For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to this position for such a time as this? – Esther 4:14

February 12, 2020

Two years ago I was asked to speak at the Café Central spring fundraiser. I’m not much of a public speaker, but I agreed. As I took my place on stage I asked the question, “do you ever wonder how you got somewhere? You know, that place you would never have dreamed of being, let alone planned on being.”

As you may know, Doug and I are from Colorado. The first question people would ask is, “how in the world did you get to Milledgeville, GA from Colorado?” For a while we would explain the process. Telling how Doug had been retired for a couple years, our son was working in Texas, daughter at school in Ohio, and that we’d always wanted to live in a warmer climate on a lake. Now that we’ve settled into Milledgeville, developed relationships, become part of communities, and been able to see God at work, our answer is much more simple…“The Lord and the Lake”.

When Doug and I decided to look for a lake home we put in all of the criteria we were looking for and began our search. We narrowed it down, contacted a realtor and traveled to Georgia, for the first time ever, to find a house. We looked at 16 one weekend, put an offer on one that was refused and then put an offer on another that was accepted. Funny thing is, a couple that lived within 30 minutes from us in Colorado had owned our house. Not really realizing God’s leading at this time, this house could not have turned into a better home.

Community is another part of this story. Not knowing exactly where our home was on the lake added another interesting twist to the story. Many areas don’t have many “full time” residents, our loop does. Neighborhood community. The area we live in is somewhat secluded. There is a fire department with an auxiliary that has some events and things to do without driving into town. Lake community. One of the first questions we were asked after we moved by was, “have you found a church yet?” Blessed to have found Freedom. Church community. The final significant community we have found is Café Central. Family.

Through Café Central we have met people we would never have dreamed of or planned on. We’ve had an opportunity to be a part of their lives and deaths. We’ve sat with them in their homes. Attended funerals. Watched their children play sports. We’ve celebrated birthdays, graduations, and new jobs. We even have a Godchild, or three.

Perhaps if I ask the same question I asked two years ago, “how did I get to this place”, my answer might be…”for such a time as this”.

Until we “read” again…God Bless!

You can go to our “GIVE” link anytime: https://cafecentralmilledgeville.org/give/

January 22, 2020

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – Ephesians 2:10

A task is defined as: a definite piece of work assigned to, falling to, or expected of a person; a duty.

Each Tuesday when we arrive at Cafe Central there are a series of “tasks” to do. Set up tables, put down chairs, set places with napkins and utensils, round up carts, wipe them down, get bus carts prepared, set up food service tables, plate deserts, prepare drinks and drink serving carts, help with food preparation, etc. Everything needs to be done in order to efficiently serve…right? When we go about our day focusing on our tasks do we miss the blessings God has “prepared in advance for us”? 

This week I’d like to tell you about making coffee! There’s a young man named Jason that comes to Cafe Central with his family and caretaker. He is a special needs adult. He has a special way he likes his coffee. Two creams, one sugar and two small ice cubes. If any part of this is not quite right, you are given back the cup with instructions on making a proper cup. This “task” has fallen on, been assigned to, is expected of my husband Doug. Honestly this is sometimes more of a task than one would think. Walking from one side of the room to the other usually brings about many more “tasks” from many other patrons. On one occasion, Doug had actually forgotten to get Jason his coffee. After being reminded, and admitting that he had forgotten, Jason asked that they take a picture together so that he “would not forget him.” 

After Cafe Central yesterday Doug and I were reflecting on our day, as we normally do, and he asked “how did I get to be the one, the one to make Jason’s coffee?” My response…you took the time. If you ask Jason who Doug is. he doesn’t say “he’s the one who makes my coffee”, he says “This is Doug. He’s my friend. He’s my buddy. I love him! He’s my brother!” Jason is Doug’s blessing beneath the task!

Do we take the time “to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do”? Don’t miss the blessing beneath the task!

Until we “read” again…God Bless!