July 31, 2015

I have taken three family pictures fighting the battle of cancer these past weeks.  It has got me a bit emotional.  Brought some things up from losing my mom.  I just had to stop and ask the Lord why.  A thought keeps popping into my mind, "Enjoy the good times through the bad".

What does that mean?  I think the Lord is trying to show me that even though times are hard for these families, I still captured smiles.  I still heard laughter.  I see moments being cherished.  I see love beaming out of everyone.  I see support.  I see Jesus. The bible verse "He is close to the brokenhearted" came alive.  He is there!!

Thank you to each family for inviting me into your journey.  My prayers are with you!    

 I had a hard time getting smiles out of grandpa, until his little granddaughters gave him a kiss!:)

Dearest Jackie,

This song has ministered to me a lot this past year.  It makes me want to have a party in a barn and dance!:)  So of course it makes me think of you.  Jesus has already won! We need to remember that through this crazy life.  Hope this cheers your heart.  Can't wait to party again with you after you have beat this cancer!!  

 

July 20, 2015

Last week I was a part of something special.  My friend asked me to come take pictures of her family.  Her father-in-law has cancer and we don't know how long his days on this earth remain.

I was completely blessed by this time.  What an amazing family!  This man has a legacy that people can only hope for.  The love and affection was so evident when grandpa entered the scene.  People rushing to get pillows to make him more comfy and everyone excited to get a picture with him.  I have shed many tears as I edit.  How precious these picture are and will be to come.

Gloria (young looking grandma) asked if I would like to see her memorial garden for her mother.  (By the way her gardens are magnificent)  Right before I came to the photo shoot I had dropped my mom's clothes off to have them made into quilts and teddy bears.  I cried most of the way there. 

As Gloria shared with me about her mother my heart became full.  I had only met her minutes before but we have a bond beyond this earth.  Our Jesus!  We shared how Jesus has to be our only one.  He is the only thing we can take with us.  Everything else on earth is passing away.  We hugged and cried together.  As I left, I believe God put it on my heart to make a slide show for her.  The song really says it all~  "In Christ Alone"

Hope you enjoy Arends family.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.  What an amazing testimony you are to others and may more people follow Jesus through your journey to our eternal home.