Step Back in Time at Stanton Hall: A Must-See in Natchez, Mississippi

 This past week Trey and I escaped south for a short getaway at my aunt and uncle’s house in the middle of Mississippi.  Nothing like the south for the holidays.  

We were just a short drive from Laurel, Hattiesburg, Natchez, and a few other historic towns that have some really cool attractions.  If you’re planning a trip to Mississippi then Natchez, Mississippi should be on your bucket list—especially for history lovers and those who appreciate Southern charm. We took a pause and toured Stanton Hall, a breathtaking antebellum mansion that seems to take you straight into the grandeur of the 1850s. It is just stunning.  

A Mansion of Unmatched Grandeur

Stanton Hall isn’t just a house—it’s a statement. Built between 1851 and 1857 by cotton broker Frederick Stanton, the mansion was originally known as “Belfast” after Stanton’s hometown in Ireland. This palatial residence occupies an entire city block in downtown Natchez and stands five stories tall, with soaring ceilings, giant Corinthian columns, and an elegance that leaves you in awe.  

Inside, you’ll find richly adorned rooms with original and period furnishings, delicately carved woodwork, rare antiques, and elegant décor that reflect the opulent tastes of mid-19th-century America. Magnificent marble mantels, giant mirrors imported from Europe, and beautiful chandeliers are just a few of the standout features. 

Living History: What a Tour Feels Like

When you walk through Stanton Hall’s grand entrance, it’s easy to imagine life in antebellum Natchez. You’ll see rooms that once hosted lively social events, parlors filled with family heirlooms, and details that spark curiosity at every turn. Guided tours bring the mansion’s story to life with fascinating insights into the Stanton family, architectural features, and how daily life unfolded in such a magnificent home. 

Restoration & Preservation: A Stewardship Story

Perhaps what makes Stanton Hall even more remarkable is the story of its preservation - the story of its preservation is my absolute favorite part.  By the early 20th century, this mansion had passed through many uses and owners, including operating as a young ladies’ school. But its survival was never guaranteed.

In 1938, a dedicated group of local volunteers known as the Pilgrimage Garden Club purchased Stanton Hall to save it from decline. They embarked on a heartfelt restoration project to return the home to its former glory, making it not only their headquarters but a place the public could enjoy and learn from. Their efforts ensured that this architectural treasure wouldn’t be lost to time—and because of their work the tours are possible.  

Today, Stanton Hall stands proudly as a National Historic Landmark, a testament to community passion and the importance of preserving our shared heritage. 

Tips for Visiting

• Plan ahead: Tours run daily (often year-round) and are a great way to fully experience the mansion’s interior.  The tour guides are amazing.
  
  

• Combine with other historic homes: Natchez has many preserved sites, so consider a multi-house tour for the full antebellum experience.
  
  

• Wear comfy shoes: Stanton Hall is spacious, and you’ll want to explore both inside and out.
  
  

Natchez has so much to offer, but Stanton Hall might just be its crown jewel.

Useful Goodness

 KINDNESS = USEFUL GOODNESS

This morning, I visited a church I hadn’t attended in more than 12 years—The pastor preached from Ephesians 4:31–32:

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

But what is kindness, really?

Is it simply the absence of meanness?

Do we confuse kindness with politeness?

He described kindness as “USEFUL GOODness”—choosing to do what is GOOD and HELPFUL for others, whether we like them or not.

That definition is not one I have ever heard before.  

Are we actually living out useful goodness? Are we truly being kind in ways that matter?

My Self Reflect.....

Living in a rural small town—often described as “the middle of nowhere”—useful kindness isn’t optional; it’s essential to the health and success of our community. I’ve had to learn, sometimes the hard way, to set aside bitterness and hurt for the greater good. I may not have always called it “useful goodness,” but in practice, that has been the standard I’ve tried to live by.

Several years ago, I was asked to attend a meeting about our community gardens and how people could work together to support them. If you know me, you know how passionate I am about our free, pick-your-own fruits and vegetables. During that meeting, the conversation shifted to Easter egg hunts, and someone asked me, “When is the Mayor’s Easter Egg Hunt?” I shared the date and time, assuming they were trying to avoid a conflict.

Instead, a woman seated behind me made a motion to hold their hunt at the exact same time as ours. The motion was seconded, and the group voted in favor—without a pause, and without regard to the fact that I was sitting in the room.

In the days that followed, I struggled. I still advertised the other hunt, even though it conflicted with the one my husband and I had planned. It took everything in me to walk back into that meeting room, knowing the decision had been made so casually and so personally. As I distributed Easter event flyers, I caught myself wondering whether I should quietly bury their flyer or skip tagging their event online. It hurt—but was that really being usefully good?

Before I take action, send a message, or even post a comment, I run it through what I call my “checkmate system.” I ask myself three questions: Who does this help? How does it help? And why does it matter? If the benefit comes back only to me, then it’s probably not something I need to do.

That’s the hard work of useful kindness—choosing what is good for the whole, even when it costs you personally.

Your Perspective Changes

 The way you focus on something establishes your emotions around it.  This is the same photo at 3 different levels of zoom. 

The first photo is an ugly tree that blocks the view.  Makes us feel angry that it is there.  You can’t even tell there is a beautiful field and a road behind it. 

The second photo you only see the road and tree.  It’s a little prettier.  A little more life, but shows the human developments of this world.  

The third picture shows it all.  God’s glory shining down on the necessary road.  The field full of crops to one side and the hint of a landmark business on the other side.  

What you look at, how you look at it, what you are told (on repeat) is what you believe.  Your heart takes note and it becomes bitter or filled with joy. 

The problem in this world is the people.  We forget to leave I out we and remember that I am not the whole story, I am a tiny speck that was put here on purpose with a purpose.   

BUT that purpose was not written by this world or the people in it and that purpose will often be unsettling to those that do not understand it.  

I love Psalms 103, prior to this week I hated reading the same scriptures over and over.  I have been reading the book Psalms, reciting them, then I found a study on just Psalms 103.  Every day I read just Psalms 103 out-loud and listen to the words.   

It reminds me that our God does not hold grudges, keep marks, look for the bad, or constantly accuse us.  

Our maker, our final judgement, our creator is not peeling through our life looking for our mistakes or trying to trip us up. I find comfort in knowing that.  

God is Good even when the World is Ugly! 

“The Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly. He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel. The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone— as though we had never been here. But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children”  Psalms‬ ‭103‬:‭6‬-‭17‬ 

Ps if you are picking through this post looking for things to throw darts at, I dare you to go read the book of Psalms.

Community Chronicles: The Chronicles of the Highway Haters

In my rural community, our local community groups often feel like a scene from a bizarre sitcom. At least three to five times a day, posts appear, ranting about the roads. Each complaint has more dramatic comments than the last and I often paused to marvel at the spectacle.

“Why don’t the city fix streets anymore?” one user declared “too worried about putting in that useless “round about” and spouting off theories that could only be taken from a conspiracy novel. The peculiar part? The roundabout wasn't even in our town; it was on a state highway maintained by the state highway department.

I pictured the commenters, hunched over their keyboards, eyes wide, hair frizzed from frustration, thumbs racing to keep up with the chaotic conversation. A brave soul attempted to introduce logic, only to be met with insults—"You're just bitter!" they cried, blinded by ignorance.

Secretly, I regularly ponder creating a Pinterest board or a scrapbook to archive these rants— "When Misinformed Meets the Internet." One day, in the twilight of my years, I could revisit these wild declarations, chuckling at the absurdity.

Yet, beneath the humor lay a twinge of sympathy for the misinformed. Their words, immortalized in the digital ether, revealed a troubling truth: in a community so connected, understanding we are often overshadowed by misguided fervor.

Your Abilities....Your Distractions

 You have 500 to 800 abilities.  What are you doing with them?  

This is a touchy topic for me.  It makes me rather sad to think about how much wasted talent is out there.   

I am still working through Pastor Rick Warren's Study and yesterday was about using your abilities for God's Purpose and for Good.   

There are two sides to this story - actually using your abilities and using them for God's Good.   

I think first about the struggle to actually use our abilities.  Are we really living to our full ability?  Probably daily, I hear "I wish I had your energy" and "it is easier when you are your age and not my age"....Umm, okay, I am exhausted, my hip hurts, my shoulder hurts, I drink 90,000 cups of coffee a week, and I am still NOT living to my full purpose.  

DISTRACTIONS is my greatest weakness.  Yesterday, I really wanted to finish my bathroom paint job, organize my office, clean off my kitchen table, and get the 2 boxes of sidewalk sale priced and out of my house.  At eight pm last night I picked up my brush, opened the can of paint and started painting.   I flipped on the podcast for the third time that day and listened to the message on my abilities.  

As I painted, I thought about how much time I waste on my cell phone.  Scrolling Facebook is the devil....and I know I am down screen time significantly compared to others - even those in my own house.  BUT I still waste so much time not doing work that I need to be doing.  Not just work around my house and my shop but work for the good of God's Kingdom.  

I put off writing all weekend.  I was convicted all weekend, but I felt to bothered to write.  I did, however, have time to make a lengthy reply on a Facebook post that really didn't matter.  

WE as in our SOCIETY are addicted to our cell phones.   I am going to throw my husband under the bus here - because I don't have an Apple watch.   The continuous notifications are Satan's temptation.  I was watching him drive the other day and his Apple Watch pinged, it was a notification for SEMO Alerts, so then he felt compelled to get his phone out - I said, "I will look" because I knew he "needed" to know.  We interrupted our conversation to look at an alert for a fire alarm notification in Downtown Cape.   Like we interrupted our time together for a pointless notification.  

I could document a book where cell phones have prevented us from having time together, accomplishing task, interrupted our time with God, took away from family time, and cost us important things.  

Dear Heavenly Father, 

Thank you for the grace that you give us.  Thank you for loving us even though we fail so often.  Thank you for giving use the tools that we need and the ability to work for you.  

Father, I pray you cleanse our society of our addition to our screens.  I pray that you open eyes to waste we have become as we sit, and we scroll.  I pray you take that need to check notifications away from us.  I pray that you silence the distractions so we can be focused on your mission. 

Father God, I pray you work in my own heart against this temptation.  I pray that you help me stay focused on what I need to be doing that it be working physically or working spiritually.  

I pray that you help those in my own house.  I pray you make our phones and digital connections not needed and you make our connection to you a priority.  

God, phones are an addiction that takes away from you.   We need you.  We need to be working for you. 

Your Daughter, Becky of Marble Hill 

(If you landed on this page and are thinking what in the world is this girl talking about.  I am a writer, I struggle to pray out loud, but I can write my prayers.   Praying for my community, the people in my community, and for a hedge around my community is the best act of leadership I can do.  This is my personal prayer journal titled "My City Prayers")

Follow Your Heart

 “Place your passions, desires, and dreams under God’s control so that you serve God through the way he has designed you.” ~ Rick Warren 

Proverbs 27:19

As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.

Philippians 2:13

for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Colossians 3:23

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,

God gave me so many talents!  I have an amazing memory for things from age 2 to about 36.  Beyond age 36 it is a blur.  Recently a church from a neighboring community announced they were launching in our community.   Their leaders immediately reached out to me as a leader in our community to get involved.  The running line when I met with different leaders was “do you not remember me?”  Some did, some didn’t.  They do see thousands of people a year, but I remembered them, and their story was easier to follow than mine was as I don’t have podcast and a media team.  However, this relationship forgotten or not made our working relationship so much easier, and we could work together to be the hands and feet of Jesus.  

I am so good at making images and flyers for my community.  I do this for many of the businesses and organizations in our community.  God gave that talent to me, and I can use it for the good of my community and neighbors.  

I am really good at photography! Yep, gift from God!  My photos have been shared thousands of times.  Drawing attention to a situation, a community, a place, an event - showing what God has given us and even sometimes a need.  

I am a decent writer.  Decent because often I tick people off, but I am decent and I often draw people to story - again, a talent from God. I use this skill to put God's word out, draw attention to a need, talk about something that needs to be corrected - BUT I can only be successful with it if I am doing it under God's Blessing.  It has backfired before.  

I see needs where others don’t see them.  I remember when we were working with the tornado recovery, I saw things that needed to be fixed and was able to pray and advocate for those needs.  

I can paint furniture!  This is actually how I make my living.  Yes, I can paint beautiful classic pieces of furniture.  I love it, I love seeing the masterpieces when they go to their new homes! God continues to bless me as I continue to provide affordable quality furniture to the people of my community.  

All of these talents and gifts are things God Blessed me with.  I can choose to use them for him or not.  We have our freewill, but when we don't use them for his good then we are not living under him.  

I am not perfect, and I often forget “god or me” and have to remind myself “am I really doing this for the God’s good or is it for my own satisfaction”.

I am following Pastor Rick Warren’s Study “Following Your Heart” and learning about putting my talents and skills under God.  

We often forget the amount of power we have, especially today with social media and instant messaging.  

I encourage you to take 30 mins of your social media scrolling or pop in your earbuds while you work and listen to Part 1, it will wake you up as to why you might be struggling:  

https://pastorrick.com/listen-online/following-your-heart-part-1-4/

Here are my takeaways from the study.  Not all of these are me but help me see more light into circumstances and people.  

• Bitterness is the worst heart disease ever.  It will eat you alive.  It is worse than cancer.  When you are resentful and thinking about how to retaliate it keeps you in the past.  

Ouch, that hurts!  It is easy to be bitter.  It is easy to hold grudges.  When I listened to this one person came to mind, it is a woman that hates me - I mean really hates me, for something I didn’t even do, but she believes with her whole heart that I did, no matter how often I attempt to correct what she believes.  I pray for her, I pray God softens her heart, but also pray for her health and well-being.  I have seen her in passing and she looks so miserable, so uptight, and the hate she is feeling is pouring out of her body.   This kind of bitterness will take a person to their grave.  When I am praying, I am not asking for a rekindled relationship, but I am asking for peace in her heart.   She is an incredibly talented person, but her focus is hating for me instead of the great things she can do. I see that and I hurt for her.  

Thinking about that, I also have to check my bitterness.  I have GIANT wounds created by people.  Being a woman in leadership, well women are really mean, and sometimes men are really mean.  They do things to hurt me.  I have a neighbor that I can see them sitting on their front porch from my bedroom window - he says awful horrible things about me on social media.  Why?  I don't know.  It would be so easy for me to hate him and be bitter to him. I have to remember to let his hate and other's hate go, move on, and know that I am working for a greater power than this world.    

• Under bitterness, I would add assumption, jealousy, and standards.  These emotions and actions often cause bitterness between people.   
• Assumption:  We often assume that someone should do something that we want them to do.  We may not know all the facts, or we might know them, but be withholding the facts.  Assumption creates bitterness.  
• Jealousy:  Social media creates so much jealousy.  So much jealousy.   I do not even need to explain this.  We all can check ourselves at the door with this.  
• Standards:  You will hold someone you dislike to a higher standard than you will your close friends.  It is easier to pick your non-friend apart than it is to pick someone you adore apart.  No explanation - Check yourself.  

I have listened to this podcast 4 times in 3 days, I am slowly unpacking what I learn, journaling what I need to remember, and noting my own behaviors.  

Quick add it is easier to love people if you see Jesus in them first.   That’s Powerful!

Dear Jesus, thank you for giving us resources to help us see your light in the situation.   Thank you for giving us tools to learn from and sources to use.  Most importantly thank you for your word, the one true word, and the book to light our way.  Thank you for the Bible. 

Father, I am not without sin, but I rest in the fact that I have been wash cleaned by you.  Thank you! 

God, I pray that for those struggling or walking around carrying guilt, fear, bitterness, resentment, and more.  I pray you cleanse their hearts and use them and their talents for your good.  

Father, I pray you heal the wounds created by assumption, jealousy, and standards we have created in this world.  I pray you help us navigate through peace and love. 

Heavenly Father, I ask that you continue to use me for your work.  I desire to be the hands and feet of Jesus.  I desire to do your work and work for you in all I do.  I appreciate the hedge you have wrapped around me and the life you have given me.  I love you father with all my heart and soul. 

Father God, I pray you continue to speak to me and allow me to use your word to impact our world.  I pray that this message - your words - helps one person.  Creates one more soldier

 for the lord's army.  

God there has been so many blessings for my community.  I pray you continue to bless my community.  There are so many good people here working to do good things.  I pray if they march for you that you continue to use them.  If they don’t march for you that you convict them, cleanse their hearts, set them straight, and use them for your good!  I know they have incredible talents and could do so much for you and our community!  

Your Daughter, Becky of Marble Hill.  

Integrity, Decisions, Joy

 ” Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me! “Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭1‬-‭8‬ 

Yesterday, I listened to the Proverbs 31 Podcast "How Do I Know if I'm Making the Right Decision" with guest speaker Joel Muddamalle.   I highly recommend this podcast even if you do not have a huge decision to make.  It is more about making good everyday decisions than good huge decisions.  

If you haven't figured it out yet, I am stuck on Psalms 119 this week.  I have read, listened, and reread the book of Psalms Chapter 119 this week and I have found it speaks to every moment of my life. 

Last week and this week have been unnecessarily stressful for me.  While I love helping my community as much as I can, I hate being under the watchful eye of Satan.  Yes, I am going to label it as Satan.  Jesus will not critique you, complain at you, humiliate you, make unnecessary Facebook post about you, text your phone at 2am because you made a comment he didn't like, lie about you, mock you, or be mean to you.  You see those behaviors are not of Christ they are of the devil. 

Psalms 119: 4 & 5 says "You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!"  

I sit as a semi-important position in my community.  Some days it is important and somedays it is irrelevant.  I have found it to be relevant to some when they want to use my position to for their own gain or if they want to get back at me for something they think I did or didn't do.  

Last week and this week I was asked numerous times for my opinion on a certain subject; I had an opinion, not exactly the opinion everyone thought I had, but my opinion was irrelevant to the situation.   None of the players in the situation were under my representation and none of them had asked for my assistance in the situation, so why did my opinion matter?  

It didn't really, but my influence was sought.  They wanted my influence instead of my opinion.  Was it really fair for me to insert my influence without knowing all the facts of the situation - the facts as to which I was not privy to?   Absolutely Not.  It would have been unfair to all the players for me to insert my influence on a situation that impacted every single household in my city.  

The whole situation felt icky to me, so I exited the situation by explaining that these individuals were not members of the organization I sit with therefore I stay neutral in the matter - BUT because they sought my influence more than my opinion this upset them even more.  It was a lose lose situation.  

Yesterday as I listened to the Podcast, I mentioned above, Mr Muddamalle talked about when we are decision making and seeking input on our decisions, we have to be transparent with those we are seeking advice from.  "They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths" Psalms 1119:3

How do we hide things and not comprise with evil?  We can't.  I knew that while I was making the decision to insert my opinion or not insert my opinion there was more to the story than what was being told and/or what I was being told or they wouldn't have been come at me so hard seeking my opinion or information from me.  Every request wouldn't have felt like I was being manipulated.   

I find joy in the fact that I sought God's instruction on the matter.  As the day neared and the time came close for the situation to be over, I spent my day NOT inserting my opinion, but instead fasting and praying for those making the final decision on the matter.   I found joy that my action while not pleasing to the world could reflect those of Jesus and how he faced hard times.  I found joy in knowing that while I didn't do everything perfectly - I asked God for guidance, and I obeyed his commands.  

The world or actually Satan using the world hates when we fall back on the word of God to make our decisions. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the words of wisdom you have given us.  The guidance that helps us find answers to hard and simple things in this world.  Thank you for listening and guiding us in this world.  Thank you for resources and Godly people we can draw from.  Thank you for loving us so much even when we do not walk your path.  

Father God, thank you for my city and the people of my city.  Thank you for the growth and abundance you have poured down in our community.   Thank you for the hedge of protection you have put around my community and sheltered us from some of the problems we do not know about.   

God, I ask you to continue to bless our community and those in it.  I ask you to open their eyes to how awesome you are in this world and help their lives not only be abundant but easier.  

Father, you know those that are not following your word or living by your righteous regulations, I pray for them.  I pray that their hearts are softened, and they are open to your word and wisdom.  I pray that you become the most important in their lives and every decision they make is made with your wisdom. 

God, I ask that you help me be more like you every day.  When I stray or put me before I ask that you guide me back and remind me that you are knower of all and the hand the turns the world.    In Jesus Name I Pray, Becky of Marble Hill.  

(If you landed on this page and are thinking what in the world is this girl talking about.  I am a writer, I struggle to pray out loud, but I can write my prayers.   Praying for my community, the people in my community, and for a hedge around my community is the best act of leadership I can do.  This is my personal prayer journal titled "My City Prayers")

Perryville Thrift Store & Psalms 119

 Today, I had to go to Perryville, Missouri for a meeting, that just happened to be blocks from the Thrift Store-Perryville MO Society of St Vincent de Paul!  So, I made a short stop and scored this amazing painting and adorable flower water can!  I was in awe.  I love the things the Society of St Vincent de Paul does with the money they make from their little store - so I always try to stop when I am nearby!  

Now, I know you really googled Thrift Store, Perryville Missouri and why am I talking about Psalms 119.  Well, I was listening to a podcast about Psalms 119 when I decided to make the stop.  Over the past few months, I have turned to listening to podcast and scripture while I drive long distances and while I paint.  I get a 2 for 1 deal, God's Word and I accomplish my task in front of me.  These are also my time with God.  Time for me to reflect on myself and work through the things that have been bothering me.  

Psalms 119, have you read it?  Wow it is loaded!  

I am worn out waiting for your rescue,

    but I have put my hope in your word.

82 

My eyes are straining to see your promises come true.

    When will you comfort me?

83 

I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke,

    but I have not forgotten to obey your decrees.

84 

How long must I wait?

    When will you punish those who persecute me?

85 

These arrogant people who hate your instructions

    have dug deep pits to trap me.

86 

All your commands are trustworthy.

    Protect me from those who hunt me down without cause.

87 

They almost finished me off,

    but I refused to abandon your commandments.

88 

In your unfailing love, spare my life.

    then I can continue to obey your laws. 

Psalms 119; 81-88

There are times (more times than not) that I just become so overwhelmed by the overload of pressures from the outside world.  I often hate my phone and I really hate social media.  These devices are so full of sinful things.  Images, thoughts, conversations, just garbage that takes a toll on our hearts.  

Teach me your decrees, O Lord;

    I will keep them to the end.

34 

Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions;

    I will put them into practice with all my heart.

35 

Make me walk along the path of your commands,

    for that is where my happiness is found.

36 

Give me an eagerness for your laws

    rather than a love for money!

37 

Turn my eyes from worthless things,

    and give me life through your word.[b]

38 

Reassure me of your promise,

    made to those who fear you.

39 

Help me abandon my shameful ways;

    for your regulations are good.

40 

I long to obey your commandments!

    Renew my life with your goodness.

I have found my heart hurting more and more these days from all the hate in this world.  All the sin, but then I remember the sin has always been there, but we forget to focus on God to protect ourselves from the sin.   

(If you landed on this page and are thinking what in the world is this girl talking about.  I am a writer, I struggle to pray out loud, but I can write my prayers.   Praying for my community, the people in my community, and for a hedge around my community is the best act of leadership I can do.  This is my personal prayer journal titled "My City Prayers")