Finding ways to do good

Photo taken by Mandy Sweigart-Quinn

Nathan, PQ and I were headed out this evening and in our travels there was an older woman who was weedeating her entire front lawn. It was really hot and humid today and even though Nathan had just got off work from his own hot and sweaty job, I saw his face and I asked, “are you turning around?” He said, “yes! She shouldn’t be out here.”

PQ and I stayed in his truck but I could tell he didn’t want to scare her so he had his hands up. I don’t know what he said but next thing I know Nathan is weedeating her front yard. (He learned her mower started smoking and died hence why she was weedeating the yard.)

The woman’s 83 year old mother lives with her and she came out and offered Nathan a Diet Pepsi, which he politely refused. The mother started crying because Nathan was kind enough to pull over the side of a busy road and help. Nathan said he would have weedeated the rest of her yard because he didn’t want her out there doing it. But she said, “no” and thanked him profusely for what he did do.

Folks, I don’t share this to brag about Nathan. In fact when he sees this post he will be less than thrilled that I shared this!!! Even with all that is happening in the world, God still gives us opportunities to do good and to help others. May we take the time to notice!!!

Lord God, thank You for all the ways that You direct us to help others. May we never stifle those promptings. May we never stop looking for opportunities to be a light in this dark world. Lord God, thank You for Nathan. Lord God, thank You for this reader. Help us to love You and our neighbors well. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

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Blue Collar Theologian

My name is Mandy Sweigart-Quinn, I live in Lancaster, PA and I am a “Blue Collar Theologian.” I love Jesus! I am passionate about His Word (The Holy Bible)! I come alive when I can encourage others in their walk with Jesus (whether by writing or speaking). As a “Blue Collar Theologian” it is my aim to live/practice/work out my Christian hope with sincerity, authenticity and genuineness. As a “Blue Collar Theologian,” I strive to meet people right where they are (“Incarnational Theology”). I graduated in May 2019 from Capital Seminary and Graduate School with a Master's in Biblical Studies. I am a passionate, excited and enthusiastic person! I love flowers, sports and sunsets. Since January 2, 2018 I have had the privilege of being married to Nathan.

91 thoughts on “Finding ways to do good”

  2. Please tell Nathan thank you from me! We have been trying to find someone that we can hire and pay a fair wage to cut the weeds and grass in our yard. My husband is too weak from his recent cancer treatments to do it, plus he and I both have degenerative disc disease, which causes so much pain when we use the equipment for mowing and weed wacking. I was supposed to have injections in my ruptured discs in my neck back in July, but that had to be postponed when I got the covid. My husband was supposed to have injections in his back in July also, but because the cancer treatment left him so weak, his spine doctor postponed that until he is better.

    Meanwhile, our weeds are growing like crazy and it’s embarrassing. But the people we used to hire to mow our yard aren’t doing that kind of work anymore. I am praying that we find someone like your awesome husband. Because of the mess our yard is in, I can well imagine the huge relief that woman felt. ((HUG))

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  3. Mandy,
    What tender hearts our Lord has given your family! Nathan for his kind works of mercy and you & PQ for your patience as you waited in compassion for the two women. Thank you for sharing. We should be bold in sharing the gospel and caring for our neighbors, whoever they may be as God leads. What joy to know we’re doing it by His grace and in His strength alone!
    pax,
    dora

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    1. Shalom, Dora! Thank you for your kind words! I pray that people see Christ in this and not us. Too often we make excuses or cross the street, turning a blind eye the needs around us because we are overwhelmed, distracted etc. I am thankful for you Dora and for your heart for Jesus and others. You are loved!!!!

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  4. It in in our actions that we can truly reflect Christ and that is what Nathan did and you patiently waiting for him to help the lady out. May we never stifle those promptings. God does indeed give us opportunities but we are reluctant to step out of our comfort and convenience to lend a hand.
    This was so heartwarming to read and such an encouragement.
    God bless you all Mandy 💙🌺

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    1. Exactly! That’s exactly what Nathan said to me, “I couldn’t not help her, I had to help her.” Praise God for men like Marty and Nathan! May God raise up a generation of men who love Christ and others by being obedient to His Word. Love and blessings to you!!!

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      1. Mandy, I try to fish two to three times a week, sometimes more. I usually work off a list of older people, younger guys or kids I want to take fishing. Sometimes I end up alone. I probably have made it out on the lake 25+ times this summer…that’s my long way of answering your question. I should have just said “YES”

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      6. It seems military dot com said the causalities were 11 Marines and 1 Navy Corpsmen (what Army call Medics). 15 more were injured. That’s a whole platoon put out of commission….

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      8. It is; I’m wondering which Marine infantry BN that took this hit, the two Marine Battalions on the ground were one from East Coast and one from the West Coast…

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    1. Wow, thank you for reading this already! Nathan is not happy I shared this because he doesn’t want recognition. I wanted to share with people that there is good being done in the midst of the evil and that we still have opportunities to serve Jesus.

      Nathan and me have a different situation where I am more theological/seminary/academic so I very much appreciate that the Lord has given me someone who literally lives their faith in the public square. I am thankful that Nathan a genuine blue collar worker, helps this blue collar theologian for God’s glory 😁😁😁

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    1. That is great Joseph! We need more people who are willing to volunteer and help those in the community, not just those inside the church walls. Food is a basic necessity and it is so sad to see what is happening around us. I am glad that the grocery stores in your community donate to your food pantry and do not just throw it in the dumpster!!! May God use you and bless you for your service to Him and to others!!!!

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    1. Thanks, Dean! I am praying that people see Jesus in this and not Nathan! It’s the little things in life that really make up who we are and how we live for Christ. I am so thankful for you and Andreia!!! Do you think y’all will ever get a puppy?!

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      1. Yes it’s so true, may Christ be recognized when we do good things! The glory belongs to God almighty. We would love to get a puppy! But we really dont have an ideal home for a dog because it’s quite small and eith a tiny garden, but I still want one! Dogs bring such joy to our hearts! Sending much love to you all! 🥰

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    1. It makes me love Nathan more, I can tell you that. You are a love in action kind of guy as well, Alan and that is a beautiful thing. Thank you for your encouragement and love for us and please know that it is returned to you and your family as well!

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    1. “The true Gospel is a life not a teaching” what an amazingly profound statement! Thank you for this, Brian! I absolutely love your wisdom and I am so, so, so, SO thankful for you! This really humbles me and I thank you and love you so much for it! I can be so excited to be taught and I need this wisdom to take inventory/reflect on how am I really living the Gospel. Seriously Brian, thank you! Love, hugs and blessings!!!

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  20. So good to read this post Mandy. In a world where care and compassion in quickly dwindling, it’s encouraging to know that there are people such as your Nathan. The Lord bless you both .

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      1. Yes, and still trying to recover. Lol! Our flight got canceled and rerouted, so we spent the night on a flight and then in the DFW airport before flying home. We’ve been home since Thursday, but I seriously feel like I’m just trying to get into the groove of things. How are you?

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      2. I totally understand what that’s like! I am glad you had a nice time and get home safely even with all the delays and rerouting. Sitting in the cell lot to pick up my mom at airport so I am good! Love, hugs and blessings!!!

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  30. We kept on going back and forth of where to go…one of these days we do want to visit you all! I got your email, wow thanks for your prayers for this; we’ve not been so enjoying a family trip like this one!

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    1. I am so thankful y’all have this time together! What an absolute gift, yea God! Nathan and I are thinking of heading out to y’all in early 2022. I’m hoping there is hotels that are within walking distance near y’all because Nathan says he drove in LA once before and that was enough!

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