Learning about my Neighbors

I said in my first post that I have really been wanting to love my neighbors- to know them and hang out with them and share in the beauty of God with them.  I am so excited, it's happening! Honestly, I am amazed at how God is totally bringing people into my life.  

On Wednesday I had dinner with one of my neighbors who walks her dogs by my house often.  We originally struck up a conversation because I thought her dog's name was Banana, which it was not.  We started talking about random stuff like the dogs, her job, and the church and I ended up walking with her most of the way to her house.  The awesome thing about it was that she had said she felt like she really needed to read the Bible or go to church and now here I was, a pastor. 

I thought that a BBQ might be a good way for our neighbors to get to know one another so on Friday I walked to our neighbors homes passed out flyers for it. As I met people, I realized we have a lot of young families in our neighborhood and a good amount of diversity. I have never done a 'gather the neighbors event' so I really don't know what the turn out will be like. This week is going to include some serious prep work- the BBQ is on Saturday. 

My final neighbor story of this post: I woke up EARLY on Saturday morning (I think it was 7am). As I laid in my bed wondering why I was awake Starbucks popped into my head. My old co-worker and friend Shannon still works there and God keeps bringing her to mind.  So, I walked to Starbucks to see if she was there.  She was not there. I was bummed. I didn't even really want coffee. As I stared at the pastry case thinking that sugar might make up for the walk Shannon came around the corner. The first things out of her mouth were, "Trisha! How are you? It's so weird that you are here because I have been having all of these 'God moments' lately and I have been thinking that maybe I need to go to church." That was rad to hear. I let her know that I had only come to see her and that God has been putting her on my heart and that I am praying for her. I think I am going to go to class with her at USC sometime soon. I am so glad I got out of bed. 

By the way, I preached yesterday at church on Philippians 4:4-9. I am thankful for God to speak through me even though I always have a mini internal freak out right before.