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'

Little Elf

Today's Joy: Giving Of One's Self.
Brrrr!!! It feels more like January than December here in Chicago, Reader. But I was on a mission this morning, so I braved the frigid wind gusts and blowing snow to drive cross-town with my camera.

I have a coworker who's had a big year. Her 2nd child, a beautiful daughter, was born much earlier than expected this summer and required an extended (and expensive) hospital stay before she could come home. Add to that the family's recent move to a lovely new home--plus all the usual holiday hooplah--and my poor coworker is exhausted. She's been feeling guilty about not having enough energy to pack up her significant other, 2 year-old & new baby and stand in line at the mall for Christmas pictures. Well, that is something I can help with.


With Big Brother

So, I volunteered to go to their house and shoot the family portrait right there in front of the Christmas tree. Dog and all! Fast forward to this morning and no amount of cold, freezing rain or sleet was going to keep me from using the gift God has given me to bring joy to a friend. After all, it's her daughter's first Christmas. And long after she forgets how tired she feels right now, she will remember how adorable & precious her children are. This gift I'm able to give will bring joy for many years. It doesn't get much better than that.


The Best Gift This Year

You don't have to spend a lot to give a meaningful gift this year, Reader. Just give of what you have in abundance: your strengths. The effort may well prove to be the best gift you receive this Christmas.