Hello friends,
Today, we made a choice. We chose not to look at our bare shelves with fearful hearts. We chose instead to look to the Lord. It is all to easy to become fearful when looking through the eyes of a human. But we chose to look through the eyes of the Lord. And what did we see?
Well, I am glad that you asked.
We saw an opportunity for God to show Himself faithful once again. We saw an opportunity for Him to be glorified. He is good. He is right on time. He is faithful. He is trustworthy. And He is immeasurably kind.
Over the past few weeks, we have been operating on a day to day basis regarding assistance. Times are tough. The needs of the community have increased dramatically, while donations have been slow. We have literally been provided "our daily bread" time and time again.
Today, we opened with no money and very, very little food. Then it happened. A check came in that was specified for the purchase of food!! We sent several volunteers out on a "food run." They returned with enough to allow for this day. A little while later, a kind woman came in and asked, "What can I do for you? My family has been blessed this year and we want to help." She provided the resources that sustained us for this day.
We are so thankful to the Lord. We remain in awe of His working among us. We give Him the glory for ALL these things and more.
Yes indeed, as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD!!!!!
In Christ,
Laura
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5
Hello friends.
I hope that you are well.
They came in on Friday. Two sisters and their husbands. They brought bad news with them. Their father Mr Bernie, was dying at Emory Hospital. I know their father and mother. They have been married for 25 years. They are both on SSI. They come to the Co-op themselves and I have grown to love them both.
Mr Bernie had been waiting on approval for surgery on his heart. The approval came too late and now it is too risky to operate on his weakened and frail body. My own heart broke.
Due to financial hardship, Mr. Bernie's life insurance had lapsed in recent months. There is no money to bury him. I ached for this family.
Praise God for His angels. After several phone calls, we discovered that DFACS will bury Mr. Bernie. A pine box. A local cemetery.
Tears of relief began to flow. The sisters left the Co-op to go see the cemetery and report back to their mama, who has not left Mr. Bernie's side.
I can picture all too well the scene. Emory Hospital. Visits from the Palliative Care team, who are there to help you make those decisions that no one wants to make. I can picture the room where Mr. Bernie lays. Less that 6 months ago, my own sweet father lay in that same hospital. My own daddy lay in the room next door to where Mr. Bernie lays tonight. That same care team was there to help us to make those decisions that we did not want to make. The beeps of the machines that sustain life. The compassion on the faces of the staff. The searing pain.
I gave the sisters my box of tissue, packed a snack bag for the waiting room, and provided much needed gas cards. (Thank you to all who donate Kroger and Walmart gift cards that can be used to purchase gas)
They left and took with them a piece of my heart. As I continue to grieve over my loss, the Lord continues to heal and love. The Lord continues to stretch me and show me His love for others. I am Blessed beyond words. And it is clear that God intends for me to use everything I have to reach out to others in His name. Everything. Even my pain.
Praise God.
I hope that you are well.
They came in on Friday. Two sisters and their husbands. They brought bad news with them. Their father Mr Bernie, was dying at Emory Hospital. I know their father and mother. They have been married for 25 years. They are both on SSI. They come to the Co-op themselves and I have grown to love them both.
Mr Bernie had been waiting on approval for surgery on his heart. The approval came too late and now it is too risky to operate on his weakened and frail body. My own heart broke.
Due to financial hardship, Mr. Bernie's life insurance had lapsed in recent months. There is no money to bury him. I ached for this family.
Praise God for His angels. After several phone calls, we discovered that DFACS will bury Mr. Bernie. A pine box. A local cemetery.
Tears of relief began to flow. The sisters left the Co-op to go see the cemetery and report back to their mama, who has not left Mr. Bernie's side.
I can picture all too well the scene. Emory Hospital. Visits from the Palliative Care team, who are there to help you make those decisions that no one wants to make. I can picture the room where Mr. Bernie lays. Less that 6 months ago, my own sweet father lay in that same hospital. My own daddy lay in the room next door to where Mr. Bernie lays tonight. That same care team was there to help us to make those decisions that we did not want to make. The beeps of the machines that sustain life. The compassion on the faces of the staff. The searing pain.
I gave the sisters my box of tissue, packed a snack bag for the waiting room, and provided much needed gas cards. (Thank you to all who donate Kroger and Walmart gift cards that can be used to purchase gas)
They left and took with them a piece of my heart. As I continue to grieve over my loss, the Lord continues to heal and love. The Lord continues to stretch me and show me His love for others. I am Blessed beyond words. And it is clear that God intends for me to use everything I have to reach out to others in His name. Everything. Even my pain.
Praise God.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
..gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. Isaiah 51:11
Dear friends.
I hope that you are well and strengthened in the Lord today.
The Coop was closed on Monday due to the snow that blanketed the ground on Sunday. What a beautiful sight. As a reminder to all. the Coop follows the Gwinnett County School System with regard to weather related closings. We look forward to serving our neighbors on Thursday.
By now you all are hopefully aware of our outreach event quickly approaching. We are so excited to have Charles Marshall, a wonderful Christian comedian, performing a benefit show on Saturday March 7th at 7:00 pm. The Snellville United Methodist Church has graciously allowed the Coop to use it's facilities for this event. You may purchase tickets through the Coop (770) 985 -5229, or at the door on the night of the event. For more info on the particulars see our website at segwinnettcoop.org.
I met Charles and his wife Laura, when they came to the Coop a few weeks ago. I was so grateful to the Marshall's as they provided encouraging words of support. Isn't that how God works? I thought I would be the one "giving" to them that day. A tour, insight, words, etc. of all that the Lord is accomplishing through this ministry. Instead, the Lord "gave" to me. New friends and partners in ministry. And of course, Charles made me LOL!!! I needed it that day. I am always amazed at the workings of the Lord.
I encourage you to join us this weekend. It will be a wonderful night of praising God, belly laughing, and reaching out to make a true difference in our community for the sake of the Lord.
I hope that you are well and strengthened in the Lord today.
The Coop was closed on Monday due to the snow that blanketed the ground on Sunday. What a beautiful sight. As a reminder to all. the Coop follows the Gwinnett County School System with regard to weather related closings. We look forward to serving our neighbors on Thursday.
By now you all are hopefully aware of our outreach event quickly approaching. We are so excited to have Charles Marshall, a wonderful Christian comedian, performing a benefit show on Saturday March 7th at 7:00 pm. The Snellville United Methodist Church has graciously allowed the Coop to use it's facilities for this event. You may purchase tickets through the Coop (770) 985 -5229, or at the door on the night of the event. For more info on the particulars see our website at segwinnettcoop.org.
I met Charles and his wife Laura, when they came to the Coop a few weeks ago. I was so grateful to the Marshall's as they provided encouraging words of support. Isn't that how God works? I thought I would be the one "giving" to them that day. A tour, insight, words, etc. of all that the Lord is accomplishing through this ministry. Instead, the Lord "gave" to me. New friends and partners in ministry. And of course, Charles made me LOL!!! I needed it that day. I am always amazed at the workings of the Lord.
I encourage you to join us this weekend. It will be a wonderful night of praising God, belly laughing, and reaching out to make a true difference in our community for the sake of the Lord.
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