Only the Lord God could have orchestrated the events of this past Saturday, April 18th, 2009, when we held the Henry Fudge Memorial Benefit on the square in Blanco, on Farmer’s Market Day. The Lord answered prayers for rain and sunshine, and delivered BOTH the same day!

Lawrence and I joined Jeff Latham and others April 6th on the steps of the State Capital in Austin to pray for rain, not knowing that we’d be praying for sunshine for the benefit April 18th! Saturday morning as the rain was coming down, Lawrence said “I guess we forgot to say which day we wanted it to rain!”

The weather forecast may have caused some to cancel their plans, but not us! We decided to stand on our faith that God would honor His Word when He said “10Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do.” Deuteronomy 15:10

Friday afternoon, however, was a true test of faith, because Lawrence was barbequing those briskets in the rain. Saturday morning it was still raining as I ran outside to hold an umbrella over Lawrence’s head while he hooked up the BBQ pit to his truck to go to Blanco! We stood on the scripture where Jesus said “11So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.” Matthew 7:11

God’s gifts are always better! Present your needs to the Lord!

“8The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but He delights in the prayers of the upright.” Proverbs 15:8

Even though we’re not perfect, it is written “21For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (Did you see that? We are made right through Christ Jesus and our faith in Him! We are the “upright” in Proverbs 15:8 above!)

Jesus said “7But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!” John 15:7

Wednesday night, during bible study, some people wanted to discuss the upcoming benefit, but we decided to put God first by giving our time to the Lord, focus on our bible study, and discuss the benefit later. Well, again God was true to His Word, and fulfilled His promise written in Matthew 16:33 - “33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

We sought the Lord and He gave us what we needed to make the benefit a success! I believe He was testing us, to see if we would worry or go to Him and ask for help, trusting that the prayers of a righteous (wo)man availeth much!

Trust in the Lord, and when He tests you, find a Scripture to lean on! It’s the only way to be victorious, leaning and trusting in God and His Word. “7“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.” Jeremiah 17:17

I’m happy to report I made a deposit of $1,000.00 into the special account at the Cattleman’s bank today! I can't begin to name all the people who gave much more than they needed to as they paid for their BBQ sandwiches. Their hearts were much bigger than the prices we’d set. Many others wrote out checks for large sums of money, and since I don't know all of them, rather than skip someone, I'll just say thank you one and all, from Denise, Ruthie, Susie, Candy, Elaine, and all the grand-kids!

Special thanks to Rebecca, Stacey, Elaine, Lawrence and Candy for helping us serve, and to all those who helped set up and take down. Lawrence’s BBQ is always tender, and Dorothy, Linda, Ruthie, Patty and Lucille's baked goods were a huge hit. Wade Wagner's beans were awesome. He cooked them at the last minute to fill in for Joe (sorry for the confusion Joe).

The Fudge family greatly appreciates the Fraternal Order of Eagles for their love and wonderful meal they served after the funeral. The people who live in Blanco have big hearts, and I’m really happy to be part of this community! God said “10But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.” Jeremiah 17:10