The New Neighbors - a short story

So, a blind man (we'll call him JW) was waiting on the curb for a ride.  Someone passed near him and he called out, "is someone there?"  His query was met with silence.  His wife, approaching in their car to pick him up, noticed a man walking behind her husband, cutting across their lawn and on to his home next door.  As the blind man entered the car, he asked his wife if she saw anyone and she responded with what she had seen.  He related his experience of twice calling out as someone passed him and being met with silence as he heard/felt someone pass near him.  Both then had a sour taste in their mouth about this new neighbor who was seemingly rude and unkind.  All of the other neighbors had similar encounters and most conversations relating to them ended with - they aren't friendly to anyone.

The unfriendly neighbor sells his house and moves away.

One day JW calls his wife and asks if they were expecting a delivery because someone was pounding on the door, but would not answer when asked who was there.  She told him they were not.  JW did not answer the door.

That evening JW's wife came home to see the new neighbors working swiftly unloading a rental moving truck as she picked up JW to take him to a medical appointment.  As one of the men looked up, it was with an almost angry expression on his face.  After several errands, she returned home intent on saying hello and welcoming the new neighbors to the neighborhood.  The moving truck next door was gone and all was quiet with nary a person in sight......

tomorrow - the new neighbors continues....

Memorial Day Weekend

 What a wonderful opportunity to reflect, recognize and give thanks for those who have served

 in our military and paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.  Not only did the individual who served pay the price, but so did their families and loved ones.  Let's not allow others to steal from their legacy by usurping the holiday for their own purposes and political gain. Remember: No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13.

May God bless you and keep you today and eveyday.

Restoration

 

Well, it's time for me to get out of the city and back to nature. I don't know about  you, but after a while in town, I need the respite of a place by water.  This setting came to mind as I have been reading/memorizing Psalm 23.  It's a familiar Psalm to most., often read at funerals, but it holds so much life for everyday living.  

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing, He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul... those are just the first 3 verses.  Wow!  Great reminder that we don't need to worry.  God supplies all of our needs as we trust Him.  He provides the rest and refreshing as we abide in Him.  He even leads us to quiet waters, but, like the old saying goes, "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink."  

Maybe we need to take that drink and rest in Him, remembering that whatever comes our way, He's got us in His care.  With all of the storms that have befallen me and our family this year, He has been faithful, provided and even given peace beyond understanding when the world would have me "freak out."  Make it a great day!

 Hmmm....when your artificial tree sheds more needles than any real tree at the time of removal, there may be a problem.  I'm thinking it's time to move on and finally get a new tree.  I planned on getting a new tree last year as I was fairly certain that the time had come, but I think there's that part in me that is just plain being a rebel.  I miss the fresh trees we got until moving to the desert.  

Our adventures weren't quite like the Griswolds in that my father and mother were always prepared.  Maybe that's why I always felt growing up that I could do anything. There wasn't the fear that I'd be left hanging or that a mishap could be catastrophic.  I ran down the road of life taking every challenge as an assured win at the end and every sideways path as an adventure that might lead to new and amazing things.

But, you weren't raised by my parents and I know that they weren't raised in such assurances, except the assurance we can all get from our Heavenly Father - "for I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11.

Remember, whatever you are going through - whatever road or detour you are on - He's got your back and His plans are greater.

God bless you.

Can I just say....I'm trying to do better every day.  Wow!  Just read an amazing book, "Everybody Always" by Bob Goff, which I read following his book "Love Does."  Boy, I have been inspired to love better and outside the box.  I'm thinking of creative ways I can show love in my neighborhood during these rather questionable times.  Maybe a little anonymous note left at one's door...an invitation to an evening movie in the park (family friendly)...there are possiblities that I'm sure I've not thought of, but I want my neighbors to know they are loved.

Do you know what the Goff family did?  They started a yearly parade in their neighborhood that started with a handful of neighbors and has become one of hundreds and time filled with joy, laughter and honoring one another. 

I am so grateful for him and those in his sphere who work at showing love - yes, even to your "enemies" who may not be who you think.  He's inspired me to do better - to be a better human amongst the throng.

We're called to "...love one another as I have loved you..." John 13.34  Bob Goff's book is full of examples, situations and circumstances that show us how and ask the question always, how would Jesus love this person?

 

Oh my goodness!  I love this time of year - when you can open your windows in the evening and enjoy the cool air and respite from the heat of the day.  The day truly is a new, beautiful day, free of the oppressive heat from the desert. The season is changing and God, in grace and mercy, allows us to delight in it! Thank you, Lord.  What are you grateful for as the seasons change?

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end."   Ecclesiates 3:11

 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path."  Proverbs 3:5-6

Sounds simple enough, right?  When a tire needs repair or a light goes out, I barely give a second thought, but when catastrophic news comes - my heart still takes pause. and I find myself seeking solutions and making plans before consulting with the One Who knows and has the best plan, not just for me, but for everyone involved.  My understanding, limited by my sight and focus, is so small when compared to that of the Creator.

I am so grateful there is One I can go to, Who will show me the way - even working all things together for my good - directing my path as I simply acknowledge Him.