What have I been up to??

This picture about sums it up! For the last eight weeks, I have been taking the first of many college courses. This past summer, I decided to finally go back to college to finish my bachelor's degree. The last class I had was back when I found out I was pregnant with Grace. Needless to say, raising two young children doesn't allow extra time to complete degrees! :) I am so blessed to have had 69 credits that transferred into Central Michigan University from so long ago! Last week, I successfully finished my first class back. Although grades aren't yet out, I do think I'll end up with a B. I am very happy with that grade. It was a tough, time-consuming class and with being a wife, mom and working full-time... well, a B is pretty good in my opinion!

I did take a little bit of time from school-work to play. The above picture was taken at Frederik Meijer Gardens. My friend Amy and I went to shoot photos of the amazing Chihuly blown glass that was exhibited at the gardens (pictures to come)! This picture actually does have a story, other than it looking like I'm pulling my "hair" out! I LOVE willow trees. Jeff doesn't want a willow tree because they are too messy. This is me "hugging" the branches of the willow tree because I was so excited to see such a big and beautiful one! :)

(Photo taken 8.18.10 - Sixth Street Park, Downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan)

The Twenty-First Time by Monk & Neagle

Nowhere to live
Nowhere to fall
He used to have money
But he’s wasted it all
His face is a photograph burned in mind
But I pretend not to see him for the twenty-first time

He sleeps under stars, it’s all he can afford
His blanket’s an old coat he’s had since the war
He stands on the corner of Carter and Vine
But I pretend not to see him for the twenty-first time

He may be a drifter who’s grown old and gray
But what if it’s Jesus and I walk away
I say I’m the body and drink of the wine
But I pretend not to see him for the twenty-first time

She’s 29 but she feels 48
She can’t raise three kids on minimum wage
She’s crying in back of the welfare line
But I pretend not to see her for the twenty-first time

She may be a stranger trying to get through the day
But what if it’s Jesus and I walk away
I say I’m the body and drink of the wine
But I pretend not to see her for the twenty-first time

This is a call for a change in my heart
I realize that I’ve not been doing my part
When I needed a Savior, I found it in Him
He gave to me, now I’ll give back to them

Drifter or stranger, daughter or son
I’ll look for Jesus in everyone
‘Cause I am the body and drink of the wine
And I’m thankful there’s more than the twenty-first time