Something from James MacDonald

Listening to James MacDonald today and something that he had written about God's Word. An encouragement to have your love letter from God handy and read it daily...


This is my Bible....I am who it says I am
I can do what it says I can do
I am going where it says I will go
God's Word is life and breath to my soul
God's Word is milk and meat to feed me
God's Word is a seed to grow my faith
God's Word is a path that I can follow
God's Word is the light to guide my way
God's Word is the Rock on which I stand
When I read God's Word it brings me joy
When I study God's Word it gives me wisdom
When I memorize God's Word it purifies my heart
When I quote God's Word it defeats my enemies
When I meditate on God's Word it anchors my life
I am a Bible believing follower of Jesus Christ

The Door

Doors have been a symbol used by the Lord even before He walked this earth. The first mention in the Scriptures of a door was when Cain's offering was not accepted of the LORD, and He came to Cain and asked why he was angry and his face had fallen? He was told that sin was 'crouching at the door. It's desire is for you, but you must rule over it.' The next verse finds Cain murdering his brother. The last verse that speaks of a door is in Revelation, where John describes it: 'After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this."
Doors can have evil on one side and the Lord on the other, and yet we have been given the opportunity, the privilege, to walk through these doors. Angels wait with great anticipation to see what we as God's creation will do. These choices are given to us, not the angels. Consider how you might influence someone today about what door they might walk through...or not...

Highway 68 Cleanup

Why are all these people gathered together so early on a dark and drizzly morning, and why do they all look so happy? This cheerful group of Pagrovians came together for a Highway 68 cleanup project, which enhances the beauty of a scenic route into our little town. Headed by Moe Ammar (front row, bright yellow vest) who is the President of the Chamber of Commerce, our dedicated group of Bridge Residents (Jeff on the left in the white shirt, Louie, Scott, Adam, Joseph, and Sal flanking Moe) pitched in to pick up trash along the roadside. Afterwards we were treated to a fine breakfast, and we shared in the satisfaction of a job well done in service to our community. Thanks to all who participated!!

Last Nights Dinner

Last nights dinner was MARVELOUS! Scott's mom and dad came over and made salmon, artichokes and rice. That, along with all the sweets that showed up made for a fantastic dinner! Afterwards the guys had their Tuesday night Bible Study with Toner teaching out of the book of James. Really nice night! Thanks for Scott's parents for it being special.

THE MARATHONERS!!!!!

The three marathoners did such a great job!

We are so proud of them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Awaiting the Marathon

While we were in Redding waiting for the marathon to begin the guys had it pretty tough.

Today's Marathon

Today is the day of the Redding Marathon that Mike is running in. HERE is the link for their website. It's a pleasure to know Mike and what he's doing with his life...strange to say that we're 'proud' of him...kinda like he's a son or something, but we ARE proud of him. The things that God has asked Mike to do are perfectly suited to the man he is. God will not ask us to do things that He does not equip us for. It's amazing to watch what God is doing in people's lives. What a blessing to know Mike.

Who needs The Bridge?????

People often ask what kind of people are here...... The people that need the services of The Bridge or other places like The Bridge are everyday people. We have men who all come from all walks of life. But, these men all belong to families. The men here are fathers, sons, husbands brothers, uncles and so on. Some of their families have given up hope and some families are still very hopeful. But, either way all of the men come from somewhere and are trying to get to a better place in their lives. Thank you to all who make a place like this possible for men to be restored. Your support makes a difference!

What's happening at The Bridge this week

ANOTHER MARATHON.!.!.!.!.! That's right, another one. Mike and Louie ran a marathon a couple months ago. They did such a great job! Now they have the marathon bug and they are running another one this Sunday in Redding. Plus they have recruited two more runners. This Sundays runners will be Mike, Louie, Scott & Adam. Go guys go!!!!!! Pray for them and stay tuned next Sunday to see how they all do.

Recent Monterey Herald Articles

There have been a couple of really great articles in the Monterey Herald about The Bridge. One is written by Staff Writer Emmanuel Romero titled 'House Of Hope' This ties into the recent interest that Artist Thomas Kinkade has in painting the 'House Of Hope'. Very exciting! Emmanuel does an excellent job at portraying what that 'Lemon-Yellow' house on the corner of Central and Second is all about. The link to the article can be found HERE, but we're in the process of getting an electronic copy that we'll link to later. Take a look, and read what a wonderful article the Herald had put out for all the Peninsula to read.
The other article has to do with one of the guys staying at the House of Hope by the name of Jeff Nixon. His article can be found HERE. Marc Cabrera did a fantastic job of telling about Jeff and the passion he has for looking at life through the lens, and the influence that Ansel Adams had on his life.
My hope is that these will be just the beginning of a series of articles written about the characters and character that The Bridge. As more and more people get to know what goes on in that old Victorian house, I pray they'll be more apt to get involved with the residents. But not just the guys at The Bridge, I pray that they'll be able to see those around us that aren't as fortunate as the likes of Jeff and the others....I pray that we can all reach out to the lost and hurting, broken and devastated in our community with what The Bridge offers....hope.

The Allure of Thomas Kinkade

Recently, there was an article about Thomas Kinkade in the Monterey County Weekly....quite a lengthy one, I might add. (Link to Article HERE). It delved into the approach that Thomas takes with portraying life in this world as he sees it. Some protest his views, and offer opinions about his style, but most find his work adoring and inspirational.
Thomas Kinkade has recently heard of the work that is being done in and through The Bridge, and he himself has been inspired by the changed lives and the effects that those lives have on friends, family, and the community at large. And so, Thomas has taken to portraying life at The Bridge, and the "House of Hope" that it affords to those being touched daily through it.
I'm one to remind people that there is nothing that goes on that our Heavenly Father is not completely aware of. Nothing happens in our lives that has not already passed by the desk of an Omnipotent God that He has already approved for our benefit. Our Father has richly blessed us with everything needed to proclaim His love for us. He cares about our safety and security, and wants us to shout it from the rooftops that others might know. Throughout the Old Testament, it was pretty apparent who God's people were, even through their trials. My prayer is that The Bridge continue to be a reflection of how Our Heavenly Father loves us enough not to leave us where He finds us, but to draw us closer to Him.
Thomas Kinkade is know as being the 'Painter of Light'...Jesus said 'I am the Light of the World..' Thank you Thom for being an instrument of the Almighty!

Thomas Kinkade Paints the Gatehouse

World-reknowned artist Thomas Kinkade visited the Bridge on Saturday, the 3rd of January, to begin work on a project that will benefit us in many ways. When the painting is done we will certainly let you know!