Tag: friends

Posted in Christian Service, Life Inspiration

Going off the Grid

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off the grid

Some may or may not have noticed that my posts have been somewhat sporadic of late. Although family responsibilities have attributed to some of my time away, it has more often been an intentional time off the grid. I needed some time to reconnect with the creative side of me that social networking sometimes consumes. I’ve painted a little, gotten to know a girl named Miriam, worked on some book material, wrote a song, picked and grinned and just overall enjoyed the time…it was long overdue… and not yet finished.

In Matthew 14:22 it says “And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.” Constrained meaning He had to force them to go.

Jesus had just lost His cousin and friend John the Baptist, He’d had compassion on the multitude and healed the sick, He’d fed 5000 with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fishes…. I’m exhausted just writing the words. He’d been through the wringer in His personal life and in the ministry and so had His friends. The day to day issues of our lives are much the same if you’re involved in ministering to people; there comes a time when you just have to get away. It’s unfortunate that I don’t have a mountain to steal away to, I have a kitchen table; so that has to do and it does. My grid’s not very big, so it doesn’t take me too long to go off the grid and get back.

Jesus’ grid must not have been very big either…

23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

Jesus wasn’t gone very long until His friends were facing contrary times again. That’s life, is it not? We’re coming out of one trial and going into the next. There’s an occasional reprieve but they’re rare; granted most are minuscule  in comparison to the trials of other people, but they’re ours and it daunting none the less. It takes its toll on you emotionally and physically and above all spiritually. So what’s a gal to do?

Go off the grid for a little while, and not just 15 minutes or an hour. Find yourself some serious time, get your bible and gather your gifts… and allow God to minister to your soul. Gifts? Mine was a paint brush and canvas, a guitar and a computer. All things that I already had… God’s generally already given you what you need. Just go. Take the phone off the hook, or at best check caller I.D. You know the calls you shouldn’t answer!

As I said… I didn’t have a mountain or a hotel to go to… although that would have been nice! All I had was a kitchen table and it was very nice. I really didn’t even go off the grid, just to the edge of it away from the hoopla of life. You can do it! Let me know how it goes.

Posted in Life Inspiration

Is there such a thing as a couth checker?

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I feel as though my blog should come with a disclaimer… “Warning!!! Mind not fully functional when written.” I was re-reading a blog I had written a few days ago after someone posted a comment on it, and my first thought was…. Wow… I’m glad they can read between the lines because the typos were ridiculous! The spelling was correct, but the grammar use was in need of help! Wrong use of verbs, missing words, etc. It was in dire need of a proof read before it ever hit the network. I wondered why the grammar check on Microsoft Word ® didn’t catch it; turns out it thinks sentences like “A pastor have never called me before” is correct English. Evidently so did my mind in the wee hours of Sunday morning. The proper use of “words” seems to be on my mind a lot lately. I’ve bit my tongue off a time or two lately to keep from sharing my mind at inopportune moments. Mostly with insensitive people who didn’t get the manners memo.

Icouths there such a thing as a “Couth checker?” Sometimes I need one too.  But for the sake of spiritual encouragement this morning, let’s assume you and I are okay in the manners department. That could change in a heartbeat if we’re surrounded by negative, ill willed people.

1 Corinthians 15:33 says – Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

I guess that’s our Heavenly Father’s way of saying “Show me your friends and I’ll show you who you are or who you soon shall be.” But what about people we’re around in the course of a day for which we don’t have control of? Believe me, they influence us more than we realize, either negatively or positively. I’ve mimicked a friend at church who exclaimed to me one day “Jeepers Socks Shari, I don’t know,” so many times that it is now a favorite exclamation of my own. I don’t do it out of disrespect, I love it and him! It reminds me of a simpler time in life when the harshest word we heard on television was darn and it meant serious business. Now our kids are blasted with profanity from every direction, the teaching of manners is a thing of the past, and it has become common practice for rudeness to be socially approved. Jeepers socks! Have we no sense?

That’s why it’s important to flood our mind with goodness as much as possible. Good Christian friends, good Christian music, the Word of God, Preaching and Bible teaching. Keep a generous supply on hand! Put the Bible on your smartphone, carry a pocket bible or write it on an index card! Whatever you have to do to spiritually encourage yourself during the day or when you’re away from goodness and Jeepers Socks kind of people.

Posted in Life Inspiration

It’s Trash Day!

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I'd be much more apt to do take out the trash if my cans looked like this!
If all trash were this pretty…

This morning is trash day in our part of the world. I actually put mine out last night, but every day should be trash day in the life of a child of God. We are inundated every minute of the day and night (or so it seems) with trash from the world around us; those who feel compelled to violate our space with their junk. Scroll down a social media page for more than 30 posts and if your thoughts are not violated in some manner, your friends are better than mine.  That is the number of posts on my page before I ran into a not so godly post. So you say… “Get rid of that friend,” (number 1 that was family) and number 2, I’m shocked at how many Christians post stupidity in the name of comedy. I will not however unfriend and offend a friend or family member because of a slightly off color post, there are lines they can cross where they’re gone like a bad sitcom. I want them to see my post and hopefully be encouraged! So what do I do with the trash I inadvertently ingest? It seems to fly out the window of my mind when I feed on the positive and encouraging things of life like the word of God, Christian blogs, listening to the gospel preached or music sung.

I get so tired of hearing Christians complaining that there’s nothing good on television, the internet or in their community entertainment. Where do you live?  For every 30th not so good post, there are 29 positive (in my social media world) it may vary in yours. So stop parking on 30. Television media may not be so user friendly but if you determine to only park on the positive you can find it… or turn it off, pick up the Bible or a devotion, plug into some Christian music and worship the One who is only good. And then when you hear that good word… share it. Don’t be the 30th.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Posted in Life Inspiration

Wisdom for the Weary

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Psalm 1…

Six small verses, yet a lifetime of wisdom if we’d only take heed. Needing to hear the wisdom of God myself, below is a running commentary of my thoughts on Psalm 1.

HOW TO PICK A FRIEND

1Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly,

COUNSEL OF THE UNGODLY – Those who are anti God, who do not think in the spiritual sense about the earthly sense. I’m flabbergasted that Christians think it’s strange that I put a spiritual spin on everything in my life… please take note that I’m not saying I’m sin free or guilt free in life; that would be far, far from the truth. I’m a sinner saved by grace; but I cannot separate my spiritual walk from my secular walk. So… should I seek counsel, I’m not going to go to those who do. I want the opinion of someone who’s in touch with God on the events in their life as well.

 nor standeth in the way of sinners,

SINNERS – Blatant disregard for the commandments of God. We are all sinners saved by grace, but there are those who fail to acknowledge any responsibility for living scripturally and to “hang out” with them is asking for trouble in your own spiritual walk. The old adage “Show me your friends and I’ll show you who you are, or who you soon shall be,” speaks volumes of truth.

nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

SCORNFUL – Disrespectful, discouraging, mocking people who spend more time tearing you down than building you up. I absolutely refuse to spend time with people who leave me feeling as though I’ve been pummeled beneath the hooves of a horse but it’s not to say I’m not exposed to them. I just don’t “sit” and have a lengthy conversation with them.

HOW TO PLAN A PARTY!

2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord;

THE LAW – the Word of God. If you want to start and end your day rejoicing tune your mind in to the Word of God all day and by day’s end you’ll have joy in your soul! It’s soothes your soul like drinking an ice cold water on the hottest day of the year. I and promise because the Word of God promises that it is the Word of life.

Philippians 2:16

Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

 and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

MEDITATE – to ponder and reflect, to take the Word of God and chew on it until all the flavors gone, only to discover that Willy Wonka’s gobstopper had nothing on the Word of God, it never runs out of flavor!

HOW TO PLOT A JOURNEY

3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Don’t move. Sounds simple enough, but not really logical if you think of it in the literal sense. But if you think about it in the spiritual sense its truth. No matter where you go in life, get there and plant yourself deeply in the Word of God, seeking for the Wisdom of God and the Will of God, and He’ll take care of the rest.

THE PLIGHT OF ALL OTHERS.

4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6 For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

The sad truth is, all who do not seek God and His ways will perish in the end. It’s our job to PACK A PUNCH for the Kingdom of God by living a life that all may see evidence of God and His plan.

Posted in Life Inspiration

She’s got issues

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woman issue of blood

I’ve said it about “her” and I’ve been her. Issues! If we confess our hearts we’ll have to admit we’ve all still got a few, albeit my issues go far deeper than that of a physical sense. But women are the worst about pointing out another woman’s issues. There I said it. Yes it’s a gender biased statement, and although men have their own issues, women are far worse at pointing out someone else’s and then bringing it to the table to make a dessert of that conversation. There was a woman in the bible who had an issue of blood for twelve years, she no doubt had gotten weaker and weaker until at this point she was either going to face death, or she was going to get healed, but she’d had enough of the world’s theories.

Mark 5

25 And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,

26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,

27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.

28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.

It doesn’t say anything about four men carrying her bed and dropping it down through a roof top to Jesus to be healed. It says that she alone came up behind Jesus and touched the hem of His garment for she knew if she could just do that she’d be okay. I have to wonder, where were her girlfriends? Why had they not accompanied her to the Master, why did she have to go alone? Why that thought’s on my heart this morning I don’t know, but I know one thing for sure I’ve seen enough girlfriends in my life with issues who didn’t have the support they needed to make it to the Master.

This lady’s determination for healing had driven her to her knees at the heels of Jesus. Not fallen at His feet before Him but trying to sneak upon the Lord! She didn’t want to bother Him, she just wanted to touch the hem of His garment. She’d paid all her finances to the physicians in town who had done her absolutely no good, and without financial support they’d not bother treating her again. She was as low as she could get and Jesus was her last option.

29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.

30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?

31 And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?

She was unseen by anyone in the crowd. Even the disciples, Jesus’ closest friends hadn’t noticed the woman at His heels. I’m sure she likely preferred it that way, she just wanted to be well, and nobody else had been able to help her, and if the issue itself hadn’t done her in, the shame from the issue was going to.

32 And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.

33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.

34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

Her physical issue was healed from behind Jesus, but not until she was face to face with Jesus was she ready to face the world. She didn’t jump up and praise the Lord when she felt the issue dry up, she just wanted to slink back into the crowd. She was grateful, but that issue had gotten her enough attention from the world, she’d been that woman with the issue long enough.

My issue this morning is not with the woman, it’s with the missing friends. Perhaps they were the ones with the greater issue. The ones too busy to help, not wanting to be shamed by her issue. I’ve been the one at the heels of Jesus, I’ve been the absentee friend and the one who spoke of her issues in a gossiping manner. We all need Jesus. Press on girlfriends. Look for that friend who needs carried, don’t let the guys show us up.

Posted in Life Inspiration

Hanging on to hope… again

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What feels like forever ago was actually just a few years, when I lead a group of students at our local high school in a drug prevention program. It wasn’t “just” a job; I had long since moved on from that theory after Jesus saved my soul and realizing that nothing just happens. I laid hold of Paul’s words to the Philippians in Philippians 3:14:

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

It was indeed a high calling and an opportunity to minister and to be ministered to. Yea, I know… Jesus is not allowed in public school, right? Whether they like or not Jesus is there when children who know Christ are bold enough to put Him there and adults have enough back bone to support them.

This morning is more of a reflection of gratitude for a life that I was privileged to have a miniscule piece of time in. I learned yesterday that one of the students in that program committed suicide, probably about 20-21 years of age. He had left West Virginia and joined the Air Force and other than an occasional look at his Facebook status I really had no clue as to what he was up to. But he had put a mark on my life that gives me sweet peace this morning.

The bible tells us in Philippians 3:17 ~

Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

Mark them. Strong’s Concordance defines this as “to take aim at and heed to.” On more than one occasion this young man would come into my office and set for long periods of time and discuss his relationship with Christ before his peers. What a blessing he was! And I don’t say that “just because.” It’s truth. One of those peers posted on Facebook this morning

Today my brother and best friend left this world to be with Jesus. He rekindled my flame with the lord, and through example showed me there is nothing to be ashamed of. Because of (him) I rededicated my life to Christ on January 3, 2014. You will be missed until we meet again.

He took heed to his friend and because of it they both have hope.

Hope in a suicide? Suicide is the most tragic of deaths. Because the victim of a saved person’s suicide is the family and friends left behind to deal with the unanswered questions. It’s unfair. But praise God that they have hope of seeing him again!

How does one get to the point of suicide if they have Jesus residing in their soul?  I don’t have that answer, only that it serves as a reminder to us all that the world can consume us if we’re not careful to keep our eyes on Jesus. And the need to keep our eyes on one another who bear the mark of Jesus. Loving each other, looking out for each other.

There’s another “mark” that Paul spoke of in Romans 16:17:

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

There will be those who will take a circumstance such as this and use it to further the nonsense that people who are saved don’t have issues in life. Mark them and avoid them. Don’t let anyone steal your hope in life. And if you are someone who struggles with life, please reach out to a friend in the faith. Don’t let Satan convince you that taking your life is an answer. It causes a host of other problems in your passing and denies God His purpose for your life.

Just a side note. This Jesus Chick loves ya today. And so does Jesus.

Posted in Church attendance, Life Inspiration, salvation

A Millisecond Between Redemption and Rejection

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So this morning’s worship service attendance is two; myself and Sammy the Jack Russell. I opened up with a song (that is the Baptist way you know) on my guitar singing “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.” I’m glad no one was here trying to sing with me as I stumbled through the chord changes, but I believe God appreciated my effort. On my mind not long after my eyes opened this morning was the scripture in Luke 21:28 ~  And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

I think a lot about the return of Jesus, mostly out of concern for family and friends who do not know Him and live each day as if they’re guaranteed another and we’re just not. The reality is there will be a millisecond of time between redemption and rejection. That sobering thought makes my stomach roll over.

When I gathered myself for worship this morning I asked God if the Holy Spirit would be my preacher today. I just wanted to hear from Him… not my thoughts. Being out of church on Sunday always messes with my day, it’s like skipping class in front of the teacher… it ain’t right, God knows where you’re at! And indeed He did know, and He’s teaching me well. Prior to this verse Jesus was teaching a few other people in the temple, mainly some smug religious folks that weren’t paying attention. There was a widow who came to church and as she put her two mites into the offering, Jesus pointed out to those in attendance that she had given her entire income, but they took no notice of her. Instead they began to discuss how good God was to give them such a great and awesome building made of beautiful stones. Jesus’ response to that was “As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”

They began to question Him as to when that time would come and how would they know and His answer (as it still is today) wasn’t one they likely wanted to hear. They’ll be false teachers, wars, and rumors of wars, nation shall rise against nation, persecution of Christians and the weather will be crazy! (all of that of course is paraphrased Shari style); but if you read the entire chapter it sounds like today’s headlines. And then He caps it off with that statement “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”

The religious people were so impressed with the building God had provided that they had forgotten the Builder, but not the widow. She gave all she had in faith believing that the God Who provided the temple, could certainly provide her dinner. What faith! That’s the faith that’s needed to make it through hard times. The world’s a scary place but God’s warnings were not to instill fear but to allow us to be prepared.

Luke 21:34-36 ~ And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, (indulgence or gluttony) and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Don’t be afraid, be ready. And share the word of God with friends and family.

Have someone you’re concerned about, I’m concerned about them too, share my page and hopefully they’ll follow this link and be saved!

https://thejesuschick.com/the-road-to-salvation/

Posted in Uncategorized

A Call for Prayer for my Sweet Friends…

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Relief effort begins after Philippine typhoon

This is how God works. Country girl (me) who seldom traveled to neighboring states falls in love with God and then discovers the awesomeness of God’s people and their diversity. So God branches her out through a thriving Bible believing church and Bible College and introduces her to the President of Marietta Bible College and Pastor, Dr. Myron Guiler. Marietta Bible College is a mission based training college that brings foreign students to the United States, trains them and returns them to their country. Through their affiliates they receive support and are able to minister in their field with a little help from their friends in the U.S.A.

Because I’m tech savvy (just enough to be dangerous) I began working for the college to get students registered through the federal portal that brings them into the country. Through that relationship my love for the foreign students grew much deeper and I guess didn’t go un-noticed. Dr. Guiler at the end of class one year announced that I’d been invited to go with his ministry team to the Philippine Islands and see the work first hand. And what a humbling experience it was…

I watched as 5,000 Filipino’s gathered under a newly built outdoor revival stadium for two weeks, in the heat of the day through the calm of the night for 12 hours they sat and listened to the gospel every day. Unencumbered by the heat, or the sleeping conditions (concrete bungalows) they worshipped and the altar would be lined with literally thousands pouring their hearts out to Christ. I’ve never witnessed anything like it. I was treated like royalty and cried for days, and still cry thinking about those precious times. I was privileged to sing there and left a piece of my heart when I headed home. I’ll never forget them.

So… when I see the devastation of the typhoon, my heart is so very broken. I’d love to catch the next flight out of here and minister to them the way they ministered to me. But alas, it must be from afar.

Please join with me in prayer for not only the few listed below, but the thousands of hurting, displaced people in that land. I love them, and I love you. Thanks!

Pastor Fidel Racal’s brand new church building is gone, plus his own house and car. Praise God the people of his church were not harmed. Four or five other Independent Baptist Mission for Asia churches in that area were damaged and one church in Ormoc. These are friends through Marietta Bible College who were trained there and then returned home to minister. Please pray for God’s mercy and a quick healing of that land. Pray for comfort and most of all pray that even through this tragedy our Lord will be glorified by seeing souls saved. None of us are promised another breath. It can happen here as well.

When sorrow strikes a foreign land

And hearts are broken deep

Their images burn in my mind

And cause my soul to weep.

Yes the tears fall from my eyes

But deep in the well in they grow

For at the very core of me

Is God Who makes it so.

He placed within this heart of mine

a love for all His kin

Those who live great miles apart

And those in the town I’m in.

I long for the day when sorrows gone

No tears will be shed in that place

But God will soothe our trouble hearts

Until He we see Him face to face.

Shari L. Johnson (11/12/13)

Posted in Uncategorized

Are You Somebody to Anybody?

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Living in a small rural community has its pros and cons. For one thing everybody knows everyone, and everyone knows everything about everybody. There are busybodies and nobodies, and people who think they are somebodies. When something happens to somebody everybody talks about it and sometimes the truth isn’t even in the middle; but it made for interesting conversation on the porch on a Saturday night. And sometimes makes for interesting prayer requests on Sunday morning. That’s rural community in a nutshell. Everybody knows just enough about everything to be dangerous, but we’re still community, at least for now.

Rural community is at risk of becoming a victim of the global community. The information highway has opened portals to wild and exotic places that can make community look very routine. Families have lost focus of one another and smartphones having stolen their lives. Color me guilty. It wasn’t until I read an article, (yes it was online) about a recent murder in San Francisco, where multiple times prior to shooting and killing a young man, a video camera caught the murderer as he brandished and pointed his weapon at others on the train unnoticed. No one noticed until he fired a fatal shot.

John 2:1-10

And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.

So what does the wedding of Cana have to do with a murder on a train in San Francisco?

Family and Community.

Jesus and the disciples had been invited to the wedding for which Mary is keenly aware of the orchestration of the event. When the wine was running empty it was she who brought the news to Jesus. I have to wonder if she had not seen Him perform a miracle or two before. Surely He had practiced and she was His mother after all. Do you suppose? Anyway…back to my point. Jesus was all about the community. He was where they were. He wasn’t hold up in room somewhere.

He was among them.

He celebrated their victories, He came to their house for dinner, and He was at the festivals and fairs. Community was important to Him and it should be to us. Church is of great importance, but a family dinner or event has a place in our lives. And while we’re there the phones should be put away and our focus on those around us.

He was aware of them

His mother brought the need for wine to His attention and you get the feeling He scolded her somewhat when he said Woman, what have I to do with thee? I don’t get the feeling it was in anger but more as one of those conversations between Mother and Child, “Really Mom, you want me to do that here?” mine hour is not yet come. He wasn’t ready to divulge that He was Lord, but she knew. Perhaps she’d watched Him practice.

He was accountable for them

The wine may have seemed like a trivial thing, but it was important to the community. There could have possibly been shame on the bridegroom for not having prepared adequately for the event. Shame that they spoke about for months down the line, you know how small communities are. But Jesus took care of it. They’d be talking about this party for months to come but not for shame, for glory!

Jesus was all about community! I hope this weekend you’ll spare a little time for your community. Put the cell phone away, call a few friends, go to someone’s house for dinner or invite them into yours. Be among them, be aware of them, and make yourself accountable to see that small community lives on.