Each of Us Should Please Our Neighbors

Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. — Romans 15:2

We have neighbors who exemplify this verse.

Kirk golfs with one of them regularly.

And I received some fragrant lilies from his wife last month along with a beautiful card of thanks for our friendship.

They are Christians who tied a knot in my prayer quilt that their church made for me while I was undergoing chemotherapy 5 years ago.

And they were surprised to see that the quilt at the front of their church was for their neighbor, me!

Another of our neighbors and close friends put in the request for the quilt.

And our next-door neighbors sent us a beautiful floral arrangement for Thanksgiving to thank Kirk for watching their house, bringing in their trash cans, and picking up any fliers from their walkway.

Now they are getting ready to sell their house.

We've only had two different families live in that home since we moved in.

And the previous couple were wonderful Christian friends who shared their fruit and vegetables and canned goods with us.

She baked delicious rosemary shortbread cookies.

We have been blessed by our neighbors.

And we are praying for another wonderful family to move in once our neighbors sell their home.

Thank You, Lord.

Build Up Others

Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. — Romans 15:2

Tonight we host the middle school group of about 15 for the dessert portion of their progressive dinner.

They will have an ugly sweater contest, so we will decorate ugly sweater cookies.

And roast marshmallows for s'mores.

At times it's hard for middle schoolers to build up their neighbors.

They often tear each other down, instead.

This will be good practice for them to be polite, use their manners, and interact with others in a positive way.

We will sign thank-you cards for the parents who are hosting the other parts of the dinner.

And we will especially remember the birth of Lord Jesus at this Christmas season.

We will listen to Christmas carols celebrating His birth and life.

Each of us should please our neighbors, to build them up!

God Comes Near to Us

Come near to God and he will come near to you. — James 4:8

Our neighbors have now moved into their new home, and their kids have been working to put on a new roof, paint the rooms, and move out the furniture.

Today they held a garage sale to sell the remaining furniture.

They also put up the "Coming Soon" sign on the house sale. 

And the realtor stopped by to hand out the flyer showing their beautiful pool.

Lots of people stopped by for the garage sale.

Their kids have been hard at work to get the home ready to show.

They stopped by briefly and we had a chance to reminisce and let them know how much we love their parents and what wonderful neighbors they have been.

We miss them already.

But we know they are in a wonderful new home, and they will make friends with the others there.

They will also be able to welcome in their new neighbors as more people move in to the complex.

My Joy Is Boundless

I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds. 
— 2 Corinthians 7:4

Despite earthly troubles in my life, my joy is boundless.

I am greatly encouraged by neighbors, family, coworkers and friends. 

Today we are visiting friends that we haven't seen in years.

What a treat to have dinner with them and catch up together.

Kirk and I are very overwhelmed with the love of friends.

Here we are hiking Mission Trails a few years ago. 

God has provided each friend in our lives at just the right time.

He know when we need them the most, and He provides.

Teach Me, Lord

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. — Psalm 143:10

It's not always easy to God's do will.

In fact, for me, it's rarely easy.

My daily prayer is for God to lead me on level ground and direct my paths.

Saturday our sweet neighbors brought me a wonderful new book that I finished reading last night.

It's called "Here's to You" and it's filled with quotes from a wide variety of people past and present.

How thoughtful and appreciated!

And they invited me to swim in their pool, which I did.

It was very refreshing on a hot day.

And it was good exercise to get me back in shape before I experience the exhaustion of radiation in a couple of weeks.

One of my favorite quotes (of many) from this book was on the page, "Here's to your spirit."

The quote is from Ashley Hodgeson, "Strength and courage aren't always measured in medals and victories, they are measured in the struggles they overcome. The strongest people aren't always the people who win, but the people who don't give up when they lose."

God is teaching me to slow down and do his will. And I am thankful.

 

They Encouraged Us

At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged. — Acts 28:15

We have been encouraged by friends, family, and neighbors.

Last night, two friends came over and brought dinner.

Kirk barbecued, and we had delicious potato salad, fruit, green salad, chicken sausage, and Korean beef. Yum.

Many of you are praying for us, and we feel covered in love.

Our roses are blooming once again.

We continue to be encouraged and supported, even during this time of cancer, losing Kirk's dad, and transitioning from empty nest to having our daughter back home.

We are blessed and thank God for you daily.

Hospitality

Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. — Romans 12:13

Rita and Gary were wonderful at practicing hospitality and making others feel welcome in their home.

It felt like family to enter their home or pool, even to new friends and neighbors and acquaintances.

Here's a photo from the summer of 2008 with Gary, Rita and the grandkids out by the pool.

One of our favorite places to be in the summer.

Thursday was chemo #4 for me. Just two more left. Everything went well. No pain, no nausea and out in 4 hours.

Thanking God and our friends for all of their prayers, support, meals and cards.

Wonderful Neighbors

I lift up my eyes to you, to you who sit enthroned in heaven. — Psalm 123:1

This beautiful flower arrangement was sent to us by our wonderful next-door neighbors, Ralph and Wanda, when they heard about my surgery and cancer diagnosis.

They were the original owners of their house, and they have been a blessing for us to get to know over the years. They introduced themselves to us as soon as we moved in and then invited us to one of their parties, making us feel especially welcome.

They helped us repair our shared fence and shared their fruits, vegetables, wine, and jams with us. They also shared lots of laughter.

When Abby was young and dressed up for Halloween, they would have a special treat ready for her. They remembered her birthday, graduation, and other special occasions. They were always there to lend a hand and to pray for us when they heard about my diagnosis.

Now they are beginning to plan a move closer to their children in Temecula, and we will miss them terribly.

God has blessed us with wonderful neighbors. We lift our eyes up to the Lord and ask Him to guide them to their new home, just not too quickly.

A New Day

I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.  
— Psalm 34:4

The sun is shining again. Still. And it's a new day ahead.

Still no pain, and most movement is back in my arm. I'm amazed.

This beautiful orchid is a reminder of the thoughtful friends and neighbors who have surrounded our family during this time. 

Our neighbors brought it over before the surgery to brighten my spirits, and it did!

I opened my door yesterday to a beautiful floral arrangement from my Bible study friends and another arrangement — a combination of plants and flowers from our next-door neighbors. What a surprise!

We have been showered with blessing upon blessing. We are grateful.