Perspective

My husband and I recently moved things around in our house and now each morning my first glimpse of a new day includes a full view of the highway that is right outside our bedroom. I find myself very aware of the slowed traffic or the lack thereof and it colors my morning conversation. “Oh, I wonder what is going on west of us, it seems to busy for this time.” “Wow, traffic seems lighter than normal.” “We need to leave earlier than usual today.”

I like this about the new arrangement. I think about people in my city basically the minute I open my eyes. If people are late will they get docked in pay? I wonder if the folks have hobbies while waiting in the car? Why do people drive when they can take the CTA?

What if a change of perspective was as easy as moving the furniture? Or maybe shifting one or two things in our life, could move the furniture of our mind and heart just enough to let more understanding in?

another link

Here is another Chicago linked article about homeless youth.

What is it about a neighborhood?

I recently read this article about Roger Park, a neighborhood in Chicago, that was published in The New Times.

This article is focused on why you should travel to Rogers Park. And yet, I wished I could rewrite the article to focus not on restaurants but the interesting markers of a truly unique neighborhood.

I would talk about the worshiping community of Living Water Community Church,

just a walk on near by Devon Ave - seeing the sights and sounds of India and also Jewish America,

what about learning about another religion by visiting the International Society of Krishna Consciousness

How about meeting with my friend Peter for a cup of coffee at The Heartland Cafe?

These things aren't the typical things to see on a tourist list...instead they are what I think of doing when I go to Rogers Park that help me see the people and heart of Rogers Park.

Where would you take people in a neighborhood that you appreciate?

Interesting charity studies

This evening, I came across an interesting, yet a bit dated, study of non-profits.


The study is entitled 2008 Metro Market Study. This study was following the financial practices of non-profits regionally. The short conclusion was:

"Our analysis, completed in May of 2008, demonstrated that the financial behavior of America's largest charities is influenced by the metropolitan market within which the charity operates. For example, Charity Navigator proved that charities in Colorado Springs have the least amount of rainy day funds. This is due to the fact that Colorado Springs has the highest concentration of religious groups, which tend to maintain relatively small amounts of working capital. We also learned that charities in New York City, where the cost of living is higher than just about anywhere else in the country, report the highest level of CEO pay."

I found this study interesting and helpful in a number of levels. First, its important to see regional differences and make non-profits a more stable environment for people to work and support. Second, I found their markers of excellent to stretch my vision for how ministries and non-profits should be judged.

How do you judge non-profits? How do you decide to give money?

A reflection on service

Arloa Sutter, a woman who serves and leads Breakthrough Urban Ministry in East Garfield Park in Chicago, recently wrote the following about service. Thanks Arloa for your service and your reflection.

Reflection on Service