A new appreciation for an old word

     Years ago when I worked for an advertising agency I enjoyed learning a little about what makes a commercial effective. Creativity is important because there are so many variables to consider in relating to the consumer. I've seen a commercial recently and each time it has struck a deeper cord within me.  Their advertising worked on me with the sound of a word.  The word is insieme (in see m a), the Italian word for together. The commercial is for baby bow tie pasta and you can be sure I am going to buy some. :)
    Since I found a new way to say together I've been doing a lot of thinking about what together means. I'm saddened with how little "togetherness" most of us are participating in. I think the reason is that we've come to the conclusion that togetherness is not all that important and we can do okay without it these days. I don't want to do just "okay". Do you?
    We can't do without it. The truth is we were designed by God to be together. He made it that way so we would need each other. We are designed for spiritual, physical, emotional and mental togetherness. We have His word on it. He said in Genesis 2:18 that it is not good for man (one human being) to be alone so he made him a companion to help him. Many people think that their situations would be better if others weren't involved. It is time to see others as a help, not a hindrance and time to see ourselves as a helper in other lives. It is time to see that we can contribute something of  value to someone else and to appreciate the value they can contribute to us.
     We have a longing inside of us for togetherness. Togetherness can happen in lots of different settings but the true essence of togetherness is not simply being in physical proximity with others. There has to be a connection and for connection to happen someone has to reach out and take something of themselves and give it away with the hope of it being received.
     I believe with all my heart that there are many people around us ready to receive.                                        
     I hope you experience  insieme  this Thanksgiving.
     Let it be more than a visit to another house and good holiday food.
     Be thankful to God and to others.
     Be insieme and be glad to be insieme.


I came across this old picture of myself, my mom and my two children taken in 1989.  I think you will agree everyone was happy to be insieme.

  

Share the goodness

I love ideas. They are everywhere. Open eyes and hearts find them in all kinds of places.  I found one today I want to pass on to you.  It is a Thanksgiving idea from another wonderful blog I found called Apron Memories.  National Tie One On Day is November 24.  Here's how it works:  on the day before Thanksgiving Day you wrap up a baked good in an apron with a note of encouragement. Deliver your bundle to a friend, a neighbor, co-worker, or anyone you think of that you want to bless. On her website (blog button on my site) you can download a card to include in your bundle.  What a wonderful idea!
     Most people think of aprons as only something practical.  They have a rich history.  They tell stories. You can find one in all shapes, colors, sizes.  There are free patterns on the internet to make one.  There is an apron for everyone.  If you don't have one. Now is the time. Give yourself a bundle and someone else as well. My favorite apron is red. I've decided its time for another apron or two so I suppose its time to go shopping. What girl can have enough aprons?
      By the way-  you don't have to bake something.  The baking came come from another person's hands but the note of encouragement can come from your heart .  Hope you "tie one on" for someone this year and share your the goodness that has come your way. In case you haven't thought about it lately- when you do something "good"  God is shining through your life to someone else.
                                                                          Pamela  Ann