Being Neighborly

Being Neighborly

Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets. –Matthew 7:12 NLT

As children we were taught “The Golden Rule”. That was the first lesson we learned in getting along with our siblings, and then later in school with our classmates. It still applies today, even more so, no matter what age or stage we are in life.

While we may not be able to choose our siblings or where we sit in a classroom, we can choose where we live. It is amazing how kind and warm neighbors can really make a neighborhood special, and conversely, rude, impolite neighbors can create tension. I am blessed to have had wonderful neighbors in the different places we have lived. They were friendly but not intrusive; helpful but not nosey; generous without keeping score. I learned by example from many wonderful people over the years what a good neighbor really is. I am forever grateful for their loving hearts.

We get many chances every day to look in on someone, to send a note, to sit on a porch and visit to provide company. If you have ever been on the receiving end of generosity from a neighbor then you know how wonderful it is when God surrounds you with help and love when you didn’t know you needed it.  I believe our Christian values can be applied as much on the streets of our neighborhood as anywhere else.  It is said that, “Where our bread is concerned, it is a material matter. Where our neighbor's bread is concerned, it is a spiritual matter”. Think of things you can do to contribute to the spirit of being a good, godly neighbor. In a world where so many people seem hesitant to “get involved”, I believe God would want us to be His hands and heart on earth. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. –Galatians 6:10

Memorial Day

Memorial Day

Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass
May 25, 2013

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. -Psalm 5:11 NIV It was not always known as “Memorial Day”. The day where we remember and honor those who have lost their lives while serving our country. It was originally called “Decoration Day”. This commemoration dates back as far as 1868 when flowers were placed on graves at Arlington National Cemetery of soldiers who died in service. Soon after, it caught on, state by state. Since the 1950’s, American flags have been placed on more than 260,000 gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery on the Thursday prior to Memorial Day each year. Just a few years ago, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts began placing a single candle on over 15,000 gravesites in northern Virginia on the Thursday prior to Memorial Day. The tributes continue annually to show honor and respect. But the traditions of the past are more forgotten than remembered. Memorial Day has often signified outdoor parties, picnics, three-day weekends, the unofficial start to summer, and maybe the first dip in the swimming pool. But as we grow older, the significance of the sacrifice made by the fallen soldiers presses on our hearts. They are heroes. Many of the people serving the armed forces today are very young. Some may not even have a personal relationship with Our Father. Imagine being away from the comfort of family and familiar surroundings, living with war and not knowing God. As Christians, I believe that God is calling us to pray for the protection of these brave servicemen and women, both at home and abroad. In all of the celebrations and fun that a Memorial Day weekend suggests, perhaps we can take time to go to God in prayer to ask His blessings on families that have lost loved ones and to cover His Holy Armor on those brave people that are currently serving us. If we all prayed a prayer for peace, and each prayer was a light, together we could illuminate the heavens with our petitions!

Influence

 

Influence

 

O send out Your light and Your truth, let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your dwelling. –Psalm 43:3

 

The beach has been such a part of my life since I was a child. It made sense that I would share my love of the beach with my own children. They were influenced by me and both of our children love everything to do with the beach today. I enjoy seeing parents taking their children to the beach for the first time or out on the pier with their first rod and reel. Little children want to emulate their parents. We don’t have to tell them what to do as much as we must show them by our actions and live a life that would make them want to follow. When our actions and words surround them, that is called “influence”. We each have the power to influence anyone.  It is a mighty thing to know that something we can say or do could shape another person’s life, choices and decisions.

 Using our influence in a subtle way is far better than actually telling someone what to do. To be told what to do can often be received as unsolicited advice, unappreciated wisdom, and just plain interference. To have success in this area, we must realize that our actions carry more weight than our words.

How are we using our influence in our everyday life? Who do we look up to? Who looks up to us?  Everything that we say and do reflects our character which reflects our relationship with God. If we are using the gift of influence to guide others, we must pray that it is God’s Light and His Truth leading us to lead others.

Rocking ChairReflections by the Sea © Betsy Glass
May 08, 2013

Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. –Exodus 20:12 NIV The word “rocking chair” didn’t appear in the dictionary until 1787. But the idea of rocking originated in the 15th century when Mothers rocked their babies in wooden cradles. Rocking chairs adorn many porches today as a decoration, while others are weathered and worn from use. Many different kinds of rockers are available now. It is the type of furniture that seems to please everyone from babies on up. Could it be that the very best place to have a rocking chair would be on an oceanfront porch, rocking to the rhythm of the waves? It wouldn’t seem to matter if it were a boston rocker, a shaker, bentwood, wicker or just handmade with grapevines. The feeling would be the same. Mothers have instinctively known that rocking a baby or small child in a rocking chair calms fears and lessens anxiety with its slow rocking motion. Is it the rocking or being cradled in a mother’s arms that seem to make everything right again? Probably a little of both I imagine. The rocking chair displays the marks of raising children. The colicky nights, bad dreams and lazy afternoons are part of its history. That is what makes it irreplaceable, not for it’s beauty but for its memories. On this Mother’s Day, it is fitting to take a moment to remember the person that rocked us in our infancy and thank God for the blessing and gift of having someone that cared.