenly felt this overwhelming sense of gratitude that He chose to use me, that I got to be a part of what He's doing.  I hope these simple photographs overlaid with the simple, powerful words of the Bible will make a difference somehow--get the gallery visitors thinking about something they might not have considered otherwise.  What an opportunity to use this creative gift to make something that could positively influence members of the Kingdom!  What's more fulfilling than that?  Here, dear Reader, are the three photo finalists and verses I've chosen to submit.  May they remind you of God's presence throughout your own life.

Earring Detail

Peacock

So, like a forgotten fire, a childhood can always flare up again within us. ~Gaston Bachelard

What I've Learned: The Stuff of Childhood is Not Only Still Relevant--It Keeps Getting Better!
Last weekend was my 35th birthday, dear Reader, and as has been my custom the last few years, I chose to spend it doing something fun that I've never done before. Oh sure, I've been to the zoo many times, but I had never pet stingrays or had the pleasure of visiting the Butterfly House. So, despite being soaked in a sudden and fierce downpour, the fabulous Miss Kim, Aunt & I braved thunder, lightning and flooded paths to make a few birthday wishes come true at the Brookfield Zoo.

Thanks to a lab tech friend, we waited out the rain by taking a behind-the-scenes tour of some of the zoo's labs. We learned a great deal about poop, in particular. That is, zookeepers collect poop from an animal and bring it to the lab where scientists extract and measure specific hormones. The presence and concentration of certain hormones help scientists determine an animal's stress levels or if a female is pregnant. Fascinating stuff.


Polar Bear

Once the rain began to let up, we ventured out into the zoo to see a dolphin show (very much fun), pet cow-nosed stingrays (slimy but very cool) and then to drip-dry in the warm sunlight of the Butterfly House, where we were surrounded by Monarchs, Swallowtails and many other gorgeous, winged beauties. Quite shutter-happy, we lingered with the butterflies for a good while. Other amazing critters we saw included lions, tigers and bears (of course!), as well as primates from three continents, giraffes and sleepy wombats. All in all, a wonderful day reminiscent of my childhood visits to the zoo--but with a decidedly intellectual twist on the pure joy of discovery. Below are a few of my favorite zoo shots:


The Fabulous Miss Kim outside the Butterfly House


At the Brookfield Zoo Butterfly House


Giraffe


Peacock


Monarch Butterfly


Cat-napping Tiger


Pulling Your Tail


Mom & Me


Butterfly


Baboon

He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe is as good as dead; his eyes are closed. ~Albert Einstein

Quotes courtesy of the Quote Garden.

Purple Phlox

Practice is the best of all instructors. ~ Pubilius Syrus

What I've Learned: Practice Brings Continuing Joy.
Spent yesterday afternoon at the Morton Arboretum with my friend, LK, taking photos with my new lens. What a lovely day, Reader! It was hot--low 90's--but the Arboretum was not crowded, so we strolled leisurely through the gardens, stopping to shoot whatever caught our interest. I am quickly getting addicted to my new Zuiko 40-150mm lens (my DSLR: the Olympus E-420).

Of course, with my first wedding shoot coming up in a few months, I'll be practicing non-stop all summer. Which gives me the perfect excuse to drop everything whenever there's a chance to practice with my new gear. How great is that?! Below are my favorite shots from the Arboretum. If you haven't had the chance, Reader, it's a wonderful place to visit.

Use your gifts faithfully, and they shall be enlarged; practice what you know, and you shall attain to higher knowledge. ~ Matthew Arnold





Lilies


Big Talker


Waterlily


Lily Pond


Waterlily


Whoozy-Whatsit


Purple Phlox


Hydrangea?


Fuzzy


Dragonfly


Astor


Lake


Blush

Quotes courtesy of thinkexist.com.