A month ago, I spoke at Love Christian Center in Farrell. I told the children and adults assembled about Sarah's Butterflies.
This is what I told them that evening.
Why do we do Sarah's Butterflies?-- The simple answer for why we do Sarah's Butterflies is to honor the memory of Sarah, Nearly six years ago I gave birth to 6 pound, 9 3/4 ounce 19 1/4 inch Sarah Elisabeth on November 12, 2009. What none of us could have imagined or possible fathomed is what would happen three days later. On the morning of November 15, 2009, God took our baby to her eternal home.
November 15-in the wake of our family's version of September 11th, we had to make a choice-wither or flourish, bitter or better. It's a choice we all have to make when times get hard.
The toy box was being built prior to Sarah's birth and death. My dad was not sure he would be able to finish the toy box at that time. It was springtime when I heard that he was going to finish the toy box. The assignment was "how can we use this to make the world a better place?"
That summer we spoke with Pastor Bruce. He shared about many of you. The encounter with Pastor Bruce caused a stirring in the heart of my family. My mom asked if Sarah's Toybox now Sarah's Butterflies could benefit you all. I said yes and we began to figure out the logistics. The first year we collected toys, clothes, and snacks. In 2011, Pastor Bruce advised us to adapt it for snacks. We did that. Blessing Bags as you you know them are the way we can help spread hope and love and the gift of salvation.
I wrestled with Jeremiah 29:11. The verse states, "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "plans to prosper you, plans to give you a hope and a future." I did not understand how something as painful as the death of my daughter could be for my best. I remember telling God Sarah's death was harmful to me.
God has plans for you. They are for your best.
God loves you very much. How much does he love you? To the tune of Jesus' life. God loves you so much that he wants what is best for you. You just have to trust Him.
This is what I told them that evening.
Why do we do Sarah's Butterflies?-- The simple answer for why we do Sarah's Butterflies is to honor the memory of Sarah, Nearly six years ago I gave birth to 6 pound, 9 3/4 ounce 19 1/4 inch Sarah Elisabeth on November 12, 2009. What none of us could have imagined or possible fathomed is what would happen three days later. On the morning of November 15, 2009, God took our baby to her eternal home.
November 15-in the wake of our family's version of September 11th, we had to make a choice-wither or flourish, bitter or better. It's a choice we all have to make when times get hard.
The toy box was being built prior to Sarah's birth and death. My dad was not sure he would be able to finish the toy box at that time. It was springtime when I heard that he was going to finish the toy box. The assignment was "how can we use this to make the world a better place?"
That summer we spoke with Pastor Bruce. He shared about many of you. The encounter with Pastor Bruce caused a stirring in the heart of my family. My mom asked if Sarah's Toybox now Sarah's Butterflies could benefit you all. I said yes and we began to figure out the logistics. The first year we collected toys, clothes, and snacks. In 2011, Pastor Bruce advised us to adapt it for snacks. We did that. Blessing Bags as you you know them are the way we can help spread hope and love and the gift of salvation.
I wrestled with Jeremiah 29:11. The verse states, "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "plans to prosper you, plans to give you a hope and a future." I did not understand how something as painful as the death of my daughter could be for my best. I remember telling God Sarah's death was harmful to me.
God has plans for you. They are for your best.
God loves you very much. How much does he love you? To the tune of Jesus' life. God loves you so much that he wants what is best for you. You just have to trust Him.