Book Review - Next Door as it is in Heaven

I love my neighborhood! I love the community that it pictures. We have about 30 homes on our circle, many of whom still have the original owners from the mid '70's. There is a sense of family, and yet, it is so easy to forget each other and get busy outside of those who live side by side day after day. I was raised by a Mother who showed an amazing amount of intentional hospitality and have a heart that desires this. As a believer, this shows up most in the context of the local church, mostly because it is safe and non-confrontational. But I was challenged in the last week or so.

One of the most important books that I have read this summer was Next Door as it is in Heaven, by Lance Ford and Brad Brisco. They piece apart the downfall of the comradery of neighborhoods as they use to be and give some great history about why and how this happened. They confront the reader head on with the Word of God and how we as believers should be the most intentional beings in a neighborhood. They bring to life the practical out workings of this and give great step by step ways to fall in love with this idea and how Christ on earth was the ultimate giver of hospitality. They remind us we need to examine the busyness of our lives and compare it with how we are (or are not) investing in the lives around us, namely the neighborhoods we live in. If you have a desire to reach those around you for the Gospel, but in way more than words, this book is for you. You will be thoroughly encouraged along the way as you strive to meet those you may have never spoken with before.

As one author put it, "The dining room table is sometimes the best evangelistic tool."

For three years our family held a Christmas open house for our neighborhood, It's sad to say, this happened 8-10 years ago. So lookout Little Road residents and be prepared to party with the Pueblas again this year.

*Note: As a part of the Tyndale Blogging Network, I received a free copy of this book.

Our Hope

Laurie, this is for you!

Happy Birthday, Sis!

Holly Hobby, lavendar walls, purple colored shag carpet, matching baby dolls (always red and blue), homemade matching knit dresses from Gran, singing lessons together.

These are all part of my childhood memories. Memories I shared with my oldest sister. Who is also my friend.

Sisterhood is an amazing relationship. And one that nothing could have prepared me for in adulthood. I am blessed beyond words for my older sister, Jenny.

Sisters that share the bond of Christ have an added dimension of love. There are no two sisters that are more different than she and I, and yet, find such consolation in our bond.

There was a time when "Mr. Cartwright" and I were trying to start our family, which seemed an impossible feat, that this sister of mine wrote to me and shared with me what God has encouraged her with. She reminded me of God's promises and promised to fast one day a month for the will of God to be done. I read back on this love notes from her and can now see God's great promises worked out in my life. I have four blessed arrows that were given to me from God in ways that I would never have guessed.

I was able to be in the delivery room with one of her blessed babies as she lavished her love on him. It was such a awesome privilege to be part of this private time and see what God's amazing love can do through two people. That is something I will never forget.

And more recently, we had the honor of spending the last 2 weeks of Mom's life with her together; giving her showers, rubbing her feet, combing her hair, crying on each other's shoulder, as well, as journaling together. This latest event has brought us closer than ever. We know each other's vulnerability. We were at the lowest one can be together. When mom's breath left her, we were there grabbing each other's hands and singing,

Hallelujah! Thine the glory.
Hallelujah! Amen.
Hallelujah! Thine the glory.
Revive us again.

Jenny, I love you more than you know. I am so grateful you are my sister and friend. You have grown so much as a mom and wife and are an example to me in so many ways. My prayer for you this year is one of trust in God' enduring promises. He will continue to guide you as you seek Him daily.

I am immensely privileged to have you in my life. To call you Friend.

I love you.

Happy Birthday!

Choose

Thank you, Patty, for sending me this song.

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Today I want to focus on specific Thanksgiving to Jesus, my Friend.

#75 My High Priest

#76 My Mediator

#77 My "Daddy" Abba

#78 My Alpha and Omega

#79 The One Who Holds All Things in His Hands, especially my big, little man

#80 My kind and gentle Shepherd

#81 The One Who sustains the breath of Mankind

#82 My advocate, who makes intercession for me and grants me forgiveness every time I fail

#83 The Creator, who humbled Himself to come as a mere babe, knowing He would die

#84 My Righteous Judge

#85 My Strong Deliverer

#86 The Cleft of the Rock into which I hide when the world seems to be crumbling around me

#87 The Bread of Life that fills me like nothing else can

#88 My Fountain of Life

#89 My Sovereign, Most Holy God