the way the Father works

The story I am about to share took place about 3 weeks ago and it keeps rattling around in my mind so it is time to write it down because it is one of those "God stories"  that soooo needs to be told.

One day, I believe it was a Friday Bob and I were heading into town to run errands and go visit some friends when we saw Ed, a friend from Seadancer standing in the shade waiting for a taxi so we decided to give him a ride into town.   He was actually hoping to go to the Made in Roatan shop so that worked out perfectly and we were grateful for his support of local art.  He got some great gifts and helped out several families in the process!   He didn't have anything else planned so asked if he could tag along with us.  We were happy to have him come along. 

  We visited with Marco and Zenola and he found it so interesting to hear stories of how Roatan used to be.   Later we felt led to go see Miss Elizabeth who just had a baby.  We just wanted to see how she was doing.  It is good to stay in touch with people and I know Ed was happy to be sitting in their little home getting to know another island family because the next day when we took him to the airport he gave us some money to give to Miss Elizabeth to help her out.   She is a single mom with 7 kids, and since she just had a baby she is unable to work.   I was touched by Ed's generosity and desire to help this needy island family.

The next day, around 3:00 pm the power went off and it was SO hot in our place that we decided to go to Bojangles for iced tea (they have A/C) and to play crib.  Now to you non Canadians that isn't a small bed but it is a card game.  It was fun to just hang out there playing cards and laughing.    At one point I said to Bob, "We should get some Bojangles chicken for Miss Elizabeth"   They had a 12 piece special on and if you live on this island you know that Bojangles is such a TREAT for them.   But the practical side of me thought it would be better to use Ed's money to buy rice, beans and plaintain as that would go further.  But still I kept being prompted:  "Get them Bojangles!"   It didn't makes sense and it wasn't practical but I sensed it was HIS idea so I gave in and we bought them loads of chicken, fries, and biscuits.

coming up to Elizabeth's with chicken in hand

As we drove up to their place the girls came running out to meet us.   They were sooo excited to see us.   Everyone was so happy.   I told her it was a gift from Ed, the man who had visited the day before and she was so touched.   Before leaving I shared with them that although they don't have a father, or a husband that the Lord is a good Father and He will continue to take care of every need.   They can trust Him to be with them.  He is their refuge and safe place, and no matter what He will provide for them day after day.  Bob prayed with them and as we left we knew we had done the right thing.

Miss Elizabeth and some of her children

Now the following day I went to see Zenola and what she shared with me unfolded the "God's story" to all of this.  Apparently the day before we arrived, the oldest sister's boyfriend had brought her a small 2 piece container of Bojangles chicken and all the kids wanted some, but there wasn't enough to share.   They were sooo sad as they really wanted some too.chicken. As I said earlier people of the island LOVE Bojangles and it is a real treat to get it.   She said, Don't worry we will get Bojangles sometime soon

Well I believe that the chicken was His way of saying

"See, I am right here. 

I know your needs. 

  I am working to the whole thing out!"  

Now it makes sense why it HAD to be Bojangles chicken and not just some rice and beans because He wasn't just meeting their practical needs but teaching them the lesson that He is a good Father who loves to take care of what they WANT as well.

Apparently the oldest daughter was so shocked when we brought the chicken that she started to cry

in the bedroom.

The Lord loves to bless us!!

I am thankful for Ed's willingness to give

I am thankful for Him prompting (and prompting and prompting)

me to get the chicken

I am thankful that He cares about the needs of children who

need a TREAT every now and then.

Bless His name!

Isn't He good?

Please continue to pray for Elizabeth and her family.

It is a tough time for them right now until she can get back to work

I have been taking donations at the shop for her

and as well donating half of what sells of my stuff to give to her

Every little bit helps and I know that through it all He is reminding them

I am your Father

I am your Provider

I am your husband

I am ALL you need.

It's true:  He is all that and more

that is true for all of us.

Blessings to you today!

the setting sun over Flower's Bay