As you know, we have a non-profit called Hope for the Trail. We offer equine-assisted therapy for kids and adults with all manner of challenges, and little by little, we are growing.

Back in the fall, I was looking for a local photographer to do our family portraits, as we’ve always done them in Florida since the kids were there. However, after Emmie moved here, we had the opportunity have them taken on our own property, something I’d always wanted to do. I had Pair of Spades recommended to me, and looked them up on Facebook, noting their address on a street that intersects ours. When I asked about it, I found out that they were our new neighbors, having only recently moved into the house that sits on the corner of their street and ours, only a couple of doors down! I had even knocked on their door to introduce myself the month before but no one was home!

They agreed to do the pictures on our ranch, and I told them we were the place with the riding arena, which led to a conversation about the non-profit. That’s when I found out they did promotional video, and were willing to trade services since their little girl wanting riding lessons. We had only recently been talking about doing a video to use online, for fundraising, and in presentations to local groups, so I very enthusiastically agreed!

Without further ado, I’d love to share it with you (if you’re reading in email, or a reader, click here).

Great, isn’t it? We couldn’t be happier with it!

You know, you don’t have to have a non-profit to make a difference in the world. You don’t have to have an official ministry or organization of any kind to spread hope. All it takes is living your life in a way that exudes it, so that others see it and want to realize it for themselves. Out here, it involves horses, but in the grander scheme of things it just involves the heart.

Go out and show someone a little hope today. It truly changes everything.

You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. ~ Matthew 5:14-16 MSG