9. F.H.E

Monday I went over to my neighbor's house because we were going to go visit another friend together. She was unable to go that night, so we set something up for the next day. I knew that she was probably busy later on, but I decided that I would still invite her to family night with us. She asked what it was. I explained a little about family night and she said that she was too busy tonight and wouldn't be able to come. I said "so you are busy today, but do you want to come another day?" She said yes she would. And you have to know that she really seemed genuine. She has told me yes, and no, so I know that she is telling me the truth when she says she wants to come.
So one more step forward to sharing more of the gospel with her. This is so exciting!
I also found out that this friend we were going to visit had previously invited her to the progressive dinner and to church in years past, but she was turned down. My neighbor said no and that she would be too uncomfortable. That really made me think about what she said to me the night of the progressive dinner this year... that she believed her eyes are opened to things now that they couldn't see in the past. I felt like that was signifigant, and feel like she is ready for more right now. She is ready to ask her questions, and it would be wonderful to help her find the answers.
It also made me realize even more, that it doesn't matter when people say no, or turn you down. You seriously don't know when you are planting those seeds. I know that my friend who invited her before was planting those little seeds, and little by little they have grown. I have been so grateful for that, and her efforts, so that now when I try to reach out, she is ready for a little more.

My Advice: Reach out to your neighbors, whether they are members of your church or not, they can become some of your best friends. It's so nice to have a close community and know the people that live around you. I have found that I have a lot more in common with my neighbors than I thought I might.

What will I do next?: Make Matt teach the family night lesson. :)

8. "Progress"ive Dinner

So last night was the dinner. I admit that I was worried all the way until I picked up my neighbor that she might back out, even though I know she's not the flaky type. But you know how it is to get your hopes up and then have them dashed, so I was excited that she really came with me. As we were walking to the door for dinner she told me that she had never done anything like this before, but she really liked it and was having a good time. She seemed to enjoy herself. On the way home she told me that someone had told her that we don't believe in the same Jesus that she does. I told her that we definetely believe in Jesus Christ. She told me that she believed that as she got older her eyes have been opened to different things that she wasn't ready for earlier in life. She said that her old friend was a bishops wife and she had gone to our church with her a few times. She had lots of questions though. I told her I would be happy to try to answer any questions she might have and told her if she ever wanted to come to church with me that I would love the company.
The day before the dinner I went to her house to make sure she could still come adn we had some cake and talked a bit, she is quite religious and has been feeling that same sense of urgency to get prepared that many of us have been feeling. She asked me about food storage and different things that I had in mine.
Overall I think that it was a great night, and I continued to get to know her better. She is open to things I have to say and seems to be interested right now.

My Advice: Take advantage of every opportunity you have to share the gospel, especially with your friends.

What will I do next? : Well she said that she has a lot of questions, and Matt suggested that we have her over for family night. I think that I will invite her.