Becoming a Good Neighbor (14)

A few weeks past I mentioned wanting to become more neighborly, to be a neighbor in my thinking and life style. It is interesting how God has taken my statement and prayer and is making it into a new reality for me. All I have provided is a willingness and a desire to change in this area of my Christian living. Nothing else.

It is happening. I have listened, babysat, provided meals, opened my home for visits, and have allowed my daily agenda to be altered at will. I am learning to “let it flow.” Sometimes I begin to resist because I have my plans and wish to stay home, and then I remember my prayer and my wish to change.

In this endeavor, I am finding myself saying “yes” instead of “no” to things that take up my time, time I would actually prefer to keep to myself. I am reminded, a person should never pray for something they are unwilling to do. God takes us at our word. We should too! If we ask for something, we should expect Him to act on it.

I am finding that being a good neighbor is helping me to come out of my self-imposed “hermitage” and moving me forward. I must say, it is becoming a great blessing to me. A new day is here!

Excerpt from October, 2014 in my upcoming new book “A Golden Silence: Moments with God at Vina Monastery.”

A New Year, a New Beginning

A new year is here. Are we ready for it?

I happily say goodbye to 2014. It held a fair amount of difficulty for myself and others. Yet, it grew me as a person and framed the future.

We look to new beginnings in a new year’s start up. This is good. I have found a way to help stimulate the process. I choose a goal-worthy word. The word is active, concentrated on personal growth. “Release” was the word I chose for 2014. It was a good word. I prayed over it and then began to make some changes in my life.

This year I will choose “connect.” I have asked God to help me connect with others in significant ways. As a secondary word, I have chosen “declutter.” I need to declutter stuff and busyness in my home and life.

I will be skillful in choosing where my effort is placed. I will do more to facilitate these in my life. God will help me.

Have a wonderful New Year, full of happiness, joy, contentment, and peace.

Blessings to all,

Norma