Creativity Amazes Me Once Again

Sometimes, I come across something that just makes me smile because the human ability for creativity is such a beautiful thing. Maybe I shouldn't just say it's a human ability. Maybe I should say it's a divine echo...I came across one of these today-enjoy :)

http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/video/windowsmusic

is your neighborhood better because you live there?

a good friend of ours often talks about how our neighborhoods and communities should be better places because we live there.

would they be sad if we left?

the other day i experienced a little bit of what this could look like. it had snowed a few inches, so as i started shoveling, i decided to go ahead and shovel out the neighbors on either side of our house. on one side is a fun family with several kids that we know would be there for us if we ever needed anything. they've already proven that. so it was nice just to surprise them with something nice back and secretly hope they would like us for it (i know awful motivation). on the other side of us is an elderly couple. they are characters and a lot of fun to talk to. i decided to shovel their steps and sidewalk because i figured they could use the help. a few minutes after matt came out and joined in, barney, our elderly neighbor caught us shoveling his steps and came out on his porch. he brought salt to start salting, and as we worked he commented "it's nice to have neighbors like this".

such a small comment, but huge implications i think.

i don't say any of this as kudos to me--i'm the same person who just a few weeks ago sat on my butt in my nice warm living room while matt was out in freezing temps and biting wind changing a flat tire for sally, our neighbor across the street. i definitely have my moments of selfishness.

but when we take the time to do things to love our neighbors, we show them a little bit of jesus and bring a little bit of god's kingdom to our communities.

i wonder if barney would miss us if we moved?

1st run back

well, i'm back @ running officially. zuri & i hit the sidewalks this morn at 7:30 and logged a very modest 1.55 miles. not much, but a start. she acts like she didn't run at all, but i'm sure i'll feel a few twinges tomorrow. regardless, it was a beautiful snowy morning. delightful.

if any of you are runners, check out www.mapmyrun.com. you can map out exactly how far you ran by clicking through your route on a map--sweet! no more driving routes or guessing to figure out how far i'm going. :)

You are my witness

Okay everyone, I've been wanting to start running again for a few months now, but have continued to put it off. I miss it, need it for my heart, and know that my 6 month old puppy needs it too. SO, you all are officially my witnesses that I am starting tomorrow morning. Ask me about it next time you talk to me. :)

This will be a great time anyway since 1) It's beautiful outside with the freshly fallen snow and 2) Lancaster's annual Race Against Racism is only 2 months away on April 26th, and I'm looking forward to running in it this year. If any of you want to run it with me or volunteer for it, holler!

Valentine's

Matt & I debated what to do today together--we were talking about going to a fancy schmancy dinner, but then decided to just spend time together over take-out chinese & a movie night. We'll splurge & pay the extreme extortion theaters charge for popcorn & candy. :)

Hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day--make sure you tell someone in your life how much you love them!

There's something deep inside of me...

...That resonates with Obama.

Yes, it is about how he approaches controversial issues with grace, compassion, and a bigger picture view when they aren't so clear cut, but it's also about a gut sort of thing. He is an inspirational leader. He seems like someone who isn't entangled in the politics of it all yet. Someone who has a dream & a heart that extends beyond government and arguments about what political stances are right and which are wrong.

Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas recently was inspired by Obama's speech in New Hampshire, and within a matter of 48 hrs had banded together with friends and produced this song & video.

Regardless of your feelings toward Obama or political affiliations, you should listen to it just for the heart of it that applies to us all:

http://www.dipdive.com/

In Christ, yes we can.