"And the second is like it, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"
~Matthew 22:39
What is a good neighbor?
Growing up in a rural community, a good neighbor fed your animals while you were out of town, made a casserole for your family when a newborn arrived or tragedy struck, called you when your cows were out and delivered Christmas cookies during the holidays.
In a city setting, a good neighbor does many of the same things... brings you your mail when it gets mixed up with theirs, mows your lawn, scoops your walk after a blizzard and lends a helping hand when things get rough.
Oftentimes, we think of our neighbors in the literal sense - those who live next to us. But in reality, everyone is our neighbor. As the verse above reads, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Treat others (your neighbors) as you want to be treated.
Sounds easy, but do we really do it? Or are we wrapped up so tightly in our own lives that we don't even notice the joys and the sufferings of those around us?
Our challenge for you this week - Be aware. Be aware of those around you and those you see on a daily basis. Be aware of their moods and what they may be going through in this chapter of their journey. You never know when your kind smile or thoughtful words may change someone's outlook. Lend a helping hand to a neighbor in need, help an elderly person carry their groceries to the door, wave a friendly wave to the mailman, take 2 minutes to have a quick conversation with someone on the elevator. It's not hard. Trust us :)
Today's Starfish
Last week, Devon's mom Ann shared the news that their neighbors in Colorado Springs (age 63 and 65) lost their 36 year old daughter to a brain hemorrhage. She left behind 4 daughters - ages 13, 11, 2, and 2 weeks. The grandparents welcomed the girls into their home with open arms, but how overwhelming this whole situation must be for all involved. This family is in need of comfort, strength, love and prayer!
We wanted to reach our arms out to this hurting family. Ann is throwing a baby shower for the 2 week old, Devon got a Coldstone Creamery gift card (because ice cream makes everyone smile!) and my mom and I got the three girls Old Navy gift cards so they can each get something new for school in the fall.
If you would like to reach out to this family - please keep them in your prayers! God is always good, but sometimes very hard to understand. If you want to send a card or anything that could help, please send to Ann Clarkson and she will make sure it gets to this family.
6030 Ashton Park Place
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
"No kind action ever stops with itself. One kind action leads to another. Good example is followed. A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves."
~Amelia Earhart
Today is all about that quote - so make sure you read it!
Devon and I brought back Starfish Mondays six weeks ago and we are so glad we did! Let me just share with you some of the awesome results we have already seen from this blog! Not only is it helping us connect on a more regular basis as best friends - we talk all the time, but it forces us to think outside the box and talk at a regular time every week - but it is also taking on a small life of it's own!
May 12 - Target gift card to a friend who lost his condo in a tornado
I received the the nicest phone call from him, telling me that that was the nicest thing that has happened to him since the tornado :)
May 19 - A Cup of Joy (took coffee to a co-worker)
My good friend Sarah, who lives in Kansas, was inspired by this post. She took a co-worker a cup of coffee that very next day!
May 26 - God Bless the USA
We featured our friend Gina in this blog and thanked her for her sacrifices as a military wife, and also thanked her husband who is deployed in Qatar. Devon received these messages from Gina:
"Thank you, that's very touching to my heart." And "Thank you for the amazing card! Brought tears to my eyes."
June 2 - Five Minutes (phone call to a loved one)
I received this message from an old college friend, Dhara.
"I wanted to send you a message to tell you that I love reading your Starfish Mondays! After I read your post last night, I was inspired to talk to my great aunt who lives in India. As you mentioned in your post, she was definitely thrilled to hear from me!"
From moms reading and sharing our posts to friends "liking" our blog on Facebook We love hearing that Starfish Mondays have evolved and we love hearing what you have done and your ideas! Keep 'em coming!
Today's Starfish
Today, we put change in an envelope and taped it to a vending machine. The envelope read:
"Random act of kindness. Enjoy a drink or treat on me!" And then it listed Starfish Mondays' website.
Devon put hers on a vending machine at her office early in the day. Later this afternoon, she heard from the lucky recipient! The surprise had made her day and she loved the blog. She is already thinking about what she can do next Monday to spread some simple joy. I put mine at a vending machine at the mall. I hope I made someone's Monday a little better!
"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself."
We could learn a lot from dogs, ya know?
They don't judge others. They don't discriminate. They don't hate. They don't care how much money you make or what brand of clothes you wear or what kind of car you drive. They don't hold grudges or slam doors. They love unconditionally. No matter what mood you are in - they love you. If you are having a bad day or if you are sick - they know, and they won't leave you side. We could learn a lot from dogs.
Well, if you are friends with me on Facebook, you know I just got a new puppy! She is adorable and lovable and sassy. I am so in love! Her name is Millie and she has the sweetest little face. She doesn't let me out of her sight and she is quite a snuggler.
Today's Starfish
I am traveling for work this week, so Devon and I decided our Starfish would be a little different and we would do it over the weekend rather than Monday. Kindness is for everyone - not just humans! Devon and her husband have two dogs and I have little Millie so we decided we would spend extra time with our little loves than normal - take them on a longer walk, play with them a little more. We love our furry friends!
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| Millie |
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| Sage and Danger |
When is the last time you picked up the phone?
When is the last time you actually picked up the phone and called someone... just to chat?
When is the last time you actually picked up your smart phone, called someone just to chat - not because you needed a favor or share some sort of news but then had to run?
WHEN IS THE LAST TIME..
- You called someone instead of texted
- You placed your busy life on hold to chat with a loved one
- You used a telephone for the purpose it was intended? (this one is for you dad)
Ok... now answer... truthfully.
Not often enough, right?
We all get busy. We all get wrapped up in our own lives.... the comings and the goings and the ups and the downs and everything else in between. But don't forget about one very important thing - relationships. Take the time -the very important time- to pick up that darn telephone (or computer or whatever it is) and make that phone call to your friend who lives 9 states away or your grandma who is lonely in the nursing home or your mom who lives up the street.
Because one day you may look back and wish you had.
Today's Starfish
Today, as I am sure you have probably guessed by now, Devon and I made two very important phone calls. Devon called her grandma and I called my great aunt Izola. Oh, how thrilled they were to hear our voices! They both appreciated our phone calls and Devon and I both decided that we need to do this more often. Five minutes is such a small amount of time in the big scheme of things, yet it can mean so much to someone!
We challenge you to do it, too. :)
