Welcome!

A blog always seemed like such an egotistical thing to us. Who was it that said the world couldn't revolve around us? (Oh yeah--that was our mother!) This was our way of thinking until several years ago, when we actually began to follow a few friends' blogs, and then the list grew, and then we really began to enjoy catching up on long-lost people's lives. As our own lives have grown busier, we have sadly been unable to spend as much one-on-one time as we would like to with the people who are dear to us. Therefore, we want to keep contact with all of our friends--old, dear, close, or far-away, as well as a few enemies (raise your hand if you belong to that category--we have some reconciliation to do!). In a nutshell, that is our excuse for joining the blogosphere.

However, we also have high hopes for this blog. We pray that it will not just be a way to catch everyone up on our earth-shattering home events, but that the small attempts, mistakes, and joys in our own family will encourage others to brighten their own corners. We chose this title for our blog because it emobdies our desire to be a light for Jesus and encourage others and it hints at our love for music. The namesake hymn "Brighten the Corner Where You Are" gave us shivers when we read it today because it is our heart cry. Indulge us for a moment as we paste these wonderful words here.

Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do,
Do not wait to shed your light afar;
To the many duties ever near you now be true,
Brighten the corner where you are.


Refrain:

Brighten the corner where you are!
Brighten the corner where you are!
Someone far from harbor you may guide across the bar;
Brighten the corner where you are!


Just above are clouded skies that you may help to clear,
Let not narrow self your way debar;
Though into one heart alone may fall your song of cheer,
Brighten the corner where you are.


Here for all your
talent you may surely find a need,
Here reflect the bright and Morning Star;
Even from your humble hand the Bread of Life may feed, Brighten the corner where you are.


This song was written by Ina Ogdon, who in 1912 had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to speak to thousands at a camp meeting. Right before she left, however, her father was injured in a car accident (they had those even in 1912?) and, with some disappointment, she gave up everything to tend him. In the end, this song opened every Billy Sunday meeting for 22 years, and Ina never did touch her thousands. Instead, she touched millions, but it all started because she focused on her own corner.

For those of you who read this extremely long post and also for those who skimmed it and now find yourselves on the home stretch (you know who you are!) we'll post a retro rendition of this song from Youtube played on an old record player. It has a 40s era vibe, and it is actually quite fun to listen to (well, the first 5 times, anyways)!

Now, with the requisite introduction out of the way (whew!) we can get blogging! We can't wait to hear your feedback! God bless!

-Lauren and Mikaela