"Blistered" Christians

"I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak." Ezekiel 34:16

Dear Friends,

Last week, the LORD blessed our family with the opportunity to spend a few days at the beach together. We made the 6 hour journey down to Gulf Shores on Sunday, and moved into the really nice beach house that belonged to my husband's "God parents," George and Jeanne Braly. The kids chose their bedroom, my husband and i took the master bedroom, and i took the upper deck outside as my "bedroom." It worked for my allergies and what a blessing it was to go to sleep each night to the sound of the ocean waves in my ears, and a full moon reflecting off the ocean. It truly was a blessing to be able to sleep outside...the only drawback, well, besides not getting to sleep with my hubby, was one morning, early, a pelican flew over me and something wet dripped on my face. I immediately thought of something not so desirable, but Hannah Beth comforted me later and said that it was probably just water dripping from it's wings. Hopefully she was right:). Monday morning, the kids and I were eager to get down to the beach and catch some " sun rays". We had a sweet time together, walking along the beach, talking, and laying on our towels. My son and I read, while Hannah Beth was yakking on the phone to friends back home...it was almost like we took their friends on vacation with us but we didn't have to pay for them:) We only stayed out a couple of hours that morning, but whoa, did the sun jump on our white bodies. I didn't think I had gotten too much sun, but I felt sorry for my son, because his stomach was already fiery red. Later on the back of my legs started really burning. That afternoon, we were meeting some friends to go out on their boat. The kids enjoyed tubing in the Gulf, while they dodged the jellyfish, and we "old folks" enjoyed watching them while we got even more sun. What a sweet time of fellowship we had with their dear family on the boat and later over supper. I had never met them before, but when you meet a brother or sister in CHRIST, sometimes you feel like you've known them all your lives, and they were that way...i could truly sense an intimacy about their walk with CHRIST, and we enjoyed being with them so much. That night, as we were burning on our way back to the beach house, we stopped at the drug store to buy some aloe vera to put on the sunburn. The next morning the kids were going deep sea fishing with Dad, and a dear friend we met last year, Mr. Mater, on his boat. They kept the sun screen and t- shirts on, being careful not to get too much sun that morning...they were already blistered, along with me, from the day before. In fact, the rest of the trip we were pretty careful about getting out in the sun, because of getting blistered the first day. It hurt, a lot, and we didn't want to overdo it again...finally on Wednesday, we ventured out a little, cautiously, back out in the sun, but mostly stayed inside during the hot hours of the day. In the pictures above, my son rubs sunscreen on after our "painful" lesson the day before, and the beautiful view from my "bedroom," of the Gulf coast, and the sun:).
I've been thinking the last couple of weeks about folks who get "blistered" spiritually, and are reluctant to go back out in the "Son." When i thought about our reluctance to go back into the sun due to our being blistered, it reminded me of what i've been thinking about in the spiritual realm. Sometimes, people are "injured" spiritually as young Christians and because of that, these immature CHRISTians who were "burned" are hesitant to go back "out in the Son."
I have shared with ya'll that i was poisoned by pesticides, among other things, many years ago, and as a result, my immune system broke down. I once, who was very healthy and a college athlete, gradually became unable to walk to the mailbox, nurse my baby due to severe back pain, and spent most of my time on the floor for months to relieve my pain. At one point, i used to be able to take handfuls of vitamins, and gradually became unable to tolerate vitamins at all. Part of my treatment to recover my health was to take nutritional supplements because my body was malnourished. I didn't take supplements for many years because "I reacted" to them...i felt really bad when i took them, but then i got so sick because my nutrient level was so low,i had to do something. I learned through my nutritionist to rotate my vitamins and take them every four days, and through my dear doctor, to take just a small amount of the vitamin and go slow...otherwise, my body could just not handle it...it "recoiled" every time i tried to things for more than 2 days in a row. Thankfully, with some wonderful encouragement, and "pushing" from my doctor and nutritionist, i am able to take more supplements now than i have in a long time, and my nutrition levels in my body are going up. But, i still have "reactions," and i still get irritable and don't feel well, and lash out at my family and others at times...and i am very sorry for the way i act. I thought about how the injury that my body received has caused me to only be able to take supplements in small doses...i've had to work my way up, and i continue to, slowly. Even though i knew the supplements were good for me, my body just would not cooperate...and still doesn't at times, even though i desperately need the supplements to bring healing to my injured body.
In the spiritual realm, there are those brothers and sisters among us, who have been injured some way in their journey as a young CHRISTian, and they have not been able to recover fully from those injuries. What is so healthy to you and me, can literally choke them, if they receive too much at one time...they still need milk instead of the meat of the Word. They need our love, instead of condemnation, and our encouragement instead of criticism, and perhaps smaller doses of the Truth, instead of large doses.
Earlier this week, as i was reading in Charles Spurgeon's Morning and Evening, he wrote about this very issue, using Mephibosheth as an example of being injured as a young child and was lame in both feet. Mephibosheth was unable to follow King David when he fled from the city from his son and was "therefore maligned and injured by his servant Ziba." Charles Spurgeon wrote," Saints whose faith is weak, and whose knowledge is slender, are great losers; they are exposed to many enemies and cannot follow the king wherever he goes. This disease frequently arises from falls. Bad nursing in their spiritual infancy often causes converts to fall into a despondency from which they never recover..."
I have to confess, I've been wondering about someone lately who I thought was lost, and I have asked you to pray for, but they may fall into this category of being injured in their infancy as a CHRISTian and have never recovered. I am thankful the HOLY SPIRIT intercedes for us in our weakness to pray and turns our prayers into exactly what we need to pray. "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with GOD's will," Romans 8:26-27. I am sure of this though, the LORD wants to pour out HIS love upon them through us, and show HIS love to them, and be a channel of HIS power to bring healing to them from their injuries. Just as my body "recoils" from vitamins that bring healing to my body, these injured CHRISTians "recoil" from fellowship with other CHRISTians, going to church and hearing GOD's WORD preached, because of painful injuries in their past.
I have found it is not always easy to love these "blistered" Christians as they often don't respond to our love in the way "normal" CHRISTians would respond. Instead, their bodies may "recoil," as mine does to vitamins,and they might even lash out at our efforts to love them. I have found that my "natural love" runs out quickly when i am not loved in return, but GOD is so gracious to give the energy, the love, the heart, to keep on loving , even when our love is not returned. I stumble and fall, but HE picks me up and reminds me, this is about HIM, not me, and wants to use me to bring healing to those who have been injured. The LORD reminded me a few weeks ago of a definition of love that I learned as a young CHRISTian. I'm sorry I can't remember who shared this but it sure has been a lesson HE has been reiterating to me, recently: "Love is an act of the will that builds up another person, even at great personal cost, even when there is no response in return." In Oswald Chamber's My Utmost for His Highest, he says that " natural love expects some return," but Paul says, "Though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved," 2 Corinthians 2:15. "Paul says I do not care whether you love me or not, I am willing to destitute myself completely, not merely for your sakes, but that I may get you to GOD." Wow, i must say, that GOD is testing me in this, and I would ask you to pray for me that I would be willing, like Paul to destitute myself completely to get others to GOD. I confess, there is not a natural bone in me that would desire to do that on my own...it is only CHRIST's grace and power that rests upon me that enables me to ever keep loving when my love is not returned.
The LORD brought a sweet and tender verse to me this week, as i have been pondering on this issue the past couple of weeks from Ezekiel 34:16. "I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak." GOD promises, along with seeking the lost, and bringing back the strayed, to bind up the injured and strengthen the weak.
I know this, that I am among the weak, and I need HIS strength, HIS wisdom, HIS grace, to empower me to reach out to those who are lost and to be a channel of healing to those who have been injured. I am so thankful for those who have been tender with me and patient through the years through the difficulties of my physical illness, and helping me to recover. It has been painstakingly slow at times, and how especially thankful I am to my family whose love in CHRIST has carried me through these difficult times, and my physicians who have understood the need to go slow to help me recover. It has also occurred to me, that I have been the one to inflict pain upon "blistered" CHRISTians at times by being insensitive to injuries that they had received in the past from well meaning Christians or the church. My efforts to share CHRIST and encourage them in CHRIST was "too much," for where they were walking. It was painful to them and they "recoiled," from my efforts. I am learning to ask GOD to help me depend on HIM and give me HIS wisdom, HIS love, and HIS patience to bring healing to HIS injured lambs instead of rushing in with "full force."
I am having to learn to apply the lessons of being "blistered" with the physical sun, to those who have been injured and realize that some folks just cannot handle large doses of the "SON", GOD's WORD, fellowship, prayer, and other aspects of the CHRISTian life at once because of their injuries. Only CHRIST, our GREAT PHYSICIAN brings healing about slowly in their lives, and HE uses us, HIS imperfect children to reach out to these who are hurting. Sometimes, in their pain, they don't return our love, they may even inflict pain in return for our love.
I'm so glad that I have had to struggle with taking little doses of vitamins and supplements to help me understand this principle in the spiritual realm. It helps me to slow down and be patient with those who have been "blistered" spiritually and need to be nurtured and encouraged, and loved unconditionally until their spirit is able to respond to larger doses of GOD's truth. I messed up and dumped an "ocean load" of truth upon a struggling one, and they "recoiled ." I am so thankful that GOD promises that HIS "grace is sufficient, and HIS power is made perfect in my weakness." I am trusting HIM to bring about HIS spiritual healing in the life of this dear one in spite of my efforts that missed the mark. I ask you, my dear praying friends and family, to pray with me for GOD's healing in the life of "my friend," healing that only HE can bring about in HIS time. Please pray that I would not grow weary in my prayers and love for this person, that i would be like Paul and be willing to "destitute myself completely to get others to GOD."
The group "Casting Crowns" sings a song called "Love Them Like Jesus" that encourages me to love those who have been "blistered" in some way. I am often without the right words to say, and often there is nothing I can do but pray, but this song encourages me to love and encourage those who so need CHRIST's healing. Those "blistered" people may not seem like they need CHRIST or HIS love, but they are hurting underneath, and GOD uses us to be HIS hands and feet to them....even though we may get hurt in the process. I read a quote this week from Springs in the Valley that said, "Are you not willing to endure scars in order to liberate souls?" Paul said, "I will very gladly spend and be spent for you," 2 Cor. 12:15. I know that only in CHRIST and HIS grace, can I have this same heart for those who are lost and "injured," and be willing to "spend and be spent," for them. The chorus to Love Them Like JESUS" shares, "Just love her like JESUS, carry her to HIM, HIS yoke is easy, HIS burden is light/You don't need the answers to all of life's questions/Just know that HE loves her and stay by her side/Love her like JESUS/Love her like JESUS." Often times we aren't able to stay by their side physically, but we sure can spiritually by taking them to the LORD in our diligent and fervent prayers for them and loving them like JESUS. You can listen to this beautiful song and watch the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuAxzEuzNGg.
With all HIS love,
mitzi

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot loose. "
-Jim Elliot

Please remember my father-in-law, Buddy Evans, in your prayers, along with my mother-in-law, Bobbie. "Pop" had major back surgery this week, and will be in the hospital several days recovering. My Mother-in-law needs our prayers for strength, patience, wisdom, and whatever else you feel led to pray for her.

Also, please remember Wayne and Lisa Parker in their campaign bid for Congress. Please go and vote for Wayne next Tuesday, June 3.

Praise the LORD for HIS wonderful love and faithfulness to Johnny and me in our 25 years of marriage we celebrated this week! GOD is so good...

"How Deep the FATHER'S Love for Us"

"...so that CHRIST may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you...may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of CHRIST and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of GOD." Ephesians 4:17-19

Dear Praying Friends and Family,

As I begin writing this email, it's raining outside, and very cozy here in my den where i am typing...i even have our electric logs "burning" in the fireplace to keep me warm...in May. Even through these logs i am reminded of my FATHER's deep love for me, and how HE gave me my heart's desire in getting them as a CHRISTmas gift from my husband last year. This week I don't have one specific thing to write about, but GOD keeps taking me back to how very much HE loves me. As i was thinking back about just the past few days, i am reminded of just "How Deep the FATHER's LOVE for US,"...is, it is immeasurable. I have had ups and downs, but these are all included in the deepness of the FATHER's love for me.
Last Friday, Hannah Beth and I attended the baseball game of Jordan Pugh. His Mom and Dad have been friends of ours since before we were married. Our FATHER brought Eric and Susan Pugh into our lives before we were married to encourage and disciple us as new CHRISTians, and now 25 years later, the FATHER continues to love us through their family and the blessings of their fellowship...and the blessing of serving the LORD together in various ways. Their youngest son, Jordan, who plays for Athens Bible School, was playing in the state playoffs last Friday, and even though they lost the game we watched, the LORD blessed their team to win the State Championship this week down in Montgomery. While there at the game, we were blessed to see other friends in CHRIST who have meant so much to us through the years, the Browns. We had gone through Growing Kid's God's Way (www.gfi.org) parenting classes together, and we watched their son, Connor, hit two home runs! What a joy and thrill for their family!
As Hannah Beth and i watched that playoff game, we saw Jordan's team get the lead early, struggle, and then the other team won the game by a pretty wide margin. To say Jordan and his team were pretty dejected after the game was an understatement. The same young man who hit the two home runs, struggled in his fielding some, and one of his errors allowed the other team to score several runs. I sure did feel badly for him, but I was reminded of an article that I read several years ago in "World" magazine about the game of baseball. I believe it was interviewing a CHRISTian professional baseball player and the article was sharing that Life is like baseball: When things are going really well and you're on top of the world, enjoy it, but realize that it's not going to last, and when things are going really badly, see it for what it is, and realize it too will change eventually. I thought about that as I watched our young friend hit his first home run, and was on top of the world, along with the fans, then when he made the error allowing some runs to score, I'm sure he felt really down. Then, his next at bat, he hit another home run! Wow, talk about up and down...but isn't that a reflection of life and our FATHER's love for us...how one minute we are on top of the world, things go to our liking, and the next minute, when tough times come, we just want to hurry up and get through it...and we will eventually, but not before GOD's time for us to come through it and teach us, shape us, and accomplish all that HE is doing through the process. The first game, the Bible School lost, and then came back to win the second two to advance to the state championship where they eventually won it in two games. I'm sure the adversity along the way, like being humbled in Friday's playoff game, kept them from getting to "puffed up," when they won the Big One. "How Deep the FATHER's Love for Us," that HE knows exactly what we need in our lives to keep our eyes on HIM, and keep us from thinking it's all us. We're nothing apart from HIM, and HIS wonderful love for us...HE is the one WHO enable us to do everything, including take our next breath.
The next day after the game was Saturday, and my Dad and i got up real early to make the trip to Tuscaloosa to watch my nephew graduate from the University of Alabama...way to go, Dusty, and Praise the LORD!!! What a sweet time that was with my Daddy...just him and me riding and talking together, and we stopped along the way and ate breakfast at Cracker Barrel...one of our favorite places to eat. We both love breakfast, and we didn't have any trouble putting away the eggs, sausage, hashbrowns, maple syrup, apple butter, coffee, etc. We headed on down the road, and it didn't seem like anytime we were in the Coliseum at the University of Alabama watching my nephew receive his diploma. GOD blessed him as the top senior in Communications and he graduated Summa Cum Laude. Afterwards, as we were rejoicing in GOD's goodness to bring Dusty to this point in his life, and eating again:), at a really good hamburger joint with my brother, Joe, and my sister-in-law, Marilyn, and my other nephew Dallas (pictured above), Dusty shared with me the highlight of his college life...it wasn't going to the ballgames, although i'm sure he enjoyed that, or even going out with his friends. It was meeting every Thursday afternoon with a group of middle school guys, playing football or other games and sharing CHRIST with them through a Bible study he led. To say that i was proud and thankful for the work the LORD was doing in my nephew's life would be an understatement....what a way to spend and invest his college years. I wondered how many of those graduating that day would be leaving the same legacy behind that my nephew was leaving...and it was all because of "How Deep the Fathers Love for Us" is...and the work HE is doing through Dusty's life.
Mother's Day came and for our family in the restaurant business, Mother's Day can be a blur...and this one was no exception. After church, the kids went down to the restaurant and helped their Dad, and the rest of the family...it was really a busy day for them. I had planned to help out, but i was not feeling well, so i went home after church. I enjoyed my nice quiet afternoon, but i was ready for them to come in later that evening. My "expectations" were disappointed as they returned to church after working all day and i didn't get to see them. To say that i walked in the flesh for the next several hours, including the next day, would be the truth. Thankfully, even through allergic reactions, thyroid adjustments, and the downright sinful flesh... because of "How Deep the FATHERS Love for Us," is, we were able to forgive each other, eventually,( it didn't happen "before the sun when down on my anger" that night) and celebrate Mother's Day later.
Monday night our family had the joy of watching Hannah Beth in her first ballet recital in four years. We were so thankful for Johnny's folks, Pop and Baba attending, and Johnny's brother, Jerry, along with my brother Joe and his wife, Marilyn. What a blessing to have these family members come and support Hannah Beth! As i sat there and watched my sixteen year old, and so many of our dear friends children also dance on stage, the LORD reminded me of many years ago, when Hannah Beth was four years old and took ballet for the first time at a different ballet studio. After that first recital my heart was so grieved as i watched the older girls perform some dances that were very suggestive. As i walked the next day, i felt so downcast and even "dirty" and knew that wasn't the direction i wanted to go with my little girl's ballet. I had been blessed with watching a CHRIStian ballet somewhere along the line, and GOD had put a desire in my heart for Hannah Beth to be a part of something like that...the only trouble is there wasn't anything around here like that. As far as i knew, all the ballet in our town was regular classes. So, we just didn't do ballet...until, GOD raised up the one HE had to teach it,about 3-4 years later. A friend's daughter had babysat our children since she was 12 or 13 and she had taken ballet for a few years. She was about sixteen at the time and i asked my friend if her daughter would be interested in coming to our house and teaching Hannah Beth some ballet using CHRISTian music. She said yes, and Melody began teaching Hannah Beth at our home...now nine years later, Melody had 60 students in her ballet recital at Trinity United Methodist Church, and it was a beautiful recital that brought much glory to the LORD. The large auditorium was nearly 3/4 full of parents, friends, and loved ones who were so blessed by the music that lifted up CHRIST, the story of "Josie" and her sisters that followed the story of Joseph and his brothers, and the colorful and modest ballet attire the girls wore as they danced. How full my heart was to be a part of what GOD was doing when HE put it in my heart so many years ago to ask Melody's Mom if her daughter could teach Hannah Beth in our home..."How Deep the FATHER's Love For Us" is...Up above, is a picture of Hannah Beth with her teacher, Melody, at the recital Monday night, and another picture with her best friend, Tabatha.
Tuesday came and it was a good day until...i started writing bills and discovered the bank had my balance about 500 dollars less than i had my balance in my checkbook. Not only that, but we had some money missing that had been put in our checking account a few months ago...and i didn't have a clue where it was. If you know me, it's not unusual that i am clueless about our checking account, but it was pretty stressful there Tuesday for a couple of hours. I never did figure out exactly how we ended up with such a discrepancy in our checking account balance ( i did get 300 dollars closer to realizing), but GOD was so gracious to let me have a clue to where the missing money was...turns out it was in another account that we didn't even realize we had until last week when the teller at the bank "happened" to ask me about it. Tuesday, the LORD reminded me of that other account, and i asked about it when i was at the bank, and sure enough, there was the missing money. I felt like Jimmy Stewart in "It's a Wonderful Life" and i was so thankful and happy that the LORD let that money turn up, and let that teller bring it up so i would know to ask...i was praising the LORD in the bank, and Johnny and I had a time of thanking HIM together when i got home..."How Deep the FATHER's love For Us..." HIS love is deep when we have no money, and i praise HIM that HE always supplies our needs in CHRIST JESUS, and we seem to recognize HIS love and HIS hand more when things are "tighter" than when things are more abundant...which HE so graciously gives us times of both.
Tuesday evening HB took me out to our restaurant www.oldgreenbriar.com,( she said she needed me to eat cheap) to celebrate Mother's Day and we had such a sweet time together. Wednesday our whole family went out for supper and we had a special time trying to make vacation plans...we laughed and laughed as we tried to make plans and no one could seem to decide on anything...we were all different in our ideas. For us, it is only "the FATHER's Love for Us," that holds us together, helps us forgive one another, and keeps us going through the hard places with each other to be able to laugh with each other on the other side. Oh we know, just like that game of baseball, things will change, that's just life, but i savor the moments of times like last night when the kids and us laughed all the way home reminiscing about past "bad" times on vacations...times we've had "come aparts" and we've all had them...and i had mine earlier in the week:).
This week in my Morning and Evening devotions, Charles Spurgeon keeps bringing me back to "How Deep the FATHER's LOVE FOR US" in his writings. In the devotion for May 13, Charles Spurgeon shares, "Look at your possessions, believer, and compare your portion with the lot of your fellowmen. Some make their living in the field. They are rich, and their harvests yield them a golden increase. But what are harvests compared with your GOD, who is the GOD of harvests...but when you have GOD for your portion, you have more than all else put together. In HIM every need is met, whether in life or in death. With GOD for your portion, your are rich indeed; for HE will supply your needs, comfort your heart, assuage (to make less) your grief, guide your steps, be with you in the dark valley, and then take you home to enjoy HIM forever." Truly our heavenly FATHER does, "daily load us with benefits," and "crowns us with HIS lovingkindness" if we will but stop and take the time to notice HIS benefits and lovingkindness to us. As Charles Spurgeon said in this mornings reading for May 16, "Oh, that my praise could be as ceaseless as HIS bounty!"
I can honestly say, GOD is teaching me these things, slowly but surely in my walk with CHRIST, as i reflect back on even these past few days, HIS goodness and deep, deep love to me, my family, HIS children, and those who don't know HIM yet. HE loves deeply those who don't know HIM...HE sent HIS SON to die for their sins as well as ours and HE leaves us here to be HIS witnesses to them...it is not HIS desire that any should perish. "The LORD is not slack concerning HIS promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." Ii Peter 3:9.
A couple of months ago, or so, Hannah Beth started playing "How Deep the FATHER's LOVE FOR US" on her guitar that she learned at our pastor's Bible Study one Friday evening. I had never heard it before that i remembered and the more i listened to her sing it and paid attention to the words, the more of an impact this beautiful song has made upon my heart. You can watch a video and hear this song "How Deep the FATHER's LOVE FOR US" by clicking on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjD0lv8hx5o.
In fact, as i reflected on just the abundant blessings my FATHER has poured out upon me and my family this week, i am blown away by HIS love and HIS favor for us...and even though things that i so desperately struggle with at times, things that are "Underneath the Mulch," i am learning to walk in faith, and rest in HIS love, as i remember "How Deep the FATHERs LOVE for Us," ...so deep "that HE should give HIS only SON to make a wretch HIS treasure." What a joy it is to be a treasure of the FATHER's love when i was a wretch and deserved hell for my sins. The words..."I will not boast in anything, no gifts, no power, no wisdom, but i will boast in JESUS CHRIST, HIS death and resurrection, sure do convict me. Dear LORD, please forgive me for times when i boast in my own efforts instead of giving glory to YOU who deserves all the praise, the honor and glory for everything in our lives...including state championships, graduation from college, ballet recitals, missing money in bank accounts, unmet expectations...that is all a part of YOUR deep love for us and others. Help me, JESUS to boast only in the cross, and the deep, deep love that YOU have for us.

Truly our lives are like a baseball game at times...sometimes our circumstances are pleasing to us and we're up and sometimes our circumstances aren't pleasing and we fail to see our FATHER's love and we're down, but in the midst of it all, "How Deep the FATHER's LOVE for Us," is...As Jacob shared in Genesis 33:11, "GOD hath dealt graciously with me, and ...I have [all things, more than] enough."
With all HIS love,
mitzi

"How Deep the FATHER's Love for Us"

How deep the FATHER's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That HE should give HIS only Son
To make a wretch HIS treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns HIS face away
As wounds which mare the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held HIM there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in JESUS CHRIST
HIS death and resurrection

Why should I gain from HIS reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
HIS wounds have paid my ransom
(repeat)






P.S. I have another friend, Cindy Touchstone Robinson, whose son, Brooks, is also playing for the state baseball title in a another division today in Montgomery- GO Brooks and Opelika High School! Cindy and I had the blessing of playing basketball together at Calhoun Community College where we shared a State Championship together, at a time when I didn't know CHRIST and yet HE so graciously poured out HIS deep love upon me then, and the following year, saved me from my sins. Along with being sisters in CHRIST, Cindy and i were in each other's weddings, and stay in touch through email and CHRISTmas cards...what a treasure our dear sister's and friends in CHRIST are- "How Deep the FATHER's LOVE for US...How vast beyond all measure That HE should give HIS only Son, To make a wretch HIS treasure."

"Underneath the Mulch"

"We walk by faith, not by sight." II Corinthians 5:7

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1

Dear Friends,

A few weeks ago, my son went to Lowe's and bought a truckload of shredded hardwood mulch to put on our flower bed. I had read in my Texas Organic Vegetable Gardening book by Howard Garrett (www.dirtdoctor.com) and Malcolm Beck http://www.malcolmbeck.com/, that shredded hardwood bark was the second best mulch you can use. Pine bark mulch, which is so common and popular in the south, leaches phenols (used for disinfectants and other household chemicals) and other toxins into the soil, and the flat pieces can seal off oxygen to the soil. Although we have often used pine bark mulch in the past, Lowe's had the hardwood shredded mulch for about the same price, so we went with the hardwood to mulch our flower beds. Mulch has various uses and according to the book , "Mulch is a covering placed on top of the soil to help conserve moisture, buffers the soil from temperature extremes, shades out weeds, looks good, increases the tilth of the soil, and supplies food for the microorganisms and nutrients for the soil." By the way, in case you're wondering, shredded cedar mulch is the very best, according to the Texas Organic Vegetable Gardening Book. I think we ended up putting about 30 or more bags of mulch onto our flower beds that weekend, and i never dreamed i would be writing about it a few weeks later.
The LORD brought a picture to my mind as i wrote last week about my flower gardening blooming so beautifully, but it seemed "dead" and lifeless just a few weeks before. I shared how "I was reminded about the lessons from nature, that what seemed "dead" was very much alive, even though we can't see what GOD is doing "underneath the mulch." When that phrase came to my mind...i knew then that there was more to that phrase to "chew on." As i have been "chewing on it" this week, I am reminded that GOD asks me to trust HIM in faith, not to have to "see" what HE is doing beneath the surface to believe HIM.
As i sat in my rocking chair on my front porch a few days ago, looking out over the flowers, i thought about what GOD is doing "underneath the mulch." There is so much going on "underneath the mulch" like little living microbes busily feeding the soil to make it healthy for the plants to grow, roots are being fed through the water and nutrients it gets from the soil, worms are keeping the soil aerated and giving it oxygen, etc. All these are actively taking place "under the mulch," which helps feed the soil as it breaks down. The soil "underneath the mulch" is hidden, but very much alive, and a huge part of what's going on above the surface where the petunias, roses, day lilies, and pansies are blooming so bountifully.
I don't know about ya'll... but in my humanness, i had much rather enjoy the beauty of the flowers above the surface, than trust for what's going on "underneath the mulch..."in other words, i like to walk by sight, not by faith, where i can see, but GOD stretches me to "walk by faith, not by sight." II Cor. 5:7.
These week in my Bible study, it seems like everything i've read keeps drawing me back to living "Underneath the Mulch" or walking by faith where i cannot see the results yet, but have to trust the LORD. A couple of days ago, i was reading in my Bible Psalm 57:2-3, I will cry out to GOD Most High, To GOD who performs all things for me. HE shall send from heaven and save me..." Out beside that verse i had written, 5-06-06, EHCD Dallas Thyroid Med. I was out in Dallas at the clinic, which has been very common to me these past several years in May, except this year-Yea!!!!-i've spent two or three Mother's Day's out there and that was no fun. The continuing saga of trying to get the right thyroid med in me that i could tolerate was very much where i was walking "underneath the mulch." I had been trying some thyroid medicine the previous several months before that i couldn't tolerate too well, and this was my heart's cry to the LORD to help me. If i am not mistaken, the LORD, a few days later, led me to see the doctor who has worked so diligently with me to find things i could tolerate to help my thyroid. This has been a journey, and just last week, my doctor emailed me and told me that my thyroid was "almost in balance." Praise the LORD! This has definitely been a "walk of faith," and i am so thankful the LORD graciously reminded me this week, of how HE has been working 'underneath the mulch" to "perform all things for me."
As I shared last week, this answered prayer has not come without a cost, and i am reminded of the cross that JESUS died on for me and you and rose from the dead. How his Mother and disciples and friends wept, as their hearts were broken as HE suffered and died on the cross. They too were asked to wait as CHRIST was buried, "underneath the mulch" and then rose from the dead, to give resurrection life 3 days later! Their sorrow was turned to joy, and so is ours, as CHRIST transforms the sorrows in our lives into joy as we offer them up to HIM, and wait patiently for HIM to bring forth life as HE works "underneath the mulch."
As the LORD reminded me of how HE has been working in this area of my life, as i wait on HIM to work in another area "underneath the mulch," i thought of dear friends and family that i know who are walking in faith as they trust the LORD to work "underneath the mulch" where they can't see. I think of several on my prayer list who have adult children who don't know CHRIST, even though they were raised in a CHRISTian home and the parents are trusting the LORD's work "underneath the mulch" to give their children a new heart, that will one day bloom into salvation and bear much fruit for CHRIST. These parents can't see what GOD is doing, and things seem even "dead" at times, but they continue to trust GOD and pray diligently and fervently, and learn to endure patiently, as they wait for GOD to do HIS work "underneath the mulch," in their children's hearts.
I think of our dear friend Van Smith, whose wife Ann, 56, went to be with CHRIST in heaven last week. Van and his children are definitely having to trust the LORD, "underneath the mulch," for what they can't see...and believe GOD's promise that they will one day be reunited with Ann in heaven because of what CHRIST has done for us on the cross. "Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that JESUS died and rose again and so we believe that GOD will bring with JESUS those who have fallen asleep in HIM." I Thessalonians 4:13
Some friends of ours who are a dear brother and sister in the LORD are running for Congress, Wayne and Lisa Parker (www.wayneparker08.com). They too, are having to trust the LORD "underneath the mulch." Just a few short months ago, they were enjoying their sweet family life, and it wasn't even on their "radar" that in a few short weeks, they, along with their four children would be thrust in the middle of a campaign for U.S. Congress. The Congressman who has been serving for many years, suddenly announced his upcoming retirement leaving his position available. Through a series of fast circumstances, GOD quickly opened the doors and lead them into "HIS enterprises," where they've found themselves in the midst of a battle, a spiritual battle, running for Congress. Their world has been changed dramatically, and they too are learning more lessons in trusting GOD, "underneath the mulch" for what HE is doing.
Earlier this week, reading from Oswald's Chamber's, My Utmost for HIS Highest," i read this quote for May 7th "...We can never work for GOD. JESUS takes us over for HIS enterprises, HIS building schemes entirely, and no soul has any right to claim where he shall be put." I certainly could relate to that quote being taken over by JESUS for HIS enterprises and asked my friend whose husband is running for Congress if she could relate...she very definitely could:). JESUS does take us over for "HIS Enterprises" to work where HE is building, and HE asks us to trust HIM "underneath the mulch," where we can't see what HE's doing.
This lesson of "JESUS taking us over for HIS enterprises" is very real to me, as i have shared with you the love that CHRIST has put in my heart for "a friend," and to pray continually for that friend's salvation. This "friend" lives elsewhere, and i can't possibly see what CHRIST is doing in her life...I just have to trust the LORD "underneath the mulch," that HE is working beneath the surface that i can't see to bring salvation and healing to her life. I have to confess, one day i'm up and the next day i'm down, but the urge and desire to pray for her remains constant. The verse for Streams in the Desert's reading for May 7 encouraged me to continue praying..."He spake a parable unto them...that men ought always to pray, and not to faint," Luke 18:1. It also exhorted me to,"Pray until the thing you pray for has actually been granted, or until you have acceptance in your heart that it will be." For prayer is not only a calling of GOD, but also a conflict with Satan. GOD is using our intercession as a mighty factor of victory in that conflict. HE alone, and not we, must decide when we dare cease from our petitioning.", In Elisabeth Elliot's book, A Lamp for My Feet, she writes that "Prayer sets spiritual forces in motion, although the effect is often invisible, perhaps for a long time...Spiritual agents from the throne room of the King of Kings are mobilized against spiritual forces from the headquarters of evil, and there will be the ultimate victory. Referring to Daniel in her writing as he prayed for the nation of Israel, she said that "periods of weeks and years for the nation, and times of mourning, solitude, weakness and fear on Daniel's part were required before the answer could come to pass."
As i read Springs in the Valley, for May 8, the passage out of Romans 4:18 in the Weymouth translation was a great encouragement to me, as i seek to trust the LORD for the work HE is doing "underneath the mulch' in my life... "Under utterly hopeless circumstances he hopfully believed." I know that my heart sure was encouraged at this verse as i do get discouraged when i walk by sight instead of faith...I love the verse my Father-in-law gave me a few years ago that is sitting on my table in my JOY room..."For with GOD nothing shall be impossible," Luke 1:37. I see that verse each morning as i spend time with the LORD in HIS Word and prayer, and it reminds me that GOD is truly working "underneath the mulch" to bring about the impossible...The impossible that will one day bloom into sight when GOD answers our prayers and does "exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think!" As it shares in the April 18 reading of Springs in the Valley "GOD's way is always characterized by multitudinous and overflowing bounty, like that in nature which is so profuse in beauty and life that every drop of the ocean, every square inch of the forest glade, every molecule of water, teems with marvels and defies the research and investigation of man,"
One day, our faith will become sight when we are in heaven and there will be no need to trust CHRIST anymore...we will be with HIM and have full understanding. The time to learn to trust HIM and prove we trust HIM is now. I love the verse out of I Corinthians 2:9 which describes what heaven will be like to those who have trusted in the LORD JESUS CHRIST as their LORD and SAVIOR..."Eyes have not seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what GOD has prepared for those who love HIM." Heaven is there, and right now, HE asks us to trust HIM for the things "underneath the mulch," here on earth. "Hebrews 11:6 reminds me, "And without faith it is impossible to please GOD, because anyone who comes to HIM must believe that HE exists and that HE rewards those who earnestly seek HIM."


The poem below was included in the May 8 Springs in the Valley and i loved what it shared about the "GOD of the impossible!" It even shared about GOD working in the soil, "underneath the mulch" and "Omnipotence can work almightily" in this soil. I pray that it will be an encouragement to you as it is to me!


O GOD of the impossible!
Since all things are to Thee
But soil in which Omnipotence
Can work almightily,

Each trial may to us become
The means that will display
How o'er what seems impossible
Our GOD hath perfect sway!

The very storms that beat upon
Our little barque so frail,
But manifest thy power to quell
All forces that assail.

The things that are to us too hard,
The foes that are too strong,
Are just the very ones that may
Awake a triumph song.

O God of the impossible,
When we no hope can see,
Grant us the faith that still believes
ALL possible to Thee!
-J.H.S.


Dear LORD JESUS,
Apart from you, i cannot do anything, and i cannot trust you for those things that i cannot see, unless YOU give me the faith to trust YOU. Please help me to have the faith to trust YOU for the impossible, for the things "underneath the mulch" in my life that i cannot see how you are working. YOU ask me to pray earnestly and believe that YOU are working. Thank you for the faith that YOU give us to trust in what YOU are doing "underneath the mulch." I praise you and thank YOU in faith, knowing that YOU "inhabit the praises of YOUR people," Psalm 22:3 and "He who sacrifices thank offerings honors ME, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of GOD," Psalm 50:23. One day, what seems dead now "underneath the mulch," YOU are going to bring forth life, "exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think!" I love you, JESUS...thank you for hearing and answering my prayers, and being the "GOD of the impossible!" In JESUS' name, Amen.


With all HIS love,
mitzi


"When GOD is going to do something wonderful, HE begins with a difficulty. IF it is going to be something very wonderful, HE begins with an impossibility."
-Rev. Chas. Inwood

Happy Mother's Day to my dear Mother, Thelma Fowler. The LORD has so graciously blessed my three brothers, my sister and me with our dear Mom for 78 years to love us, care for us, and be such a blessing in our lives. Happy Mother's Day to my dear Mother-in-law, Bobbie Evans, who is like a Mother to me, and to you, my dear spiritual Mothers who read this...you are such a joy and blessing in my life and how i thank the LORD for you and your investment in my life!
Please remember our friend Marco Chubb and his five children in your prayers. He recently had surgery and has developed staph infection...please pray for him and his family. His wife and the mother of his five children, is in heaven.

Joie de Vivre!

"May the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT." Romans 15:13

Dear Friends,
Thank you so much for remembering my friend Ann Alison Grace Smith who went home to be with JESUS this past Tuesday...she is whole, complete and perfect with her LORD JESUS CHRIST. Please continue to remember her husband Van, and children, Will, Zac and Grace she leaves behind as well as other family members and friends. They, along with all of us who knew Ann, will miss her dearly.

As I look outside at my flower beds this spring and see the beautiful flowers blooming in it, joy comes to my heart! As some of you remember, this time last year, some friends of ours at church came over and spent a couple of days working with our kids, and they redid our flower beds. They worked hard last year, two of the coldest days of spring, right before Easter, digging up Azalea bushes, tilling the hard soil, digging holes to move the azaleas around, planting new shrubs and trying to hold down the landscaping covering, while a gusty cold wind was blowing. When they were digging up the ground out front, and the azalea's were sitting around in the yard with their roots uncovered, i was skeptical of how all this was going to come together. Joe Radcliffe reassured me when he said, "Don't worry, just wait til we spread the mulch on...that will take care of how bad it looks:)." He was right, the mulch covered all the flaws that lay underneath the surface.
This year, it is a totally different scene in our flower bed. The azaleas that were dug up and returned to other places in our flower beds came back and have been blooming so pretty with their pink, rose, and orange colored blossoms. The petunias that we planted last year, have volunteered and come back out in their beautiful fuchsia and purple color, along with a white blooming flower that I'm not sure what they are called. The hosta's my Mom and Dad gave me from my Grandmother's garden first and then their garden (making them doubly special), have come out so pretty and green. The day lilies are blooming, and the purple, yellow, and maroon pansies have been so pretty all spring. Yes, my flower garden brings me joy each time i think of it or see it!
But just a few weeks ago, that same garden didn't look so hot, nothing was popping up out of the ground and everything looked dead. I was wondering if the petunias might come back this year, and how wonderfully surprised i was when they did and are blooming so pretty! I had forgotten about the hosta's and they popped up overnight it seems and once again, i was reminded about the lessons from nature, that what seemed "dead" was very much alive, even though we can't see what GOD is doing "underneath the mulch" sometimes. GOD asks me to trust HIM in faith, and not to have to "see" what HE is doing beneath the surface to believe HIM.

Last week i received an email from my doctor in response to a question that i had asked her...What makes us become "numb" and not be able to feel things as we once did? I have mentioned this before to you in my emails as i have struggled with this and how GOD has so graciously been restoring this capability in me to be able to "feel" joy and pain again, instead of being "numb." She graciously responded:

"It would take hours to explain all the causes of loss of Joie de Vivre but that is a universal symptom in EI(Environmental Illness) patients. There are many routes to that point but the underlying commonality is malfunction of the mitochondria(the main source of cell energy) with diminished ATP (energy) production. For those patients who don't recoil from treatment with every slight change in sensation improvement can be achieved and some of the ways to do so are fairly simple. For mitochondrial function and ATP production one simply provides the fuel needed for the function - B vitamins, CoQ 10, carnitine, d-Ribose, etc. while getting rid of the toxins that are impairing function."

There is something in that explanation that you may not be able to relate when she states, "For those patients who don't recoil from treatment with every slight change in sensation improvement can be achieved" (in my case, these have not been "slight" changes always) unless you have become like me, someone who has difficulty getting the nutrients inside them. We're still working on that, the malfunction as to why i don't absorb my nutrients properly, but i also have another problem. When i try to take supplements as you would, often my body reacts in a rather painful way, and i have had to learn to take them in very small amounts, and rotate them so as my body won't react to them. My doctor has been very helpful in "pushing" me to take things in spite of the pain for the benefit it will bring to my body. As i have recently received a couple of test results back that indicate that my nutrient levels are going up inside me...it brings me great joy! The pain I have had to endure getting the nutrients in me has been worth the improvement in my health status, and being able to "feel" things again...GOD is restoring my emotions, and my Joie de Vivre!

I had never heard of that word she used, Joie de Vivre, before that i can remember, but when i looked it up, i liked it, alot. Joie de vivre, is a French word which literally means joy of living! You can hear how it is pronounced by clicking on this link: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/joie%20de%20vivre. It also means a keen or buoyant enjoyment of life...In the Noah Webster 1828 dictionary, for the word "joy," it says its radical sense is probably, to shout, or to leap, or to play or sport, and ...perhaps to joke and juggle. The first definition of joy listed is : The passion or emotion excited by the acquisition or expectation of good; that excitement of pleasurable feelings which is caused by success, good fortune, the gratification of desire or some good possessed, or by a rational prospect of possessing what we love or desire; gladness; exultation; exhilaration of spirits.

"Joy is a delight of the mind, from the consideration of the present or assured approaching possession of a good."- Locke

"...Assured approaching possession of a good"-that sounds like faith to me, '... faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1.

As i thought about my doctor's explanation of how to restore that ability to "feel" things in the physical realm of our bodies, i began to think of the spiritual applications of this...how does one restore the "joy of the LORD" when we loose it? I thought the same basic principles will apply...feed the Spirit of our souls with the nutrition it needs from studying, meditating,and applying GOD's Word which is the BREAD of LIFE, spending concentrated time in prayer alone with GOD, fellowshipping with other believers, and sharing our faith with others. Abiding in CHRIST produces joy. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5

The other area my doctor mentioned besides nutritional deficiencies that causes "numbness" in people were toxins that we all live around...such as heavy metals, plastics, all kinds of chemicals including pesticides, paints, household cleaners, lawn chemicals, etc. As i thought about the toxins in the physical realm that cause numbness, i thought about the sin (toxins) that is all around us that chokes the life out of our joy when we allow it to be a part of our lives. A CHRISTian cannot walk in sin, and have joy in their soul at the same time...sin makes us "numb" to the joy of the LORD. As David shared in Psalm 51 after he had sinned with Bathsheba..."Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice...Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me." The wonderful blood of JESUS that cleanses us from our sin gives us joy, joy, joy! I remember when CHRIST saved me, joy came into my life immediately, and HIS continual cleansing when i come to HIM confessing my sin, keeps the joy of my salvation intact. HIS blood washes the "toxins" away.

In Romans 15:13, Paul writes, "May the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT." The word joy comes from the Greek word chara meaning cheerfulness, calm, delight-gladness x greatly (x be exceeding) joy. The same word for joy used in Romans 15:13 is used in Hebrews 12:2-3 where it says, "Let us fix our eyes on JESUS, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before HIM endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of GOD. Consider HIM who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." As i wrote this, i really didn't mean to use the verse where it said to "Consider HIM...but that is exactly what brings us joy, considering Christ.

When i looked up the word "consider" it means to view attentively, to fix the mind on, with a view to a careful examination; to think with care; to ponder; to study; to meditate on. True lasting abounding joy that doesn't come and go no matter what our feelings are, or what our external circumstances are, comes from "Considering JESUS" the dear precious ONE who gave HIS life for you and me. He suffered and endured unbelievable pain on the cross for the joy set before HIM... HIS joy is our souls and the privilege of us being HIS children. We learn to "consider JESUS" as we take time through our Bible study to meditate on HIM, and HIS wonderful love for us. We "consider JESUS" through our prayer times alone with HIM in the garden of our souls, and as we fellowship with HIM through our brothers and sisters in CHRIST who are our very body in CHRIST. HE shows HIS loves to us through each other. We "consider HIM" as we share HIM with others, and HE gives us the boldness and confidence to share when we are opposed by sinful men. Considering CHRIST in all the circumstances of our lives is what brings us true and lasting joy-joy that our external circumstances cannot change, and knowing that HE is in control of our circumstances and designs them for our good.

The neat thing I am learning about JESUS is when our circumstances are the "darkest" or not what we would desire, it is then that HE enables us to "consider" HIM the most. The trials HE so lovingly designs for us, help to focus our attention on HIM, and HE lovingly helps us to "consider HIM." HE knows we are dust, and get distracted so easily from "Considering" HIM. Therefore, HE gives us a little "push" like my doctor is pushing me to get nutrients inside me. I have had to endure pain, but my body is growing stronger in the process. Our spiritual bodies grow stronger as HE gives us the grace to "Consider" JESUS in our weaknesses. Even though we may not be able to "feel" joy in some of our trials, HE is developing it in the depths of our soul when we meditate and ponder and "consider JESUS." Our faith kicks in when we "consider JESUS"... and walk not by what we see or feel, but what we know to be true, HIS wonderful love for us in the midst of HIS carefully designed plan for us.

One of the things i love about the great Prince of Preachers, Charles Spurgeon, is that you can truly tell that he "Considered JESUS" as it states in Hebrews 12:3. In his Morning and Evening devotion book, page after page of that book is a reflection of Charles Spurgeon's "considering CHRIST." The May 1 Morning reading is another example of Spurgeon's "Considering CHRIST" and sharing HIS love with us..."In JESUS I find not only fragrance, but "a bed of spices"; not one flower, but all manner of "sweet flowers." HE is to me my Rose and my Lily, my heart's comfort and my healing balm...Precious LORD JESUS, let me truly know the blessedness that dwells in abiding, unbroken fellowship with YOU. I am a poor worthless one, whose cheek YOU have deigned to kiss! Oh, let me kiss YOU in return with the kisses of my lips."

I have not obtained to the love and intimacy that Charles Spurgeon had with his LORD, but i can say, I am learning to love CHRIST more and more every day, as HE so sweetly leads me through this pilgrimage of life, and HIS love to me is becoming "not only fragrance, but "a bed of spices," that brings me great joy!

Learning to "Consider CHRIST" in every area of my life leads me to true and lasting joy...seeing HIS love through the pain that leads to joy helps me to endure the pain that HE has called me suffer for HIM. George Matheson knew the meaning of experiencing CHRIST's joy through pain when he wrote the great hymn "O Love that Wilt Not Let Me Go," "O Joy that seekest me thro' pain, I cannot close my heart to Thee; I trace the rainbow thro' the rain, And feel the promise is not vain, That morn shall tearless be." Our Heavenly FATHER knows all the plans and purposes HE has for the pain, the cross HE asked me to carry each day and HE asks me to accept it, and let it have it's full work in me. As Elisabeth Elliot used to say on her radio show each day, all of our sufferings if offered up to HIM, can become our "Gateway to Joy." I am truly learning this as i see HIM bringing me joy through the things that have cause me the most pain in my life...things that seemed dead, as my flower bed did even a few weeks ago, are springing forth to being very much "alive in CHRIST" to bring me great joy in my heart! As i learn to "Consider HIM" who for the joy set before HIM endured the cross for all of us, i am truly learning the meaning of Joie de Vivre, the joy of living! What a sweet and precious "bed of spices" HE is, CHRIST, the LOVER of my soul who gave HIS life for me. HE brings me abounding joy as i am learning to abide in HIM, the TRUE and LIVING VINE, who nourishes the depths of my soul!

My daughter shared a song with me this week called "Wonderful, Merciful Savior" sung so beautifully by the group Selah. This song has truly helped me to "Consider CHRIST" our dear LORD JESUS, the LAMB of GOD, who gave HIS life "to rescue the souls of men." I pray your heart will be so blessed as you "Consider CHRIST" while you listen to it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENWL5Dpvx80&feature=related

"Let us fix our eyes on JESUS, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before HIM endured the cross..."


With all HIS love,
mitzi
"Wonderful, Merciful Savior" by Dawn Rogers and Eric Wyse

Wonderful, merciful Savior, Precious Redeemer and Friend
Who would have thought that a lamb could
Rescue the souls of men, Oh YOU rescue the souls of men

Counselor, Comforter, Keeper, Spirit we long to embrace
You offer hope when our hearts have
Hopelessly lost the way, Oh we hopelessly lost the way

Chorus:
You are the One that we praise
You are the One we adore
You give the healing and grace our
Hearts always hunger for, Oh our hearts always hunger for

Almighty Infinite Father, faithfully loving YOUR own
Here in our weakness YOU find us
Falling before YOUR throne, Oh we're falling before YOUR throne.

"God is the source of all joy, and if we come into contact with HIM, HIS infinite joy comes into our lives." -Dr. R.A. Torrey