A good neighbor to have.

In searching for a place to live I would look for good streets that are clean, where people still respect

one another, sidewalks and a park, hearing laughter rather than shouting, and having a good coffee shop close by. I would want to hear birds singing and to be able to sit on a bench under the shade of a beautiful tree. I like space so having good sized lots to have room for a garden and a few trees. I would not want to feel the coldness of a heartless neighbor, or to be scorched by a nearby hothead. I would like a stop sign on the corner where people stopped and smiled at people crossing in front of them. Just a few things that come to mind. I think we would all love to live in a good neighborhood. 

I was thinking about my neighborhood when I read these words this morning, "Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.  Your kingdom come.", the rest of the Lord's prayer we know pretty well. I thought to myself what would God look for and would He want to move next door to me? I hope he would. This thought motivates me to be kind hearted to all, and to love my neighbor even if he or she is not very lovable. I want to be a "good neighbor to have." Hope you have a wonderful day!

Dummy

I probably at some time in my life have been called a dummy.  The word today is not as commonly used as it was a few decades ago. An image of dumb that sticks in my mind is of chickens. Those that handle large numbers of chickens transport them grouped in small cages. I have seen a cage opened expecting the chickens to rush to get out, but to my amazement only seeing an open door, not even one chicken trying to get out. Even after being put out they try to return to the "comfort" of their uncomfortable life. It's sad they learn to live in their own captivity.
Have you known someone in the midst of a struggle or maybe just a rough life, and you being able to see a clear way out for them? Time and time again they bump into the same wall. That's dumb we think.
Maybe though the saddest part of all this is the rest of us that do nothing or little to help, or just being an example and light showing them the way to move ahead.
You are the light of the world. Show others a better way of living. Guide someone to Jesus today.

Every childs dream

Having a family is something that most of us take for granted. You could say too that it is impossible to miss something that you have. Some of you maybe can relate to what I am going to share, but most have not been there, including myself. The picture here depicts a beautiful setting with a complete and happy family. What is it like for a child to have the mom, dad, or both taken from their picture of the good life? This picture for some is only a dream that they have almost every night as the lay in their bed. Only this dream brings pain and distorts the normal development process of a child. Just a couple of days ago this reality hit me hard as a teenage girl from a family that we have just started helping out in our children's home came to me and said, "The other children call you "Papi", can I call you that too?" I told her of course it would be an honor, and immediately she hugged me. A humbling experience that hit hard the reality that there are so many that have not had the important opportunity to have someone that they can call Dad. It's never too late to share love. Blessings to you, and be a blessing to others, especially those in your home!

Learn from a carrot!

Getting dirty makes carrots grow. Like the seed of a carrot, our lives have much contained within that is their only waiting to develop. Staying put in one place does not sound like what most would want to do. Maturity is a stage that is often shortened by our lack of patience. God will complete His plan in our lives, and He really does want to work side by side with us. It is never too late to team up with God and discover all that He has stored up with in you. A carrot can be reduced to it's very end and still sprout new life. God will do a new thing in your life, believe it and receive it. Have a wonderful day!

Do I fit it?

"If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body?" I kinda grew up this way as I looked at others, seeing them as; smarter, stronger, better athletes, greater musical ability, more attractive to girls, thinner, better off financially, and the list really never ended. I learned though that when I focused on enjoying life and being thankful to God for the blessings and abilities I have, then I was able to look forward able to move in a direction trusting that the Holy Spirit would be there with me guiding and helping me along the way. 

Now with this attitude I find myself better equipped to be with others. Being at peace with God and myself I have found that God now can use me to be a blessing to others. Envy and being critical of others destroys my ability to enjoy life, and be used in the body of Christ. Being a foot may seem seem to be a lowly position, but yet it is so very important. Smile and be happy with who you are and everything around you will become more beautiful!