As I sit here waiting for our time to leave, I am a little sad. As I told the ladies of His Mansion in a letter I left for them, this place is an amazing example of what God wants Christian community to be like. Each and every person here, whether staff or resident, is worshipping the same Lord, desiring to strengthen their relationship with Him. Whether they came here because as resident because they were hurt or broken or they came here to share what God has done in their lives with others, they came here to have a close encounter with our living Lord and Savior. These amazing people work together doing what God has asked of them, they play and fellowship with one another as God desires and they hold each other accountable as He taught us to do. I think the reason that I am sad to go is that this is that “mountain top” experience (no pun intended as I stare out over the mountains!); this ideal place to grow your faith. We all know the world has many secular distractions in it and it is often easy to stray from the path God laid out for you. We have all had that opportunity to stop and truly listen to Him in this place where so many distractions were taken away. Whether it was while picking weeds in the silence (as no mp3 players allowed) or hearing the women sing of His love or as you shared and listened with another about what God has done in their lives… He was here and we heard Him loud and clear. We are leaving a changed family of believers. For that, I give God the glory and thank Him for our sisters and brothers at His Mansion ministries. Our prayers will continue to be with you.
I thought we would end this week’s blog with a special gift from our kids. Earlier in the week, Lindsay challenged each of us to share a favorite scripture. While this was easy for some, others had a difficult time with it as they had never come up with something like that. All 19 of us have come up with a verse that we will carry with us to strengthen us as we walk in the world. We have asked the kids to share their verse, as well as what it means to them or why it is special to them. Enjoy…
Billy- Joshua 1:9-
It helps me to be strong in my faith. It helps me to remember that God is always with me.
Lindsay- Psalm 18:3- I call to the Lord who is worthy of praise and I am saved from my enemies.
I like it because it calms me down in hard situations.
Tiffany- Ephesians 4:32- Be kind and compassionate to one another. Forgive each other as in Christ forgave you.
This reminds me that always need to forgive others and be kind to everyone.
Alisha- Psalm 118:2- The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliver. My God is my rock in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
This was my grandfather’s favorite scripture. I was reminded of it when Mr. Mark talked about it.
Linda- Proverbs 19:11- Smart people know how to hold their tongue; their grandeur is to forgive and forget.
I need to remind myself of this verse when I am tempted to say something negative when someone does something that irritates me.
Ron- John 16:33- I came so you may have peace. You will have trouble in the world, but I have come to overcome the world.
I have lots of trouble in my life, but now I know He’s overcome the trouble in my life.
Mark- Psalm 91:1-2- He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.
This passage was special, especially to my Dad when he was working with refugees. Rely on God for your strength and not yourself!
Ben- Matthew 28:20- Teach these disciples to obey the commandments I have given you and be sure I will be with you to the end of the age.
This tells me that God is always there and Jesus is always there for me. It also says to teach others the Word and what it means.
Hailey- Revelations 1:18- I am the last living one. I was dead and now I’m alive. Behold, forever and ever and I hold the keys to death and Hades.
It is saying Jesus will take you when He is ready so we need to live life to the fullest.
Vanessa- Proverbs 27:1- Do not brag about tomorrow because you do not know what tomorrow will bring you.
You never know what is going to happen tomorrow and if something bad happens, then you are bragging about the wrong thing.
Lindsey H- Proverbs 27:1- Do not brag about tomorrow because you do not know what tomorrow will bring you.
I like it because it is a very true verse and I believe it.
Matt- Matthew 7:25- The rain fell down, the streams rose, the wind blew and the house did not fall because it had its foundation built on the rock.
If you live life with Christ and build your life on the rock, you will not fall!
Alex- Proverbs 12:1- Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.
It seems like a verse that seems true to me. It’s a true verse and really means something.
Mic/Mike- Romans 1:6- I am not ashamed of the Gospel.
God calls us to be His child and we should out there be admitting, believing and confessing in everything we do. We just have to remember to do it all the time.
Nic- Philippians 4:13- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
I believe what it says and it’s been my favorite since I was six years old.
Shay- Proverbs 21:19- It’s better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife.
I can relate to it because I would rather be alone than be with someone who is mean.
Jobie- Romans 8:28- And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to his purpose.
While bad things do happen, I try hard to remember that God will use it to glorify Him. This incident with Billy this week was just another example. We saw so many good things come out of it.
Zachary- Psalm 1:1- Blessed is the man who doesn’t sit with the wicked.
You shouldn’t sit with wicked people so you don’t become wicked yourself.
I am sorry, but no pictures this time. The card reader got packed!! We’ll get them on soon! Love you all…
See you tomorrow at church.