New

Together

Umbrella

portra 400

Celebrate

A celebration of the decades. The clothing. The music. The food. The decorations. All of these things came together to celebrate an amazing wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Every detail was well planned and perfect - but what stood out most to me was the love and community of family.  When she was presented with a book of the "gifts of services" each family member had performed in her honor, I could see the lasting impact of love and faithfulness throughout generations. 

Back out in the Neighborhood

Sankofa

Sankofa is a West African word which means "looking backward to move forward".  The Sankofa journey "seeks to assist disciples of Christ on their move toward a righteous response to the social ills related to racism."  Over the course of a long weekend we traveled south stopping at historic sites of the civil rights movement and sites of oppression and inequality for people of color, providing opportunities to learn from the past in hopes of beginning to be a healing voice as we move forward on the road towards reconciliation. 

The experience was made richer through sharing the journey with a partner of a different race. I could not have experienced so deeply without my dear sister, Ivory. Her openness and honesty along the way helped me to gain understanding. Her positive attitude, non-judgmental spirit, insightful questioning and ongoing grace were instrumental in making this journey life-changing.   

From the moment we jumped aboard the bus, we were hard at work thinking and growing - challenging many of our prior misconceptions and inaccurate understandings. Each experience pushed me to personally evaluate and think critically about my own story and learn from humbly listening to the stories of my new friends. We traveled the road experiencing deeply as we made important stops along the way. 

At the beginning of the trip we were forewarned that the journey may bring us to a place of chaos and uncertainty,  and although some of that chaos still lingers, God is revealing to me places in my life where I can begin to use my voice a little more strongly to speak up against the injustice of racism - in my home, in my neighborhood, in my work with teachers and children, in my church and even in my art. I also desire to walk alongside and bring encouragement to my black friends, who may be angry, discouraged, sad or tired at the lack of progress our society has made in overcoming many racist practices. I pray that I will continue to follow God's leading with humility, knowing that seeking justice begins with seeking God.

Home

Reclaim MLK MN

"I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word."    Martin Luther King Jr.

Baptism

first word……last word

I had the privilege of spending a weekend at  Adventurous Christians in the Boundary Waters - almost as far north as you can go in MN. I brought my dad and my daughter and together we did "experience the power of God".  Living the weekend simply, we spent time together, slept by a warm fire, hiked in the woods, cleaned-up in the sauna, enjoyed meeting new faithful friends, used the outhouse, listened to the word of God read and lived-out, played with the canines, got rescued when canoeing in headwinds, and were cared for and encouraged by camp staff. This place has become special to us already…. we are believers in the power of Adventurous Christians to challenge and encourage people in their leadership skills and in their relationships with God.  Many thanks to Mike, Nicole, Owlis, Mabel and Amy for the amazing gift you gave us. We will be back.

The Fair

The Story of One

First birthdays are so special! So much changes for a new little one in the first twelve months.  From newborn to first new steps. This couple were my neighbors two houses to the South for a bit and then they were neighbors to the North. I remember how my daughter cried when they moved. Now they have an adorable little one year old.  This is the story of a one year old's celebration.

Camp

Swim

Dollhouse

My grandfather loved woodworking. He was always building and crafting something interesting. Often it was little things to decorate the wall.... but once it was this dollhouse.  It isn't fancy - in fact the inside is empty and undecorated - but I believe this allows a young little girl to use her imagination to dream about what it could be.  It might even be something different every time!

Singin' in the Bathroom

Ski

Ms. Charlene

Ms. Charlene. A woman of God. A generous and gracious giver. It has been such privilege  to spend  time with her and learn more about one of the ways she serves others. Ms. Charlene is such a pillar of faith – you should see her praise in the gospel choir – when she leads “More than Enough” – you really believe He’s more than enough!  This just a short snippet of who she is. Every week she checks out books at the local library and delivers them to people who are unable to leave their homes to check out books. I was able to go visiting with her and get to know a few of the people who's lives she impacts by bringing them stories each week. Henrietta.. She spends her days in her chair reading with the television on for background noise and her kitty roaming around the apartment.  She told stories of how she arrived at this place, of her family, her children, her books. She gets 10 new books each week and manages to read them all… mysteries. “No mushy love stories for me.” she said.  Naomi. Naomi is full of energy. Her apartment was recently flooded, so she is in a temporary place anxious to return home. Naomi told me that she feels like it is her birthday every time Ms. Charlene comes bringing books. What a gift! She wanted to make sure I got a picture of her cat.  Hattie. She's from Chicago and has only been in Minnesota a short time. She loves a variety of books. Charlene's evolving book list for Hattie is full of mysteries, biographies, autobiographies and other non-fiction. She sometimes doesn't read as much because she is off playing lots of "Bridge". Hattie is a hugger and I left with hug and a smile on my face having heard just a little bit of her story.

Each of these women were so thankful for the books that Ms. Charlene brings them every week, but each of them also told the story of how much Charlene's sweet spirit brightens their life. Her weekly visits are treasured. Thank you, Ms. Charlene! I look forward to spending more time together and hearing more of your stories!

Moving

A beloved home. Deeply filled with love and memories. Books read. Letters learned. Riding bikes and planting gardens.  Moving forward to a new place, but carrying many treasures.  Capturing times like these -  helping to hold onto just a little bit of what made this place special and how people made it come alive - it's what I love!  So special to spend a piece of an evening with my dear friends as they prepare to move - not far - but different. Can't wait to see what new memories unfold just down the road! Thank you Hokanson family for allowing me to be a part of your journey!