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

(Photo taken 8.18.10 - Downtown Grand Rapids)

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
Isaiah 43:2

(Picture taken August 2007 - Sartell, Minnesota)

When Your Hut's On Fire

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.

Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself from the elements, and to store his few possessions. One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, 'God! How could you do this to me?'

Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him! 'How did you know I was here?' asked the weary man of his rescuers. 'We saw your smoke signal,' they replied.

The Moral of This Story: It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.

Vacation Photos

Sorry I haven't posted in so long... This past Saturday, we got back from vacation! We spent an entire week at a cottage on Gun Lake and it was WONDERFUL!!!! It was so relaxing and very much needed! I had an amazing time with my camera! I have yet to go through all the pictures but I'll share some with you in this post..... and there'll be more to come! I hope you enjoy!

This first one.... I am still in awe of it. Thanks to my best friend, Google, for helping me figure out the manual settings to get this amazing shot of the moon!


LOVED how the sun was shining on the water in the morning. I thought these boats looked so cool... just a few cottages down from where we were staying. I used the free Orton action from CoffeeShop Free Actions to give it this wonderful effect.


Sunrise with sweet ducks swimming by....


Chilly morning with the warmth rising off the lake....