Listening to our friend Kayla Berndt yesterday awed me.

Her passion for the children and families she served this summer in Louisville, KY humbled me.

She found within herself a deep well of love and compassion filled by God.

Her appreciation for the struggles and successes, challenges and conquests of those she met made me think, “Do I notice people?  Really notice people?“

I believe that if I cared more for others I think my self-respect and thus my self-esteem would swell as well.

On Friday Shannon read this story that my dad had sent to us.  It captured my attention.  I hope it captures yours too.

“DON’T LEAVE IT ON THE DESK”

There was a certain Professor of Religion named Dr. Christianson, a studious man who taught at a small college in the western United States .

Dr. Christianson taught the required survey course in Christianity at this particular institution. Every student was required to take this course their freshman year, regardless of his or her major.

Tonight is the TreeHouse Volunteer Recognition Celebration.  We have great, honorable, servant-hearted volunteers.  I was asked to nominate one for an award.  I chose to nominate Dawn Miller, our longest term volunteer.  You may or may not know Dawn, but you would like to know her.  She is an honorable and honor-worthy woman.

Please describe the nominee’s length/ frequency of service over the past year:

Since 2000, for the last eleven years, Dawn Miller has been a faithful, teachable and exemplary volunteer.