A New Year, A New Me

Welcome 2014!

It's a new year, and time for a new me.
2013 was not exactly a banner year for me.  There were many changes that occurred, both good and bad, some rather drastic and traumatizing.  No sense in reliving it, nor any sense in staying stuck in it.  Needless to say, I'm glad to see 2014.

This year, I will turn the big 5-0.  So I have set goals to accomplish this year, some by the time I turn 50, some ongoing. 

My biggest goal is to be healthier.  Not only physically, but mentally, emotionally, spiritually and financially.  I firmly believe they all impact one another and are interconnected in many ways.  My journey to better health actually began in the last two months of 2013 and I'm happy to say is progressing well.  I found a functional/integrative medicine doctor and underwent a lot of testing to identify the foods to which I'm allergic/sensitive.  It was a long list, but a good one to know.  It helped me to understand why my health had tanked over the last 7 years.  I quit eating those foods and am doing much better.  As a part of that, I chose to try the Clean (by Dr. Junger) cleanse for 21 days.  I'm now on Day 18 of that and doing very well.  After this cleanse program, I plan to continue along the same lines to complete a candida cleanse program for a month, based upon testing results as well.  As my food sensitivities include a lot of the foods I couldn't eat on the cleanse programs anyhow, it is a good direction for me.  The goal is to heal my body from the inside (literally, intestinal tract) out.  It also includes slowly but surely increasing exercise and physical activity as well -- and I joined the YMCA locally here to do that.  They have aqua zumba classes, saunas, restorative yoga, saunas, great exercise equipment, saunas... oh, and did I mention saunas?

So far I've lost 16 lbs on this healthier me journey, several inches total, and my blood pressure is down by 30-40 points and is now in the normal range for me.  Awesome, if I do say so myself!  

I've also started the 52-Week Challenge as a part of the financial health goal.  It is where you save $1 the first week, $2 the second week, and so on.  At the end of the year, you have $1378 saved.  Some friends of mine do this as their Christmas shopping fund, some are doing it as a Vacation funds savings, some simply to save extra.  I've challenged myself to save more than the amount on there, adding a zero whenever possible, i.e. $10 the first week, $20 the second week, etc.  Now I realize that as we get into the higher week numbers, it may not be possible to keep up at that 'extra-zero' pace, but I intend to keep making that dent as far as I can to see what I'm capable of saving this year.  Fortunately, this year I am also paying off the car loan as well so it will help to achieve that and keep me from just spending it. 

Spiritually, God has led me in many decisions and changes this past year and provided great inspiration through many individuals.  I am so very blessed.  I've found a new home church near my new house and plan to continue worshipping there as well as studying on my own.  I think He has provided this time for me to heal on all these levels right now... and am sure He will continue to "direct my paths" in accordance with His Will and in His Timing.  I want to be ready for when He points me in those new directions. 

Mentally and Emotionally, healing has already begun.  Getting out of the negative situation and into a calmer, more peaceful one has helped me to see more clearly.  The dietary changes have helped greatly to eliminate the 'brain fog.'  I'm much more able to focus and make decisions, etc. 

Another one of my goals is to see the rest of the United States.  There are only 10 left I haven't been to yet:  Alaska, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Vermont, Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and North Dakota.  It will take a few trips, but I'm looking forward to them and planning already!

And of course, there are Good Deeds.  Ironically, however, I encouraged everyone else to do Random Acts of Kindness and Stamp Good Deeds, but I wasn't very good at being kind to myself, as a friend explained to me.  I'm learning.  I still do and encourage others to do RAKs, but now that also includes being kind to themselves as well.  We ALL need a little kindness (if not a LOT).

So Welcome 2014!  I think we're off to the start of a Great Year!

Handmade with Love

 

There is something wonderful about crocheting a handmade gift this time of year.  The yarn is warm, soft and fuzzy, and the fun of creating something special for someone special, keeping it a secret, knowing it is a one-of-a-kind-custom-made gift, surprising someone with that thoughtful present... all sums up to joy.  This year I made several scarves and shawls as gifts, and even this little fun clown-rag doll.  I made a similar one 26 years ago for my son, but hadn't even thought about it again until just recently when I had some wonderfully soft bamboo yarn and wanted to make a gift for a friend's precious little daughter.  She is just a joy to know and you can't help smile when you see her so I wanted to return some of that joy to her with a little gift.  And when she opened it, her mom sent me a photo of her with it, and once again, that joy just overflowed!

GLORIOUS!

One of the things that never ceases to take my breath away is a beautiful sunset.  On my daily commute to and from work, I tend to just get into the 'commute zone' where I almost mindlessly follow the same path/routine drive, unaware of anything other than watching the road and driving.  There are days, however, that I use that quiet drive time to just have a conversation with God, and praise Him, whether through song, words, prayer or simply appreciation of all that He has created.

God has an amazing palette with which to work.  Endless choices of colors and creates such breath-taking, mind-blowing artwork for us to appreciate.  And I don't mean just across the sky.

Take the time to look around you.  Not only at the world He created, but even in the mirror and at those who surround you.  Humans are the most complex yet simple yet amazing creations ever, beyond explanation science even though they try constantly to explain and demystify the human body, mind, and even soul.  Stop to appreciate, and praise God for all that He has created.

And enjoy the sunsets along the way too.

Be blessed!

Happy Spring!!!

Isn't is amazing to watch the world around us wake up in Spring?   I am always so excited to go out each day and find new things sprouting, blooming, exploding full of color.  There is a newness, a joy even, just to watching it!

As you can see, the azaleas have come alive in our front yard once again... I've watched the buds with anticipation now for almost a month, but the rain and sunshine of the last couple of days finally coaxed them into becoming these big beautiful snowballs and bursts of color.  Stunning!
My vegetable garden has all sorts of tiny seedlings popping up as well, and inside the house I have seeds started as well.  Now is the perfect time to share new little plants with others and share this joy with them, whether it be flower plants, houseplant starters, extra vegetable seedlings or starters.  Start a few and share a few!  Just think how much joy it could bring to others... all from a little seed!

Send a Card, Share a Smile

I made this 'accordion card' for a swap I'm in on Splitcoaststampers.  It was the first time I'd made one, but I had a lot of fun with it, selecting verses to include, playing with color and shapes, etc.  I like the way it turned out... a bit of Spring fun and encouragement to the recipient!

You don't have to make cards however to send a bit of sunshine and smiles to someone.  Emails nowadays can be just as fun, as well as store-bought cards, or even just a personal note on a piece of scratch paper.

Take a moment to share a smile and caring thought today.

SERENDIPITY!

SERENDIPITY is my favorite word.  Has been for a long time.  It means an unexpected, but pleasant and welcome surprise.

It generally comes when and where you least expect it.  Hence the unexpected surprise. :)

This morning, I was very tired.  On the way to work, I had to stop to get gas because I forgot to last night when I was supposed to of course.  So I was a bit grumpy as well.  But while standing there pumping gas into the car, I looked up and saw the face of a happy little boy on the video screen above the pump.  His name is Kyle, and the video showing explained he has a form of anemia and that he is desperately in need of a marrow donor match in order to live.  The ad then showed his parents asking for donors, and the website for more information (http://www.savekyle.org/). 

All the way into work I thought about this.  In the past I thought about becoming a donor but for some reason I hadn't done it.  I went to the website to read more and link to more information.  I have heard that donating marrow is a very painful process, however, the website also dispells that myth and explains the entire process.  I took the time to register as a marrow donor today.  It took me about 10 minutes to do this, and they will even mail you a free kit to provide the sample needed to test and put you into the donor system. I kept picturing the face of that little boy and it just tears my heart to think how simple it is to become a donor and that it could save a life.   

Today, I found serendipity above a gas station pump.  A good deed, and it brought a great feeling to know I have registered and may be able to help save a life even.  And I implore each of you to please become a donor and to also share this information and encourage others to become donors too.  I have added Kyle to my prayer list and hope you will too.  Let's save some lives.

A Time to Plant

The Byrds once did a song, "Turn, Turn, Turn (For Everything There Is A Season)."  Do you remember it?  Catchy tune. 

What some don't realize is that the lyrics are scripture, from Ecclesiates 3:
"To everything, there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.  A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted."

Its that time of year again.  The sun is shining and when I look out the kitchen window to my garden, I notice how beautiful it looks outside but how bare my little garden is.  I'm so very tempted to begin planting.  I love to watch things grow... see those little seedlings sprout and watch as they grow into beautiful plants that then provide an incredible harvest!  I'm practically drooling at that thought already!

My mind starts to reel with gardening thoughts and plans about this time of year.  I have to get out my gardening journal and start laying out designs and making lists of what seeds I need to order, what supplies to buy, etc.  And this is the time to start seeds indoors. 

Have you ever been the recipient of free fruits and vegetables from someone's garden?  Most of the time we say, "Thank You," and proceed to enjoy them... but how often do we stop to think of the care that went into that fruit or vegetable and how much it is a healthy, nourishing gift selected just for us?  What an incredibly thoughtful gift.  And in this economy, its a very precious one as well.

If you are a gardener yourself, now is the time to start your indoor seeds, and its about time to plant early cold weather vegetables outdoors too (like peas, spinach, etc...).  When you are planting, think about adding a few extra plants to your crop as the "Gifts" to share this year.  Perhaps start some extra seeds indoors and share the plants as they grow strong enough for outdoor planting, or even in a container where they can be kept all summer.  Start some extra flower plants to give for birthdays, mother's day, or "just because" days.  

"A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted."

Serendipity!

Serendipity:  An unexpected but pleasant surprise.

Its been my favorite word for a very long time.  And I love every time it happens.

Last night, I decided to try a new recipe.  I'd seen one in a magazine/recipe book at the grocery store and just loosely remembered the idea and tried my own version of it at home.  It turned out delicious!  Just as we were sitting down to eat, the neighbors stopped by to return gloves they'd found along the road on their afternoon walk that they suspected might belong to one of our daughters (which they did).  We invited them to join us for dinner as I had made plenty and we were just starting.  It turned out to be a wonderful evening of fellowship and just getting to know each other a bit more. 

Isn't Serendipity fabulous?  I hope you will find some or make some for someone else too with a Good Deed today! 

Here's that recipe, and some ideas for changing it up too!

Quick “Lasagna”

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Ingredients: (I love that these are things you can stock in the freezer and cabinet too and then toss together quickly last minute!)

1-2 bag(s) of frozen raviolis (I used cheese for this first one but any flavors would work well I think) (For my 10”sq baking dish, I used 32 large raviolis in layers of 4x4 so depends on the bag size and dish size. That made about 7-8 large servings, or nearly double that if smaller.)

1-2 jars of sauce (I used a Ragu Garlic Parmesan white sauce. You can use Alfredo or Marinara also, just depends on what you want for flavors, diet, calories, etc.).

1 box of frozen spinach, thawed and drained.

½-1 jar of pesto, just depends on how flavorful you want the dish.

Approx. ½ cup of shredded parmesan.

Directions:
Mix the spinach with the pesto sauce in a bowl.
Then in a baking pan, create two layers of the sauce (bottom of pan), then Spinach/Pesto mix, then Raviolis.
Finish with another layer of sauce to cover the raviolis, and sprinkle with the parmesan.
Bake: 350 degrees F for approx. 35 minutes, until bubbly.

Add a vegetable or salad on the side and a bread, and voila, dinner.

I think next time I’m going to try different raviolis (such as the vegetable or seafood ones) and sauces and other veggies too like zucchini, shredded carrots, eggplant or broccoli in with the spinach. I’m always trying to find ways to increase the veggie intake.
I think you could also use pierogies in place of the raviolis too.  And it should freeze well like any lasagna also!

Enjoy!

A Little Whimsy!

I joined a swap on SplitCoastStampers for Whimsy Jars.

The word Whimsy is just fun, and is defined as being an odd, fanciful or fun notion.

A Whimsy Jar is basically a decorated jar filled with goodies.
In the swap, we are each assigned a secret sister who posts her 'wish list' answers to several questions so you have ideas of her likes/dislikes, and based on that, you fill a jar you have decorated with several goodies, and mail it to her.  Here is the photo of mine... I crocheted a fun topper, wrapped it with decorated paper, made a matching tag, added ribbon and a handmade flower, and filled it to the brim (literally) with items from her list.

I love the idea of this, particularly for just a fun good deed. Remember the old idea of making something such as a plate of cookies, and then secretly sneaking up to someone's door, putting them on the doorstep, ringing the doorbell and then running off before they could answer? There is a joy all its own in doing the good deeds anonymously, I think particularly because we know how fun it must be for the recipient, and how wonderful to know you are being thought of and cared for in such a way.

My mind just swirls with ideas of things you can fill a fun jar with... candy, magnets, hobby items, toys, notepads, a gift card or certificate such as a movie rental and popcorn packet, homemade goodies, etc.  So why not create a Whimsy jar and deliver it (anonymously or not) to someone this week?! 
May all our lives be filled with a little Whimsy (and a lot of good deeds)!

BE BLESSED!




Add caption

 

Matthew 6:33 tells us to "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

This world and satan have daily distractions to try to deter us from that.  But we can combat that by surrounding ourselves with daily reminders of God's great promises and love for us, from devotionals, to crafts, to decor, our screen savers, to even the dishes we use in our home.  That is one reason I've signed up to be a Consultant with BLESSINGS UNLIMITED.

If you haven't seen their products, they are quality items that help you to incorporate your faith into all you do through the day.  Take a look at their catalog sometime, and if you have any interest, my website link is to the right on my blog. (The picture above is the hostess special this month.)  If nothing else, be inspired to surround yourself with the reminders of His Love, just as He is omnipresent and omnipotent.  Be Blessed!

http://www.myblessingsunlimited.net/SusanFarrellJones/default.aspx

Tea Time!

I've been busy crafting -- Can you tell?  A fellow crafter is hosting a swap in which you use decorated hat pins as an embellishment on cards.  I chose a "Tea Time" theme. 

When was the last time you had tea (or coffee) with someone, just "because?"  Its a great way to keep in touch with someone, a great way to just spend time together to catch up or to say "I care." 

I've had tea/coffee in many places and ways --- meeting a friend at Starbucks, going for a formal tea with friends and/or family at a tea house, putting on the kettle at home and just sitting to chat with a 'cuppa,' and even via conference call with a few friends on a multi-party conference line (we scheduled it ahead of time, each made their pot of tea and scones for it, and we then all sat and had tea while catching up on the phone).  There is a comfort and care about it that soothes the soul. 

Isn't it Tea Time?  I highly recommend it.

Off to an easy start... and you can even catch up!

Have you done your good deed each day so far this year?  If not, you can still catch up even!
Here are five quickies:
CLICK to give Free Food! http://www.thehungersite.com/
CLICK to give FREE Mammograms! http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/
CLICK to give FREE Meals to Veterans! http://www.theveteranssite.com/
CLICK to give FREE Autism Therapy! http://www.theautismsite.com/
CLICK to give FREE Child Healthcare! http://www.thechildhealthsite.com/

1 Timothy 4:6-11 Godliness

This morning, while on my way to work, I was listening to Our Daily Bread on the radio.  The topic was Godliness. 
As they pointed out, we often start the new year focused on how we can improve ourselves in the upcoming year... eating better, exercising more, becoming more financially sound, etc.  All of which are good ideas, however, if you had to pick only one thing to focus on improving, it should be Godliness.  Talk about a wise investment.  It is the one thing you CAN take with you when it all ends. :) It is something we can practice and do anywhere or any time. 
Godliness involves caring for others as God has instructed us -- caring more for others than for ourselves.  When we do so, we do the Lord's work.  Doing Good Deeds for example. 

" If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe."
1 Timothy 4:6-11


Need ideas?  Check out the 366 Challenge list at the bottom of this blog page.  May we each increase our Godliness this year. 

Merr-E-CHRISTmas!

I admit it:  I'm a pack rat.  I have a tendency to save everything.  Its that old adage of "Waste Not, Want Not," the recycler/crafter in me that just knows I'll find a use for those 200+ bottle caps and toilet paper rolls (and I often do!), and also I am a sentimental person.  Fortunately in my life I have moved several times and that forces me to clear out a lot of the overabundance of things like receipts, old warranty manuals for things that have long since broken and been disposed of, stacks of magazines already read but have articles I just know I'm going to one day want to read again and reference... and so on.  I have gotten a little bit better at it in that I at least try to go through each room a couple of times a year now and clear out items, recycling and taking loads to the donation locations, shredding items that are no longer needed, etc.  Its a slow change but it is happening. 

While putting out the holiday decorations this year, I set out the wicker "sleigh" we have where I like to gather the Christmas cards we receive each year.  Yesterday I noticed there are only 4 cards in it this year so far.  People just don't send cards like they used to.  I can recall years where I mailed out over 60 Christmas cards and received about that many back as well.  I personally enjoy crafting and making the cards so its a tradition to do that in our home now.  I think there is a wonderful blessing when someone walks to their mailbox and finds a personal card and/or letter in there to surprise them, instead of just junk mail and bills.  But I also know that in this day and age of technology, a tight economy, and a "paperless" environmental concious, that e-cards have their place as well.  And even in email now, its a blessing to receive a personalized note in an e-card rather than having your email account filled up with junk mail and e-statement notices.

So today's Good Deed challenge to you:  SEND AN E-CARD.  Here is a great site that has some and benefits charitable organizations as well to get you started:  http://www.therainforestsite.com/clickToGive/trs/ecardcategories

Merr-E-CHRISTmas!

BAKING TIME!!!!

I love to do Christmas baking.  Its a holiday tradition for us to spend a weekend just baking 'til we drop basically.  Which I did this weekend.  22 loaves of holiday breads and 16+ dozen cookies.  A friend asked me if I was nuts, and what on earth I was going to do with all those cookies and breads!?  I replied, matter-of-factly and simply:  SHARE!!!!

After all, isn't that what we're supposed to do?

The kids decorated the gingerbread cookies, the last of those to be finished.  Then I gently packaged them up with pretty cellophane and bows, and sent the kids and husband to deliver them to the neighbors.  Some also went to inlaws and I took some to work.  And there are still a few pretty packages waiting on the counter for those last minute surprises.

I hope you get a chance to share some fun baked goods with others too!  After all, don't they say that the calories cancel each other out if you share???

SOMEONE LIKE YOU?

I was watching JCTV when Jason Crabb's video, "Someone Like Me," came on.
I've had the honor of meeting Jason in person and even chatting with him a little bit about two years ago when he did a benefit concert in Martinsburg, WV, and our music ministry Ash2Ash opened for him.  Jason is very down-to-earth, we really enjoyed talking with him and he is a very generous and caring person. 

I really like this song: The lyrics make you stop and think.  I pray that we may never become so calloused that we don't reach out to those in need and care for others.  May no one ever pass by our church feeling unwelcomed, and may no one ever leave it not feeling welcomed to come back. 

As Jason's song points out, will it be someone like me (or you) who reaches out?

CHALLENGE FOR THE DAY:

Reach out, share a smile, take a moment to talk to someone you normally don't.
Share the Gospel.  Be a light for the Lord.  Invite them to church with you, or just to share a cup of coffee and conversation.  Care.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhOJW4Uwy3c

I dare you. :)

SAVE THE EARTH (and its inhabitants too!)

The Bible tells us God created the earth (and its inhabitants) in seven days.
What we don't know is how long one of God's days are compared to the 24-hour version we currently use.
But we are rapidly destroying this beautiful creation that God designed for us.  We have used and abused it in ways that aren't even fathomable if you start to look at the statistics*:

• The U.S.A. is 5% of the world's population, yet we generate 40% of the world's waste.  Not a statistic to be proud of.  200 MILLION TONS per day.
• The average American generates 4.6 lbs of waste each day -- or a total of 1460 lbs a year.  Yikes. 
• Less than one fourth of our waste is recycled -- although 75% of it is recyclable!

In Genesis 1:26, God gave us dominion over the earth, but I hardly think He intended for us to destroy it.  After all, in Genesis 2:15 He assigned mankind to care for it:  "The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it."

As part of an experiment in our home, we started recycling.  Our area unfortunately doesn't have a curbside recycling program, so instead, I bought sorting containers for our garage, and then we make regular trips to the recycling center to drop off items.  What is amazing is that our containers always fill up quickly.  Whereas we used to have 2-3 large garbage cans at the end of the driveway every week for pickup, we now only have one, and it isn't even full all the time.  And honestly, we aren't even doing as much as we could be, we are doing the base level of it.

We've also become more conscious about our purchases.  If I have an option to buy something with less packaging, or that uses recycled materials, I choose that option.  For example:  Christmas gifts, wrapping paper and bags.  There are some incredible ones that are made from recycled materials now, and even better, I've started using the reusable shopping totes as gift bags instead (practical too).  And the gifts themselves can be recycled and if you purchase from sites like the Rainforest site, you are also helping to save the environment as well.  Look at this incredible item (to the right)  that was made from recycled oil drums, helps to support artists in Haiti, and also contributes to saving rainforest acreage at the same time every time you purchase one:  http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/ad.click?siteId=4&adId=87353&placementId=232929&page=home

(And they often have shipping and specials, such as today,

its on sale, and if you spend $30 or more, you get $10 off!

How can you lose?)  Better yet, think about giving a gift that

doesn't use materials but rather gives the gift of giving!

(i.e. Make a contribution to a charity in someone's name!)

Need more ideas? How about a LIVE tree for Christmas, still in the pot,
ready to be planted in the Spring? Or possibly decorate an outdoor tree
with birdfeeders or nesting materials made into ornaments?  Recycle by
donating items for others to use through Goodwill Industries, Salvation Army,
or ARC stores.  And one of my favorites:  Join a FREECYCLE group in
your area, encouraging recycling (and often items also go to those in need):
http://www.freecycle.org/.

They may be simple little changes, but in the longrun, every bit helps.  And just like doing good deeds becomes a contagious spirit, becoming environmentally conscious also becomes a habit and grows.  Before you know it, they'll become second nature.

God gave us the earth to inhabit and "keep."  So what do you do to help care for this incredible, beautiful, blessed gift from God?


(*Information from the EPA Fact Sheet at http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/index.htm, the Annenberg Foundation's Garbage Exhibit at http://www.learner.org/interactives/garbage/intro.html, and a Fact Sheet for Girl Scouting at http://www.trefoilscouts.org/Reduce%20Reuse%20Recycle%20Answers.pdf. )

The REAL REASON for the SEASON

"The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means God with us)." Matthew 1:23

What a thought:  God with us.

He came down from heaven, to be with us.  Born just as any of us would be, raised as a child, experiencing childhood, teen years, parents and the world, through our eyes. 

I cannot even imagine leaving the glory of heaven, to come to earth and live among those who I have watched from heaven.  Not then, not now.  But God loves us so much that He did that.  In the form of His son, Jesus Christ.

And He commands that we love others as well.  That we care for each other.  What if God were next to you?  What if Christ were the man hungry on the street corner, holding that sign?  Would you turn away and just drive by quickly, pretending you cannot see him?  What if that starving child is God visiting us to see what the state of our humanity is? 

He does so much for us, and just asks that we love Him back and honor Him by obeying His commands and loving one another. 

What have you done for God lately?  Its not too late.  Stop now, pray on it, ask God to show you what it is you can do for Him, and then DO.

“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on His right and the goats on His left."

“Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."

“Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?"

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

Matthew 25:31-40

Won't You Be My Neighbor?

It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood,
A beautiful day for a neighbor.
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?...

It's a neighborly day in this beauty wood,
A neighborly day for a beauty.
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?...

I have always wanted to have a neighbor just like you.
I've always wanted to live in a neighborhood with you.

So, let's make the most of this beautiful day.
Since we're together we might as well say:
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?
Won't you be my neighbor?
Won't you please,
Won't you please?
Please won't you be my neighbor?


By Fred M. Rogers, © 1967


Watching Mr. Rogers is one of my earliest childhood memories.  I can't remember a time when I didn't.  Just hearing that welcoming, caring song called out to my heart and drew me in.  There was a comfort and caring about him that just made me want to be a neighbor.  He would take a stroll through his neighborhood and stop in to visit with different neighbors, and demonstrated how to be a good neighbor, listening, caring, sharing. 
 
When was the last time you went for a stroll in your neighborhood and just stopped to talk with neighbors?  Its becoming a lost art I think, much like sitting on front porches in the evenings.  Earlier this year, we purchased a home in a neighborhood a little farther away than we had originally planned, but it drew us in... one of the things we loved about it is the way the streets are laid out, line with wonderful trees and inviting you to just take a stroll.  We also noticed so very many people out and about, just walking their dogs or strolling along, stopping to talk with each other, and always waving to us as we drove by.  It felt inviting and comfortable.  We went back several times to look at it, always getting the same feeling, even in the dead of winter.  God blessed us in that we were able to purchase a home there, and sure enough, within a week of moving in, we were invited to meet many of the neighbors at a welcome reception in one of their homes, and we are on first-name basis with many of them now, stopping to chat with them often and waving to them as we go by.  Its a wonderful feeling. 
 
Being a good neighbor takes so little effort, and its healthy for you too.  If you haven't stopped by and chatted with one recently, make it your good deed for the day.  Go for a stroll and say hello.