Laura-Lee Was Here: Internet Shut Off

 

My Internet is to be disconnected in the next 24 hours. I'll come back if I can. It's in God's hands. As is everything.

My final advice. Get a Bible and start talking and LISTENING to Jesus. Don't be afraid. He loves you.

Speaking the truth with love,

Always, Laura-Lee

Psalm 40

1 I waited patiently for the Lord;

    he turned to me and heard my cry.

2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,

    out of the mud and mire;

he set my feet on a rock

    and gave me a firm place to stand.

3 He put a new song in my mouth,

    a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear the Lord

    and put their trust in him.

4 Blessed is the one

    who trusts in the Lord,

who does not look to the proud,

    to those who turn aside to false gods.[b]

5 Many, Lord my God,

    are the wonders you have done,

    the things you planned for us.

None can compare with you;

    were I to speak and tell of your deeds,

    they would be too many to declare.

6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire—

    but my ears you have opened[c]—

    burnt offerings and sin offerings[d] you did not require.

7 Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—

    it is written about me in the scroll.[e]

8 I desire to do your will, my God;

    your law is within my heart.”

9 I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly;

    I do not seal my lips, Lord,

    as you know.

10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;

    I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help.

I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness

    from the great assembly.

11 Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord;

    may your love and faithfulness always protect me.

12 For troubles without number surround me;

    my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.

They are more than the hairs of my head,

    and my heart fails within me.

13 Be pleased to save me, Lord;

    come quickly, Lord, to help me.

14 May all who want to take my life

    be put to shame and confusion;

may all who desire my ruin

    be turned back in disgrace.

15 May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!”

    be appalled at their own shame.

16 But may all who seek you

    rejoice and be glad in you;

may those who long for your saving help always say,

    “The Lord is great!”

Laura-Lee Rahn

The Parkdale Building

Box #202, 8329 - 113 ave NW

Edmonton, Alberta

Canada, T5B 0C8

EMERGENCY Help for AISH Recipients

  AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped) might help with utilities in arrears but the only way is to apply by email with all the particulars of your situation.

 Attach documentation of :

2 latest bank statements

Proof of amount owing

Recent AISH pay stubb

Proof of rent

(and anything else you can prove)

Keep it concise and in point form where possible and include a monthly budget with a list of all and any extra 

costs due to COVID-19.

 I was told by AISH:

They never pay for your telephone or internet

They may consider the Epcor but "no guarantees

 You have to pay it back by AISH removing some from your benefits each month.

Also, if you haven't tried making several previous payment arrangements to work something out with your utility company, AISH won't even consider your request.

 Also, don't believe the misconceptions that you won't have your heat cut off in the winter. 

Or 

As long as you pay something each month the utility companies won't cut you off. 

When you get behind, down go your utilities.

Even if you think you don't have a shot, go for it anyway. Even if they refuse you are already desperate with nothing to lose and you may just get someone in a good mood who wants to help you.

Yes. I know. But keep in mind I'm a Christian who believes  in miracles. And every once in awhile I see one happen

Sincerely, Laura-Lee

css.edmontonaish-mail@gov.ab.ca

(Take special note that there MUST be a hyphen before the word mail.)

Could YOU live on $1685 a month?

LINK Calgary Live Wire "AISH Recipients Receive no COVID-19 Emergency Help"

LINK to AISH Website (Good Luck) The link is all you'll ever get from AISH

This all so depressing. I need cookies in a big, bad way!

LINK Easy Cookie Recipe

Heart-ShapedChocolate Chip

Rest WHILE Soaring

" God helps those who help themselves." - Anonymous

"No try. Do or Do not." - Yoda

Good wisdom, Bad Grammar?

Sound advice and full of wisdom and both totally depressing and neither one in the Bible. In fact, both run exactly opposite to what the Bible says and what God wants us to know.

Consider when the Hebrews were finally on their way out of slavery in Egypt only to discover that Pharaoh changed his mind about letting them go and decided to take his army and chariots, race after them and slaughter them all. Pharaoh on one side and the Red Sea blocking their only escape.

 " And when Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians marched after them. So they were very afraid, and the children of Israel cried out to the Lord. 11 Then they said to Moses, “Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt? 12 Is this not the word that we told you in Egypt, saying, ‘Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness.”

13 And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation[b] of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. 14 The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold[c] your peace.”

Exodus 14:10-14 NKJV

I love that phrase, "The Lord will fight for you." Also notice the phrase, "Stand still". And you know what happened? The LORD opened up the Red Sea and those several million FORMER slaves walked away, "on dry ground." They couldn't help themselves at all. EXACTLY the type of people the Lord longs to have as His followers. The Bible is filled with story after story of how when we humans couldn't "help ourselves" God would rush in to rescue us. IF we are His people. If you are one of the "Egyptians", you are going to be in heaps of trouble for coming after God's people.

Are you tired? Discouraged? Riddled with anxiety? This past year has sucked away your strength and you know that you are facing a brand new year that may hold more of the same or perhaps even worse? Perfect. You are EXACTLY the type of person Jesus is waiting to help.

There is no magic formula, no 12 step program, no self-help course, no amount of yoga that will solve all the problems and crisis' of your life. None that will heal a life and heart so broken that there just isn't another "try, try again" left in you.

"But I know something you don't know." (done in my child-like sing-song voice)

Jesus loves you. He is waiting for you. You CAN have an actual relationship with Him and it can start right now, wherever you are. 

Time to find your strength in weakness, your joy in sorrow, your peace in the madness, your rest with Jesus.

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

Hope you have a wonderful Sunday.

Speaking the Truth with love,

Always, Laura-Lee

"I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13

LINK Verses for if you are tired, lonely afraid ... by Debbie McDaniel via Crosswalk

"Dynamic Soaring" of the Albatross

(The Frigate Bird can actually SLEEP and FLY simultaneously - Coooool `~~)

FASHION: Uniquely Men

 

Just to divert myself for something fun to do I have started to design modest fashions for women. I have become SO tired and frustrated by this new wave of Modest Fashions. It seems they are equating "modest" with boring and frumpy. Haven't they heard that colors other than black, grey, and navy blue have been invented?

I'm taking a Donny and Marie approach. Do you remember that old show? They used to have a moment when they would each sing songs. Marie was a "little bit country" and Donny was a "little bit rock 'n roll". That has always been my approach to fashion, whether it was for the office, Church or just going out. I dressed modestly but always had a little sparkle, lace, leather accent, or pretty broach or flower. You get the idea. It's good to be modest, but it's also good to be unique. I want to express my faith, NOT join a cult!

I've also been looking into men's fashions too and happy to discover all the wonderful and special ways men are expressing themselves within the same confines of a suit jacket, tie, vest, and pocket-handkerchief. I grabbed some of the best images and made a short slide show. Only three minutes long. Hope you enjoy it and that it gives you men lots of ideas on how to express yourselves. After all, you are "fearfully and wonderfully made" Psalm 139.

And quite lovely to look at too, if I do say so myself. 😊

Love always, Laura-Lee

Once I have more things for women designed I'll start sharing them. I have a myriad of ideas, just not much time.

Uh. Maybe I should rethink using Donny and Marie as fashion examples. 

Hey! Cut me some slack. I was only a little kid at the time. LL

FASHION: For the Hip Grandpa

 

I've recently started designing modest fashions. It has led me into a topic I've never explored in any depth before. Also, I'm learning more about men's fashions too. I am surprised and pleased to see how Senior men dress up and thought I would share some of the images I've come across. These are NOT my Grandpa's clothing.

MY Short video (under 3 minutes) at YouTube. And there is no annoying music or MY annoying voice. Just enjoy the images.

Just something for fun. You remember fun, don't you?

Love Always, Laura-Lee

MEMORIES: Grandma, Nazis and the Titanic

STILL ROOM

An odd memory has surfaced for me this week as I was watching a film called  THE 49th PARALLEL . It is based on a true story (though very loosely) from World War II about a group of Nazis who get trapped in Canada when their submarine is blown up. The survivors have to work their way to Vancouver from a remote trading post in Hudson's Bay to try and get back to Germany. It shows all the various Canadians they meet along the way including a group of German Hutterites. As I was watching this film I remembered something from my own recent past. 

My paternal grandmother, just previous to World War II, received a letter from a law firm in Germany basically inviting her to either move back to Germany or become a covert agent for the Germans living right here in Canada. What's fascinating is that I received, somewhere between the years 2000 - 2005, in my mailbox a letter from a law firm in Germany. The next time I went to visit Mom I brought the letter with me because during her career she had read many different contracts from lawyers and I wanted her to have a look at it.  Because she has also seen the letter that her mother-in-law had received all those years back during World War II and because she understood legalese, she recognized it for exactly what it was. Of course, I chucked it out with a "That's weird. I wonder what they're up to?" 

Now as I look into world events in a much deeper way in order to inform people for my Bible Prophecy blog, Dominion Comfort I now know what Germany was doing fifteen years ago and what they were laying the foundation for. You should know too. 

Wakey, wakey, People. You are on the Titanic. Do you want to continue to rearrange the deck chairs or get into the lifeboat  while you still have the chance to do it?

Speaking the truth with love,

Always, Laura-Lee

CHAIRS or LIFEBOAT?

PS. For some of my posts, I will not be using tags nor advertising that I've posted them. If you wish to be notified of any new ones please use the "Follow by Email" option found at the top of the right column. 

FYI. Also keep in mind that even more Ministries and Christian blogs have been shut down from their connections and Links to social media or are experiencing a great wave of "technical difficulties". I am making sure that I am connected to them directly, including writing down, on paper, their snail-mail address. And continue to use that Share button while that is still working too.

LINK to TITANIC MOVIE Not Under yet BUT too late for decision

I WONDER HOW MUCH  "I'm flying!" and "I'm king of the world. Woohoo!" THEY WERE FEELING THEN?

INFO: Home Delivery by Food Banks and GIVING SUGGESTIONS

 

Information regarding PICKUP and HOME DELIVERY from the EDMONTON FOOD BANK  for the disabled and those shut-in.

I sent an email to TRACEY GILCHRIST from the Edmonton Food Bank who is in charge of Client Services. Many people are eligible to receive food from the Food Bank but are unable to physically get there to pick it up. 

The following was her response to me:

"Thank you for your email and your inquiry about our procedures. In regards to your question, any client (whether or not they are disabled) can send a friend or family member with a note of permission signed and dated, along with the all of the household members' identification, to pick up their hamper on their behalf. Also, for those who have nobody who can pick up a food hamper on their behalf, and who have mobility issues, or are ill, we do have a delivery option. If you know of any clients who may qualify for delivery, they may call our intake line at 780-425-4190, Monday to Friday between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm to speak to one of our intake agents. If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 780-425-2133 extension 200."

Please spread this information around particularly if you know anybody from Alberta or the Edmonton area. I don't know what the procedures are in other Alberta areas, but considering it only took me about three minutes to find the answer, it's definitely worth your time to look into it.

Edmonton's Food Bank Staff:

LINK to Edmonton Food Bank page for Staff Email Direct Links

Our staff are dedicated to providing you with the best possible experience. If this is an urgent matter, please call us at 780.425.2133

Administration

General Inquiries | P: 780.425.2133

Marjorie Bencz, CM, Executive Director

Mark Doram, Director of Operations | ext. 101

Jamie Post, Support Services Manager | ext. 231

Volunteering

Please contact us if you, your workplace, team, or class would like to volunteer at our warehouse or at a fundraising event.

Virginia Pegg, Volunteer Engagement Manager | ext. 227

Cindy Washbrook, Volunteer Engagement Specialist | ext. 216

Resource Development | Special Events

Please contact our team if you are planning on:

Organizing or hosting a food drive or fundraiser

Coordinating a food pick up of 50 kilograms or more

Coordinating a 50/50 or raffle

Any media inquiries can also be directed to our team.

Special Event Inquiries | P: 780.425.2133

Cory Sellar, Video Production

Doug Hunter, Special Events & Community Relations

Susan Padget, Special Events & Community Relations

Tamisan Bencz-Knight, Manager of Strategic Relationships & Partnerships

Warehouse Operations

Please feel free to contact our warehouse directly if you are a retail food company or food industry donor.

Arthur Warman, Shipping & Receiving | ext. 102

Beyond Food & Learning Lab

Please contact us if you have questions about the Beyond Food program or would like to schedule an appointment.

Wisam Abu Rajab, Service Centre Coordinator | ext. 229

Agency Engagement

Please reach out for our Annex booking, school engagements, agency liaison, or our garden.

Hailey Helset, Agency/Depot Engagement Manager | ext. 225

Judy Yawney, Food Hub Coordinator | ext. 230

Yagut Albers, Agency Engagement Specialist | ext. 241

Client Services

If you have questions or feedback about your food hamper.

Tracey Gilchrist, Client Services Coordinator | ext. 200

Contact Us

11508 120 St. NW, Edmonton AB, T5G 2Y2

Donations via cheque can be sent to:

P.O. Box 62061, Edmonton AB, T5M 4B5

Need Food Assistance

780.425.4190

Other Inquiries

780.425.2133

Laura-Lee's Personal Observations:

I don't want to contradict the EFB recommendations but giving pasta isn't a good idea. Neither are those pre-made cheap packages made up by the various stores to push their own stuff. Poor people can buy cheap items themselves. You should focus on healthy things with lots of nutrients that have a long shelf life.

Suggestions:

Canned items

Tuna, Ham, Chicken

Fruit

Soups (not just broth but full of good stuff)

Simulac/Baby Formula

Jars

Jams and Jellies

Peanut Butter

Spaghetti Sauce (with meat-lots of uses)

Baby Food (comes in little pouches now)

Kids Lunches

Fruit cups

Cereal Bars

Fruit Juice Boxes

Paper Products

Diapers, 

Toilet Tissue

Feminine napkins (NOT Tampons)

 (Items desperately needed; always in short supply)

My Personal Favorites:

• Cookies (oatmeal, digestives). Probably not a big surprise to you.
• Box of Cereal (not all are just sugar and often you will find a "get one free" sale among the kajillion choices)
• Chef-Boyardee Ravioli
• Dried Scalloped or Mashed Potatoes
• Spaghetti-O's
• Corn Chips
• Powdered Hot Chocolate 
• Popcorn (before it's popped)
• Pudding Cups
• Canned Tomatoes (often very inexpensive, healthy, many uses)
• Cheesies
• Cake/Cookie/Muffin Mixes (as long as they don't require a bunch of extra ingredients)
• Powdered Milk (can be expensive but lasts forever, has many uses and can be made thinner in desperate times)
• Please consider giving chocolate bars. As a child I sometimes went months without a chocolate bar. It costs little to you but means SO much to poor people!

  (I love healthy items that are always a welcomed TREAT too!)

Keep in mind:

•  many poor people don't own a microwave.
•  get items that are nutritious but keep for a long time (ie. dried potatoes)
•  if its cheap for you to buy then it's something poor people can probably already afford too
•  it feels good to give items both fun and nutritious (oatmeal cookies, popcorn)

Remember: if it's something that will keep on a shelf for a while and YOU would like it, so will others.

Laura-Lee's hints:

Watch for sales and coupons. (especially buy one get one free). They get the item, you feel good and you didn't have to pay any money. You are just using your shopping smarts.

Many times I've gone "grocery shopping for the Food Bank" armed with my list of "buy one get one free" items and various coupons that I've been keeping my eyes open for throughout the week. I place these items in one corner of my cart and have them bagged separately. On my way out the door I pop them into the Food Bank box. 

More than once I had a couple of bags of primo items that cost me less than $10 OR didn't cost me any extra money at all.

So enjoy this creative and personal way of giving to a poor family. It can become quite an addictive way of volunteering your time to charity and easy to get your kids on-board too as they scout flyers and online for sales and coupons.

"The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."  (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)

I hope this helps.

Love, Laura-Lee