Living and loving

A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of  being a part of the most beautiful display of living and loving that I have ever witnessed. My neighbor, who I had met when we were house hunting, had the sweetest husband, he always had a smile for me and my family, and while he was suffering with the effects of cancer, his sweet countenance would light up when we greeted him and he would ask how we were. Well this sweet man went on to Glory earlier this month. I was invited to be a part of the support team for his dear wife in his last days, she does not have family in the area. I did so little, and I was blessed so much. I did what we as military wives do, I brought over some food, a little wine, ran a couple of errands and was just there. In the hours that we were all there, we got to know each other and have probably built relationships that will last the test of time! In the days that we were together, I was witness to many friends that came to say goodbye. There were men that cried and women that put together a memory collage of photos. There were people that rearranged their schedules to be there for this sweet couple. I saw the most beautiful display of life, living and loving in the days of saying goodbye to this dear man. He was obviously loved and respected. His legacy was evident as so many came and called and poured out their hearts.
What did I learn? 1.Sometimes there is a great deal to be learned right in your own back yard.
2. I will no longer be a stranger to people around me-I had kept to myself and was busy shielding my heart as I was dealing with so much over the last few years.
3. Often times learning happens when you are not expecting it.
4. You never know the impact you might have had on others. This dear man obviously had a large impact on many people!
 Live, laugh and love on purpose!

( I did not use names on purpose).

Flue verses flu

The day I learned the value of the flue. I am sure there is little to no value in having the illness we call the flu, but a flue in the fireplace is vital to the life of the fire. I spent the better part of  a very chilly day in Texas fighting with the fire in my fireplace, and really could not figure out why I could not get a roaring fire going. I had all the right ingredients, paper, kindling, dry logs. No matter how hard I tried, that fire would not grow enough to heat the room up for more than a minute or two.  The following morning, I discovered the culprit was a barely open flue. You see, the flue was open enough for smoke to escape, but not enough for oxygen to feed the fire. I discovered this fact when I went to close the flue, because I had given up on building a fire at all. 
 I feel like my relationship with GOD is sometimes like that flue, it gets stuck, it might be open enough for some things to get in, or for some prayers to get out, but not enough to really appreciate and experience the love, grace, and mercy of GOD in my life. I want to fling my flue-my arms open wide and experience all that HE has to offer me everyday. I want to open my heart and my life to HIM, like never before and truly experience HIS power and love in my life. I am sure there will be times, that I want to shut it and try to protect myself, however I  know HE has my best interest at heart (HIS eye is on the sparrow, how much more is HIS eye on you and me?). That  is what will keep me from closing down, I will let GOD fan the flames of my heart. Who knows what the heat might do?