Stick with me here if you can...
A few days before Christmas, I took the kids out looking at Christmas lights.
I don't remember exactly what time it was, but it was late and it was cold and it was dark. And when I slowed to a stop at the light on the freeway off-ramp by our house, I saw a homeless guy and his pup.
I grabbed all the cash I had in my purse (a grand-whopping total of $6) and rolled down my window. He walked over to the window, looked me in the eyes and said "Merry Christmas and God Bless you." Then he looked in the backseat of my car and said, "You've got kids?" to which I replied, "Yep, this is just two of them, but I've got four all together."
He just stood there for a second and then he said, "I've got four kids too..." but his voice cracked as he said it and he stopped mid-sentence. Then he thanked me again while walking backwards towards his pup.
And as the light turned green, I said "God bless you too." and turned left towards home.
The kids and I all got in our pajamas as soon as we got home and as they were brushing their teeth I hollered, "Hey guys, come get your shoes back on and lets go."
It was just Cole and Annie (Josh was in Afghanistan, I had just dropped off Courtney Lee at her mom's house and Ross of course doesn't live at home anymore), but they immediately came running down the stairs with toothbrushes still in their mouths, asking where we were going.
I started opening drawers looking for paper and pens and an envelope and told them that we should all write a quick letter to the guy we had just met and then I stuffed the letters into an envelope along with some Hershey Kisses and some more cash I had found and then we drove to McDonalds to get him a hot coffee.
As I was driving back to where we had met him, I could hear the sound of Josh Downs voice in my head saying, "You did what? You drove around at night in your pajamas with the kids looking for a homeless man to give him coffee? And this seemed perfectly safe to you?"
I noticed that he was still standing in the same spot as we drove by, but I didn't stop because while my mind is totally assured that when God is ready to take me, He's ready to take me (whether I'm sound asleep in bed or standing in front of a homeless man holding a McDonald's coffee cup), my husband still feels that it is his job to protect me from an early demise due to my own stupidity and/or carelessness.
Eventually, I decided I would cause my husband the least amount of grief by pulling into a nearby gas station and waving at the homeless guy to meet us in a safe, well-lit, husband-approved location.
We got out of the car and waved at him. He noticed us immediately and began walking towards us where we all began to introduce ourselves.
He told us that his name was Chalin and that he'd lived in this area for about seven years. He said his kids were all mostly grown-up now and didn't live nearby, but that he had two nieces that he got to see on occasion and that they loved to draw pictures for him. He said he used to be in the Army and when I told him that my husband was deployed with the Air Force, he said that he would pray for him.
I think it was one of my kids that asked him if he believed in Jesus and that's when he pulled a Bible out of his pocket and said, "Jesus is the only thing that keeps me going." and went on talking about how great God is.
Eventually, we all hugged (and I envisioned for a split-second that my new friend might pop my head off right in front of my children, causing my husband's fears to come true) and then I handed him the envelope and as we started to say goodbye, I asked him if there was anything he needed.
He said he really didn't need anything. That there was a nearby church that took really good care of him and that if I ever wanted to give anything, that the church would be very thankful for any donations.
That night as I said prayers with my kids, they each prayed for Chalin (and so did I.)
A few days after Christmas, my sister was in town and as we headed home from a day of ice-skating in Ashland, we stopped at the same light on the freeway off-ramp and there was Chalin.
Coley immediately rolled down his window to say hi and as Chalin started to walk over to the car he said, "Hey, I remember you guys!" I was introducing Chalin to my sister and Ross when he pulled three, $1 bills out of his pocket and said, "Here, I've got something for your kids." while handing a dollar to each of them. Coley and Ross immediately thanked him, while saying they couldn't accept it (Annie thanked him, but had no plans of handing her dollar back over), but Chalin said, "No matter how little you have, you have to be willing to give it."
And then the light turned green so we said our good-byes and turned left towards home.
And that night as I said prayers with my kids, they each prayed for Chalin (and so did I.) Only this time, Annie asked if Chalin could come live with us.
A few weeks later, I went looking for Chalin again to get the name of the church he had mentioned. When he saw me, the first thing he said was, "Remember when I said I'd pray for your husband? I really did. I prayed for him." (He also went on to share that he loves beer more than he should, but I'm not going to judge him for that because if I were homeless, I might take to loving beer a bit too much too.)
Again, I asked him if he needed anything and this time he showed me that his shoes had holes in them and said he could really use a new pair.
Later that day, I picked up the kids from school and then we all met up with Chalin to give him a new pair of boots and to introduce him to Courtney Lee, who hadn't met him yet.
And that night when my mom took all the kids to the dollar store, Courtney Lee spent part of her money on a new rain poncho for Chalin.
And Chalin has come up in their conversations and their prayers ever since.
I was hesitant to tell this story because it has the potential of sounding like a soapbox sermon and that's not my intent. I was also hesitant to tell this story because I don't want anyone to say, "That was such a great thing you did Karen." because what I did doesn't come anywhere close to meeting the definition of 'great'.
Giving a homeless guy $46 and some hot coffee wasn't a sacrifice for me. We didn't go without dinner that night in order to give him that money. We didn't go without anything. I'd have just wasted that $46 bucks on something worthless if I hadn't given it to Chalin. I'd have spent it at Target on a couple of new dresses for the girls to add to the ridiculous amount of clothing my kids already have, a new tube of lipstick for me to add to the collection of lipstick colors I own but don't like, and a pack of gum for each of my kids so I could get irritated by all the gum wrappers I find all over the house.
I'd have just wasted that $46.
It was Chalin who did something 'great' - because when you're homeless, $3 does affect the quality of your life. $3 could mean the difference between eating or not eating that day. $3 could get you closer to a pair of shoes that don't have holes in them. $3 could mean a lot. In fact, I think $3 could feel like everything if you had nothing.
But I think because he has Jesus, he knows that he already has everything.
That is what's 'great'.
I've been lucky enough to see a lot of that kind of giving in the last couple of years.
People doing small, but sincere and thoughtful things. People doing big, seemingly impossible things. People doing things without wanting recognition for them. People giving their time when they don't have a whole lot of time to give. People giving their money when they don't have a lot of money to give. People willing to make their own lives less comfortable for the sake of someone else.
And sometimes I'm one of them. But most of the time (if I'm being honest) I'm just to busy thinking about me and my little family to be thinking about anyone else.
But then someone like Chalin comes into my life and while I'm busy thinking that I'm going to help him, he actually ends up helping me instead.
He made me see things differently.
He made me see what 'great' really is.
I had a student email this to me today:
"Hi Karen, I don't know if you remember me or not (and it's ok if you don't!) but I had signed up as an auditor a few sessions back, then needed to do more cancer treatments. You were gracious enough to let me have a spot in a later workshop. Unfortunately, I didn't have the health to really do what I wanted to do with the workshop.
Fast forward to now, and I got a paid seat in the workshop that starts next week as a regular student. As my luck would have it, I now have to have another surgery (my third abdominal surgery in two years! Yikes!) The surgery is scheduled for April 17th-smack dab in the middle of the course.
I know I won't be able to recover nicely and do all the work in the course because I need to work on recovering. However, I don't want a refund. If its ok with you, I would like to give away my spot to someone else. I am sure one of your readers out there is dying to take your course but don't have the funds to sign up. It would thrill me to bits to give someone else a chance to take the class."
Yep, 'great' is a mom who has cancer and is facing another surgery, but is still thinking of how she could help someone else and asks to remain anonymous in doing so.
I am not that kind of 'great, but that's exactly the kind of 'great' I want to be.
So I'd like to do this drawing for a seat in the next Photographers' Workshop a little differently in order to honor this woman's request. Obviously this will be on a Girl Scout honor kind of system, but I'm asking people to leave a comment in the comments section of this post if they have wanted to take The Photographers' Workshop or if they know of someone who has wanted to take the workshop, but haven't been able to due to financial constraints and I'll draw a winner early on April 2nd (which is actually the first day of class!)
And if you're the praying kind, I'd just ask that you say a prayer or two; one for this mom who is battling cancer and another one for Chalin.
And my sincere thanks to all you people who are out there doing great things, however big or small.
ETA: A friend of mine that I have a real deep respect for (someone I met years ago while teaching scrapbooking classes at her store back East) just emailed me and said she'd like to pay the tuition for another student who is financially unable to take my workshop. So now the drawing is for two spots! (You're the best Sharon - thank you for doing this.)
And a reader left this comment: "I was thinking that perhaps you should give the name of the church to your readers and challenge each of your readers to send five dollars. Can you imagine the difference that could make to this church, and to Chalin?"
So here's the info. on the church if you feel inclined to give...Central Point Assembly of God, 310 North 10th St., Central Point OR, 97502. They cook for homeless people in our area every Thursday night and they really try to make it special for them. They also give out toiletries and other essential items. Its two amazing women that run the whole program and I know that any donations would be put to good use. (Just specify that you'd like your donation to go directly to their homeless program.)
I've wanted to take your class FOREVER and would so love to win, but I know there is someone who needs to win it more than I do!
Don't enter my name in the giveaway, I just wanted you to know how much your post has inspired me today.
Posted by: Mary Ann Jenkins | March 29, 2012 at 07:43 PM
Thanks for reminding me how fortunate I really am and as always thank you for being so honest in your blog. I don't want to be entered in your giveaway since I have already taken your class which I think is very good and well worth the money, but can you please enter my friend Lisa? She would really love to take your class! Thanks again!
Posted by: Dina | March 29, 2012 at 07:50 PM
Such a beautiful and amazing post, Karen. Thanks so much for sharing with us. And thank-you for the chance to win a spot in your class-I've had it on my wishlist since you first started doing them, but haven't yet been able to afford it.
Posted by: Rachel | March 29, 2012 at 08:04 PM
this is just so great!!!! Chalin is really spiritual. He reminds me one of the stories in the bible.
My father died of a cancer. Your student is really awesome. I'll pray for her recovery and what a blessing she is to others. Pls don't include me in your giveaway. I would love to join in your classes someday, there are more who needs it more than me.
Posted by: Jona Panesa | March 29, 2012 at 08:22 PM
Hi Karen, I would like to nominate my friend L.B. for your class. She is single now and takes care of herself by working very long hours and just plain walking away from any "extras" that are not necessities. I know she loves photography and has a talent for it. Your class could be a great blessing to help her through some difficult times. Thanks for offering this opportunity. I will be sending prayers and positive thoughts for your student, Chalin and for you. I know that good things will come to all through giving!
SusieW
Posted by: SusieW | March 29, 2012 at 09:29 PM
So beautifully written, and oh the gift you've given to your kids by sharing your big ol' heart. Praying for Chalin and the sweet mom who's giving away her class. I've been blessed to take the class already, and I KNOW that those two spots will go to just the right people.
Posted by: Cyndi | March 29, 2012 at 10:09 PM
Karen, I must say you are amazing... I was honored to take your class about 3 years ago and I can not tell you how much I learned from you... I would like my friend Ashley to take your class so I am nominating her... Thanks for sharing your story...
Posted by: teresa meadows | March 29, 2012 at 10:46 PM
Thank you so much for sharing this post Karen. Really. It is obvious that you really touched a chord in so many people by relating this story. I'm not hoping for consideration in winning a spot in your class because while my husband just had to go on disability and our finances have already been tight with medical bills, I know there are others way more deserving of winning a spot in your class. I just wanted to take the time to tell you that when you do share these moments of your life with us, it matters.
I've been following your blog for a couple of years and while I've cut back on so many and have wondered why I still read yours (only because I really need to cut back on the time I "waste" online while other stuff isn't getting done), it is posts like this that give me chills, make me cry, touch a chord, and allow Jesus back into my life, that make it clear why I keep coming back. It feels good to read a blog that shares real moments, and I love that you love God and aren't afraid to share it!
Posted by: Alicia | March 29, 2012 at 11:22 PM
I love these stories. I've been trying hard to do one good thing everyday for the month of March as a personal challenge and have been moved by the opportunities for kindness out there, if you open yourself up to them. And I love the beautiful spirits of Chalin and this amazing Mother, and they are an inspiration I am going to draw from as I continue to do good every day. Thank you so much for the opportunity to learn and especially for sharing. You filled my bucket up this morning.
Posted by: Anna | March 30, 2012 at 05:18 AM
This is a very inspiring blog post...it is so easy to look the other way or just keep driving. I'm glad you took the time to stop help someone out. I have volunteered at a food kitchen, and it is amazing the different type of people who come in,even people who have a job that you would never suspect as having trouble making ends meet.
The two ladies who donated a spot for your workshop have amazing kind hearts. Your class has always been on my wish list, but with my husband still looking for work, we have not been able to afford it. I'm sure who ever gets chosen for the 2 spots will truely appreciate their kindess and it will brighten their lives in what is currently a tough economy.
Posted by: Katie | March 30, 2012 at 06:06 AM
Wow. Every single time I read your blog I am touched.
I would love to take your class, but I can't justify the extra expense. Like so many other people we are trying to live on a budget, get out of debt and make better choices.
Thank you for showing me goodness in this world.
Posted by: Kimberly K. | March 30, 2012 at 06:57 AM
Nothing like having a good cry first thing in the morning.
Many blessings for paying it forward and teaching your children what the important things in life really are!!
God Bless
Posted by: Nicky from Canada | March 30, 2012 at 08:20 AM
Karen, I read your blog all of the time! I applaud you, not just for helping Chalin, but also for showing your kids that homeless people aren't throw-aways who are undeserving of our time and prayers. I would like to offer up the name of a mom I know who really wants to learn the photography industry inside and out. She has the drive but, like a lot of us in this day and age, not a lot of disposable income. Her name is Caya and I think she'll do great things and this class will help her tremendously!
Thank you!
Posted by: Danielle Johnson | March 30, 2012 at 09:54 AM
Your children are so lucky to have you as their mother. I cried like a baby while I was reading your post. You continue to amaze me!
Posted by: Lila Knight | March 30, 2012 at 10:03 AM
Karen, thank you for sharing. i understand if it wasnt an easy choice.
i would so love to take your class, have always wanted to.
God is so good
Posted by: stacy watson | March 30, 2012 at 10:05 AM
I need to stop reading your blog over my lunch break because I always end up crying. Sometimes tears of happiness when I see the happiness that shines through your photos. Sometime tears of gratitude and reflection. Sometimes all we need to feel truly happy is a little perspective. Thank you for providing today's perspective changer. Thank you!
Posted by: Kari Ann | March 30, 2012 at 10:20 AM
This is an amazing story and I love how God works. I would love to ask for my sister to be in the drawing. She just got her DSLR camera and right now is a working momma but is sooo desperate to stay home with her little girl (9 mos. old) and she is already a really good photographer but if she got to take your class, it would make her an even better one and hopefully use that to make herself the boss so she can make her own hours and spend much more time with that little baby we all love so much! I believe in good people so much. You, Chalin, that amazing mom, Josh Downs and our service men and women, Sharon are a few of those "Good People", Thank you for sharing this story and so many you share. I love coming here :)
Posted by: Shannon L | March 30, 2012 at 10:30 AM
Oh man, your blog is SO inspiring in SO many ways. I feel like my little RAKs I do is nothing compared to this! What a wonderful story and more importantly, what an amazing life lesson for your children. Man, LOVE it! I will be sending $ to the church and yes, throwing my ring in the hat for your class. I have always wanted to take your course and every time I think my tax refund might let me do it, inevitably something breaks down or the gas is low at the house or blah, blah, life happens. I would be so grateful to receive a spot in your class! I will not only be praying for Chalin, but the two beautiful souls who are allowing the free spots in the class. What a beautiful thing!! peace and blessings...Cindy
Posted by: borcherding | March 30, 2012 at 10:47 AM
Wow.
And the other word that comes to mind is "brave."
Thank you.
Posted by: K | March 30, 2012 at 12:00 PM
i would humbly like to throw my name in the drawing. i've longed to take this class for many years now, but the funds are never there. we've been living paycheck to paycheck after spending every spare dollar we have to pay medical expenses for myself and two girls. we've all been diagnosed with chronic medical conditions. our monthly pharmacy bill alone is equal to the cost of one spot in your coarse. winning this would be a dream. *fingers crossed* while saying prayers for chalin, and thanking God for humble people like you, karen, that teach me a little something each and every time i visit your blog.
Posted by: tania willis | March 30, 2012 at 12:00 PM
Wow, this post brought tears to my eyes. You are teaching your children (and all of us) some amazing lessons by your Christlike behavior.
Posted by: emily kate | March 30, 2012 at 01:25 PM
Dear, Sweet Karen -
Today everyone is talking about the lottery and what they would do with the money if they win. You reminded me the true meaning of life and love -- to GIVE. I'm not interested in the workshop (I took it and it was BRILLIANT) but I wanted to let you know that today you reminded me of what was REALLY important in life. So I gave to Chalin's church -- in your name and his. I hope it helps! I don't know if you realise it but YOU are making a big difference in this world. Best of luck!
Becky (aka: beckywedd)
Posted by: Becky | March 30, 2012 at 01:48 PM
Beautiful and moving story...... Just PLEASE be careful.
I had a similar story of trying to help a homeless man years ago, unfortunately he did turn and began to attack me. To my good fortune, a man heard my screams and saved me. I also thought I was trying to help never thinking the worse could happen...and it almost did. We try to help others, but we must also be cautious of what can happen.
Posted by: Kris | March 30, 2012 at 02:48 PM
Wow! What a post! Absolutely what my heart needed to hear today! I love how God works in our lives and by sharing what you have done makes me want to do and be better. Thank you for your honesty and truth. I really am so inspired!
Posted by: Monica G | March 30, 2012 at 03:14 PM
Don't enter me in the giveaway... But, I wanted to share how I noted the same things when we help the Homeless here in Asheville. Men at the VA shelter volunteering in the kitchen to help feed the homeless who don't have a home themselves. Men who cry at the loss of friends, who drink too much beer and aren't allowed to stay at the shelter, men who would bless you with what they have before asking for anything. This part of humanity makes me cry that cry of joy and of sorrow. Sorrow because I'm not that kind of humanity. Joy because there is hope.
Posted by: Julia Spencer | March 30, 2012 at 03:37 PM
Hi Karen,
Loved, loved loved this story and thank you for sharing. I just read it out to my family and they loved it as well. As a family we take many opportunities to "give back" and help those in need but it is always good to have the reminder. Thanks.
Oh, and I am not writing to be entered in the draw. Just wanted to thanks you for this story.
Posted by: Jenn N | March 30, 2012 at 04:05 PM
thanks for the chance to win a seat.
Posted by: candy | March 30, 2012 at 04:58 PM
Wow. Just wow. What a powerful post. You really touched me. Especially your reflection of how you AREN'T great because your $46 was nothing because in the grand scheme of things, it would have no effect on your life, so really, how great was it? Vs. Chalin's act? Really made me think. I consider myself a very caring, giving person, but now I must reconsider. I think I only give when I have have - but that is easy. It is easy to be generous when you are fortunate. But things have been tough the last few years, and I have had to cut back on my donations etc. Well - SHAME ON ME! Thank you for such a wonderful example of a new perspective!!
BTW, if I win, just pass it on. Not entering contest - just commenting on your post!! I know there is someone dreaming of your class with no other hope of getting in! Good Luck to them!!!
Posted by: Kelli Thomas | March 30, 2012 at 05:01 PM
What a wonderful story! As I was reading, I was thinking how I would have been too scared to do what you did. I would love to nominate my friend Janelle for your class. She is already an amazing photographer and she took your class that you did at Sisters in Montana. But I know taking your full class has always been a dream for her. I would really love for her to be able to take your class.
Posted by: Lynne | March 30, 2012 at 07:36 PM
Karen, thank you for this. I have been following your blog for years and have lived getting glimpses into the spiritual journey you have been on. I have praised God more than once for the work He is doing in your life! We live in a military community and many of my dearest friends are army wives... I have prayed for you, your precious ones and Josh often.
I would humbly ask that my name be entered in the drawing. My husband is a pastor, togetjer we run an adoption/foster ministry st our church and I am the stay at home, homeschooling mom of three young children, one of whom joined our family through the miracle of international adoption 2 years ago. There is no way I could ever justify the cost of the course- our finances don't allow for luxuries like that. I would love to give my family, and let's be honest, myself, the gift of more beautifully captured moments and the gift of a mom who is exploring one of her secret passions :).
Blessings on you. And I will most definitely be praying got Chalin.
Posted by: Kelsey | March 30, 2012 at 08:04 PM
PS- I really can spell... Serves me right for typing such a long comment on a touch screen :).
Posted by: Kelsey | March 30, 2012 at 08:05 PM
I have wanted to take your class forever! It's not something in my budget right now but it's not that I can't afford it either. That being said, after reading this post it made me think of my sister who has been going through some rough financial times for quite awhile now (she can't afford the class). I would love to nominate her because she is awesome, I love her and it would be such an encouragement and blessing to her! She sacrifices everything for her family and spends what little they have on them. I would love to see her have something for her that she deserves so much. What an inspiring post this was to read....such a great reminder of what we have and how we can help others. Thank you for that!
Posted by: Jen K | March 30, 2012 at 08:28 PM
Thank you for being brave enough to post this Karen. Sometimes its hard to be bold. But you did it, you were bold! Such an inspiring story, and such a great way to teach your children about human compassion. Thanks for sharing~
Posted by: Melinda~ | March 30, 2012 at 09:46 PM
Thank you to those who have provided this opportunity and the lesson they have taught us by doing so. Your generosity is appreciated! I would like to nominate myself. Mom of 4 who has the main bread winner of our home and unexpectedly laid off. My husband has been unemployed for over a year since his industry farmed out his job overseas. It's been tough financially struggling to keep our home but God has provided provisions each month. With the birth of our last daughter we spent four months in the hospital due to prematurity and a life threatening illness which lead to surgery at the tender age of 8 weeks. During that time a volunteer photographer came to the neonatal intensive care unit to photograph sick babies. The photo I was given was the first that was taken of me and my daughter. It captured a special time in our lives were we both lived on pure faith. In the four months we were in the hospital the volunteer came only once so many new families never got this gift. I made a promise with myself that I would take my genuine interest and talent in photography to bless families in this way just has I once was. I would love to take your class so that I could start volunteering at the NICU and finally take my camera off of auto mode. Thank you!
Posted by: Helena | March 31, 2012 at 02:13 AM
Karen, thank you for sharing all that you did! Thank you for being a good role model to your children, your family, and to all of us who just shared in your experience! What a gift to give and how very generous of the ladies who stepped up to offer such a gracious gift as well:) I'm happy to pay my way, when my turn comes up. Just wanted to say a BIG, HUGE, ginORMOUS thank you for what you just shared!
Posted by: erin yamabe | March 31, 2012 at 02:34 AM
I really think I was meant to read this post & I can not thank you enough for sharing this. This is my "hard" time of the year and truth be told I do admit I get grumpy and down although I have learned our Lord does everything for a reason and he has shown me time & time his grace and actually 6 yrs ago next week (3/7) was when he showed me the power of his love for me which till this day I am still in awe that his love for us is more then anything we could ever imagine. We just have to let him show us his love which I know I didn't let until then. Each moment that I went through where I thought my world came tumbling down he was there to pick me up when I thought I could not do the next step he showed me he was there & helped me take the next steps. My life has changed as I have. Never in a million years I could have guessed I would be a stay at home mom as my life was always so go,go,go. Yes it is VERY tight and hard at times but again w/God's grace we get by and I am forever thankful & this post reminded me that it is so. For me next week is hard as I near the 7th but I know his everlasting love is in me & I know that one day I will once again see the smile of our Pretty Girl. Thank you so much for posting again. :)
Posted by: Ellie A. | March 31, 2012 at 07:17 AM
I am SO glad I read your post this morning! I feel so inspired to go and do something to help in my community - thank you! I'd love to take your photography class, but my husbands employer is laying off most of their mechanic staff - and my husband is a mechanic. We're 14 weeks pregnant with our second child and are putting every thing we can into savings to prepare "just in case" he is part of the group that gets laid off. I know the Lord will help us if we prepare and help both ourselves and others. I have great faith in that.
God bless you and the message you sent today. It has turned my heart!
Posted by: Heather Ales | March 31, 2012 at 07:20 AM
Dear Karen, How lucky you are to have taken the opportunity to meet someone who could make you feel the joy in really making a difference. I am a childrens' counselor and I share how filling buckets is the best way to bring joy to their lives. I am so glad that you used caution in a very scary world but so amazed that you gave the gift of compassion and empathy to your children and found such joy in your heart as well. Of course I cried, of course I would love to take your class (I met you at a CKU in Provo many years ago), but I will wait for an open spot next time you offer. I sent a donation to the church and I pray that others do as well. And I hope that someone meets my son, as he is struggling with issues that only God can cure, on the street someday and does the same for him. Love and thanks, Karen
Posted by: Karen S. | March 31, 2012 at 08:33 AM
wow...truly life changing! i have always loved your work and have dreamt about taking a class. but being the only provider for my family things are tough. and yet i look at other people's tough and realize that mine only really seems that tough because i am in it. you truly are an inspiration - when things get really bad i can head over to your blog and there is always that one little sentence that makes it all seem so much better. touching lives all over by just being you. i would love a spot and if not...then i continue to dream about being a brilliant photographer like you to make some xtra cash. thank you for being you and continuing to share your life and photography. God Bless!
Posted by: jowilna | March 31, 2012 at 10:40 AM
That was such an inspiring story. It's amazing how something that means so little to us can mean so much to someone else. While I'll be sending $5 to Central Point Assembly of God, this is such a good reminder to take care of those close to home, as well.
Your photography is amazing, and what drew me to your blog in the first place, but as a student it's not a course that I can afford to take. I love taking pictures for friends and family, and it's something that I would love to get better at and understand more fully.
Posted by: Lindsay | March 31, 2012 at 11:44 AM
As I sit here with tears rolling down my cheeks, all I can say Karen is 'Thank you'......for showing the rest of the world there are good people still left in this world. All we ever see and hear are the bad things people do.....so thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Posted by: Barb Robson | March 31, 2012 at 12:02 PM
What an awesome post. I would like to nominate my daughter who is a wonderful 18 yr old who is working hard to pay for her college. She has always wanted to be a photographer and talks constantly about taking your class but says schools comes first and hopefully she'll still be teaching the same class in a few years.
Posted by: Christa | March 31, 2012 at 12:37 PM
What a moving post. You made me cry. It's a great lesson that you have shown your children...and yourself! Sometimes there's so much bad in the world it's hard to see the good, much less experience it. I will include Chalin and your student in my prayers. Thank you for the reminder about what is really important in this world. And thank you for the reminder to be grateful for how much I have and the opportunities I have to share it.
(I'm not posting for a chance to win the class...time is a bit tight for me too and the couple friends I know who would love this class, but I couldn't read this and post how it touched me).
Posted by: MichelleGB | March 31, 2012 at 03:00 PM
this post just consumed my thoughts for the day.....I actually couldn't even write a comment until it all settled in. Goodness. And greatness. Oh how I love your transparency , thank you so much for sharing. And both your student in treatment & Chalin are in my prayers.
I am so blessed to be a current student & mourning that its almost over! :(
And as I am racing through all the tidbits of this amazing class, I can't even tell you how much I am going to miss the discussions. I don't have anyone to talk camera/photos with like this class has given me. I love it so much!!
That said, I'd love to nominate my friend Joy. She loves her camera like I do & would flip at this opportunity! She most definitely has the natural "eye" for photography but like myself, not all the technique stuff. I never told her I was taking this, because financially they could never do it (though it is SO worth the money!!!) and I didn't want her to be envious. Her husband is a youth pastor & with 3 kids and youngest being a special needs child her hands are full & bank account empty. And selfishly I'd LOVE her to take it so I had someone to talk it all over with!
Bless both your friend & your student for offering this. Amazing hearts........
Posted by: Ada | March 31, 2012 at 05:27 PM
I just got a serious case of the chills! Literally 30 minutes ago I pulled a 5.00 bill out of my vest pocket and said out loud, "Where did that come from?" I may not know where it came from, but I know where it is going, straight to Chalin's church! Our God is so good!!
Posted by: Lisa Wyckoff | March 31, 2012 at 10:40 PM
I'm a single mom. I have 3 kids, no child support, I work two jobs and have bought my orthodontist a really nice car. I would love to be entered. Thanks for the opportunity and the inspiration.
--Char Lee
Posted by: Char Lee | April 01, 2012 at 03:29 AM
Thanks so much for this post.....I needed to hear this! I will add Chalin and the church to my prayers...
I do not need to be in the giveaway....but what a great gift for someone!! Thanks to you for being so real!
Posted by: Janet K | April 01, 2012 at 07:21 AM
I know I have taken my situation for granted before. I know there are many people who have it worse than me. I try to be thankful for the roof over our heads and our health every day. Your post reminded me to be grateful for all those things. I have been on the wait list for a long time and have not been able to afford it. Not because we are destitute, but because my kids needs have to come first. Field trips, friends' birthdays, new clothes each season because they just keep growing!! I am about to start a second part time job and juggling being a mom and two jobs is going to be tough, but I know how easy we have things relatively speaking. I have tried to work on my photography by reading blogs, books, and any online information I can get my hands on. But I would be ever so grateful for the chance to win a seat in your class :)
Posted by: rebecca keppel | April 01, 2012 at 11:51 AM
That is very true! giving away all of what you have is GREAT! People like him are very rare!
Posted by: May | April 01, 2012 at 12:02 PM
You are such an inspiration. I would love to win a spot in the workshop - thank you to those that have given me the opportunity to win.
Posted by: Laura S. | April 01, 2012 at 01:20 PM
In life we all travel different paths. Some just lead us in the same direction if we chose to follow Gods great plan for our life! 3 years ago my dearest friend (Rhonda) and I were called to make a difference in the lives of homeless - Some say wow that is great! - We just said OK and moved on the prompting that God placed in our hearts! I believe that greatness is achieved when we go above and beyond our ordinary lives to achieve something that others are unwilling to do - I am thankful for your heart to help and the path that led you to Chalin! I hope someday to meet you and your family! The blessings that you have given to Bethlehem Project and the impact that has been made for homeless right here in our own community are priceless! We work hard to get them off the streets and its nice to see that others share in the same compassion!
Posted by: Jami Young | April 01, 2012 at 07:36 PM
I might be too late? I signed up and then had to cancel due to another engagement. In the middle of that some unwanted life changes occured and money will be tight for a long while. I'd love to take the class and of course pay it foward sometime in the future when I can!
Posted by: Mary Claire | April 02, 2012 at 05:34 AM
What an amazing post. It made me well up and then made me laugh about the beer! I definitely believe in paying it forward when you can but I've been a bit slack lately so you've given me a prod to look for opportunities to pay it forward where I can. Loved this post! xXx
Posted by: Rachel Millington | April 02, 2012 at 06:08 AM
Karen -
Prayers to you and all you do... I would love to win the drawing. I am a licensed Foster parent and I try to make the kids have the most positive experiences while in our care. I try to create a scrapbook for each of them with all the things they get to do with us. I also work for special olympics a non profit organization. So Paychecks are not large. I do what I do because I feel for the ones needed it. My Husband and I have 4 children of our own and the lessons that are taught to us by the foster kiddos and Special Olympics athletes are priceless to us.
God Bless you for all you do and Thank you to your family for being so amazing.
Twila Hansen
Posted by: Twila Hansen | April 02, 2012 at 07:28 AM
You are one fabulous lady! I've been wanting to take your class for a few years now, but after reading thru' this post + entries, I was so moved by several of them. I can't afford to take it right now, but don't enter me either. We are on the DR (dave ramsey) plan and in a year or two, I WILL be signing up. And, maybe someday, I'll be able to pay it forward as well. Thanks so much for living upright & honest...and teaching your kids to do so as well. They say the squeaky wheel gets the grease and this society seems to have TOO MANY squeaky wheels!
I love your blog and check it often...and appreciate immensely how you keep it real.
Special thanks to your husband for his service (my BIL is over seas right now) and you -his family- for standing by. Military families are so very inspirational to me.
Posted by: Judy R | April 02, 2012 at 08:58 AM
heart strings pulled....amazing! god is good, god is great! and prayers to the gal who is giving up her seat to your class. what an amazing gift. i have longed to take your class & like others, not in the family budget. there is always something more pressing & important it seems. and as mothers...we always put our families first, ourselves usually last. hugs to you & your family!
Posted by: Janelle Shultz | April 02, 2012 at 03:08 PM
You make my heart sing. I just love your blog and the little glimpse into your life. You are the bomb. Thanks for reminding me that maybe I could be great once in awhile.
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