For a little over four years now, my husband and I have been a part of the music team at our church. We both have backgrounds in music (we have over 30 years of lessons between the two of us!) and we love being a part of a team that pursues both excellence in music and also purity in heart as we lead others to worship Jesus. Music really is a lovely gift.

Last week, our music team tackled a big project - our first music video! 

Countless hours went into set up, preparing details, testing audio equipment, organizing and preparing our amazing production team, as well as braving the frigid gym for our recording session!! 

As we finished our session, I was able to set down my instrument for a few minutes and capture these images of my fellow teammates as they played and sang their hearts out. 

When you play with people this closely for this long, you learn a lot about each other. The minutes turn into hours turn into days and pretty soon you don't even remember how many times you've gotten on stage together, whether you've felt like it or not. 

In the midst of every emotion possible - both joy or pain; in spite of seasons of change - both difficult or welcomed; you learn to trust each other as you step out to lead others. You lean into the emotions you feel and discover that God is bigger than all of it. You reach out for help and discover that you're supported. And you learn that God uses broken people to do extraordinary things simply because He is full of grace. 

Music really is such a lovely gift. 

With my dad's health declining, my visits to Minnesota have increased over the summer to spend time with him. While it's convenient at times to be a photographer, it has been unbelievably helpful to capture these times together as a family so we can remember them for years to come. 

About a month ago (I'm so behind with these photos!), my Uncle Mark and Aunt Lu made the trip from Maryland to spend time with my parents in Minnesota. I was thrilled to get a flight up there the same week, because I've met my Aunt and Uncle only about 5-6 times in my life and I'm always looking for more excuses to hang out with my family! 

Mark is my dad's older brother and although they've spent the majority of their adult lives living in separate states, the similarities in mannerisms, speech, and thought processes between the two of them are mesmerizing! 

At this point in early September, dad was in good enough health to be able to spend hours reconnecting with Mark and Lu. There were so many laughs shared and tears shed together.  

My family is no small party (23 total with another one on the way!), so when we gather together to visit we sort of take over the house. Mom has never complained though, and the kids don't seem to mind... :) 

Always thinking like a photographer, I convinced Mark and Lu to allow me to take five minutes before one of our adventures and capture their love for each other. 

After pastoring a church for over 20 years, and spending their lives caring for people, they're entering into a new season of retirement together as a couple. 

I was so thankful to be able not only catch up with them, but to see my dad and his brother catch up on many years of life. Family is such a beautiful gift. 

If you want to stay up to date with my dad's seven-year journey with cancer, you can visit his CaringBridge by clicking here. We're so thankful for all of your thoughts and prayers!