This last weekend Jocelyn and I drove 7 hours from Portland to Wenatchee for a wedding. As a part of the drive [which we both, by the way, l.o.v.e.d], we talked about photography curriculum and Project Unnamed.

Only, by the time we came home, it was no longer Project Unnamed. It was Project: Risk Love.

Driving through the mountain passes of northern Washington, inspired by the view, the scenery, and the air [I guess?], God sent inspired brilliance. It was so incredibly refreshing, for this piece has been a lot about working through creativity rather than walking in it steadily. I think that God sends us through times like these - times that we have to push through getting something together - so that we will remember it is He who equips. We can have talent by the bucketloads and still not touch people's hearts. He is the one who sends the connection points of true visual communication.

Anyway, not only did we suddenly had a name, we had truly, the heart of what this piece is going to be about.

What does it mean to Risk Love?

Well, I guess you'll have to wait to find out.

Oh, and one final note: If you ever get stuck in the "uninspired" rut of project creation, Jocelyn and I both h.e.a.r.t.i.l.y. recommend a day trip which requires you to drive many hours during sunrise to sunset, and praise and worship music to enjoy the scenery by. Really - I give it my whole hearted endorsement! ;-)

Thanks for your prayers friends! Here's to all the Philanthropic Artists trying to make a difference in their world.

Okay. Here is the scoop in all honesty:

Christina is a horrible editor.

Allow me to clarify.

I am capable. I understand the system. I know the process - or at least where to find the answers to my questions. It's all good in that department. That's not the problem.

The real problem with being an editor lies in my inability to close myself off to the world and step into the "Darkroom". I'm sure all my video and photographer friends know exactly what I am saying. This "Darkroom" phase is the time that you have pajama days more often than days that you get fully dressed [baring showers of course - we have to stay feeling good and sharp]. It's the time when you emerge from your "Darkroom" for water and meals and internet when you are about to go crazy. Some people love the editing process. And in all seriousness, I do too.

Except when it controls my life.

I'm finding that video editing is, of course, a bit different than photo editing. Especially as I am the solo editor for two projects. It's harder when you can't run ideas off people. Or show them what you have to get suggestions. Being new at the hardcore "Darkroom" process, I don't make any attempt to hide the fact that I'm not used to being able to multi-task when I need to be on creative edge. It's so much easier when you have a team around you than when you are on your own.

Last week I put together this piece. Two days later I was about to go i.n.s.a.n.e. And then I realized something: It's so much easier to be in the trenches and doing the work with the people you love and who are brilliant and who are in need. But doing things by yourself, it takes a different level of discipline, of devotion to your call.

I know many of you photographers, video people and the like, arent able to have a huge team to pull together projects like Ashes to Beauty or Risk Love. But should that stop you?

When you are passionate about your calling, nothing will stop you. Not even takin the high road and goin solo.

I promise.

The RevMedia team is synergizing and brainstorming, and has many good things in the works for the upcoming months. We are praying for direction in several areas, including how to best serve those in need of rescue, how to support developing Philanthropic Artists.

Our "Question of the Week" is this: How do you balance the "Be" of your life with the "Do" of your life? Each of our team members has wrestled with this question on an individual level, but what does this look like for the corporate culture of Revolutionary Media?

It may not be an easy question to answer, but it is one that shapes direction on the deepest level.

Stay tuned to catch RevMedia's growth and development. In the meantime, download this wallpaper, and think about how you live your life.

Blessings!

The RevMedia Team

This shoot was super productive for Jocelyn and myself, but I must admit, it was a challenging one too. Honestly, when you try and complete a project based on 2.5 shoots, 2 planning sessions, a budget of $0, and half your cast of characters, it may be rewarding, but it isn't the easiest thing ever.

What happens when you know something is worthwhile, but the challenges facing it seem to overcome the good intentions? How do you keep holding on to a vision of dynamic impact when the world is against you?

You keep on holding on to Jesus. You rest secure in His control.

And you don't back down.

So, we decided we'd like to make the switch over to a new site for the Revolutionary Media Store! In doing this, we will be able to offer a greater variety of awesome world changer gear, in more designs, and at better pricing. Exciting stuff!

Stop by and check it out: t-shirts, mouse pads, buttons, stickers and more. Previous designs, with a few new looks as well. Keep checking back as we continue to add more throughout the week.

Click Here

It's nitty. It's gritty. It's shaky.

It's the in the field video of the film shoot for Rev Media's Ashes to Beauty mulitmedia piece.

And just a warning: It may scare you.

;-)

We just opened up a discussion forum on our Facebook fan page!
head HERE to add your favorite websites to this inspirational list...

to be continued....

Wanna glimpse into what goes on during a RevMedia project! Check out this video of Jocelyn and Christina's work for the Christian Family Adoptions piece on foster-adopt!

Now for the real news! RevMedia needs your help! We are currently brainstorming on a name for this piece on foster-adopt! We'd love any idea's from you fabulous artistic wordsmiths out there!

Blessings!

I spent the evening at Avonlea Acres, shooting portraits of Kathy, Vanessa, and Sadie for our Ashes to Beauty multimedia piece.

Kathy and I spent the most time together. She is an amazing and stalwart woman who is learning from mistakes, finding joy in her position as a child of God, and blossoming into a beautiful woman. At 4 months pregnant, Kathy is doing her best to learn what it is to be the mother that she knows she can be - and in the power of God.

I think few people could have the resilience she's had. When life falls apart and there's no where to go, when all hope seems lost...even there grace is found.

Kathy is a testament to that.

Imagine This:

You are nineteen years old.
A former high school cheerleader and beauty queen.
Brought up in a Catholic family.
Straight A student in school.
Now on your own.
Managing a substance addiction.
And you get the news of your life: Pregnant.

Is it really possible? Is this really happening? Is it true that someone else's life is forming inside of you? You're not ready for this. You're just a kid yourself. But not anymore. Now you're also a Mom.

Imagine yourself in these shoes. Imagine that one test could change the direction of your life forever. Imagine how scared you would be to know your pregnancy isn't supported by those closest to you. Imagine how you would feel to suddenly be on your own, thrust into the "real" world, full of couch surfing and house hopping, paired with doctor's visits and maternity shopping.

Now, imagine a home for girls like you. A place where you could come - without judgment - to start afresh and begin a new life for you and your unborn child.

You don't have to imagine anymore. This place exists. And it is called Avonlea Acres.

RevMedia is honored to be a part of a new project that will raise support and awareness for a Christian ministry that strives to give unwed mothers the tools they need to be active, healthy, and productive mothers and members of society. Staffed with qualified individuals who come in to help these girls with finances, spiritual issues, schooling, and a plethora of other issues, Avonlea Acres seeks to give ordinary people something to believe in: Generation Change.

Unprepared mothers will raise children unprepared for the harsh reality of modern society. The affects of this are grave indeed - and we need only turn on the TV to see it.

Over the next 6 weeks, RevMedia is on a fast track to give Avonlea Acres, and the girls who live there, an additional tool for fund raising: a short documentary piece highlighting the program and the new life it's given to it's girls and their children.

Follow us document their story.

You'll believe in Ashes to Beauty too.