inspiring community

I have a friend, I call him "my prophet" because God has used him, on more than one occasion, to speak truth to me - especially when I didn't want to hear it. My friend has been going through a tough time of unemployment.

"The church" (meaning Christ followers) have done so much in this extended time of struggle - as an observer, it is encouraging to the heart. My friend visited a Sunday service and filled out a prayer card. As the weeks turned in to months, the pastor of that church called often to "check-in." My friend couldn't give money due to his circumstance and eventually moved to another state because he lost his housing in Virginia - the pastor kept calling.Why? Because he cares for people.

People, even those who never met my friend, gave money to help. Because they cared about those who are struggling.

When my friend moved to the new state he attended another Sunday service. This group welcomed in the stranger, not just to make him feel welcome, but when they heard of his plight - they gave up food and interceding on his behalf that God would intervene.

When my friend got a job and announced this news - this group cheered audibly and celebrated with him.

There was a church the Hubs and I attended for a number of months, and at the end of each service people would join hands and pray for one another - whoever was next to them, whatever the Spirit put on their heart. Near the end of prayer time, the pastor would say a similar prayer each week. There was one part that I will always remember, "God bless my neighbor...and help me celebrate their success as if it were my own."

When my friend announced his good news - a spontaneous celebration erupted on his behalf. When my friend described it to me, it brought tears to my eyes. How wonderful that there is a group who cares so compassionately for those in need.

just Sheri, celebrating (from a distance) the success of another

Conjunction Junction

When I am not at work, I try to find constructive things to do with my time. For more than a year I have been volunteering as a tutor. At the end of last year I agreed to teach a weekly course at the local community college.

The topic: writing.

The goal: prepare my students for the admission test in order to become students at the college.

The students: recent high school grads and not so recent high school grads who want to better their lives, but have experienced set backs in pursuing their dreams.

Last week, we had an entire class dedicated to conjunctions. It reminded me of my childhood and the wonderful lessons offered by Schoolhouse Rocks. Do you remember these? Were you too young to even know what I am talking about? Either way...check. it. out.



Apparently, a good teacher can make an impact. In my case, it was an educational video that I still remember all these years later.

just Sheri, wishing Schoolhouse Rocks would make a comeback

Let there be light

For some reason, unknown to me, none of our upstairs bedrooms have lights installed. No ceiling fans with lights. No other light. While there are nice windows that give plenty of daylight - this is problematic at night. We had a table lamp in the master bedroom for functional purposes. 

After staying at a hotel earlier in the summer (and loving having a bedside lamp for reading) I decided we needed some thing like it at home. Following a tour of IKEA, I found what I was looking for...then I installed them over our headboard.

I can't remember what life was like before the lights were installed. They have been a wonderful addition to our new "home."

just Sheri, resident handy woman

Everyday Heroes

This weekend I met two women worth writing about. The first survived an extremely violent marriage and has dedicated her life to helping single mothers of all backgrounds.

The second declared, "I love the elderly!" She then told a story of how after work, she visited daily with a woman in a nursing home. The two women were not related. The protagonist of my story knew the elderly woman's family lived out of state and didn't want her to be lonely. This was particularly impressive to me as I had been at an assisted living facility last week for work and saw the residents light up when visitors came.

The gift of your time can make a HUGE difference! Giving time to something you're passionate about changes the world.

just Sheri, excited to hear about folks living out their passion

NOTE: the Everyday Heroes series on this blog is an idea to share stories of normal people engaging in acts of kindness. I want to draw attention to kindness because I believe it is what changes the world.

Fitness Vacay

My family came to visit this summer. The first full day we walked nearly a marathon while exploring the District. 

The next day we went kayaking on the reservoir. The third day we went hiking in the Shenandoah mountains. At this point the fatigue was setting in. My brother branded it a "fitness vacay." 

For relaxation, we went to the (very unique) Rivershore for fresh crabs and chicken wings. At the end of a few days, it was surprising how much we had fit in to a short time! 

It was so nice to have family come for a visit. It was also nice to have a house where every couple had a bedroom, and their own bathroom. Though we also tested the limits of the new house and found the plumbing to be problematic. The day family left - a plumber arrived.

just Sheri, grateful for a visit from family