Cassidy Elaine Photography: 2020

It is a dreary day in our world; month after month, our hearts are struck with uncertainty. What will the future hold? Will things return to normal? Deep within, our souls cry out for a place of true refuge--a ground that won't be taken out from under us. We see the world tremble with changes and aches we cannot control and search about for the ray of light that will break through the fog.

In truth, though, our hearts can never be satisfied simply with ease and predictability--though both of those things sound wonderfully ideal through the waves of surprise in our current moment of history. Rather if we face the grandest trial, or sweetest joy, the essence of who we are cries out for the God who made us. Regardless of how lovely or carefree our days are, the depths of us will not stop longing for something more. That is because the events of this world cannot give me lasting hope--my circumstances are incapable of inhaling true meaning into my existence, for I was not created for mere events or the unfolding of life happenings--rather if they are positive or negative to my perception. My soul cries out from the depths for the God who made me.

"For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah" (Psalm 62:5-8).

As we near the start of a brand new year that we all hope will be better than the last, let our hearts remember that no amount of life going according to the plan can satisfy us for good. We may bank our hope upon the Savior who does not change, thereby lifting our perception to something truly freeing. Lilias Trotter speaks to this well: "Take the very hardest thing in your life – the place of difficulty, outward or inward, and expect God to triumph gloriously in that very spot. Just there He can bring your soul into blossom.”

It is our Savior who is capable of bringing redemption through the wilderness. Let us look to Him for meaning, perspective and hope through whatever unfolds in the coming months. We may have peace in knowing that He is already there.

Here are a few images and words we recently shared on instagram.

1. Family Time + Spurgeon // for the little ones

"Gather the little ones around your knee and listen to their words, suggesting to them their needs, and reminding them of God’s gracious promise." Charles Spurgeon

2. Miles + A.W. Tozer // the Savior living within us

“The pain of sacrificing our old selves is nothing compared to the joy of Christ living in us in our transformed lives.” A.W. Tozer

3. Wilterink Fam + Psalms // the fruit of a Christian home

"Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways! You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord." Psalm 128:1-4

4. Lily + Mama // a mother's heart

"I watched the older ones [grow up and leave home]. And each time it broke my heart; I prayed to God for them. He had given them over to me to love and to bring up. And I prayed and longed that they should go out to be the testimony and the witness which I longed to be in the place where they were going.” Gladys Aylward

5. Camille + Petoskey // truly meaningful living

"I seek not a long life, but a full one like you, Lord Jesus." Jim Elliot, martyr

6. Together in the shade of a pine tree // the depths of God's love for us

"Oh my Father, teach me to realize how deep, and strong, and pitiful is the love of Thine heart to me, since it led Thee to give Thine only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ Himself,—to redeem me, and bring me home to Thee, my God!" Susannah Spurgeon

7. Kaylee + Carson // the forming of a child's heart

"The process of shaping the child, shapes also the mother herself. Reverence for her sacred burden calls her to all that is pure and good, that she may teach primarily by her own humble, daily example." Elisabeth Elliot

8. Brittany amongst the wildflowers // the cost of true Christianity

“If you are going to walk with Jesus Christ, you are going to be opposed...In our day, to be a true Christian is really to become a scandal.” George Whitefield

9. Pro-Life Activist Training // dedication to defend

"Most people who say they oppose abortion do just enough to salve the conscience but not enough to stop the killing." Scott Kleusendorf

10. Reuben exploring Grand Rapids // my strength, my help, my song

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him." Psalm 28:7

11. Albin family + fall beauty // nothing lost

“They lose nothing who gain Christ." Samuel Rutherford

12. Clara's explorations // creation proclaims His truth

“God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees and flowers and clouds and stars.” Martin Luther

Chris and Tristen and I first met at this photo session! Though we had never been previously acquainted, we had the most wonderful time chatting and getting to know each other, as we captured sweet moments. Chris and Tristen are a stunning couple with a deep passion for Christ; I loved hearing their desire to raise up their little Samantha to know Jesus. Along with having the joy of hearing some of their family dreams, I also got to hear the story of how God brought Chris and Tristen together; they have a beautiful testimony of God's purposeful involvement in each little detail of our lives.

These images were captured on a wintery day last February; I was excited to hear we have a mutual love for open fields with expressive blue skies!