Monday, November 16, 2009

Sacrifice

















This picture was taken a few weeks ago looking down on the Luray farming valley from the room we stayed in at Skyland Lodge. Each night, we would sit and look at the lights.

As we prayed for those living in this little community, I wondered if there were those who lights had been snuffed out by loss of job or other means. I could not help but pray more for those I could not see.

Yesterday, Doug and I were able to assist a young couple in donating $500 worth of food to the Virginia Food Bank. They had saved all year in order to participate in the food drive. This couple truly sacrificed to make this donation. Doug and I were privileged to witness their effort and be a small part of helping make their sacrifice happen.

Please consider donating food to your local food bank and remember to pray for all those you are unable to see.


Praying for those in need,

Andrea

36 comments:

Anonymous said...

A beautiful reminder.

Deborah Ann said...

That is awesome, Andrea! God's richest blessings on you!

Loren said...

What a beautiful sight and a beautiful gesture from beautiful people!

Bless you my friend

RCUBEs said...

You exemplify what "love" truly means...I just came over really quick. Was not planning to visit any yet but I saw you just posted. Gotta' come here first sister and send you "hugs". God bless you sister. That's a beautiful picture and praying for those who are in need is a great thing to do. Have a great day...

E @ Scottsville said...

Our Sunday School class did a food drive a couple of weeks ago for a family within our church that is currently unemployed. It was so little sacrifice on our part to bless a family so much! We had a small part and allowed God to use us to help meet this young family's needs. It was awesome!

Kimmy said...

Thank you for reminding us to think of our community. Sometimes we think we don't live in "that area" where people are struggling, but we are.....it's everywhere.

Andrea said...

I often become so involved with my own world that I overlook or fail to perceive the needs of others. So many people are hurting right now. It seems everyday I hear of someone in need, whether it's physical, spiritual, financial, or other.

Thank you for reminding me to look out over the horizon. May the Lord bless you for you love and care and faithfulness.

Andrea

Nikki (Sarah) said...

I love this. Your life, you - are a gift - I am so glad I 'met' you. Sarah

He & Me + 3 said...

You & your husband are truly His hands extended. What a privilege to pray over our communities. Beautiful picture.

Sandra Wilkes said...

Good reminder for all year! There are so many opps to give this time of year!
Sandra
new URL:
www.reallifeinaminute.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Such a relevant post for me today, Andrea. Not only is this Thanksgiving season where thinking about who and what I am thankful for is on my mind, but for all those who are without so much this year, been through so much this year, are in Iraq and Afghanistan this year for the first or the many-ith time! For the blessings I have, I can only lift my hands and praise God for all and be thankful He allows me to pray for those who have less, for those who need protection.
My thoughts this day. ~ linda

Edie said...

What a wonderful reminder Andrea. I am reminded how close we are to Christmas and that these organizations need to received their donations of toys, food, and money well before Christmas. I need to get on it!

Rosemary said...

That is a great thing to hear!! We all need to do that, especially this year.
Thank you for your kind words.
Rosemary

Tracy said...

As I'm reading your post I'm enjoying the Cat Stevens tune. Thanks for the reminder to notice those around me and reach out and give. I'm always extra blessed by people like this couple that you mention; they give even when it's not like they're rich in money.

Me said...

I just went through my closet recently. Our local spot, The Good Samaritan, is our only food and clothes pantry. With unemployment in our little town running at 11.3% they can't keep up with the demand.

Just Be Real said...

What a beautiful picture. Once a month I donate food to the Salvation Army. Blessings to you Andrea, thank you!

Heart2Heart said...

Andrea,

I would agree with you that with our economy falling apart, we need to be more neighborly now more than ever before and really give generously to help others out. Both our kids have donated to their schools to help out families and we are working with my brother to help him out since he has found himself out of work this year.

Let us all reach down deep and really help out.

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

Denise said...

Such a precious reminder, bless you dear.

Samantha said...

Such a beautiful reminder, thank you for sharing.

Karen said...

You and your hubby are such sweet blessings to others...my church supplies food through our Harvest House...the needs are way up this year as they are everywhere...if everyone that is able to give a little, would just do that...what a difference it would make in people's lives....

blushing rose said...

Oh, Andrea, how wonderful! We continually supply the food bank with our church. Makes me/us feel so good to help out. Bless you all ... TTFN ~Marydon

PS TY for the warm wishes, I feel really good tonight.

Anonymous said...

wat a beautiful view :)

Christine said...

Your heart is so B-I-G !!
Thank you demonstrating God's love to others.

Hugs to you and your husband.

Saleslady371 said...

I agree with you. It is necessary to help those we do not see. God sees them and that's enough. I have been a giver as well as receiver of God's mercy through others. I like being the giver better! Love you, sweet friend!

A Mother Always said...

Lovely thanks for sharing

Cathy said...

A sweet post, praying for them ~ Yes, so many must be hurting these days.

Aine Willis said...

I love your picture,it's beautiful. Thank you for the reminder of those that are hurting and in need. God Bless!

Yolanda said...

We are having a food drive, currently, in our own church. There are many less fortunate as wel as in need this time of the year. Lovingly, Yolanda

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

What a wonderful view! Your post is a wonderful reminder of the many who go without everyday. We can all do something for another. Thank you for your visit today, Andrea. I want to thank you also for your prayers on Jim's behalf! There are so many in need of a healing. Have a wonderful day.

Blessings,
Sandi

Five Moms & A Blog said...

Our church gives us lots of opportunities to give something to local families in our community who are in need. It's just an awesome way to be able to give and I have always appreciated being able to instill that example in our children.

~ Nan

Mari said...

That picture is just beautiful and I love that you prayed for the people behind the lights.
What a wonderful thing for that young couple to do - many lives were touched by that gift!

Nancy said...

Looking out and praying over a city, just like Jesus did. What a great idea.

koralee said...

Oh my what a heartwarming story. Blessing to those lovely people...to save all year when they are in need too. Wow...now that is a story to inspire today. xoxo

Christine said...

Andrea,
Thank you for visiting my daughter over at her blog. Your comments mean a lot to her. She tells me, "Your friend, Andrea, left me a comment". I like that she knows you are a friend.

The Red Brick Farmhouse said...

Andrea~

On behalf of Luray, I would like to thank you for your prayers. We are a small town with a high unemployment rate but we are filled with lots of love. Your thoughts and prayers for those in our community are so greatly appreciated!

Blessings~
Laura

Mocha Momma said...

I agree! Helping others with food or other needs is so important.

Our Awana group has a canned food drive every year at this time & we can get quite a lot of food collected. It amazes me every year how much this small group can bring in.

I should be back to work tomorrow. I got plenty of rest today.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Nannette