Loving your neighbor...

You are a good neighbor! How can you be a better neighbor? Be a grateful neighbor? Show gratitude to your neighbor, which I may need help with? Loving no your neighbor is something I posted and want to share with you here...

I have to share! I can't hold it in!
We have new neighbors and got to meet the sweet family of four today. Our hearts are both rejoicing for their new adventure but missing the former. We knew long ago this day would come for their growing dreams needed more room. They are still part of our lives and that just makes this story better.

When I got my house two-yrs-ago, I did so, then took time moving my family. I was meeting a couple across the street one afternoon, when I glanced across the street at my house and noticed this young man edging his drive, came down the street curb and kept going up my drive. It was then I realized he had mowed my grass too! I had not yet made it to my house in this meet and greet. I ran over, met him and was overjoyed, offering to pay him as, in my head, sorting through my single mom budget. I was new to doing all this on my own too. For two-yrs since, he has refused to take money. So I tried to bake for them or something but I never was able to repay this deed he did for me and the times he came to my aid for other things I couldn't possibly list esp that first year.

They bought and moved into their new home last week, returning Monday to not only mow the lawn of his former residence, but...mine too! I asked him in a text, to recommend someone because I trusted him. I knew he was busy so I thought I would get back with him later.

Today, when we got home from golf practice with Special Olympics, dirty and sweaty, I saw different cars at the house and went to say hi, welcome them and give them our phone number, etc. The dad was immediate saying, "Oh, hi, Ms Rita...btw don't worry about the yard, I will take care of it!"

I teared up! Seriously, in awe of not only being cherished and loved by the former neighbors but the extent of them selling their home and telling them, guess what goes with the house? Lol maybe not quit that way, but them already knowing about Garrett, which they did, and then me, goes beyond the "Love thy neighbor" even as thyself and the least of these.

I came home and took my little family knees bent in prayer, thanking God for what we have in family designed by Him. My heart is so full of gratitude and thankfulness for how He has poured out His love within His grace and mercy outside of myself, our four walls and into our community.

May I be an example of gratitude. Thank you to my neighbors, all of them, my family. I am thankful and we are all blessed. God is always good and we are always loved. To Him be all the glory and praise!

Expressions to Impressions

Each week, the coffee shop is a buzz with people coming and going ordering, picking up and enjoying their favorite coffee, tea, food and my son sits with some of them sharing news, sports, weather or common group topics while I focus on Bible study or reading a book. There are police officers, preachers and those that serve our military that come in and Garrett is in tune if they need a coffee "on him." One gentleman in particular, comes in almost every time Garrett is there on his regular day, wearing jeans and casual wear. However, yesterday, I was in just to pick up coffee when he came in wearing a suit. Now, guys, everyone stops and takes a second glance if you wear a suit, tux or a uniform, especially tailored! Hello!

I wish I was better with words so that you could feel, see and know the impact of what I'm about to share. Last night, a notice came to me sharing some urgent news of a ruling coming down regarding a case that was in our courts of a series of crimes committed one night randomly by individuals. My heart hurt for the depth of reality these young men were living now, coming the rest of their lives, the victims of that night, families of all of these involved on both sides: the mother's, the fathers, and all. 

The ripple of the pebble dropped in the water went beyond these people to four hours away that very night three-years-ago. I won't forget the night. Our bus pulled into the arena of Troy University loaded with repesentatives of Decatur Parks and Morgan County and  we unloaded. Carrying a banner, excitement radiating the smiles of every participant as they went past each and all the law enforcement officers lining the entrance. The many Special Olympic teams were introduced and found their place to sit for opening ceremonies for the 2015 State Games.  The Morgan County Sheriffs and Decatur Police Departments cheered, yelled, high fived their team as they entered. When it came time for the torch to come in and be lit, one of our own team members was escorted. The law enforcement went into formation, led by one of finest Decatur Police. It was then I took it all of n, but didn't realize until after the program, all of our local law enforcement were armed, badged and ready. As I sat there praying for these, I remembered the strain in their faces as we met and greeted prior to our entrance and how they held tight while being ever present for the least of these. 

While a crew of law enforcement were at home working to protect our community, another was supporting a group of kids and their families. Separating themselves which is impossible to do, but ready to leave and speed back home. When this came across my notifications last night, not knowing if this suit clad officer was testifying in that case or not, I thought of these people's work and how their expressions to impressions are guarded to influence to protect but to still live those the serve. 

We are called to do the same. The situations or circumstances in our lives bea may be measured minor to severe, but that isn't for me to judge, I've lived a life if experienced, we all have. However, you call someone a name, hurt someone in someway, steal their idea at work, don't share the spotlight at church, posts a thing directed toward someone that's hurtful or shared rumors or a piece of gossip, the ripple affect is there. The love isn't expressed and the impression is of you not them. The ripple affect of a post goes beyond your page to your family, children, coworkers, neighbors, church, believers and those you may want to win to Christ. The ripple even lasts for years and generations. Expressions to impressions begins with s choice. These young men were so young, committed a long series of crimes in a matter of hours, and will spend a long time away.

 A choice. A word. A post. A changed life. You can be toxic or you can be the balm that heals. 

 Expressions to Impressions.

 Love and Hugs, Rita