LiveSlow

Jericho Walk

Yesterday I walked around my block seven times. It was a long walk against a strong, cold wind. The last time I did that, was in response to God's leading, but this time I just did it because it'd worked before and I didn't know what else to do. My neighbor's malicious harassment of other neighbors is mostly done in secret. She calls the police like you'd call a pizza delivery man. She has a list of infractions:

Things like kids playing basketball in the street and blocking the flow of traffic. We have no traffic and there is no flow! She calls if she sees a kid step on her grass. She slanders people. She lies about them. She calls to say that children are being neglected because they're playing outside unattended.....kids blowing bubbles on their lawn are now considered neglected. Even the police are irritated but they have to respond to every call. I'm pretty sure she gets her jollies this way.

My neighbors have had a window broken, motor oil spilled in their beach coolers, a car "keyed"....all in the secret darkness of the night. It's malicious, childish and sad that a grown woman feels the need to behave in this way, but it will all come to light because Jesus brings everything into the light. So yesterday I prayed 7 scriptures as I walked. Each time I got in front of her house I paused, read from the index cards I was holding and prayed. 

I realize I look like the crazy one, especially to them because they saw me and must have been wondering what the heck I was doing.  Well lady, if you're reading this I advise you to get help. I prayed you'd be released from whatever has a hold of you.....anger, bitterness, deceit, rage, arrogance, etc. I prayed your children and our children would remain unharmed and that you'd open your heart to God. And I also prayed this scripture:

"Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your most Holy place. Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts. Repay them for their deeds and for their evil work; repay them for what their hands have done and bring back on them for what they deserve."

                                                                                                           Psalm 28:2-4

Good luck with that last one.

She's at it again!

What, for you, is the hardest teaching of Jesus to apply?

Lately, mine has been (again) on how to love my neighbor. I've been slammed with this one for almost two years and frankly, I'm tired. When I lived outside of DC, I used to lament about not knowing my neighbors. Most people came home from work, drove straight into their garages and were never seen. I used to think it was the wrong way to be, but now that I've experienced the "greener grass" on the other side of the fence, I might change my mind.

For you longtime readers, you'll remember a post a year ago about a wacky neighbor. I had to remove the post......because she's wacky. Long story short, she goes on  bullying sprees and picks on various neighbors maliciously. She did a good job of driving one family out and since then, she's had her eyes on others. Like most bullies, she doesn't pick on people her own size. The first time she got her jollies by harassment, it was against innocent children. Now she's onto a senior citizen couple and I'm so mad I could spit.

The last time this happened, I went on a Jericho walk and prayed.  I'll tell you about that tomorrow.   Jesus tells us plainly:

Luke 6:27

 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.

Luke 6:35

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

I know we're not helpless. I know I'm fighting a spiritual battle and although I used to struggle with a vengeful heart, I thankfully don't feel that now. I'm not storing wrath in my heart, but at the same time, it's really difficult to love your neighbor when she's also an enemy.

 

I Refuse

As you listen to and think about this song...pray about it.  Is there's something God's called you (and nobody but you) to do? Do it - don't refuse!  I am so moved by this song...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbH0IWZL05s

 

 

Snickerdoodles

How did I break my fast?  With banana bread and snickerdoodles. I was actually late to church on Sunday because my banana bread wasn't done and I was determined to eat a piece hot and slathered with butter. I ate it in the car and smacked my kids' hands away when they tried to get some.  

As for the snickerdoodles, I've had lots and lots of them. I'm not kidding... like 15 of them. I was drooling and just waiting to open that oven door. Oh Lord, thank you for creating whomever came up with the idea of snickerdoodles.

What did you break your fast with?

Some things have not changed (my sweet tooth) and some things have (a lessened desire for meat). I still love coffee but can't seem to drink very much of it, which is a good thing.

The best thing of all still belongs to God. Even though my fast ended a few days ago, I'm still reaping the benefits of his goodness and faithfulness. Spiritual breakthrough, answered prayer, peace, and healing work only he can do. 

"My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long." Psalm 71:8