I think about the neighborhood I live in and my life in general. Although it's challenging at times, I still live a pretty cushy existence. Something I often don't recognize let alone admit. I was reading a newsletter recently that provoked me to think...I mean really think. It wasn't the kind of newsletter that you quickly scan and move on from, forgetting almost instantly what you've just read. No. This was the kind of letter that lingers in your mind and all of the sudden you realize you have a new perspective on something you've never thought about before.

ETHIOPIA

It's a distant place that I never thought much about (shamefully), until fairly recently. I have a friend who is over there right now as part of a mission team. She is absolutely precious with a heart as BIG as can be! She is on the journey of a lifetime, reaching out to people she's never met, rescuing babies, starting a church, giving a hope for a new life and making sure people have the most basic of needs...food. The impact of what that team is doing is immeasurable and the significance will be lasting. They are changing lives and that is quite a gift. I have no doubt that they will leave an imprint on the hearts of many that will never be forgotten.

The writer's words loom over me. My mind is swimming in a sea of thoughts. I am compelled and challenged. Compelled to live outwardly and make a difference in the world, or at the very least my own small corner of it. And challenged by my own limitations. I mean, let's face it, I am a wife and a homeschooling mom of 4 active children, who also loves being part of a church plant. My days revolve around teaching, scheduling, chauffering, organizing, laundry, cooking, cleaning, and a whole host of other tasks. It's no easy feat to get much more into an already jam packed schedule. But what's the alternative...to do nothing and live in the comfort of my excuses?! The gentle and persistent nagging on my heart says otherwise. I am compelled afterall and in being compelled my action is required. So I'm going forward with new resolve to be more outwardly focused, notice those around me and do whatever I can to help right here in my very own mission field.

This is framed in our bedroom. It is one of my favorite things, written for Karl and I on our wedding day. Rev. Zuber holds a special place in my heart, not because he wrote these beautiful vows for us, but because he was a very sweet man and wise leader. We walk daily with these vows etched upon our hearts.

As we stand before this altar,

I pledge to love you and to cherish your love.

I promise you always to be there when you need

someone to be understanding

and won't allow my pride to block our communication.

As we work toward our common goals,

I will be dependable, helpful and

support you at all times.

I will always respect you and honor your opinions.

I promise to be absolutely honest and faithful

so that our trust in each other will

continue to grow in an unending love.

My days I dedicate to bringing you

happiness, understanding and tenderness.

We shall walk together and build our love

under God's direction and seeking

His will for our life together.

This is the guy I'm mad crazy in love with...my high school sweetheart...my best friend! He knows me better then I know myself sometimes and loves me despite my many faults. He helps me to see the humor in life and has an uncanny ability to make me laugh like no one else can. I love that when I'm with him this crazy world makes sense and I feel safe. I love that he brings out the best in me.

As I explore one of my creative passions, it's fun to capture him with one of his...

My favorite guy and his passion...

Well, here we are, the day has arrived! Today is the first day of school! The older kids will never admit to being excited, but their faces give it away. One of my daughters is positively beaming! I enjoy having the opportunity to see these small things and hear them speak in class. It's a unique perspective. They are in close proximity to me and yet so independent from me. This is our 8th homeschool year, but it's our 5th year with the cyber school. This year is all about change...they have a new learning system, new laptops and my oldest is now in high school so he has a mix of real time classes and self paced classes. Another new thing for us this year are electives. He picked some pretty awesome ones...web design and interactive game design! I'm looking forward to this school year, I always do. It's a new beginning, a new chapter in our lives and a welcome back to routine. The relaxed pace of summer is fleeting and routine has come upon us for a time. Speaking of which, my youngest routinely awoke the same time every day throughout the summer (oh how I longed for her to sleep in a little), and she finally picked TODAY to sleep in. ...sigh...

The Place I Live...part 7 one of my favorite spots

The Place I Live...part 6 the viaduct

Built in 1922, the viaduct is a well known feature in town. I admit that lately I've been intrigued with this structure. Maybe it stems from knowing that it's days are numbered. Or maybe because, until very recently, I've neglected to notice it and I'm making up for lost time. Whatever the reason, it has a certain character worth noting.

The Place I Live...part 5 art is subjective

The Place I Live...part 4 decay

To say our town has deteriorated over time would be an understatement. Amongst the decay I see beauty, art and what could be. Getting off my duff and seeing my town through the eye of my lens has given me new perspective. It's just not good enough to wish it were different and have endless chats with that same sentiment in mind. No, we need to care enough to do something about it.

The Place I Live...part 3 more downtown