fmf :: stuck

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Stuck.   Not a favorite word of mine - nor one I use very often.  But, I do admit to feeling this way at times.  As thought about how I might use this word... as part of this five minute prompt - so many thoughts came rushing to mind.  I will simply set the timer aside and just write from the heart, today!

If you have been reading along, here at Treasured Up and Pondered, you've seen my straggly posts...here and there.  At least, as of late, these "few and far between posts" have been along the lines of growing and growth, etc.  I truly appreciate your sense of commitment to reading and following along.  Oh, it blesses me - even though I have not been as fluent or as fluid as I'd like to be, for you.

However, in the past, I have written "extensively", and often, on the topic of encouragement and blessing others -using our words of affirmation, hand-written notes or letters; coffee dates and connection one on one.  Simply because it is a subject so dear to me. It is truly something my heart CRAVES. 
My latest mantra - I've said to myself and am "committed" to doing - is to phone a friend at ten.  It's been working.  Whether I follow through, daily, or not.  I have succeeded in, at least, thinking of someone - at that time of day - and, at best, prayed for them. 
Sometimes a phone call gets made.  Sometimes it is a hand written note.

Simple. Simple. Simple. 

Yet.  How does this all tie in to the word stuck?

I am learning something.

And, Scripture is clear.  In order to have friends - you have to show yourself friendly.  I totally paraphrased that...but it is found in Proverbs chapter 18, I believe.  This doesn't come easy for everyone.  And, I am one of those persons.  I have to work on blessing others... it is a true struggle.

However, I believe some really awesome things about people - but they haven't heard it from me - yet.  Its time to change that.

There is a saying that says.  If you've been blessed, be a blessing!!

Well.  I want that to evident, in my life.

I'm going to take the rock that was once stuck in the mud and toss it into the lake.

You watch.  There will be a ripple effect that happens.  You'll see.

 I have yet another experiment brewing in my heart.  I don't know if I want to share out loud, yet, or not.  But, you watch.  If it comes your way... pass it on!!  Okay?  deal!!

Here is where the inspiration comes from.

Proverbs 3:27-28

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
    when it is in your power to act.  Do not say to your neighbor,
    “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”—
    when you already have it with you.

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Determine to withhold nothing!!

Praise * Encouragement * Thanks * a Greeting*

Kindness * Good Deeds * Note of appreciation

I believe when we choose to honor others above ourselves.  It produces a spirit of humility.  A spirit of loveliness.  A spirit of generosity.  A spirit of genuine - heart felt - connection.  

I want this!!  Don't you??

~Tagging along on with Five Minute Friday, today.  The prompt word, obviously, is: stuck!  FMF is a great blogging community - to plug into.  I suggest checking it out.

 

Are you feeling stuck, today?  - Pick yourself up and get out there!!

 

This was only a dream...

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I don't know that I have ever done this before in all my time of blogging.   But... I've decided to give it a whirl and that is to share a dream that I had the other night.  I'm not even going to say the usual; "Thank GOD, it was just a dream", because it really did unnerve me and made me wonder what you might think or do if this ever became a reality for you..?

Okay.  here goes.

For whatever reason - we were in a totally different house.  And, my family was all asleep - upstairs.

It was pretty late.  I think I was tidying up the kitchen.  I don't know if our porch light was on or not. But I sensed someone outside, at the front door.

It was a dog.   Never saw it before.  I shooed it off and turned out the light to the kitchen but then I noticed a truck just circling the driveway.   I turned the light back on and watched... it would stop.   Then I would turn it back off.  It would go... around the circle drive again.  (We don't have a circle drive... this was a dream... remember?)

The whole time, I'm thinking I should go wake my hubby up...?

But...What if this stranger really needed help?

You know. 

What if this was an angel... a true visit from "Jesus" himself?  I would feel horrible if it was and I haven't "helped" a stranger who needed something.  Then the other thoughts would come...
No - this is dangerous.  Don't "flirt" with the light - on and off.   This is definitely weird.  

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Like I said... a dream.  I woke up - I really have no idea how the story ended.   Except that I woke up feeling bothered.

HOW DO YOU KNOW?

Do you ever feel compelled to go out of your way to "help someone in need" and especially in those strange situations... even if and where it really could be something gone wrong?  I know God is not the author of confusion...so maybe this dream was a figurative test to see my reaction?  Testing my faith and Obedience...?  I really don't know.  What would I do...if this happened in reality?

I remember a time - couple of years ago - our family was on vacation.  My kids still talk about this... where we were approached with a "sob story" - a plea for help from an individual.   It was hard to know.  Hard to discern, if they were telling the truth.  But, acting out of obedience my husband felt compelled to oblige the request.   It truly left an impression on our kiddos as they witnessed the whole thing AND it allowed for deeper conversation... about this very thing.

I remember another time, however - where I truly "walked on by"... and {their} eyes still vividly come to mind!!  Here is where I have to trust that the Lord knows my heart...
I still pray for that couple.

***
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. ~ Hebrews 13:2, ESV