an engagement shoot and some thoughts on the storms of life

I had the privilege of photographing Amanda Kay and Austin, dear friends, in celebration of their engagement. They're both in law school with Trevor... Amanda Kay is in his class, and Austin is a year ahead of them. They were perfect material for photos because they are very in love and because of their laid-back and natural disposition in front of the camera. The story of how this shoot came together is a story of God making a way for this to happpen. I was so nervous that the various elements wouldn't converge in the right way... there are so many different variables when it comes to something like this. For one thing, I really wanted to have a bucolic, sun-drenched setting for the shoot. I liked the idea of an open field but had no idea where to find one. Piper and I drove around all afternoon throughout Watkinsville and Athens when we found this field and discovered that it was owned by the USDA. I came back with Trevor and he, being the persuasive person that he is, not only secured access to the field but also someone to meet us there at 8:30 AM to guide us through the pastures. The sun rises here at 7:30, and I was worried that the light would be too harsh at that time. On the morning of the shoot, we left early, arriving at 8:15, and it paid off. Clara, the farm manager, met us early and was so helpful. She was totally flexible, even when we brought out Oliver, Austin and AK's dog. The light was perfect. Austin and Amanda Kay were completely game for traipsing through these dewy early-morning fields all gussied up. This time really was gift. I was so moved by the images.

And I also want to share the words to a hymn that we sing at our church. The words beautifully and eloquently describe the struggle of life. It's called 'Beams of Heaven'.

Beams of heaven, as I go 

through this wilderness below,

Guide my feet in peaceful ways;

turn my midnights into days.

When in the darkness I would grope

Faith always sees a star of hope,

and soon from all life's grief and danger

I shall be free some day.

Often times my sky is clear;

joy abounds without a tear.

Though a day so bright begun,

clouds may hide tomorrow's sun.

There'll be a day that's always bright;

a day that never yields to night;

And in its light the streets of glory

I shall behold someday.

Harder yet may be the fight;

right may often yield to might.

Wickedness awhile may reign;

Satan's cause may seem to gain.

There is a God that rules above 

with hand of power and heart of love;

and if I'm right, he'll fight my battle.

I shall have peace someday.

Burdens now may crush me down,

disappointments all around.

Troubles speak in mournful sigh

sorrow through a tear stained eye.

There is a world where pleasure reigns...

no morning soul shall roam its plains;

and to that land of peace and glory

I want to go someday.

Last Saturday, Don spoke on a passage in Mark 4. Mark wrote about Jesus calming the storm. Don pointed out that he would be remiss to say to his listeners that Jesus comes and calms the storms in our life. That is not the point of this passage. The point is to answer the question, "Who then is this, that even the wind and sea obey him?" He is greater than the storms of our life, and Mark is preparing his readers for the time when Jesus would calm the ultimate storm by purchasing our lives with his own life on the cross. Sometimes he calms the storm, like in the photoshoot above, and sometimes he doesn't. My greatest need is not for peaceful circumstances. My greatest need is for God's mercy and he has met that need- abundantly- for me in the person of Jesus. 

I am writing this as an intentional reminder to myself in a time when there are so many pressing needs... the repetition of housekeeping, the need to be present and available for my husband and child despite the stress of tasks unfinished, the growing list of work to do for my upcoming craft fair, the financial concerns, the hope to cultivate real relationships in which I can know others and be known, the simple fact that I cannot do it all... some things are going to have to go undone. I am filled with hope when I see God's work, secured for me in Jesus, which will never change or fail or come short of what I need. He holds my life in his hands.

Bye readers, we'll talk again soon.

paige