Friday, September 20, 2013

Paperwork in hand

      I received an email from an employee of the Community Foundation of Western PA and Eastern Ohio that contained the necessary paperwork for establishing Sarah's Butterflies Foundation.  
      I have to say that four years ago when Sarah died, I never thought I would ever be able to do this foundation.  I had been reticent to do this because I thought it would be too hard and too expensive.  Neither is a real problem at this point.  If anything I think that God has orchestrated all that has transpired the last month. 
       In my possession I have a five-page document that will be sent on Monday to the Foundation board for them to process.  This will enable us to be legally able to accept donations. 
        Our mission statement is Sarah's Butterflies Foundation is a non-profit organization that is motivated by God's love to share hope with those who are discouraged.  We respect their dignity and seek to aid children in need through our love for Sarah Elisabeth by making a difference in the world for Jesus.  This foundation is in memory of Sarah Elisabeth Richardson. 

Monday, September 2, 2013

Sarah's Butterflies Foundation

      Early in the week last week, Jim and I found ourselves meeting with the chairman of the Shenango Valley Foundation about starting a foundation in Sarah's memory.  The process I will admit was a lot easier than I expected. 
      I have to write a mission statement/purpose.  I have researched some mission statements for organizations and looked at how to write one. 
      Our goal is to make spreading hope a lot easier.  The ministry is growing as I hoped it would.  Three years ago, my mother approached me about taking Sarah's Toybox to Farrell.  I was onboard immediately. 
        If you want to know why I get so excited about what we do with Sarah's Toybox, come with us in December. 
        In the next few months, the way to donate to the foundation will be made available.  Be praying for how you can be involved in spreading hope.

Perfect Peace

    Yesterday I was reading a chapter in a book I was given after Sarah died.  The author stated, "Your baby is in perfect peace with God."  Well if you know me at all, you know that Isaiah 26:3 is a verse I have clung to many times before and since Sarah's death., "He will hold in perfect peace those whose mind is steadfast on you."   I have claimed this promise of perfect peace for myself and yet to realize that Sarah is being held in perfect peace comforted me. 
     Sarah Elisabeth does not know hurt.   She is not afraid.  There are no monsters to rob her of rest.  She is in perfect eternal peace.   I think God had to give me time to work through my grief before He could allow me to realize this amazing reality. 
     Heavenly Father, thank You for Your perfect peace.  Thank You for holding me in Your perfect peace and thank You for holding Sarah Elisabeth in perfect peace with you in Heaven.  I am so glad that she is in the arms of You, Dear Jesus safe and secure from all alarm.  Thank You that I can rest there as well.  Amen.