What a blessing to be able to live a life where you never really “work”, using your gifts to bring joy and good to others and all the while sustain your own living. The Bible says “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them” (Romans 12:6).

This passed weekend was a joyful recurrence of one of the most amazing events I have ever been witness to. The Colorado Youth at Risk launch course. This is the “kick off” if you will, to a new year and new community for this wonderful organization. Colorado Youth at Risk empowers teenage students to make life choices that positively impact their future through community-based mentoring and intensive training. Colorado Youth at Risk (CYAR) aims to reduce the number of high school dropouts, match students with an adult mentor and provide students with a sense of the future and their place in that future.

What “lights you up”? For me it is photography. And working with these young people. I have been blessed to parlay my passion and gift for photography into a means to make a living. I photograph, as my brother once said to me, “All that is good in life. Weddings, children, events, live music, food, parties…” He went on to say, “what you create, people put on their walls. No one hangs their tax returns on the wall”. That conversation, opened my eyes even wider.

I am also passionate about our young people. Particularly the young people CYAR serves. I have worn many hats with this organization – mentor, group leader.. Last weekend provided me the opportunity to use my God given gifts to witness – and with my camera – bring permanence to that witness, for all involved or who may want to be involved. To visually share what transpires and more importantly, what transforms, all who are present during this weekend and subsequent year(s). Please enjoy a few moments from this special time and look into how you can contribute to this incredible organization.