She Loved the Children

Colossians 2:2-3
My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 

Our community lost a treasure. Lori Conley fought cancer and lost that battle. But in the ultimate battle, she won. I know without doubt that Lori is rejoicing in heaven. She's talking to God, whom she loves, and singing his praises, even as the folks left behind feel a huge loss.

The first time I met Lori, she spoke at my grandkids' closing VBS program. Her words and compassion gave me goose bumps. I'd never heard anyone so passionate about helping children. Her program, Empower Youth, was getting off the ground. She'd heard God's voice, felt his nudges and jumped in. She and Scott provided a beautiful pathway for folks to help the kids who needed love, sustenance, a chance to experience camp and so much more. One of the things I loved about Lori was her desire to feed the children who were hungry. She made sure their basic needs were met, then she loved on them. A fireball of energy, she worked all the time. Not to have fancy things, but to make sure kids had food. Just Wow!

I don't understand why she passed from this world at such a young age, in the middle of her ministry. But God does. We may never understand. But what we can do is trust God to move forward through the folks left behind. I know there are people who love the kids, too. God will nudge people to serve. He'll call us to give money, he'll ask for our time, he may ask for leadership. He has a plan for Empower Youth.

If God comes calling, listen. Do it for Lori, do it for God, do it for the kids.

Maybe your ministry isn't Empower Youth. Maybe God has called you to something else. Whatever it is, listen and move on it.

Someone, somewhere is depending on you to do what God has called you to do.

What a Joy to be Daughters of the King

On Saturday morning I attended a Princess tea party with my daughter and granddaughter. When each guest arrived, two princes graciously opened the door and gave a royal bow. 

Inside the hostesses had created a little princess's dream.

Each table, set with crystal tea cups and lovely centerpieces, welcomed visitors. The breakfast table was spread with quiches, donuts, cheese and crackers, sweet treats and more. Attentive young ladies served tea and lemonade.

To top off the morning, Ariel and Cinderella sang songs and told stories to the excited little girls.

I enjoyed seeing delight in the little princesses as they enjoyed games, crafts, and fun.

This lovely event was put on by Empower Youth.

You may believe a princess is only found in fairy tales. That they live in castles and ride in fancy carriages. 

But I want all little girls to know they have a future as a princess.

Each one can become part of a royal family—God's royal family.

Each young lady has the opportunity to be a daughter of the King. The most spectacular of all Kings. As a daughter of the King, each girl, young lady, and woman can honor her 

Father by showing compassion and love to everyone.

You see, the true qualities of a princess are not outward beauty or perfect manners and speech.

The true qualities of a real princess are found in Galatians 5:22— love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

A princess who wears such lovely traits is a princess indeed.

A Seed was Planted

A little over two years ago, the seed of a dream was planted into the heart of someone who saw the need to provide food for local children. Along with her husband and family, she took that seed and planted it in Clermont County. From that germ of an idea Empower Youth grew. And continues to grow.

photo by Lori Conley

The first time I heard Lori Conley speak, with compassion in her heart for children in poverty, I cried. To know that there are children who may not have a meal to eat or a pillow to lay their head on breaks my heart. Young people may be left to fend for themselves for any number of reasons. But they shouldn't have to go hungry, ever.

Tonight, Tim and I were blessed to stand beside other folks from the community and pack boxes of macaroni and cheese, juice bags, fruit cups, ravioli, crackers and various other food items into plastic bags. Each of the 385 bags will go home from school with a child, to provide a weekend meal.

That's not all. Empower Youth not only provides food, they also give a pillow with a pillow case to kindergarteners each school year. Plus they offer scholarships for summer camp.

To read more about empower youth go to their website at https://empoweryouth.me/about/ You'll find opportunities to volunteer, give, and encourage.

I'd love to see this program continue to grow and flourish. Please share this post so that more folks will know, and more will help.

"Empower Youth was founded in February 2015 to partner with children and youth in hopes of instilling in them the confidence and resources needed to break through the chains of generational poverty."