No Words are Needed

Sometimes, no words are needed and sometimes words are all you need. Community can be both.

It can be a hug with no words, it can be a fun picture text between friends, it can be a shared table at the coffee shop, or a kick in the pants to meet for needed exercise.

It can be a long telephone call filled with encouraging words, it can be a short voxer message with a thinking of you, praying for you message, and it can be a short note card or a long letter sent via snail mail.

It can be the truth of God's Word spoken into your life, prayed over you.

I have found community in all those things, but still every day I have to fight for community. I have to make the effort to respond to the voxer message. I have to get off my lazy butt and write the snail mail cards. I have to say "yes" to meeting for coffee (or much needed exercise). I have to force myself to answer the phone.

I'm not trying to say that it's all about me, but without effort, there is no community. It takes risk of being rejected, risk of being misunderstood, risk of being ignored or hurt.

This pile of cards shows that words are the start of community, strangers becoming pen pals, friends!

Scripture is full of encouraging words on building unity and community and encouraging and edifying one another...  Here are just a few:

Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

and all of Philippians 2.

Community Conversation: What is one of your favorite Scriptures on community? When is the last time you sent snail mail?

joining my dear bloggy friend, Jenn with a new link up called No Words Needed.

also linking up with Kaitlyn and the #fmfpartysnailmail community

and because a good note in the mail is just like coffee for your heart, I am joining in with Holley Gerth as she encourages so many with her words!

The Written Word: Snail Mail

I've never been a huge fan of my handwriting. For one thing, I'm left handed and it took many childhood years of struggle to figure out how to write without smearing the ink with my hand... and I don't hold my hand at that crazy awkward angle like my father does (have I mentioned that I love my father and all the quirks he has gifted to me?)

bunny trails, bunny trails... where was I?

Writing, the struggling theme of my smattering of blogposts lately.

More specifically, handwriting.

I know the power of the written word, especially the Word of God.

I also know the power of a handwritten recipe from a dear grandma, mom, or aunt.
I know the power of a scrapbook page with captions written from the heart.
I know the power of a hand-written journal entry
(Ooh, another bunny trail--my parents found my high-school diaries in their basement last month. I'm looking forward to picking them up on our next visit).
 
And I know the power of a hand-written encouragement note, thank you note, or birthday card (I'm partial to handmade).

It's rare to see a handwritten envelope in the mailbox these days, but thanks to #fmfpartysnailmail there are days when buried in the bills, catalogs and credit card offers, a small and beautiful breath of fresh air appears.  A personal envelope, handwritten. Those little notes mean the world to me--encouragement, verses, reminders that God is good and He sees me. A refocus that brings renewal and refreshment. Sometimes a handwritten note that pushes me to be a better me.

Like my mom and my oldest sister, they send handwritten notes regularly, little newsy updates, a connection in this fast-paced, so easy to drift apart world... I wanna be like them.

Even in my writing/blogging endeavors, I find that the ideas come and the words flow more easily with paper and ink instead of a keyboard and screen.
Writing helps me sort my thoughts, writing is an encouragement to others, writing is a way of telling generations to come the wonderful works of our amazing God. Writing is a way to give thanks to friend, to family, to God.

Have you seen the power of the written word in your life?

I'm joining my #fmfpartysnailmail friends over at Kaitlyn's place as we share about the written word, Go check them out!!

Five Minute Friday: Garden

(It's really not Friday anymore...) but I still want to write and publish this post...

It's Friday which means Five Minute Friday! and after 3 days of sitting around "snowbound," I'm extremely tired for all this sitting around and doing nothing... although I did actually make a snow angel and did a little sledding today(Friday) with my kids.

We of the #fmfparty crew sometimes get the prompt late on Thursday night. and Lisa-Jo poured out her heart about falling in love with 250 kids in Africa. And how a blogging community could come together and fund a community center for a community in Africa, starting with a "garden."

I tried writing my Five Minute Friday post last night and it just wouldn't come... So I went to bed and then I had two different ideas pop in my head regarding "Garden" so I'm going to see if I can combine them (and maybe take more than 5 minutes) :)

and then life interrupted and I didn't even write for five minutes... and now it's Tuesday night and the "garden" has been fully funded and they are moving on to the next stage, but I still want to write about Gardens...

Last year, I finally attempted a garden, which is funny if you know me, because I really don't like to get my hands dirty. But we went with it... My hubby bought me a book on Square Foot Gardening, he set me up a few boxes and I even bought the special soil mix to make weeds a rare occurrence.

And then I wanted to grow it all! I wanted to grow peppers and green beans and zucchini and lettuce, snap peas and carrots, radishes and even tomatoes... But when you have a square foot garden and you are just getting started and you aren't sure how committed you are going to be, doing it all isn't such a good idea. Nobody liked the radishes, the zucchini took over and killed one of my pepper plants, NONE of my snap peas grew, and I never got around to carrots. The tomatoes were harvested and canned, and we even attempted strawberries that produced a handful of sweet mini bites. And I learned a few new creative ways to use zucchini and I learned that a garden can't really produce well if you take a 2 week leave of absence.

When you want to get involved in serving others and you see all the great ideas and ministries and opportunities, you might be tempted to "do it all" as well. I know that I have been. I feel a pull to donate to this worthy cause and that new cause and this third world country and that big name ministry. I want to do it all. I want to plant everything. I want to give to (almost) every need I see or hear about.

But the truth of the matter is, I can't. I am just one person and I am a part of just one family living on just one income. So maybe I can't respond to each plea by Compassion or World Vision and sponsor children across the globe, and maybe I can't give to every great cause that my blogger friends support and promote.

But I can be a voice and I can pass on the opportunities, and while I missed out on joining the "garden phase" of this giving opportunity, there is still time for YOU to consider supporting this South African Community and joining Lisa-Jo Baker as she uses the gifts God has blessed her with to bless her home town in South Africa.



Would you consider being a part?

A Story of Love and for the Love of Story

A Story of Love...

Somedays I feel a little unloveable. Short with everyone, rushing people here and there, sighing heavily at every interruption, and just falling apart at the seams. Yesterday was one of those days.

But come this morning, lying in bed NOT wanting to get up and face another day... still feeling the tensions of yesterday surrounding me, my husband wrapped his arms around me and told me, "I love you." Now that didn't immediately fill me with joy and peace and give me all the strength to face the day... in fact, I replied stupidly, "you do?"  But his words stuck with me and a few hours later, even with him off to work, I'm feeling loved!

And the kids... full of unconditional love, all told me they loved me at some point this morning in between the rushing to get dressed, fed and out the door to the bus. Because that's what family does--they love unconditionally.

Do you know who else loves unconditionally? True community and friends... and Jesus!
So my friend, can I just let you know today that YOU ARE LOVED.

Even when you feel unloveable.
if you still feel unloved, go visit Holley Gerth as her community pours out love on all of us...



And For the Love of Story

I've discovered that hearing someone's story opens my heart to love them a little bit more. Now my memory retention is completely shot these days, and I may forget the details 10 minutes from now and forget to ask you how said situation is going when I see you or talk to you next week, but the truth is, when we share stories there is a connection and a love that flows from that.

So I want to let you know today that I want to know your story (I can't promise that I will remember all the details, but I will love you through your story)

You have a story to tell

Maybe it's your journey to motherhood
or all about college
A struggle with infertility
How you are pursuing your God sized dreams
A story of waiting
A story of grief
A story of joy
A story of victory

The story of how you came to Christ

I need to hear your story.

I love stories and I love you.

Will you share your story? just a little one in the comments today


Also, today is the day to sign up for a FREE conference that's all about story and community
The in(RL) conference

When: The (in)RL Online Webcast kicks off on Friday, April 25 and (in)RL Meetups follow on Saturday, April 26.

What: In 2012 we explored the nitty gritty of community. Last year we took a closer look at what it takes to stay rooted in community, even when sometimes walking away would be so much easier. This year we're looking at the power of story. No matter how much life you've lived or what you've walked through, you have a story. And girl, we need your story! More than 30 women in different stages of life will share their personal testimonies and stories of community, the messy and the beautiful and the beautifully messy.

Five Minute Friday: Belong

It's finally Friday... my days this week have been a little messed up. I keep forgetting what day it is. But I'm pretty sure it's Friday because I'm seeing lots of #fmfparty in my twitter feed!!

 So here we are to write for 5 minutes without worrying if it's right or not!

Belong:

There is something about a community that just draws you in and makes you feel welcome. Gathered in, wrapped in hugs, embraced with encouraging words. Even when you are new, you feel at home.

I found that in Allume, in Five Minute Friday, in blogging, in the God's Sized Dream team, it's community and I belong.

Friends I've never met, but feel so loved by.... Friends I got a chance to meet last October and miss like crazy.  There is a welcoming and accepting no matter the background, no matter the country. We are one in Christ... unity.

I blog for community and connection and I find that on twitter and in the comment section of my blog and those of my friends. I always feel at home and I hope that I can help others feel at home, too.

It's great to belong to the body of Christ and the #FMFParty community...

PS. CAN'T WAIT for ALLUME!!!!

and... stop!

and a bonus minute to share a picture because I found out that the lovely Ann Voskamp was hosting Five Minute Friday this week!

Ann makes you feel like you belong! I had the opportunity to meet her at Allume last fall and she welcomed me with open arms... and she called me by my name (how is that for belonging?) ... she also laughed with me, as I fluffed my hair for a picture... what can I say? I wanted to look my best! :)  and I can't wait to see her again this October at Allume!

Community Conversation: What can you say in 5 minutes? Where do you feel most at home? ... and are you coming to Allume? You belong there! :)

Five Minute Friday: Song

It's Friday, and I'm actually attempting Five Minute Friday on Friday... that time to just write without worrying if you get it right!

My writing has been sparse lately... too sparse and I'm considering a blogging fast or social media, or internet, or something...

but today, I'm writing and I'm writing with the community of writers and encouragers who meet at Lisa-Jo Baker's place on Fridays.

...Today, it's about SONG.

My bones have a little chill to them, still trying to thaw out from the few nights of frost we had earlier this week. Up here on the mountain the breeze is still cool coming in my open windows. So I head outside to soak in some sunshine and much needed Vitamin D. My heart is down, my soul a little discouraged. I want to write, but just can't find the words. I want them to be positive words.

So I head outside and I take a little walk around my back yard. I head over to my new "Square Foot Gardening" area and smile at the few little plants that are there. I have dreams for more, but don't want to overwhelm myself with too much, too soon. I smile at the fence my darling husband is installing to protect said plants from the rabbits, deer, and maybe even bear that roam "our woods."

Then I head over to my swing... I love my swing. Pull out a cushion and sit on the side that is basking in sun. And I sit, and I soak sun, and I listen.  The birds are all around me, each one singing it's own song, praises to its Creator. Each one unique, each one beautiful.

One sings and another responds and isn't that the way it is here in our internet communities. Leave comments, encourage--fill in that verse that I just couldn't think of when I wrote my thoughts.

Sing a short song, or a long song; each have their place. Sometimes we hear a song that just doesn't quite resonate with us--but others hear it and respond. I love to listen to the birds sing their song. I love to read the words my friends post... especially on Five Minute Friday.

Join in the chorus of writers today over at Lisa-Jo's.

Community Conversation: Do you ever just listen to the birds sing? And for fun, What's your favorite song these days? (I'll go first in the comments)

Do What You Can

This week's step in our God-sized Dreams journey is to share a "do what you can" step. Just one small thing to move forward in your God-sized Dream.



What did I do this week to move forward in my God-sized Dreams?
I look back on my God-sized dream statements.



I believe God has created and called me to serve and support my family through encouraging, serving, cooking, and listening. 

I also believe God has created and called me to encourage and support other women through writing my stories, creating handmade cards, and connecting through both cards and stories.

And I think about my week and opportunities that God gave me and I know He is directing in my God-sized Dreams. I didn't even realizing how I was taking small steps, but here are some things that happened for me this week.

PART 1: my family

• I actually READ out loud to one of my daughters... more than once. It's a grace thing because reading out loud isn't one of my favorite things to do.
• I successfully meal-planned one week, thanks to a handy meal-planning assistant made for me by my sister-in-law.

• I continue with a mini-minute with my kids before bed, just asking them one of their favorite things in the day.

PART 2: others

• I successfully completed one week of my Creative Writing class in an effort to improve my writing techniques to better minister to others
• I spent Saturday creating handmade notecards for a special order and for future opportunities

• I SOLD a card on my Artfire shop (this happens about once a year, so I'm losing money on my shop, but haven't figured out how I should be doing this)
• I signed up to help co-host an (in)RL meetup, although the details still need to be worked out.

Just a few small things, but more than enough to get me started.


Connect with me:
What dreams do you have? and what One Small Step can you take today toward pursuing that dream? How can I pray for you in this area?

In Real Life Community

Do you remember junior high?

Maybe you had two groups of friends... your school friends and your church friends? and while you loved them both, you never really mixed them together. Your church friends didn't go to any of your school activities, never came to your sports events, never came to the school friend's birthday parties ... and your school friends? They didn't mix too well with your church friends. They had their own lives so you didn't invite them to the church, to special events, to youth activities.

No, that wasn't you? Maybe it was just me. Maybe I have a personality flaw.

Because it has happened to me again.

I have two great communities of friends that know nothing about each other.

I have my in real life friends. The ones I go to church with every Sunday. The ones whose kids go to school with my kids. The ones who call me on the phone and I don't mind chatting (even though I HATE the phone). The ones who have seen me freaking out over some child's latest mishap, the ones who have seen me cry. The ones (you know who you are) that MIGHT read this blog every time I share it on facebook, but NEVER comment.

And then there is my online community. I call them my twitter friends, my blog friends, my (in)courage friends, my Allume friends. The ones that up until this past October, I had never met in real life ... and some I still haven't met, YET! The ones that respond to my twitter updates, that love and encourage me across the miles. The ones that read my blog posts and cheer me on in writing, in child rearing, in crafting, in home-making. The ones who are friends, even if we have never talked on the phone (because I hate it so much). The ones who "get me."

I have an opportunity to combine these two communities!  It's called (in)RL! It's a weekend conference! It's right here in my home town (and in your hometown) and IT'S FREE!!

Mark the date on your Calendar! April 26-27, 2013!

I really felt God was directing me to reach out and host (or co-host) one of these local meet-ups, as part of my #GodsizedDreams to Create this year... to create connections and community!  And then I looked at the date and I wavered (there is a family conflict) ... would you pray with me, that all the details will work themselves out?

If you are one of my local in real life friends (or just a reader I've never met that happens to live in the Clarks Summit/Scranton PA area), would you consider joining us? I'm hoping to make it spectacular! I'm even planning some giveaways, free stuff ... and of course, there will be chocolate!

Go to this page to join the Clarks Summit (in)RL community!!

Please join me!!

Click here to visit the (in)RL page to register and find out more. Because:

1. It’s FREE!
2. Everyone who registers today and TODAY ONLY gets a copy of our (in)courage 365 Daybrightener while supplies last (US residents only).
3. Everyone who registers TODAY AND EVERY DAY gets a copy of our first eBook: Best of the Beach House 2012: A Collection of Your Favorite Posts from the Writers of (in)courage.

Five Minute Friday: Opportunity

It's the first Friday of 2013! That means it's time for Five Minute Friday! Did you miss it? I did! My mind is still a jumbled mess, but it felt good to sit down and write... Hope it makes sense! :)

You really should join this wonderful community of encouragers. I had so much fun chatting on twitter for a half hour before I went to bed. Such a blessing to connect with the lovely #FMFParty friends... some I was able to meet at Allume, some I'm still waiting to meet in real life!

So it's time to write for FIVE MINUTES. Get the whole scoop over here at Lisa-Jo's, and then join in!

Today's Prompt: Opportunity

Each day is a new opportunity, to put behind and forget the mistakes of yesterday, to fall forward into grace and new mercies.  But it is not just every morning. It's every moment of the day. Each moment is a fork in the road and an opportunity to show the love of Christ, to make the most of my time, to bring glory to God's name.

My life is a canvas of opportunities, with God drawing, painting, leading, correcting always with grace.  I don't know what comes next. I just know that I have a lot of opportunities, a lot of dreams (you might even be tired of hearing all about them). I do a lot of thinking, a lot of talking, now I want to take some action.

Don't miss these opportunities. A chance to connect with friends. An opportunity to bless with my writing. A prompt to send some real (handmade) mail to encourage someone. A chance to give grace to my kids. The moment I choose to serve my husband. Giving, praying, loving, caring.

God gives so many opportunities, I want my eyes to be wide open to them. To know that "this is not an interruption, this is an opportunity."  To be filled with the Spirit from this day forward.

no turning back.


STOP


What opportunities are you facing today?

Five Minute Friday --Welcome

It's Friday and I barely have 5 minutes to write, but I still make the time for Five Minute Friday, even if all the laundry doesn't get done!

Prompt - WELCOME

START

On Sunday, the count was 55. By Wednesday night it had reached 83! 83 people all signed up to come to my house! Just a simple bonfire with hotdogs and S'mores. It turned into a large gathering of brothers and sisters-in-Christ... and all of their children! I'm so excited!

This is community. Everyone brings a dish to pass and the most important S'mores supplies. Friends filling in the gaps, bringing tables, chairs... even an extra grill.  Just looking forward to kicking the weekend off with a lot of fun, a lot of fellowship, and a lot of S'mores.

A few years ago, this would not have been possible... No way for 55 people, much less 83 to fit in our trailer lot. But God graciously gave us this home to use for now and I want to open it (or at least the yard) to friends, a part of our church community. Welcoming in new families, while embracing and encouraging those that have been around a while.

and praying that it doesn't rain...

STOP!

Our large property (and the view)... last Spring

S'more fixins'

the firepit

Looking forward to a great time of fun and fellowship, welcoming our ABF (adult bible fellowship) church community... and ALL THE KIDS!! :)

PS. what's the largest group you have ever welcomed to your home?

Five Minute Friday --Wide

Friday is one of my favorite days of the week... the blog has been quiet... just a few things here and there, ... not much writing. But on Friday, fine Lisa-Jo gives us something to write about.  I never really know where the prompt is going to take me, but I love to share it and I love the community, because on Fridays, it's a guarantee that I am going to get comments for my blog friends. I'm so thankful for this community, and if I was a night owl, I would join the #FMFParty on twitter from 11 til midnight (give or take an hour on either side) :)

there is nothing quite like it!

Five Minute Friday --WIDE

I'm a North East kind of girl. Grew up in Western New York, moved to Pennsylvania for college... and marriage. Never been farther west than Toledo, Ohio, although I have made it to Canada a few times and Florida occasionally (which is really just a bunch of Northerners that can't take the snow).

My circle of influence is small, a few close friends, a great church. My growing up years are ONE school, ONE home, ONE church. I don't do change well. I like small and intimate.

Then I started blogging and a whole new world opened up. Add twitter to that and I have friends all over the world. I converse with Ireland, Italy, California, the west side of Canada, the mid west, the South... and it's fun... and amazing.

And in just ONE MONTH (and a few days) I'm going to get to meet some of these friends face to face (and I'm a little nervous) ... I originally typed scared to death, but my Allume roomies are going to hold my hand and help me with that.

It's a little bit how I imagine heaven is going to be. All different kinds of people, from different walks of life, cultures, etc., all meeting together and having all things in common.

STOP

What comes to your mind when you hear the word WIDE?

 I'm thankful for a WIDE community!

(so I wrote this out this morning, but finally had some time to get it on my blog. I find the thoughts flow better with a pen in hand)

handwriting ... a lost art

I didn't start blogging because I am a writer. I've never had any interest in writing or publishing a book. I've never been very good at articulating my thoughts out onto paper. I've never been a diary writer or a journaler (although I've attempted it a couple of times).

I blog for community.

That being said, a blogger really should know a little bit about writing... and should really practice writing. With all the technology available these days it is very rare to see people actually writing with a pen and paper, putting thoughts down on paper, preserving a piece of themselves with handwriting.

Even handwritten notes and cards are an endangered species... but I'm working to bring that back with my handmade stationery.

Just the other day, I hand wrote a letter. It wasn't an easy letter to write. I had to apologize for something I had done, and I also had to make them aware of how I had been hurt by their actions.

But the writing of it, the actually using a pen-on-paper part, was very therapeutic.

When I sit down at the computer screen with a new post open in front of me, my mind goes blank. I think the Publish button intimidates me. But when I open my notebook and pick up a pen (which I've only done a handful of times), the words just start flowing because the chances of anyone seeing it is slim.

To tie into this, I want to share that I am a part of the She Reads Truth community... we just started a new reading plan on prayer last week... It's not too late to join in. and I determined that I was going to get something out of it this time. I joined in with the last reading plan, but that's all I did...just read it.

I saw others in the community sharing pictures of their journal, adding their thoughts to the Scripture read and the commentary in the reading plan, or just writing out a verse that really meant something to them. I determined that I was going to get in on that, so I went out and bought myself some fun colored pens.

And I started writing... just the Scripture this time, no commentary...

And as I wrote out the Scripture after I read it, it was amazing to me how my thoughts all came together, questions that I had on some of the verses I wrote, insight that came to me just by writing, even ideas for future blog posts!! Reading it AND Writing it really helps it sink into your mind!

I am so excited about what I'm going to learn just through the writing of Scripture!
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and because blogging is about community, I am linking up to these great blog parties...

When is the last time you hand-wrote a note or letter to someone?

Do you journal? With pen and ink or on the computer?

Are you part of the #SheReadsTruth community?

What is you favorite verse on prayer?