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.  

From Doubt to Delight

 As we look forward - hearing the voice of our Creator call us forth, often our heads fill with messages of dismay - "but I can't do that... or I'm too old to try that now... or but that's impossible."  Sometimes it's not even a "great calling" but simply the prompting just to speak to a stranger or extend a hand to a neighbor that prompts doubt and fear of rejection.  But we are told clearly - So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

 

Isn't that amazing?!?  It means we go through life with a net.  As we teeter on the tight rope in the circus of life, feeling frail and weak at times we receive encouragement from the greatest, most powerful One - "I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you."

 

What an incredible promise!  Now - run and fly with renewed courage, strength and hope.  I am so grateful that I can live my life from this premise.  Join me, won't you?  I can't wait to see you soar!

 What a wonderful morning!  I love to see an active sky and enjoy it with great anticipation.  The clouds, the colors, the movement and prospect of a storm are winners to me and I am grateful to see the beauty and power as well as enjoying the scent of water in the air.  

So many storms roll through our lives and we have a choice- lean in for the learning and growth or hide in fear, doomed to repeat the scenario cowering in fear.  

Lean in, for "the mountains may depart and the hills may be removed, but my steadfast live shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the LORD, who has compassion on you. " Isaiah 54:10

Make it a great day!  What are you grateful for?

 What a beautiful day!! 

Okay - so if you'd been a "fly" in my car this morning, you'd have witnessed my frustration with traffic and myself as I reacted to individual drivers whom, I can only guess, believe that the laws governing the roadways are mere suggestions, with lines, lanes, signs and lights being annoying interruptions of their cell phone use.  I would ask God for forgiveness for my agitation, then come back within only minutes to seek His grace again - I even had gospel music playing! 

But I wanted to break this cycle  - and it came to me - twice this morning already I had heard, "but Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger....." and that's when I asked the Lord to help me see each person as He sees them.  I don't know their back stories - or those things on their mind that distract them - but He does.  Most importantly, I just need to love - and that is a choice...so I became grateful that I have the privilege of driving a car, the opportunity to pray for those on the road with me and to show grace and kindness, whether returned or not... and my day changed.....and I am grateful.   

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40

 

I am on a path that I did not choose, nor did the one whom I will gladly, wholly support on it.  It occurred to me today as I went to order something lovely for my path partner, that it could come too late and not be a blessing to them at all.

The thought shocked my senses and I quickly moved away from it, opting for a less "perfect" item that would be delivered in a day or so and hopefully, a blessing, none-the-less.

I will move forward - whether climbing or clamouring along a slippery slope, though I know there will be times when I slide back in tears and fall to my face.  Yet in the midst, I know that One Who is faithful, full of grace and truth - and oh so very much love will never leave us nor forsake us. and I am grateful.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

A Rose

 If you were to come to my house, this is but one of the lovely blooms that would greet you.  Amazing how something so simple as a flower blooming can bring a smile to my face so quickly.  I wish I could share the aroma, but, alas, it is not available in this medium.  

I am so grateful for the wonderful reminder that each day unfolds as a bud blooming.  We can choose, no matter the news or circumstance, how to bloom.  We can choose joy in the morning and throughout the day or we can choose otherwise, but it is just that - a choice.  As for me - I choose joy!  This is a day that the LORD has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it!  

    So grateful for Friday this week!!  What a week!  Each day included doctor's visits and a surgery for my husband as an issue with his failing sight became urgent.  Today is the first day I won't be running home and then to a doctor's office or surgery center with him....only the usual Friday night for his dialysis.  

    I feel like I've spent the week running with little sleep and a bit of frustration as this was the result of a doctor he'd been changed to due to an insurance glitch.  We're back with the great doctors and they are fixing what the other doctor caused.  At any rate....God has been so good.  

    At times of great frustration, I chose to sing praises to God and what a difference it makes.  While rushing around - I had peace.  God IS good ALL the time.

 

 As I've gotten older and learned life's lessons toward peace, I've also become a bit of a tenderfoot.  When it's smooth sailing, the path soft upon my feet with the wear of experience and rough road smashed down over time into a path of soft dirt, I become accustomed to the little dirt clods on occasion.  But when the road becomes rocky with sharp edges, I'm startled by the pain and pause.  To be honest, at that moment of pain, I have a hard time considering it all joy. 

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter ^H)"various trials, knowing that ^I)"the testing of your ^J)"faith produces endurance. James 1:2-3 

 

It is necessary to consult a map - THE map (if you will) - so as not to make things worse or react in emotion born of pain, casting truth aside.  God is with you.  He is for you.  And He will see you through this time for He will never leave you nor forsake you as a child of His and He will work all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.  These are truths upon which you can stand fast during times of uncertainty and pain.  In holding fast to them we can be assured of growth in our love, faith, strength and very witness. And as you express your gratitude for these very truths, you may find yourself rejoicing, yes rejoicing, even in the midst of the trials.  

 

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials (1 Peter 1:6)

 

And the path will seem to smooth before you. 

 Happy New Year!

 

I know new years resolutions are seen to be a yearly effort lasting - many times - only a short while.  But we are called to examine ourselves - our lives and continue to do so with scripture as our measure.  We are called to "...examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD." (Lamentations 3:40)  As I participate in this examination I am compelled to make some determinations going forward.  One of mine this year is again - purpose to live with intention.  James Allen once said, "Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so you shall become.  Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil."

 

Just as the new morning brings light, what will your life unveil?  What does your gradual unveiling look like?

What will your legacy be?

Recently I received word of the passing of two ladies who had each seen over 7 decades of life here on earth.  One lived a life that poured forth love, compassion, gratitude, and joy no matter what she faced in life.  People poured in upon news of her illness and she had constant companionship, whether aware or not.  The love she'd shown each person with whom she'd come in contact was as a Stone dropped into a pond where it's impact sent wave upon wave ever expanding and reaching those who would never meet her, but benefited from the love of God she allowed to overflow from her heart toward others.  Her legacy remains, she is missed, but those who knew her are even more vigilant to pay it forward.

The other woman lived a life wherein she "told it like it was" through her eyes, when a friend or family member was absent there were sure to be unkind words or judgments, and she was clear about who she liked and did not.  She had several children, though nearby, not frequent visitors as she'd worked her "magic" on their spouses and children as well.  Her unkindness was legendary.  Visitors had trickled down to an obligated few.  Her legacy.  

I am grateful for the opportunity to have known each of the women.  I learned from both; inspired by one and through necessity with the other.  I offer these verses as they came to me so clearly. 

" ¹ If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. ² If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. ³ And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body ^[a]to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, ⁵ does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, ⁶ does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; ^7 [b]bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  ⁸ Love never fails..." (1 Corinthians 13: 1-8a)

 

God bless you as you step forward, continuing your own legacy creation.

 

 Recently, I was reminded of an event I was part of.  There were a few new folks and the leader was amazed at the particularly energetic response he was receiving from some of them.  He thought it unusual until half-way through the event the passenger (and relative) of one of the new members came to him and thanked him for inviting the driver.  She explained that he’d just lost his wife and he’d been rather lost, but being welcomed to the group had made him happier than she had seen him since his wife’s death.  She was so grateful. The leader's natural welcoming nature created a club of welcoming individuals, who were in turn welcoming and friendly. 

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24

While this scripture may not have been in the mind of the leader, it was certainly exemplified as he welcomed, introduced, and encouraged others to get to know this new friend without any knowledge of the pain he was in.  A simple act of kindness with sincerity can mean more to another than we could know.

Enjoy this week – and love without ceasing so that you aren’t even aware that it has just become a natural outpouring blessing others along the way.

The last few days I was reminded that there are no guarantees as to the length of our time here. It was a great wake-up call to me to live with great life, zest and joy in such a way as to leave all of those who come in contact with me a bit of the same. If I were not to see them again, I would want to have my “house in order” so to speak. I would want them to know that I loved them, prayed for them and respected them.

My challenge is to end each day with a sigh of delight in a job well done…not just my vocation, but in the relationships in my life. I want my legacy to be reflective of someone who loved greatly and openly, and who lived invitingly.

I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3

I hope people know that I do, indeed, thank my God each day. Let’s go out there and spread the light…shine brightly and boldly so that others will know they have been touched by THE LIGHT and enjoy life more because of it.

 In response to all He has done for us, let us outdo each other in being helpful and kind to each other and in doing good.   Hebrews 10:24 (TLB)

 

Today we all rest warmly knowing we have a home to return to tonight along with a bounty of blessings that are beyond the imagination some in our country and world less fortunate.  So today – whether your wealth is defined by joy, love, family, the material or the eternal.  Live out your gratitude ON PURPOSE.  How??  Here are some ideas to outdo each other in being helpful and kind to each other and in doing good.

 

It costs no more than a moment and a smile in your heart to: hold the door open for someone struggling with packages or groceries, or to allow someone with a few items to go ahead of you in the grocery store or a few more moments to help your neighbor with a little yard work.  Is there a neighbor you haven't seen out in a while ...wouldn't a kind card and a "how are you?" bless them?  You don't even have to identify who you are.

 

ON PURPOSE - Let's outdo one another showing love and compassion toward each other and others.

 

 It never ceases to amaze me how time flies…and we forget it’s preciousness until it has passed.  We get lost in the mundane, the hurriedness of daily life and forget the important.  It’s days where sleep passed too quickly the night before that I find myself putting on bright colors, requiring a smile of myself and looking again at what important, fun and even motivating thing I will do today to make it count – to live it ON PURPOSE.

 

⁵"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:54

 

May today hold new adventures, new plans, new life and at least one step toward creating a legacy from a life lived ON PURPOSE.

 

It can all start with a SMILE.