Thanksgiving Portraits: The Thompson Family

I've been meaning to write this blog for some time now - but it always seems to be one thing after another keeping me busy. Regardless - I am so excited to show off this beautiful family.

Hanna Thompson is one of my dearest friends, and the very first time I met her family they welcomed me into their home with open arms and smiles. I love that they all hold Christ at the centre of their family, and put nothing else above Him. The love they share for one another is so evident through their interactions and laughter. And let me tell you, laughter is definitely one thing they are not lacking. When I was asked to take their family photographs over the Thanksgiving weekend, I immediately said yes, and was eager to capture the love and joy each one of them radiates. 

*Unfortunately the quality of the pictures was lost slightly, I'm trying to fix this*

Love Everyday. 

This photo.

... is currently being shown at "Bad Dog Cafe" in Hamilton, ON. And although this has been a crazy, insane past few weeks, I forget about it all - knowing that this could be the photograph that impacts viewers and softens their hearts for Africa. Oh my goodness. Words don't even begin to describe my excitement and joy. God is so good to His people!

Photography is my passion. Photography is my life. But, it's only because of who Christ is in my life, first and foremost. Without Him at the centre, I don't think my photography would hold the same meaning, or express the same love. After all without love, what is left? Is it even worth it to capture such a moment, if you don't truly believe in what you're shooting?

Because that's the thing, this photograph, carries so much meaning. The little girl (Erin Wallace) is hugging Nosipho - who eventually with her crooked smile won over all of our hearts in Swaziland that summer. Nosipho would sing her renditions of "Jesus loves me" and "This little light of mine" all day, everyday - you couldn't help but smile and sing along.

So you see, this photo really captures the love that these girls held for one another. It shows the innocence that allows them to put aside their differences and just love. Imagine if we all put aside differences and just loved one another in its truest form. A child's love is something that can never be replicated.

"God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear." - 1 John 4:17

A love that knows no limits.

The days of summer have come and gone, and I'm back in the swing of routine once again. This summer was probably one of my favourites. So many incredible opportunities were opened up to me. From spending time in Bermuda with great friends who love the Lord, to being a team leader and traveling across the globe to a small gypsy community in Romania, and then finally enjoying a few relaxing weeks up in beautiful muskoka with my family.

But this summer wasn't about the places I traveled to or the people I met, it quickly became about the work that God was doing in my heart. I was humbled beyond belief, and revealed so many truths about who I am. Praise God for His almighty love. 

I think there is something beautiful about the summer. As a society we tend to be more relaxed and cheerful, going on mission trips, and praising God for the days He's laid out before us. Why isn't this our daily attitude? Is it because as soon as summer ends, we get so caught up in the whirlwind that becomes our lives? What if instead of constantly worrying, we took a minute or two, to step back and just rest in His peace. 

One thing we've recently been exploring at Young Adults, is this idea of CONTENTMENT. When we are content in the plan that Christ has planned out for us, He's able to use us for great things. But sometimes, and I'm guilty of this as well, I think we try and plan our lives without even considered what God has in store for our lives. It boggles my mind, why I think that I could make up a life better than what the perfect king could. It's just foolish. Instead, I know that I will rest patiently in His love, as the plan that He has created unfolds - why would I ever settle for anything less than perfect, which is what He is? 

I want God's plan for my life, not my own. Because my own sucks. 

Boom. 

Enjoy some photographs from this summer!

Guess What.

So - I've entered a photography competition. With much hesitation let me tell you. I think they're something so very nerve-wracking about your photographs displayed for millions of people to judge. Millions of people I've never even met! I think that's probably the worst part - I haven't met these people, they don't know my story, or the story behind each picture. But, it's a great experience and to get my name out there amongst others who are world renown is such a sweet opportunity! Praise God for opening this door!

Here's where you come in! Please vote for me! Don't get me wrong, it would be great to win. But that's not what this is about.... So just follow that little link, and vote as your heart desires:

http://www.artistswanted.org/west_sarah

Okay - so this one isn't in the competition, but I love it! Yes, it's a dead fish, but its hilarious!

Stephanie and Brent.

I met Steph during my first year at McMaster, and our friendship has done nothing but grow over the years. She has a personality that is so unique and so real. She isn't afraid to tell you what's on her mind, or call you out on something. But when she does, it is done out of love and so humbly.  I love that.

Steph and Brent have been dating since high school, and really always had their hearts set on marriage. Through their interactions you can tell that they're nothing but comfortable with one another - Brent knows how to talk Steph through situations in a calm yet loving way. Yet they both know how to be crazy around one another, I believe we sang Taylor Swifts rap allllllll day long. Brent eventually knew all the words. It's just the little things such as that, which made the shoot so memorable.

When they got engaged it was such an exciting day. Steph was ecstatic, and she didn't even have to say anything, because her facial expressions said everything. It was obvious that Brent had been planning this for a while, as the way Steph described the proposal, it sounded perfect.  It was such a great honor to take their engagement pictures. They were so much fun to work with, and I swear we literally laughed all day. I'm soo excited for their wedding in June! and know that it is just going to be perfect!

I love the swan in the bottom left hand corner of this picture - didn't realize until now!

This is my favorite - you both look SO happy. Can't wait for the wedding!

How the Days Go By...

It's been a long long time, since I've blogged. And so much has happened.
School has ended for the summer! Thank goodness for that. There is something so freeing about knowing that you don't have to study or write exams for 4 entire months! Having plenty of time to photograph the memories and spend time in devotion and prayer. To feel the rays of the sun on my face, and enjoy time with friends.
I love being able to discover new places and personalities. I recently had five friends come visit Bermuda, and it couldn't have been more perfect. Honestly, the best time ever. Each of our personalities just meshed so well together, and the laughter was endless. There is so much more I could say about the times we spent together, but I may as well just let the photographs speak for themselves. 

Faith Like a Child.

It's a Sunday afternoon, and I'm soaking up the atmosphere at Starbucks. Love. 

(Shot a while back, in Vancouver March '09)


But as I sit here (on an extremely uncomfortable wooden chair), sipping my peach green tea, I find myself in a gaze of people watching. Seeing old couples slowly enter hand in hand, teens catching up on the latest gossip, business men reading the newspaper, and families with their children. Amidst all of this, I can't help but focus in on the children, and the way in which they interact with their parents. Maybe it's because I love the innocence seen in children, or because it reminds me of the ones I held in Swaziland. Regardless, I soon realized that my attention is centered in on the children, because I'm reminded of the child-like faith, I strive for.

(This is Leah, one of the girls I used to help home-school)


Thus drawing me to question: What does it mean to have faith like a child?
We say it all the time - wishing, hoping, and even praying for it. But do we ever grasp what it really means? Childlike faith encourages humility and helps us realize who we are in Christ. And without humility, well I don't think I'd ever be able to really admit my need for Christ or be able to surrender to His will. I think it comes down to dependance. - think about a child - they are so dependant on their parents for almost every aspect of their life. Because children are dependent, they must hold to the faith that they will be taken care of. If we are living in a child-like state of faith, then shouldn't we be dependant on Christ, for our every want, need and desire? I think we so quickly forget this. 

                                       (Meet Emma - age 10 - spunky and full of personality) 

So, as I end, I challenge you to strive for child-like faith in your walk. Seek scripture and prayer.