Gratitude Archive

Serving Seniors: A Journey of Faith and Community

LoLo Roberts

For years, God has guided me to be exactly where I needed to be, with my only duty being to embrace obedience. What began with praying for victims of violent crime transformed into sharing prayers and fruit with the homeless community, and has now evolved into my heartfelt service to the elderly community.

Several years ago, I experienced the profound loss of my dad. His journey through terminal cancer was not just a battle; it became a testament to his unwavering spirit. You can find many heartfelt posts about this walk on my site, detailing my reflections and memories. Despite the devastating diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, my dad taught me invaluable lessons about faith and trust in God. His strength was remarkable—he faced his fate with courage and grace, illuminating the path for those around him. This walk was emotionally challenging, yet throughout it all, I felt God’s presence guiding me, opening my eyes to the importance of being truly present in the moment and cherishing each experience.

In October 2023, I felt a profound calling to engage with a vulnerable community of older adults facing food insecurity. These individuals, many of whom are in their golden years, receive only a meager amount of food stamps and Social Security benefits, barely enough to make ends meet. Ideally, many would be better suited for assisted living arrangements, yet they reside in a 55+ active adult apartment complex.

This community faces mobility challenges, with many residents relying on walkers or wheelchairs to navigate daily life. The absence of nearby family members intensifies their isolation, leaving them without regular support. Each month, they find themselves grappling with limited financial resources, constantly worried about how to pay for essential utilities and necessary medications. Their resilience in the face of these challenges is inspiring, yet their struggles weigh heavily on my heart.

I was unprepared for how deeply immersed I would become in the community after his passing. My heart ached as I saw elderly individuals being mistreated by their families, facing empty pantries, and struggling to find basic necessities like toilet paper and adult incontinence products. Many of them needed assistance with simple tasks such as housekeeping. In those moments, I couldn’t help but reflect on the lessons my dad taught me: to be present and to truly see those who are in need. I believed that, in time, God would provide for all of us.

I started with a small vision, unsure of just how vast God’s plans could be. I decided to create pasta dinner bags to share with the residents on this property. Each bag contains a box of pasta, spaghetti sauce, canned green beans, French bread, fresh zucchini, and a small pie—a complete meal meant to bring comfort and joy. After packaging everything in a convenient plastic bag with a handle, I prepared 34 bags in total, with each costing me only $5, all within my budget of $175.

On the day of distribution, I loaded my SUV and drove to the apartment complex, filled with anxiety. Upon arrival, I was surprised to see several older adults waiting eagerly outside for their pasta bags. The flyer I posted the day before had worked! It was heartwarming to witness the community’s excitement and gratitude as they came together to receive a meal bag.

I felt incredibly blessed to have the chance to distribute bags of food, each one providing seniors with 2-3 warm meals. As I met each person, I made sure to ask their names because I wanted to connect with them on a personal level. Hearing their names allowed me to introduce myself and engage with them more meaningfully. They welcomed me with warm smiles and heartfelt gratitude for what may have seemed like a small gesture, but it meant so much to them.

As I continued to hand out the bags, my heart sank when I realized that, after giving away the last one, there were still more residents waiting to receive one. The feeling of disappointment washed over me, and I couldn’t help but feel that I had let God down in my mission to serve His beloved people.

As I looked at the faces of those waiting, a wave of overwhelming emotion came over me. I realized that I hadn’t prepared enough pasta bags to meet everyone’s needs. In that moment of distress, a comforting calm enveloped me, and I felt in my heart that God was gently saying, “It’s okay. Please write down the names and apartment numbers of those who are still without food. Let them know you will return tomorrow with larger bags, and I will ensure you have what you need to provide for them.” I felt a heavy weight on my shoulders, as I had no money, but I wanted to embrace not only the lessons my dad taught me but also cultivate a deep, genuine faith in my Heavenly Father.

I went home after sharing what I had at the apartment complex. I didn’t eat dinner that night, and my heart ached knowing that I had a full pantry while some seniors would have to wait until tomorrow to receive food. It was a sleepless night, as I also worried about how to earn money to prepare more bags, including larger ones. I didn’t want to rely on my credit card for expenses I couldn’t afford. Finally, around 4 a.m., I fell asleep.

I woke up at 6 a.m. to an odd noise coming from my phone—something I had never heard before. It sounded like a cash register. Looking at my phone, I saw a notification: a wonderful friend had donated $200. This was more than enough to prepare the additional eight bags. My God was faithful to His promise.

You may not know how this story has unfolded, but after this pivotal event, God entrusted me to be His vessel, supporting not only this community but also the senior citizens in the neighboring apartment building. What started as a simple distribution of pasta has blossomed into a monthly food market, now serving 264 older adults in need. This on-site market empowers seniors to shop for free, providing them with approximately $150 to $200 in groceries, bringing hope and sustenance to their lives.

This project has been a success, but I find myself in a familiar and difficult situation, caring for an ill parent. Since my dad passed away, my mom has faced numerous health struggles, including pneumonia, multiple hospital visits, an emergency pacemaker placement, and, most recently, a stroke that led to carotid artery blockage surgery. It breaks my heart to see her endure such a challenging time, especially during her last hospital stay.

The loss of her sister on February 27, 2026, weighed heavily on her, and tragically, my mom suffered her stroke that very evening. The surgery she had was extremely risky, and the doctors prepared me for the possibility that she might not survive. While it’s been a challenging journey navigating her hospital stay and rehabilitation, I want to share that she is now in an assisted living facility that is truly lovely. It features highly skilled staff, a talented chef, and is situated in an 11,000-square-foot house that hosts only seven residents, offering a warm and intimate environment for her recovery.

Why do I find myself sharing the story of my mom when I talk about the senior community grappling with food insecurity? It’s because I’ve come to realize that even seniors who are financially stable have their own needs that often go unnoticed. I believe I am being called by God to serve older adults in a fresh, meaningful way while remaining obedient to that calling.

The residents in this particular community may not face food shortages, but they deeply hunger for companionship and connection. I’ve felt a strong impression from God to recognize that these individuals have been fortunate enough to enjoy daily essentials, spacious and beautiful rooms, delicious meals, engaging activities, and the dedicated care of full-time nurses, caregivers, and medication technicians. Yet, beneath this veneer of comfort, they yearn for something more profound: a warm touch, a listening ear, and the simple joy of being noticed.

Although their families are often present, what I provide during my visits are quick, yet precious, moments of interaction. I hold their hands, offer prayers that uplift their spirits, share in laughter that brightens their day, and in my heart, I know I’m helping them feel visible and cherished. It’s in these small acts of connection that the power of love and attention shines through them enriching my day.

My dad’s wise words resonate with me: “Be present for those around you and take time to notice them.” Each day grants us 1,440 minutes. How are you choosing to spend those minutes in service to God? Make every moment count!

Philippians 2:3-4 NLT
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

Intertestamental Period

LoLo Roberts

I am currently enrolled in Opened Bible Academy, spending two and a half years drawing closer to God and better understanding His Word. I learned that the period between the last writings of the Old Testament and the arrival of Christ, known as the “intertestamental” period, serves as a bridge of waiting, hope, and anticipation. It stretches from when the prophet Malachi ended the Old Testament to the powerful preaching of John the Baptist, marking a transformative phase in spiritual history.

I am in a transformative period, feeling God shift and shape me. The Holy Spirit is empowering me with strong discernment for my nonprofit ministry. I am experiencing a profound closeness to God, even as I navigate feelings of distance from others.

I truly feel God’s presence in my life, and during this time of deep reflection, I find myself wanting to create some space from others. It’s a challenging balance, as I know what’s best for my nonprofit through divine guidance, yet I also recognize the need for human support in this journey.

God was silent for 400 years, but why was He silent? He was working. God orchestrated conquests, victories, and defeats. He established trade routes that would be used in the future during Jesus’s ministry to move from region to region. God also coordinated the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire and the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. Everything was aligned for His purpose and plan. He was putting everything in its proper place for when John the Bapitizer arrived to prepare others for the arrival of the Messiah.

I know that my “intertestamental” period, marked by its unique challenges and experiences, will not extend for 400 years. I do know God is at work as I sit here, waiting for His next step. Silence from God is not absence or forgetfulness; it is preparation happening behind the scenes. Over the past seven years of working in this nonprofit, I have learned the value of patience and the importance of not pushing my own agenda. I know the Holy Spirit well and can discern His guidance, understanding that others do not personally receive God’s message for me.

I genuinely value the kindness and support I receive from others as I journey through the complexities of growing my nonprofit. However, I often find myself grappling with how to articulate my needs in a way that resonates. It can be disheartening when their interpretations seem so distant from my original intentions, leaving me feeling misunderstood and, at times, even isolated in my vision.

I recognize that this journey can often feel lonely, yet I find solace in believing that God is guiding me every step of the way. Even in solitude, His presence is a constant source of strength. He understands my heart’s depth and my unwavering commitment to Him. This connection fills me with hope and reassurance, reminding me that I am never truly alone.

I will continue to move forward, embracing the journey and recognizing that everything unfolds in its own time. This is a comforting reminder that God’s timing truly matters, not the ticking of my watch.

My love and gratitude for each of you, LoLo

2 Peter 3:8
But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.

My Journey Begins

LoLo Roberts

I was recently accepted into The Open Bible Academy, a two-and-a-half-year program designed for laypeople who want to study seminary without pursuing a ministry position. Although I’ve wanted to apply for several years, I felt called by God to complete my application only last fall. I’ve included this link for you to learn more. https://www.the-oba.org/

I began this journey feeling insecure and inadequate, as I had been out of school for over forty years. I was not the best student during my school years; I was often disinterested and mediocre, prioritizing my social life over my studies. I was never one to think of the future but only of the present.

Since starting this class three weeks ago, I’ve realized that I struggle with studying and understanding my reading assignments. I also didn’t fully grasp what a rubric is. I was aware of my lack of knowledge regarding college and academic terminology, and it’s clear that I need additional support to improve. It was time for me to reassess and adopt a new approach to traditional college course studying. I had to bow my head and kneel to pray for guidance.

“God,” I prayed, “You have placed me here to draw closer to You and to better understand Your words. I need You desperately. I feel like I am sinking fast and must come up for air to grasp what I am meant to do. Please provide me with Your guidance and the resources to fulfill my purpose in my class. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

I sent my SOS to Heaven, hoping that God would find favor in me and grant my prayer. As I had hoped, He was there for me. The next day, I sat with my textbook open, staring at the words, and I felt His presence lifting me. “Listen to My words as you read,” I felt Him say. I took God’s guidance by buying an audiobook that corresponds with my Bible, which would be a good idea so I could hear His words as I read them. It is like God speaking to me directly.

This blog post is brief, but I must focus on my first writing assignment: my perspective on Creation and humanity’s relationship with God. Even though I now understand a rubric and have a step-by-step example of how to structure this paper and the expected flow, I still bow my head, seeking God’s guidance to complete this assignment. I hope you will join me on this journey as I explore my weaknesses and witness how God will develop my faith and devotion to Him.

With love and gratitude, LoLo

Isaiah 43:19
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

God, I’m Giving All This to You!

LoLo Roberts

It has been quite a while since I have written a blog post. So much is happening in my ministry, such as feeding insecure senior citizens food, bridging gaps for communities in crisis, and trying to care for myself.

Each April I participate in an Evening of Emowerment. This is an event that victims of violent crime are invited to attend for an opportunity to meet with counselors and legal aid and be pampered. This event offers beautiful meals, new clothing, groceries, massages, and yoga. My purpose at the event is to pray over victims and their families to inspire HOPE and let them know they are not alone.

Every year, I struggle to hear heartbreaking stories and want to fix everyone’s problems through prayer. Over the last five years, praying for 100s of people has caused me to be a bit fearful. Each year becomes more challenging and complex, yet God draws me back every year to serve these families in His name.

I made a “Give It to God” jar this year. This jar would allow women to give what they are struggling with to God and release it from their control. They could write what they wanted to release on a card, fold it, and put it in the jar. I asked them as they placed the card in the jar to ask God to take their struggle from them.

I always wait a few days before I open the card. I want to sit in a quiet, reflective space to read each card. This year, as expected, the cards were more challenging to read. I am not posting the exact prayer request, but a watered-down version. If you are a prayer warrior, please consider praying over a few of these women.

I pray to meet a wonderful, faithful man who will be a father to my son.

I pray to be free of an abusive home life.

Please pray I can be better.

Pray for my disabled body.

I pray that God will forgive me for the life I have led.

I am pregnant and in a domestic violence shelter. Pray my baby is born without complications and we receive a home.

Pray my children come back to God.

Join me in prayer.

Father, Our Gracious God, place your healing hands on these 34 women who feel less than they are or struggling to let go of their struggles. May they begin to trust You and feel Your peace and love for them. May they know that Jesus died on the cross for each of them. I pray that Your peace lands in their hearts and minds as they accept Jesus and Your unconditional love for each of them. Father, make Your presence known to them this very day. I love and trust you, Father, and in Jesus’ holy and precious name, with the power of the Holy Spirit, I pray for these women and children. Amen.

My love and gratitude for you, LoLo.

Walking Through Grief From Fentanyl Poisoning

LoLo Roberts

Death is all around us. When I speak of death, I am not only talking of physical death and loss of loved ones but also of death in society. The Bible presents death as separation: physical death is the separation of the soul from the body, and spiritual death is the separation of the soul from God.

This past weekend, I spoke to a group of families (mainly moms) who have lost their children to fentanyl poisoning and are in extreme grief. They were confused by unanswered questions, dazed by the sudden loss, and present with broken hearts. There were tears, there were fears, and there was emptiness.

I walked into the room and was concerned about relating to the group since I hadn’t had any dealings with fentanyl poisoning. I didn’t know any information about this drug except that it was an aggressive killer and random as to who it would kill. In 2022, there were 4,925 unintentional drug overdoses in Texas. Greater than 44% of those deaths were fentanyl deaths; 2,192 beautiful people became angels and are no longer with us. In 2020, there were 891 fentanyl poisonings in Texas; in 2021, 1648, and 2,192 in 2022. This is a rapid increase in a very short time. The numbers are still being compiled for 2023. The graph below is provided by: https://healthdata.dshs.texas.gov/dashboard/drugs-and-alcohol/fentanyl-trends

Until this meeting, I didn’t really know what fentanyl was. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Just two milligrams of fentanyl, which is equal to 10-15 grains of table salt, is considered a lethal dose (see picture below). The two moms facilitating this class explain that fentanyl is very cheap. A single dose of fentanyl is considered to be 100 mcg-400 mcg and can cost about $2 or less. The cost of heroin is around $20 per dose. One of the major problems with fentanyl sold on the street is that there is no way to know how much fentanyl something actually contains, and it is one of the easiest opioids to overdose on.

It is sadly not uncommon now to find heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, or MDMA (ecstasy, molly, or mandy) laced with fentanyl on the street. Due to its high potency and low cost per dose, street dealers have found it to be a useful filler or substitute when selling other, more expensive street drugs. (https://www.addictionresource.net/cost-of-drugs/prescription/fentanyl/)

The group I was speaking to was NTX Angel Moms. I met one of the moms last fall at an event I was attending with Grateful Gratitude. I was visiting with the community offering prayers and gratitude hearts. A lady named Jeri approached my table and was so sad. She told me she had lost her daughter and she missed her so much. She didn’t tell me how the loss occured and I didn’t ask seeing her hurt. I asked her to choose a heart to take with her and to remember that I cared for her and would be praying for her peace.

Two weeks ago, Jeri sent me an email and said she was launching a new support group and asked if I would come speak on the importance of journaling and share gratitude hearts with the family members. She then told me she lost her daughter, Jessie to fyntanyl poisoning. Even though I was not sure I could be of help on the subject of fentanyl poisoning, I hoped God would make me a help through the grief support I offer.

The meeting started with family members talking about their family member and how they found out about the loss. I didn’t cry tears on the outside but I felt my heart breaking as they spoke. Some had few words to share, some a lot, all the words clung to my soul. Here were beautiful people living life, yes some with struggles but none with intentions of dying. I saw the faces of the lost loved ones, again, beautiful faces full of life. Please don’t be a person that says I don’t need to know about this because it doesn’t partain to me. It does. We just lost a outstanding teen in a neighboring community to this viscious drug.

I want to show you some pictures from the gathering. Pictures of two moms fighting to save other family members with fentanyl poisoning awareness. Pictures of a few faces lost, now angels and never forgotten. Please reach out to NTX Angel Moms or Because Cullen to have them speak at your PTA meetings, church gatherings, parents groups, or meet with them alone to become educated on how to slow and stop this loss. More information may be found at: https://www.dea.gov/onepill and at Because Cullen: https://www.facebook.com/groups/330821742943543

May God bless you and your families and I pray you learn more about saving lives.                      

               Love & Gratitude, LoLo.