More of myself than I wanted to see

I finally put down Under the Overpass by Mike Yankoski tonight - only because I finished it. It's a completely engaging story about two college students (Mike and Sam) who spent six months living homeless on the streets of six US cities. Their experiences were compelling, eye-opening and convicting.

The book is truthful and well-written. Mike makes it clear that homelessness was their choice, and they could have stepped out of it at any time. But, their experiences are a strong, bitter taste of what life is like on the streets - streets around the corner from all of us.

I was convicted as I read about their experiences with Christians who were unwilling to even offer a smile or word of encouragement. Sadly, I saw myself often as one of those folks.


Mike discusses how homelessness is dehumanizing. It's emphasized by our unwillingness to interact with the homeless people we encounter. At the end of the book, Mike relates a story about an interaction he had with a homeless person after Mike and Sam came off the streets. Mike gave the man a burrito and visited with him while he ate it. The man said it changed his week. 


Simple acts can change all of our lives.

I enjoyed so many things about this book, but I especially appreciate the practical ideas for getting involved with the homeless in our communities that he includes. I'm hoping that I can become more like the people in the book who take the time to bless all people they encounter, regardless of what they look like. 

This book would be good reading for anyone, but especially someone seeking to gain a greater understanding and perspective of those who are homeless. It certainly challenged me.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook-Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. If you're interested in Under the Overpass, you can buy it here.

I love that mug!

We spent Thanksgiving with my husband’s sweet family. While there, I enjoyed coffee from a mug bearing the kids’ pictures. It was a Christmas gift last year. Look here. My MIL and I both love it. It’s so fun to see how much they’ve changed since last year. Our nine-year-old has really grown up this year!

I am completely a picture person. I love taking pictures, looking at pictures. One of the things I love about Christmas is receiving updated photos from family and friends. I’ve taken to sticking them in a little notebook to look back on year after year. And, I love sending them. Shutterfly is my favorite resource. Their cards are always creative and well-executed. (My advertising background makes me really picky!) Look for this one in your mailbox from us this year. But, there are so many cute ones. Look here to see more.

I’m thinking about doing some of these cards for our thank you notes this year. Fun, huh?

Shutterfly has some great offers right now that make photo gifts even more tempting!

Wow. I am a slow blogger. I've been way too busy having fun with my kids. This fall has flown by. Is it really already time for Thanksgiving?

I am loving Tallulah's laughter right now. It's totally contagious. And, she's laughing with Tiger. It doesn't get any better than that - even though he's supposed to be bathing instead of giggling with his sister.