"Love Thy Neighbor"

Earlier this week, 5-2 Ministry had the privilege of joining with Clipping for a Cause of Lawrenceville, Georgia, for their first annual "Love Thy Neighbor" food drive.  The idea of a Valentine's Day food drive was a fabulous one--what better way could there be to show the clients of our area food pantries and assistance programs that they are loved and cared for?  When we heard what our neighbors over at Clipping for a Cause were up to, we knew that we had to participate!  The results were outstanding and a total of 4,048 items were collected!  5-2 Ministry's contribution to this effort resulted in the collection of 1, 334 items which were donated to the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry in Snellville.  For the complete story of this outstanding food drive, along with some amazing pictures of this ministry in action, go here! 

Thank you to everyone who spread the word in their neighborhoods, gave food, collected food, delivered food, counted food, sorted food, and stocked the shelves at the co-op.  You responded to God's call with loving hearts and showed us all what it means to truly "Love Thy Neighbor".  Blessings to you all.

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Matthew 25:40

Dazzling!

In a recent Facebook post Darla Dixon, creator of My Snellville Blog, used a phrase which immediately caught my attention.  She wrote of being "dazzled by God", and immediately my mind was racing.  I just love that word..."dazzle".  It brings up images of so many things that I enjoy.  Radiant sunshine is dazzling.  Bright, warm smiles are dazzling.  4th of July fireworks are dazzling.  Amazingly enough, though, I had never really thought of God as dazzling.  I don't know why, though.  Now that I have heard the phrase, I can't seem to think of a better way to describe Him!  I love to be dazzled by a spectacular rainbow or a  breathtaking sunset.  The birth of a child or the healing of a loved one are indescribably dazzling experiences.  What I really, really, love, though, is the way God dazzles me through his presence and attention to detail in our lives every single day.

Those of us who have the pleasure of working with 5-2 Ministry know what it's like to be dazzled through these everyday experiences.  Every time we turn  around there is a new story to share about God's provision and his perfect timing!    There have been times of plenty and times of want as we strive to provide food for the hungry, but during all of these times God has never failed to dazzle with his unfailing love. 

How have you been dazzled today?