As I've mentioned, months before we left Tennessee, God specifically pointed out 5 houses in my mind that are on our street. I was suppose to knock on their doors and start building relationships. Armed with the scripture that was repeatedly given to me before we moved, "Be strong and courageous," (Joshua 1:6) I started knocking on doors...armed with chocolate chip cookies. The first four houses went well, but I had tried house #5 twice to no avail. This weekend we were finally able to catch her. The mom and youngest daughter were setting up camp in the front yard, preparing to paint a new piece of furniture. This family has two young girls and have lived in Mobile County most of their lives. They were friendly and offered the details on the families surrounding them. She also shared a little history about our house...we have not received a very favorable picture of the previous owners, but as I've said many times...God has redeemed this property and is now using it for His glory!
Our first failed attempt to meet house #5 resulted in meeting the kids belonging to the house across the street. They were playing the back yard and Toby yelled, "you guys want some cookies?" They came running out, but quickly replied, "we don't have any money." This statement made me sad...to think someone offering a free gift is such a foreign concept. We chatted with those boys for a while and I have been able to cross paths with them a few times since our introduction. The rumor around here is that these boys are responsible for some mischief in the neighborhood, possibly including throwing a brick through one of our windows earlier this summer. If they are responsible, I'm hopeful that our presence and interest in them will help to deter their mischievous behavior, and maybe we could even build a relationship and encourage them to find more productive things to do with their free time.
On Friday I tried to meet house #5 for the second time, but again they were not home. Their neighbor was having a yard sale and I had another plate of cookies in my hand, so we headed next door to meet a bonus neighbor. This young girl's grandmother has owned the house for many years, and she's grown up in this neighborhood. She had just moved back into the house a few weeks ago as her first place on her own. She was very sweet and a joy to chat with. As with the rest of our neighbors, she had a story about our house...as a child her sister was friends with a boy who lived here. His grandmother was handicapped and they did some work on the house to make it handicap accessible. Ah, this explains the crazy bathroom and shower handlebars.
In the past few days I've pondered God's command to "possess the land." To think that this house has been here for 30 years and has likely seen countless families come and go. I'm sure these walls have some intriguing stories. Each of the families have carried away their own memories as they lived here for a season of their lives. Now it's our turn. Just as the Israelites were to push out the seven nations from the promised land and possess it for the God of Israel, we are to possess this house and devote it to His kingdom. My prayer remains for all who enter this place to feel His presence and to be drawn closer to Him.
We are thrilled to get our furniture from Tennessee this week and once we get settled, we plan to start inviting these neighbors for dinner. At the end of October we are planning a neighborhood wide cookout. You know I'll keep you posted!
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