I was a Neighborhood Party Crasher

A couple of weeks ago I was walking around Wallingford (Just a hop and skip over the Fremont bridge from SPU), when I happened upon people having a bar-b-que in the middle of the street. I had stumbled upon one of the hundreds of "National Night Out" block parties!!! As the neighborhood children ran around climbing trees, peopled talked, and got to meet their neighbors. Food was shared amongst strangers and anyone happening to pass (including myself). Between the bagpipe band and accordion player, the fire department sent a truck over and gave kids a tour. These people know how to encourage neighborhood safety.

This national party happens annually, all because one man had the idea that throwing a block party would help people get to know their neighbors - creating safer neighborhoods!

After all, isn't being a good neighbor what following Jesus is all about? National awareness has created the perfect opportunity to be just that. So don't miss out - mark your calendar for next year's night out and spend a pleasant evening getting to know your neighbors.

Questions...

I never run out of questions. Big ones, small ones, the essentials to down right dumb.

Do you ever stop to question yourself?
I think we all do, but when was the last time you did it on purpose?

Do you ever take the time to question God?
It may be surprising how often we pose questions to God, without even realizing it.
When was the last time you asked God a question and trusted Him with the answer?

I love that God is big enough to handle all of our questions.
Don't be shy. Take a deep breath and ask Him!
And when you're ready to be adventurous expect Him to answer... in the most surprising ways. Your neighbor, your kids, your boss, and then, of course, His Word, the Bible, and who knows where else. He likes to keep us on our toes.

~ Psalm 19:1 ~

Sweet Laughter

I think I'm starting to figure out what makes things worth while...

Of course in following Jesus we seek to enjoy to the fullest the life that He has for us. But how do we do that? How do we know what's worth pursuing and what isn't? These are persistent questions worth asking yourself on a regular basis.

For me, today I did some random things and the monotonous was made worth while because of the laughter and joy surrounding it. Getting up early to walk with my Mom was worth the flow of endless conversation like a stream that bubbles and has moments of depth and good shallow parts that are easy to get across. Even laundry and cooking brought forth reasons for joy.

So why do I do the things I do? I go through the tough times working towards those moments, those moments which remind me that this life God has blessed me with is a joy.

Seemingly Serengeti Sun

As dusk fell over the Pacific Northwest, the sun burst forth with a vivacious fluorescent reddish-pink. Not the sky around it but the sun itself. It was beautiful and alluring, and certainly wasn't something we see around here everyday. I wanted to know why the sun was that color... so I googled it :) There is a really amazing scientific definition which I highly recommend reading. I however prefer wikiAnswers response to that questions...
...Because God made it that way.

The Ship of Friends

Today was one of those wonderful days where I ignored the list of things to do and did what I really wanted...

I sat in the afternoon sunshine under the apple tree reading
I let my hair dry in the sunshine
I played on my computer - email, facebook, blogging, skype, etc
I took a nap
I cooked for fun
I watched a tv show

The joy of summer... I am truly blessed!