MC & KB

You know when you have found your prince because you not only have a smile on your face but in your heart as well. ~Author Unknown

What I've Learned: God Grants us Gifts so that we might use them in Service to Others.
I've known for sometime now, Reader, that God has a plan for my photography. True, I'm not sure what it is yet. But, having been blessed with this gift and the tools & opportunities to make beautiful images, I know He is as much at work in my creative life as in the spiritual. I love that. I love that God takes our creative passions seriously. I love that expressing my creativity in praise of Him can be as much an act of sacred worship as tithing or serving. I love that He provides joyful work.

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of driving out to a friend's farm to shoot her engagement photos. I've known KB for many years and was very touched when she and her fiance asked me to photograph their wedding this October. After praying about it and doing plenty of research, I felt convicted that this was a wonderful opportunity to use my gift to serve my friend (in my first wedding as a photographer). I arrived at the farm with my trusty Olympus E-420 and was greeted by KB, who wore a gorgeous plum dress and looked more lovely than I'd ever seen her. Her fiance appeared shortly thereafter and we embarked on a relaxed morning shoot involving the couple and their horses--all with gorgeous views of their property in the background.

Took me most of the week to edit the photos but I finally got them done and presented them to my friends this afternoon. I hope they enjoy them as much as I have. Perhaps the thing I love most about photography is the unique opportunity it provides to clearly show a viewer that special something or personality quirk that makes your subject so interesting.

Photography was never a gift I aspired to, and yet, it was in God's plan that I would one day pick up a camera and discover a calling. I can't wait to see how this gift He's given me will impact the lives I encounter. It's already completely transformed mine. What a wonderful way to serve my brothers and sisters--and to serve my Beloved Father.

So, without further adieu, here are a few of my favorite shots from last weekend for your enjoyment, dear Reader. Love is a mighty fine thing to behold...


















He felt now that he was not simply close to her, but that he did not know where he ended and she began. ~Leo Tolstoy




True love stories never have endings. ~Richard Bach

Quotes courtesy of Quote Garden.

Today's Joy: Heeding Your Calling.
Reader, I need your help. For almost 2 years now, God has been nudging me to use my photography skills to help in the community. Specifically, I'm feeling called to take children's & family portraits for families that cannot afford them. I even know what this endeavor is supposed to be called: The Love Likeness Project.

God has put it in my heart to reach out to underprivileged families--especially those with small children. They grow up so quickly and family portraits seem very far out of reach when you're struggling just to put food on the table. I'm blessed with a wonderful gift and it would be so fulfilling to capture those images of childhood & family life while serving others. Since 2008, I've made a few half-hearted attempts to bring this dream to fruition. I've contacted a few churches in search of families who might need photos. I've even tried posting an ad on Craig's List, but received no response.

These last few months, I can feel God urging me a little more insistently to move forward. So, now I'm coming to you. If you have any Chicago-area ministry contacts or helpful suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated. I know of no one else who is doing this. It's all uncharted territory with infinite room for possibilities!

I can't help but feel with the poor economy, so many families out of work and others facing the possible loss of their homes, that it is vital for the rest of us to do whatever we can to help ease the burden on these families. And bring them some joy. Whether it's through a camera lens or countless other small ways, the example we set will teach them about love and God.

Thank you for listening. Suggestions and ideas can be emailed to me at lovelikenessproject@gmail.com. God Bless!