Welcome....

As I sit here in front of the computer, I see the sunshine dancing off the water and reflecting onto the beams of this old cottage that I call home.

The air is crisp, and the leaves are falling lazily to the ground.

It's the time of year when I bring the things that adorn the gardens inside.

I decorate with garden ware inside the cottage year around.

In the colder months, I bring things from outside.... inside to enjoy until the gardens are ready to wake up, and welcome their beloved ornaments back into the "family".

Gardens seem to give a home a warm...welcoming feeling.

When you see a lovely garden, don't you want to take a stroll through it?

For example, when I visit Bella's blog (Bella's Rose Cottage) I always enjoy taking a walk through her gardens. Her photos, and narrations give you the feeling that you are right there along side her.

She doesn't use fancy words, or try to impress you with her eloquent writing. Bella talks to you like you are a friend, stopping by to say hello.

She keeps it simple, yet says so much!

Bella doesn't need to impress you with her words...she lets the flowers say it all.

There are situations in your own neighborhood that  might touch on this idea of feeling welcomed.

It's difficult to move into a place when friendships are already established.

If you are someone that isn't very outgoing, it makes it even more difficult.

As time passes, and you see people gathering for parties, you feel more and more isolated.

When you do get the courage to join in, you just feel like an outsider. People converse with you, but not for long. You don't seem to connect with anyone. You go home feeling worse.

In my situation, I work. My hours don't permit me to attend things that the other women go to.

Just last night I was driving home from work and passed the home of the hostess of the Fall get-together for the women in the neighborhood. It isn't their fault that I had to work. But I did feel sad that I couldn't attend.

I'm trying to make more of an effort to step out of my comfort zone in the area of making friends here. In doing so, I've made a friend. She's been a real help to me.  I'm thankful that God put her in my life.

Places of employment are also another place that we should be mindful of welcoming new people. It's very intimidating to start a new job. You are trying to fit in, and you know you are low man on the totem pole. The pecking order seems to start the first day. Certain people seem to be watching your every move.
Thank goodness there are helpful people in the workplace. They were new once themselves. They remember what it was like to be the new employee. Those people will take you under their wing, and stand by you to make you feel welcome. They understand. 
Just remember that when it's your turn to welcome the next new person to the job.

There are other ways to welcome someone.

Like...a hurting friend.

Opening your heart, and letting them in.

If they need to share something very private that is happening in their life. Something that no one else needs to know. Be that person that they can trust.

Maybe you have something you can share with them that will let them know that they are not alone.

Something that will touch their heart in a way to relate, and reassure them that you understand.

No judgement, or condemnation.

Just a welcome heart.

Knowing what to say is not always necessary;

just the presence of a caring friend

can make a world of difference.

Sheri Curry

I truly hope I've always made you feel welcome to my blog. 

It's not the most elegant blog.

The background is never decorated.

I am not the well versed writer that others seem to be.

My images aren't the best....but...I pray that God has used this blog to convey a message to someone, at sometime.

Open your hearts to the love God instills....

God loves you tenderly. What He gives you

is not to be kept under lock and key, but to be shared.

Mother Teresa

xoxoxoxoxo