Loaves and Fishes: God's Daily Provisions

Today's another PIZZA provision day!  But, this time, I got to play "Santa Claus".  Some artists friends are dealing with the major flood damage in their basement and the water in their backyard still hasn't receded.  The City finally came out this afternoon to pump out the water and they're supposed to bring a dumpster by Friday so they can really get going on the clean-up process.

Since Porter's Call is a ministry to artists, we sent out a mass email yesterday asking artists to let us know if they have a need and also requested that those who weren't personally affected, give money or volunteer their time to help others.  We've had a great response so far!  We decided to pay it forward and so we ordered 6 pizzas to hand deliver to the family and volunteers!  Papa John's even graciously threw in two free boxes of cheese breadsticks as a thank you for the flood relief efforts.  Al (my boss) and I are going over to help tomorrow or Friday.  It's so fun being generous!

PS - I happened to look at the clock this morning at 6:33AM and just now at 6:33PM!!  If you don't know what I'm referring to, see my post here from last week.

Loaves and Fishes: God's Daily Provisions

Sitting at work this morning, the phone rang and it was a dear friend, Bob, all the way in San Diego.  Concerned for everyone here, he called to check on us and announce that he can't do much from CA but he ordered pizza for us and was having it delivered.  This man lives and breathes Jesus and is an incredible godly example to ALL who meet him.

He founded an amazing ministry called Restore International in Uganda.  Our organization, Porter's Call, is getting involved and is collecting $5 from everyone who comes in for counseling so we can write a large check at the end of the year and help build a music room at Restore Academy.  In addition, we're going to fill it with instruments!!  We're excited to be part of this project.  Here are some of my favorite Bob quotes:  "

"It's hard to make eye contact with injustice; but it needs to be seen to be fixed."

"If I could change one thing in the world; I'd change one more thing."

"Hardship overturns the table; but love does the dishes. Pass the soap."

 So today, God provided an unexpected meal from afar!  And yes, I enjoyed 2 slices of delicious cheese pizza from Papa John's (I counted the points!). 

 

Loaves and Fishes: God's Daily Provisions

I firmly believe God's provisions come in a multitude of ways.  Today, our provision was God's hand of protection on our family and especially Chris as he was working in the flooded areas.  He said the area he was working in was unreal.  So grateful Comcast let their techs off early.  Chris was able to get home safe and sound before 4PM.  There are so many tragedies reported from the last two days of storms and flooding.  We feel so blessed and thankful that we are safe and dry tonight and are praying for those in need.  Thank you Jesus!

Loaves and Fishes: God's Daily Provisions

Stepping back in time, I wanted to share the story about how the Lord provided a FREE place for my family to live when I was in the fifth grade.  My Dad had been student pastoring a church in NC for 4 years (and also going to Duke Seminary part-time) and so we lived in the church parsonage (it was fully furnished and a wonderful home).  My Mom stayed at home with us when we weren't in school.  It was our 5th year in NC when my Dad felt like God was calling him to go to Seminary full-time and step down from his role as pastor so he could devote his time to studying & classes.  Since that would mean we'd have no income, Mom re-entered the workforce for the first time since my sister and I were born.  She found a job as an assistant teacher in a mentally handicapped class at a middle school. 

Leaving the church meant we would have to leave the parsonage.  Without money to buy or rent a home or furnish it for that matter, we prayed that God would somehow give us a free place to live for a year.  Out of nowhere, a couple in our church called my folks and said they had a house in the mountains of NC that they wanted to renovate for a year and wondered if we would occupy their farmhouse rent free while they were away!  Talk about providing!  So, we gratefully moved into this beautiful, old, fully-furnished farmhouse and made ourselves at home. 

It was such a blessing and to top it off, we tried to pay the electric bill one month but when the meter reader guy came out, he explained with a very puzzled look on his face that somehow a bug got stuck in the meter and he wasn't able to charge us because nothing had registered!  Another praise!

Such a sweet year of faithfully trusting God to provide for our family of four, not knowing where we would go at the end of the year!  It just so happens that God called my Dad to pastor a church in Crestview, Florida that next year so it meant a big move and lots of faith!  That's were I spent my middle school and high school years.  Wonderful memories!

Do you have a loaves & fishes story to share?

Loaves and Fishes: God's Daily Provisions

God is so faithful to provide for ALL our needs if we seek Him! Matthew 6:33 happens to be my family's verse growing-up. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you."

Every time we would see 6:33 on the clock we would praise God and think about what this verse means. Even last night, I glimpsed at the clock on the stove right at 6:33pm and smiled. From early on in life, I remember how God faithfully provided the smallest thing, even a dozen eggs, on up to a free house for a year and even free cars! Nothing is TOO small for God!

I've decided to start posting a section called "Loaves and Fishes: God's Daily Provisions" so I can share what God's doing in our lives. And from time to time, I'll also share stories about past provisions.

This is actually yesterday's provision. A friend randomly decided she wanted to give Britain her daughter's plastic mat (for Kindergarten naptimes) when her daughter moves up to 1st grade this fall. I asked if I could pay her for it and she said it was given to her and she wanted to pass it along. Thank you Lord for a free mat! I truly feel like the only way to "pay" people back sometimes, is to give to others and share the love! Although the world would laugh, I believe no request is too small for God!