Easter Buddies
First, I have to start with Cindy L, her resilience and beauty has inspired me in so many ways. The heart anguish Cindy has endured is beyond what I would seek for anyone and yet I see her children and marvel at the job she has done! I know God's grace had to carry her through and I give Him honor in the life I see in her and hers! Cindy's strength and smile encourage me!
Next, I really don't know where to start, so I will go to our "delivery" lady next and share some of the ways Laurie M has inspired me. She is a fashionable chocolate loving sweetheart! I'll resist the urge to camp on all the ways our shared love for chocolate has brought me great joy ;-) And instead tell you about the generosity I see in Laurie. She'd give anyone the jacket off her back (although it might be a little small for them). She too has had her share of pain and trials. Her youngest son spent more time at the Children's hospital than any mommy should have to endure. All the while she smiled and she served. Laurie's servant heart challenges me in all the right ways!
Cindy L, Sheri L, Tina B, Cindy W, Lauren B (Tina B's daughter)
Easter
Buddies 2014 (Picture 2 - taken by Lauren B)
Laurie M, Cindy L, Sheri L, Tina B, Cindy W
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Tina G (we missed you this year, but I wasn't about to leave you out) is a lady who has a sense of humor and more than that a sense of who see is. Ain't no one going to push her around. She has two beautiful daughters who have seen their mom battle for what matters and let other things go. I am so proud to call Tina G a friend! And last, but certainly not least, is our dear Sheri L. Wow - Sheri has seen her share of heartache, most recently with the loss of her home to a fire that consumed many treasured things, but thankfully did not consume the most valuable irreplaceable 'things' that are not really 'things' at all. Sheri is gracious and kind, gentle and loving! She has 2 amazing sons who are/are nearly grown. She's watched them play countless hockey games, do all manner of outdoor activities and still managed to keep a flower bed looking amazing! As my office cube wall buddy for many years, Sheri was there for me when I was a scared new mommy, and she was there for me when I received really hard news about my family. Her patience to endure my endless rants as she battled with such grit and grace her own battles reminds me to be kind -- everyone has their story and everyone needs the love of our Saviour! Sheri, you are amazing! So you can see this little God-idea that we call Easter Buddies has meant so much more to me than simply putting together Easter baskets. And isn't that just how God works -- It truly is more blessed to give than to receive. |
Lauren (Tina B's daughter) attaching the poems and labels to the bags.
Here's all the stuff lined up - this is always one of my favorite pictures. Each of these packs of crayons, books, lotions etc will touch a child or their family in some way.
Contrary to what this looks like, I can assure you neither Laurie M nor Cindy L were mad in this picture. Chit chatting is always one of the best parts of the day!
More expressive faces ;-).
A couple of the buddies (Cindy L and Sheri L) hard at work.
These are all the bags after they have been labeled and boxed up.
God blessed us with the most amazingly beautiful day for our assembly day, so we celebrated with an outdoor picture of the full group from this year. This picture was taken by Laurie M's husband, Craig, just before they headed out for the hour long trip to Dayton to make the delivery to Children's. Thank you so much!
Oh and P.S. to my Easter Buddies - I spared you all of the close up pictures Lauren took - but I do still have them, so you now have to be nice to me ;-) Plus I said some really nice things about you above ;-) Love you guys!
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