Tag: neighbors

Tips for Organizing Your Home

Tips for Organizing Your Home

Oh hi there; you don’t recognize me? I’m Myra the organizer, wearing a different cap today while I help you improve your…

Somewhat Simple Soup Supper

Somewhat Simple Soup Supper

I don’t want to carry gratitude around in seasons.

I want to carry it in my bones,

I want to rest it in on my tongue

like it is a language

that I never stop speaking.

~Arielle Estoria

Better a Neighbor Nearby

Better a Neighbor Nearby

“Better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away.”

It’s been nearly a year now since Shari invited all the neighbor ladies over for a party at her home. A party to say goodbye to me. I wasn’t the only one in tears that night. Honestly I was crying a lot last year. I didn’t want to move from our home or our neighborhood. But we knew God was pointing us in the direction of South Carolina, after a job offer had been made.

Is Your Table Big Enough?

Is Your Table Big Enough?

Is your table big enough for folks outside your family? Is your heart large enough to offer a hand of friendship to…

House Speak

House Speak

First prize for the Most Unwelcoming House (my conscience prevents me from calling it a home!) goes to one I saw last week. Of modest size, and plopped down in a pleasant little community, this place had no less than four large NO TRESPASSING signs.

Thoughts on a Quiet House

Thoughts on a Quiet House

My friend and I imagined that theoretically we could have a tidy clean house with everything in order. But what benefit would there be to an empty house? We wanted to learn to embrace or at least accept the poopy diapers,never ending laundry, the continual spills. One day we’d miss those little rug rats.

The Most Powerful Force

The Most Powerful Force

Today I was reminded of that long ago lesson after I chatted with a young woman working at the dry cleaners. I had the nudge that I often get to say something affirming. It’s so uncomfortable to say something personal to a stranger, but I’ve realized it gets easier as I do it. I told her I really liked her smile. That her smile was pretty.

Hurricanes and Other Storms

Hurricanes and Other Storms

I started writing a blog post last week, but somehow I couldn’t get excited about describing emotional trauma caused by mountains of…

Why Hospitality is a Good Idea

Why Hospitality is a Good Idea

I’ll never forget the times I ran to my best friends’ homes, in the most difficult seasons of my life. More than once I dragged my two kids along and invaded Barbara’s family meals and celebrations when I needed the comfort of family. They welcomed us into the fold as if we were part of the plan. My favorite memories happened in homes. We had real conversations and relationships went to deeper levels. I always felt encouraged.