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'

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!