We anticipate the ceremony, the cross-country move, the long trip, the last goodbye, the first hello, the final destination. We wait for it and ruminate about it and cross off calendar days with joy or fear or love or a mess of all three. And in the waiting, we stand in the bullseye center of high expectation. The weight can be knee-buckling.
The wedding engagement comes with suitcases lined up and filled with lists and planning, and soon your fuzzy someday dreams are outlined in black and white with pink hearts in the margins. The new job comes with a desk filled with papers that belong to you, and now you are being paid to make a difference. The new house has rooms filled up with hope and possibility, and you get to pick out the paint. Still, there is disappointment when you can’t afford the reception you wanted, when your boss expects the impossible, when your roof springs a leak and the grass won’t grow.
I took photos at a wedding this weekend. I’ve been anticipating it for months, and in the looking forward, I got tangled up in fear. What if my camera breaks? What if I miss the kiss? What if I forget something? What if she hates them? The morning of the wedding, I woke up a wreck. I knew I could get good photos. I just wasn’t sure I could breathe in the process. Turns out I am not cut out for the pressure.
The bride and groom are responsible for the promise. The pastor is responsible for the charge. The parents are responsible for the money and the planning, the friends are responsible for the celebration. But me? The photographer is responsible for the story. In the photos, all the planning and the money and the promise and the celebration blend together to make one beautiful, complete, almost human personality. And those tiny cards that would be hanging out in my camera all day carried within them the DNA. I desperately needed them to work.
In a moment of overwhelming worry of all the technical equipment deciding to take a day-long nap, I grabbed the photo cards I had for the wedding, placed them in the palm of my left hand and covered them over with my right. I prayed for beauty, for blessing, and for peace. I prayed for God to give me a creative eye, a heart tender to the quiet moments, a bigger picture. It may seem ridiculous to you, praying over tiny SD cards. But to me, it was freedom. Because that’s when I remembered this verse.
“He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17
Every day is the same to Him, loving morning and faithful evening. There isn’t one that stands out heavy to Him. They all rest weightless in Him, held together safe. And so are we. Is there something you need to place in the palm of your hand and cover it over with beauty, blessing, and peace?
Oh, just oh.
I feel like I need this all the time. Can you just start walking around behind me all day whispering your wisdom? The view isn’t great, but I’ll buy coffee.
And. I know the photos are gorgeous. I hope we get to see.
my girl, the one i mentor, she needs this covering. she is away from home, battling this nasty eating disorder. and last week? her long-term boyfriend, who has hung in there with her through this recovery process, broke up with her. she is devastated. praying she won’t give up.
AMEN
HUGS FROM MY HEART
Lisa Currie-Gurney´s last [type] ..Its Monday
Ahhhh, it’s as though I can breathe a little deeper after reading this. I know His promises, and yet sometimes I just get so wrapped up in my own fears, that they drown out what is true. And that’s what always ends up bringing the most peace…is His truth.
I also love the verse that says, “The Lord will fight for you, you need only be still.”
summer´s last [type] ..dont make me get all ghetto all up in here
i love this post.
our pastor spoke yesterday on encouragement. one of the ways he mentioned to encourage others are the verses that give promises of God – like colossians 1:17. it is a promise of His that He comes before all, paves the way for them to come to pass, and keeps them working together for our good and His glory.
on a lighter note, i hope we get to see some of these pictures!
Annie´s last [type] ..16-52
Yep. That pretty much sums it up. Today my back is acting up again. My bones don’t want to act their age. Holding it up to God just like your SD cards.
Laurie Wallin´s last [type] ..21 Ways to Relax Your Mind in a Car Full of Screaming Kids
I love it that you prayed over your SD cards. I pray over my luggage when I turn it over to the airline representative at the airport.
Fondly,
Glenda
Glenda Childers´s last [type] ..And the winner is
Such a great post, and exactly why I’d do a shoot with couples, families, babies, kids or scenery anyday over a wedding. I’ve done a handful of them, and they are so hard!
misty´s last [type] ..journaling week five
beautiful! the Lord must need me to meditate on this verse, because i wrote about that today too! I love when He does stuff like that!
Esther Feng´s last [type] ..I Am Coming Unglued
I absolutely love the picture of the bride and groom holding hands. Tomorrow I will be married to my groom for 14 years and I think I will have one of our kids try to take a photo of our hands…..what a beautiful symbol. You do have a great eye and take such lovely photos!
Lisa´s last [type] ..Mangia Mondays- Andouille Beef Burgers
“They all rest weightless with Him…” I love everything you’ve written so beautifully here Emily. Thank you for sharing your heart and for being vulnerable. You’ve brought so much encouragement and TRUTH to us today!
BeckyB´s last [type] ..Every Detail
I’ve been a photographer for years and I always feel this way. (and I don’t shoot weddings! ha!) You described it well. And, I’m sure the shots are absolutely beautiful! You def have an eye….we know that for sure!
cat moore´s last [type] ..My Faves
thank you for this. i’m an amateur photographer myself, and have a wedding scheduled for june 4. i always worry myself sick and show up the morning of with my stomach in knots. i will be repeating your prayer and clutching my own SD cards tightly.
This is pure sweetness. You praying over SD cards. That’s what our Jesus wants. Well done, good and faithful servant.
Tracey´s last [type] ..13 years ago today
Very much so. We have a deployment looming in the future and I’m struggling oh so much to let Jesus take my worries and fears!
Meg´s last [type] ..Babies Don&8217t Keep
Oh this was a beautiful post. I so needed to hear this and I love the verse from Colossians. I have that written down. I just felt like I could breathe so deeply. Thank you and blessings on your day.
Tammy´s last [type] ..The Journey of Thanks
Emily, you have such a knack for catching sweet moments. I have ZERO doubt that the pictures you captured will weave a fantastic story. I also think that you were quite wise to pray over the cards…to pray to the ultimate Maker of the cards and the hands and eyes that would use them.
Peace to you as you prepare for the Philippines this week; may you sense God hemming you in behind and before, because he does (Ps 139).
sweet friend. you tease me with one amazing picture, and yet stir my soul with your wisdom and eloquence. even though you’re not “cut out for the pressure”, i’d choose you every time. loved working with you, friend. so much fun!
I needed to be reminded of that verse. Thanks!
Oh I am so glad you prayed over your cards! I have done senior photography and only did one wedding. I found it to be to nerve wracking for me! I remember the one time we accidentally deleting someone’s senior shots of the card adn they weren’t saved on the computer. What a sinking feeling!
Living the Balanced Life´s last [type] ..Why I love Twitter
You will do great. You have much talent.
Nikole Hahn´s last [type] ..Taking Notes Sunday- How Can You Support Them
I’m right there with you- realizing I’m tangled in fear & worry, and working to offer it all with an open hand to Him. Thank you for further proclaiming such sweet truth- “He goes before all things and in Him all things hold together”. I need all the reminders I can get!:) You are a blessing!
As someone who has shot a few weddings I know what it feels like.. it’s like every shot has got to be the perfect picture, and it’s even harder when you’re trying to stay behind the scenes.
Henway´s last [type] ..Medifast Review
I am going to pray with the keys to my house in my hands…for that cross country move! That verse, your words were such a blessing today!
I just love this post! I actually love your blog for the same reason! It just feeling like coming home. Like the reminder we so often need. Like talking to your big sister! Thank you. Beautifully written. You have a gift. Actually several gifts. But your writting and your photgraphy are both gifts that you share to sweetly!
I’m so grateful for you and your blog. You are so encouraging – you are changing my life, one beautiful, encouraging, timely post at a time.
I will be remembering this post and praying over my plane tickets this weekend. Flying makes me nervous, but flying by myself makes me terrified! Thanks for this!
Emily Joyce´s last [type] ..As For Me and My House
“and in Him all things hold together”
How often I need to be in Him in order to be held together. Good word.
Mariah´s last [type] ..SC is a show-off Picture Heavy
When our eyes are on Him He lifts us up out of the limited realms of our own thoughts..doesn’t He? This morning I was on my way to a prayer meeting..very early .. 7 am. As I drove I was thinking about someone who was sick..in fact all of those on our church prayer list..then I thought about myself and how my ligament was torn in my knee at the beginning of the year and how I couldn’t walk. Then the thought came that ..a verse out of Romans which says that the very Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in us! I knew I couldn’t help but continue to be healed !!
Naturally Carol´s last [type] ..Tyre Swing
Your blogs are always so uplifting and encouraging. Thank you!
Emily – I pray too! So encouraging to me that you do this… I believe all of our gifts and talents are something we “steward” – so I try to pray before shoots that God will give me His eye too so that I can be of service and encouragement with the pix I take
Jenny´s last [type] ..Gentle Petals Flower Photography
I so needed this today, Emily. Thank you. A friend’s husband committed suicide yesterday. The neighbor died from cancer at 52. A child dying and another already home in heaven. It’s been a rough week. Thank you again for giving me this verse today.
I love that verse! Thanks for the reminder, it is one I needed right now. And, I love that you prayed over that SD card of yours. Just goes to show the kind of heart you have.
Jamie @ Six Bricks High´s last [type] ..About the Time I Carried Laundry Down the Street
You think weddings are rough… I’m waiting at a friend’s home for her labor to progress so that I can photograph her birth… I think I might just pray over my own SD cards today.
I have your writing with me, and I am thinking of you this weekend.
Kelly Sauer´s last [type] ..Life – and My Giveaways
Yes! Yes! This beautiful Colossians verse was our wedding verse and has been our life theme.
Thank you, Emily, for this truth.
Katie Weaver´s last [type] ..A Day When Thanks Comes Easily
This is beautiful!
Emily G.´s last [type] ..The Best Kind of Exhausted
Thank you Emily… Beautifully said. Interestingly, I was thinking about that verse in the shower this morning. And here it is again. I think God is telling me something. ; )
I pray over my cards, and equipment too. God has given you such wonderful vision Emily, I pray that you will walk in everything he has for you. Thank you for your beautiful blog, your words, and posts. They are so encouraging. Be encouraged you are making a difference. Nics
My daughter is marrying in 2 1/2 weeks. Last night, I had a classic wedding horror dream where nothing went according to plan. And, then I visit your words. And God speaks.
Emily…thank you so much for your special insight into the throne room of God! What a blessing your words are and more than that your heart, thank you for sharing your journey.
Not ridiculous at all.
Mrs.B´s last [type] ..I AM
Ah, the reminder to insert prayer for worry; for the solution will be peace every.time. Thank you!
Reese´s last [type] ..still celebrating Her
The freedom that comes with a prayer like yours is amazing.
Given what you prayed for and your talent I have no doubt that you captured ‘the story’ perfectly.
Thanks for being real.
Thanks for sharing your heart.
P.S. Hope we get to see a few more photos….the one displayed is sooo sweet.
I want to see the pictures from that wedding!
Today was one of those days…one that felt weightier than all the others. A day in court for my sister, her husband and their adopted son. Went as an ambassador for Christ…covering them in prayer every minute they were in court. And I sang to that baby…old hymns like “How Great Thou Art.” For me and for my sister, it was weighty, but for God…he had it in His hands…just as He has held every day in his hands since before there was time.
Beautiful post. A perfect day for me to read it.
Xo,
Linsey
LLH Designs´s last [type] ..Our Sitting Room
I feel sick like that each and every time I do a shoot for somebody. Being responsible for someone’s MOMENT feels like so much responsibility. I take LOTS of pictures … and even that is kind of dumb, because I KNOW when I get THE shot. I feel it buzz past my eyes and into the camera…and yet… the doubt monster…so I take 3 more just to be sure. I’m trying to tell myself that it’s not a burden, that it’s a gift. That they are entrusting me with their MOMENT because they BELIEVE in me and I should believe in myself. It’s a constant pep talk.
Carmela´s last [type] ..Week 17 – Love That Face!
I bet you told a great story, pressure and nervousness notwithstanding. What a lucky couple! And I love the image of you clutching those SD cards and praying over them. There’s a whole lot of unfixable and out-of-my-control-ness I need to cover and pray over…this is a beautiful reminder to do just that.
Scooper´s last [type] ..Life on the Line
My whole life & my parents’ are in His hands and I pray over&for everything. I am in a state of paralysis so much of the time…and I pray. I know I can’t just sit here in terror and have to move&call&write letters © documents, and yet the physical miseries get worse the more terrified I become. I want to do right by my family and I keep remembering when I am at the breaking point I have to take care of me first or I can’t do the rest. And I pray. I will be praying over my SD’s for good shots of what I need to sell to live before I put them online. I probly would have anyway since I babble to Him all day everyday. But I thank u for letting me know that it’s ok to sweat the small stuff when the big stuff depends on it. I am sure that your eye & your heart captured “the DNA” and no one cud have done it better! You see with your heart,just like u write. And I will be covering YOU with prayer as you prepare&leave on your mission&every moment until you have come home&recovered. Thank you again&always dear one!
PS- I would (and do) miss you terribly the days you dont post because you lift my heart. So I re-read in the arc’s.
But will you please rest,if possible, before u go? Pls? &thanx 
From someone in a heavy season of transition right now, in the now but not yet of a interstate move and life transformation, I appreciate your words. That verse is a powerful reminder to me today that I don’t need to worry about the details, He is in control!
Melissa Brotherton´s last [type] ..Guest Post – Sanelle Ndebele
He speaks to my soul…the perfect verse for me to read today…yes, and everyday!
adornedlife´s last [type] ..three weeks in
It doesn’t seem ridiculous at all. It seems beautiful and wise.
Shilo´s last [type] ..God Is Good Diagnosis-MS
Emily, this is such a great post. I can relate very well to your topic today. I just wrote my own post about something very similar. Thanks, so much, for sharing your thoughts.
You inspire each time you share your art of writing.
Amanda asweetliferocks´s last [type] ..Dont Shut It Down
Oh. Oh my.
Mae´s last [type] ..Email Loves Me Back
When God is the center of your relationship, that is when you become indestructible. This is very inspiring. And i was touched by it… i can really feel how much you value our dear lord in your relationship. Just trust him always because he is the best when it comes to giving you the right partner in life. He is in charge of everything so we all don’t have to worry. Even if things are not okay, rest assured that in God’s time, this will all be okay and you will smile again. I love your post very much… it speaks to my heart and to my soul.
joann´s last [type] ..Don’t Be a Quitter
Is it ok if I let you know I should say something spiritual and life affirming here, but I just want to see the pictures?
Love ya!!
Jen (Balancing Beauty and Bedlam)´s last [type] ..Share Your Strawberry Ideas in the comments
This is exactly the reason I don’t do wedding photography. You get no re-dos. That’s too much pressure for me. I’ll stick to photographing landscapes and my grandchildren.
debbie bailey´s last [type] ..New Additions to my Library
well. I think He answered all your prayers because those photos you just posted are BREATHTAKING. I seriously wish you had photographed my wedding six summers ago. gorgeous.
I got to see the pictures (in your more recent post) then read this. What a beautiful testimony to trusting Him.
Chelsea´s last [type] ..Asparagus