Our time at the boys ranch was a humbling experience. We heard many testimonies of how God had worked in the lives of many of the staff there. Their obedience to hearing Gods voice and acting on it really struck me. I now understand why Paul in the bible instructs us to put on the Armour of God. Hearing stories from faithful servants at the ranch and also while serving at a women’s ministry in Florida I am reminded of the spiritual battle going on around us. We can never put down our guard, which is why we have to encourage each other in our faith and be intercessors for each other. These next scriptures come to mind:
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Ephesians 6:10-18
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people”
Galatians 6:9-10
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
Proverbs 16:3,9
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans.”
“In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps.”
Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly[a] with your God.”
Having lunch and often dinner with the boys at the ranch was an honour. We weren’t told why they were there, but were encouraged by knowing they had all made improvements since they had arrived. Before we left, as a group we got to do a campfire with them. It was special to see the boys out of their regular environment, making smores and roasting hot dogs. T and I agreed we would like to go back and visit again some day. A piece of our hearts was definitely left at the ranch.
On Monday this week, we moved just forty five minutes up the road to a RV park in Branson. This is where we start our break. T is still struggling with his back so we pray the rest from work will help. We have gone on a gentle walk beside a beautifully large lake, stopping to take in the activity under a tree on a welcome bench and visited the Butterfly Palace. We are meeting up with some friends and attending the Sight and Sound production of David tomorrow. We don’t really have a lot planned whilst we are here. Just taking each day as it comes and the weather permits. I did get to try my hand at some more formulating. I am finding myself frustrated with finding ways to get the mixture heated up to the required temperature and measuring out the ingredients on my handy dandy kitchen scales is proving more challenging than I would like. My end product tested okay PH scale wise, but smelt a little strong for my liking, so I haven’t attempted to apply it around my eyes. T said he would be my guinea pig! In other news I had taken a short break from making sourdough anything, because of so many of our meals being with the boys this last month. I took it out today and drained some hooch from the top and stirred in the rest. I am hoping to make a loaf of bread and experiment with flatbread or cheese biscuits with the discard. Practice makes perfect right?
As always love to each of you reading and “talk” again soon- Lou
