Who do I cook for? {Meal Ministry}

{A meal I made for a friend who had surgery. Above- Green beans, Mashed Redskins, Meatloaf}

The other day I received an e-mail asking me who I cook for.

It’s funny…but I just sat there thinking “Who DO I cook for?” I mean, I don’t have a specific plan..organization…purpose, etc. Who do I cook for…

And I started day dreaming about the meals I’ve made, and the places I’ve taken them, and the people, and the situations, and the prayers….

Here is who I have cooked for:

• My family. Of course, this is my first ministry. My immediate family and my extended family get my love first ;)We’ve made a lot of great memories around that dinning room table.
• Friends. Coming together in fellowship is so important…it’s nice to have an open home and a meal for friends.
• Our Adult Bible Fellowship. Bringing in breakfast treats on Sunday mornings.
• Bible Studies. There is comfort in the Lord, fellowship, and gathering around the table with snacks. It’s a blessing.
• The man with Multiple Sclerosis. He was a married businessman at one time ,but lost it all…his wife, job, and most saddening… his ability to walk or feel anything from the waist down. He ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches every day, 3 meals a day. The bread could be frozen and the peanut butter and jelly stayed for a while…going grocery shopping was not easy and couldn’t be done on his own. Cooking was also difficult. My heart broke for him and so I made and took him dinner for a year.
• The man with Muscular Dystrophy. He wears a constant smile even though his body is breaking down. His mom lives with him and he cares for her….she had a heart attack, but was able to come home. Surely they deserved some wedding soup.
• The widower. He lost the love of his life after 50 years of marriage. She always cooked amazing meals and he really missed that. Something comforting about a home cooked meal. I couldn’t replace her cooking, but I could spare a warm plate of food to remind him of God’s love.
• Many new moms. What a miraculous time in life! But, it is also stressful…sleepless nights, nursing, uncomfortably juggling new responsibilites. Not having to worry about dinner time is just so helpful.
• The countless people who’ve had surgeries or are struggling with a chronic illness. I can’t imagine how hard it is to add hospital visits, the weight of health issues, and extra needed time to a normal busy schedule. Dinner delivered is a blessing.
• The family who’s father/husband was in a car accident. They were trying to make life as normal as they could while he healed….Mom was tired. This was a huge help.
• The New Members/Guests at church. I get so excited to see what God is doing for our church and for our community. It is a HUGE blessing to cook for the new families and get to know them over lunch.
• Special events {Beautified} – When there’s an opportunity to serve for the Lord, I am on it. When it’s His will- it is always a blast.
• Neighbors. I’ve been known to randomly knock on a door or two with dessert in hand… they are kind enough to put up with my outdoor cat in their bushes, lol-they deserve a treat every now and again!!! Have I told you ladies how blessed we are with our neighbors? Seriously…we are surrounded by awesome families. It’s been an amazing 8 years here.
• Clients. My husband and I appreciate the business our clients give us. They are a tremendous blessing and what bring in money for our livelihood and my ministry.
• Children. The kids on the baseball team, school, football, at school, and in the neighborhood. I want to be “that mom”.

{If I am making a meal for a family, I try to add an additional kid friendly meal…This meal is sure to bring a smile!}

I feel as though I could go on and on remembering who God has led me to cook for, when, for what reason, etc. But the most important thing to know about this meal ministry is that it truly is ALL from Him. He has transformed me into a vessel to carry out His work – I am just a willing participant. I would never have the means to carry this out without God, nor would I get the enjoyment out of it if it weren’t from Him. It’s a small ministry in comparison to others…but it’s what God has called me to do and I am so thankful. 

I pray that you will also be the branches that reach out to those around you {which is why I blog}! So many of you have e-mailed me with amazing stories of how you’ve started your own meal ministry! It is so encouraging and strengthens MY faith when I read these endearing letters. Thank you for thinking of me and taking the torch! May God bless you all abundantly. If I could cook for every one of you, you better believe I WOULD!

“God doesn’t call on the qualified, he qualifies who He calls upon”

I always purchase inexpensive/throwaway containers so the people I cook for do not have to return anything to me {or wash anything}. They are a fraction of the price at your local dollar stores as opposed to your grocery story! Marcs carries “real” containers that are less expensive than the throw-aways at the grocery store!

Can’t forget dessert! {Especially for those new moms! They are burning way too many calories nursing, lol}

Who have YOU cooked for?!