Great is THY Faithfulness

"I thank my GOD upon every remembrance of you." Philippians 1:3

Dear Praying Friends and Family,
That verse above is for you! Thank you for all the prayers that you have prayed this past week for my friend Catherine Smith's baby, Josie, "CJ." Last Thursday, the doctors in Birmingham said she had a 20% chance of survival. On Friday, they gave her a 50% chance. You have prayed for her along with many, many others and GOD has heard and answered the cries of HIS children once again. Below is a letter that Baby Josie's Mom shared with our church family yesterday over email. I want to share it with you dear "Mighty Musk Ox Prayer Warrior Princesses and Princes," and thank you so very much for bringing her before our FATHER. HE delights to answer the cries of HIS children.

Dear Loving Church Family,

We are so touched and humbled by your display of brotherly love. Stan and I were talking last night, again, how we just feel like a PART of the multitude of people who are carrying this load. We don’t at all feel like we are carrying this alone and even that it’s too much to bear. Even though we are hopeful that Josie will live now, we felt this way a week ago when her living was not as hopeful. You have undoubtedly made the yolk easy and the burden light. We feel so blessed, loved, and ministered to. Thank you so much.

“Many oh Lord my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done, and Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order. If I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.” Ps 40:5

The Lord’s mercies are new even this morning! I just spoke with Josie’s night nurse and Josie tolerated being weaned from the vent to 85% oxygen also with a slight decrease in the amount of pressure the oxygen is given to her. Bless the Lord, oh my soul and all that is within me!

Addy (her big sister who is 6, my add on here) and Harley ( I think she is three, me again) greatly enjoyed seeing Josie yesterday. Harley had put a toy train in the diaper bag that we were unaware of and pulled it out when we got there and gave to Josie. Addy couldn’t stop starring at her with the eyes of a mother, really, with joy yet protecting her own heart from attachment…she still isn’t allowing herself to fully trust that Josie will be coming home with us one day. I was able to help with Josie’s chest tube removal, change her diaper, and lift her little body to change the soiled blanket from her chest tube removal yesterday! I was ecstatic, especially after 2 days of not being able to uncover her face or touch her at all! When I picked her up her little skin was so tight from all the swelling that has settled along the back of her body, it felt like her skin just melted around my hands. Josie had a new nurse and dr yesterday, both of which were a little rough and loud with her, but nonetheless, Josie tolerated the loud voices, rough handling, and lights in her face unprotected by her face blind by keeping up her oxygenation, so we were really encouraged even though I wanted to tell them to be quiet, cover her face, and not touch her at unnecessary times! The dr also ordered to completely stop all 3 meds yesterday, which the nurse this morning reported that she’s not showing sign of respiratory distress without them, so praise the Lord, once again!

One week ago this evening we were given little hope that this little girl would live, we feel so humbled to look back at His numerous, wonderful works over the past week. We don’t deserve such mercy and lovingkindness. “With weeping they will come, and by supplication I will lead them. I will make them walk by streams of waters, on a straight path in which they will not stumble. For I am a Father to Israel…For I will turn their mourning into joy and will comfort them and give them joy for their sorrow…and my people will be satisfied with My goodness.” Jer 31

With love,
Stan and Catherine Smith

Please continue to remember this dear little one, and her Mom especially as she is recovering from an emergency C Section and going back and forth to the hospital almost every day. They have three little ones at home, in addition to Addy and Harley, little brother Will is 19 months. HB and i were able to keep Will on Wednesday, HB did most of the keeping, while the rest of the family went to see Josie. He was the BEST little guy...what a blessing!!!

I also want to thank you for your diligent prayers for my dear friend Wanda's daughter who almost died a couple of weeks ago after giving birth to her first little one. Crystal is doing well from what i understand, and Madelyn Avery is thriving, this baby that they have waited years to have. Praise the LORD for HIS answers to your prayers. Thank you so much for remembering them and praying for them through such a difficult time for their family.

When i was thinking about what to share with you this week, the LORD brought to my mind the love and appreciation that Paul had for the church at Philippi. I was blessed to be invited to a Bible study this week with the FBC, "Willing Hearts" group, and I have enjoyed so much reading about Paul's love for the Philippian believers. Paul's love for the believers at Philippi overflowed for these dear believers who loved and cared for Paul. He appreciated so much their prayers for him. Paul wrote this letter to his beloved brothers and sisters in CHRIST while he was in prison for sharing the gospel. He did not want them to be discouraged about his situation but to encourage them that GOD had used his imprisonment to further the gospel of CHRIST. In Philippians 1:12-14 Paul writes, "Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for CHRIST. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the LORD have been encouraged to speak the word of GOD more courageously and fearlessly." Paul goes on to say in verse 18 and following: Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers, and the help given me by the SPIRIT of JESUS CHRIST, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance."
Some of you have been reading these emails since the beginning when these emails were "borne," during a very, very difficult time in my life. I wasn't in a prison, prison like Paul, but i have been in a prison of sorts with my health and these emails have been a way of sharing my heart with you, my dear friends and family, and hopefully magnify the LORD JESUS in some way. I am amazed quite honestly most of the time when any of you write and tell me that you read my emails and are praying for someone i've asked you to remember. I know they are long, and I am humbled that any of you would take the time to read them.
What i want to say most of all is thank you so much for your prayers. Thank you for your prayers for me with all my health struggles which have been great at times. As Paul shares in II Cor. 1:8, "We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on GOD, who raises the dead." I have been under great pressure at times throughout these past four years, maybe five now, that i've been writing you, and I realize that it is when i am under the most pressure, that these letters have meant the most to you. I know that is the grace of GOD being strong in my weakness. "But HE said to me, "MY grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness." II Cor. 12:9. As i was weed eating yesterday I kept trying to think of an illustration to use for the Friday email and nothing "profound," would come to me. And it was like the LORD was gently reminding me that when I am weakest i see HIM most. I guess when i'm able to weed eat, i'm not at my weakest...but i sure am thankful for better health. Your prayers have carried me and my loved ones and I want you to know how very, very grateful I am to you for praying for me in my "imprisonment" with my health struggles," for my family, and for my loved ones. I and these loved ones you have prayed for am profoundly grateful for moving the heart of GOD on our behalf. Thank you so very much, brothers and sisters, for the prayers you have prayed on our behalf. These outcomes with Crystal, and Josie, and me and my family, may have been very different without the saints praying for us.
You may have missed me sharing a couple of weeks ago about the "Mighty Musk Ox Prayer Warrior Princesses," that i learned about at the recent Women's Conference that took place at FBC. What a blessing it was to my soul! One of the illustrations that Donna Partow shared that Friday night concerning prayer was how the Musk Oxen surround their young in a circle to protect them from wolves coming and killing them. Donna demonstrated this by pulling women from the congregation and getting them to gather around someone who needs our prayers. She said when we have mother's and grandmothers, aunts, and our church family praying for us, we are surrounded by the prayers of the saints, and we are protecting our loved ones from the ravages of satan through our prayers. That illustration has really meant a lot to me since i heard it, and i am taking my role of praying for you more seriously. I welcome your prayer requests and as a "Mighty Musk Ox Prayer Warrior Princess," it is my privilege and honor to pray for you as you have so graciously prayed for me and my loved ones. I know that GOD answers prayer...HE's done it over and over in my life and yours. HE tells us to "ask and it shall be given to you, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto." One thing i'm noticing about prayer is that GOD changes my heart to know HIM more when i am diligently praying for something and I love that! HE tells us in Ps. 37:4, "Delight yourself in the LORD, and HE will give you the desires of your heart." He is ever teaching me to delight in HIM...and how many ways can i look around and see the desires of my heart that my FATHER has given me.
I am so thankful for my LORD JESUS CHRIST who died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead, that i could run to HIM any time of day or night. It's not like in the Old Covenant when you had to go through a High Priest to talk to GOD...no brothers and sisters, JESUS makes it possible to go directly to the FATHER through HIM, when we come to HIM in faith and repent of our sins. In Ezekiel 36:24-27 we learn of the NEW Covenant that GOD makes with us: "And I will give you a new heart with new and right desires, and I will put a new SPIRIT in you. I will take out your stony heart of sin and give you a new obedient heart. And I will put my SPIRIT in you so you will obey my laws and do whatever I command." That's what my JESUS does for us ya'll, HE loves us sooooo much! HE is our Intercessor and HE pleads with GOD on our behalf. HE loves us and prays for us through the HOLY SPIRIT. "If you then being evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly FATHER give good gifts to those who ask HIM?" Matt.7:11. Our FATHER delights in giving us good gifts...gifts that are in HIS will, and that are good for us, and that bring glory to HIM. May we ask HIM boldly as we come to HIM and trust HIM. Thank you so much for asking for healing on behalf of Josie and Crystal most recently. Please continue to remember Josie...she is better, but continues to be in NICU and they are weening her off the ventilator.
Through Josie's sickness i have been reminded of the dear prayers that were answered for my own daughter who almost died as an infant due to a growth across her windpipe. So many brothers and sisters were praying for her in many different churches, and we are so very grateful that GOD used the doctors and nurses to bring healing to her. She has been such a joy to us, and we praise GOD for her life and what HE is doing in her and through her. Today, she was honored at the community college she attends for dual enrollment classes and was awarded the History Award for the whole college. We are so honored and grateful to the LORD for blessing her with a sound mind, favor with her teachers, and a desire to study hard. When she was little and on a lot of medication i certainly was concerned if she would be "normal." Thank you JESUS for answering the prayers of your children for Hannah Beth's life. She will be graduating from high school on Memorial Day at 2:00 at Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville. We'd love to have you come and join in the celebration of GOD's goodness and faithfulness in our lives to bring us to this point. When my kids were little, I wondered if I would make it to have one graduate, and now GOD is blessing me with both of my children graduating from high school and John Mac almost college in December. This homeschool Mom is so very thankful and we couldn't have done anything without GOD's grace and mercy in our lives and HIM answering your prayers for me.
"GREAT is THY FAITHFULNESS," is this week's song...sung by Selah. HE has been so very faithful down through the ages to answer the prayers of HIS children, and HE continues to be so very faithful to me and to you....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpRCClg8pEY. May the LORD JESUS use this song to comfort and encourage as you listen and watch and remind you how very much HE loves you!


I love you dear brothers and sisters, and I do thank my GOD upon every remembrance of you. Thank you so very much for your dear prayers on my behalf, my family's behalf and on behalf of those i've asked you to pray for. GOD has answered and continues to answer your prayers. To GOD be the glory and GREAT is HIS FAITHFULNESS!!!

With all HIS love,
mitzi

In the pictures -Catherine and baby Josie
Us with HB at Awards Day today












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"I strongly suspect that if we saw all the difference even the tiniest of our prayers make, and all the people those little prayers were destined to affect, and all the consequences of those prayers down through the centuries, we would be so paralyzed with awe at the power of prayer that we would be unable to get up off our knees for the rest of our lives."-Peter Kraft, professor at Boston College

"But the prayer of the upright is HIS delight." Proverbs 15:8

Southern Women, Southern Politics

"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." Luke 21:28

Dear Praying Friends and Family,
Thank you for your patience with me. I never know when GOD is going to open the door for me to write these emails...and provide the thoughts for me to share with you. As i was eating supper tonight, and listening from a clip from Dr. David Jeremiah on the economic fall of America, i knew the LORD had provided the rest of what HE wanted me to share with you this week.
As i was cutting the front yard today, my dear friends Wanda and Greg Adams drove up. It was my first time to see them since they returned from caring for their daughter Krystal and her baby and Wanda got a big hug, gasoline and sweat and all. Wanda and Greg looked so good (Greg is doing well after finishing chemo treatment a few weeks ago, thank you for praying for him) and Krystal is doing well after almost dying of infection last week a few days after she delivered her first baby. Today was her first day to care for Madelyn by herself. Thank you so much for your prayers for their daughter and thank you so much for your prayers for my children last weekend as they traveled to Indiana and back safely. GOD is so good and HE hears and answers the cries of HIS children. "A righteous man may have many troubles but the LORD delivers him from them all." Psalm 34:19


Last week, a friend of mine invited me to attend a coffee and meet the wife of Tim James (http://www.timjames2010.com/) who is a candidate for governor for the state of Alabama. My father-in-law worked in the administration of his Daddy, Fob James, when he was governor of Alabama. I knew Tim's Mom to be a very committed CHRISTian when they were in office. Tim's Mom called my house one day, way back when and now i can't remember why, but i remember her being very friendly and very easy to talk to. Yesterday morning when i was trying to decide what to wear to this women's affair, i must have tried on 3 or 4 different outfits, asking my husband's opinion. The coffee wasn't a formal affair, i was just trying to look like i belonged there. I am much more comfortable out cutting the grass in a pair of shorts and T shirt, than i am at women's affairs. So after the fourth outfit, i think i quit asking, and put something together that i hope went together reasonably well. Dressing up for ladies affairs is not my strong suit and i need to work on that. When we were engaged, some of my Mother in law's friends were graciously hosting a shower for us at the Athens Country Club. I was running late, and i think the strap on my sandals broke, and my slip was showing as i went "shuffling in," as my Mother-in-law, laughingly recalls. I walked into the room and burst into tears. Talk about making an impression, i don't know what those ladies thought. One sweet friend of my mother-in-law came out in the hall and comforted me, and the LORD helped me pull myself together. I went on to complete the shower without any other crying episodes. So, maybe that's why i get the nervous when i'm going to be around "women of society."
The shower was held at the home of Tom and Dorris Dean who have graciously hosted many coffees for Republican candidates through the years. This was my first time to attend one of their coffee's and what a lovely event it was. Their home is like something out of the movie, "Steel Magnolias." I just watched that recently on TV with my family, and the southern setting and scenery is what comes to my mind. The grounds of the Deans home are just beautiful. In front and out back are two of the largest sprawling oak trees I have ever seen, they are amazing. Pink azalea bushes, purple hydrangeas, and a world of other lovely blooming flowers and bushes adorned the lawn of the beautiful home the Dean's live in. When one walls in the front door of the Dean's home, you can walk through a breezeway to the back door. Just to the left of the yard is a huge old gray barn. There were men, gardeners i suppose, working in the back yard pushing a cart of some kind with dirt, working on the grounds. It really gave you the feel of being at an old southern plantation home.
Thankfully when i pulled in the driveway, there was my dear friend Lisa Parker who set me at ease right away, except for her skinny self. She has "decreased through the years, and i have increased." Lisa and i hugged, and she took me over to meet Angela, the wife of Tim James, where she was sitting in her SUV talking on the phone. When she got off, she said she was talking to her Mother-in-Law, Bobbie James. Angela was a blonde, petite gal, with a pretty smile. She said today was her son's birthday and he had a finance test at Ole Miss. She was asking her Mother-in-law to pray for him. That was such a witness to me...and such and example as i saw her depending on the LORD to take time to call her Mother-in-law and ask her to pray for her son. I thought about that example i shared with you last week from the Women's Conference i recently attended at First Baptist about the Musk Ox's surrounding their young so the wolves couldn't get to them. When Mom's and Grandmom's and Aunt's and sister's, and friends in the body of CHRIST surround our loves ones in prayer, we're like those Musk Ox protecting their young...through our prayers to our heavenly FATHER who hears and answers our prayers on their behalf...thus the title, "Mighty Musk Ox Prayer Warrior Princesses." Once we walked inside there were others i knew, including Missy McDonald who invited me and is the chairperson for the Tim James campaign in Limestone County. There was an amazing table of food, and honestly i can't even tell you what was on it, because i wasn't hungry and didn't eat. I do know their were cheese sticks, because Angela was given some by Mrs. Dean to take home with her. I did manage to grab a mug of water as her daughter brought out several glasses on a tray and walked beside me. I believe those mugs were silver. Sure didn't look like the Walmart glasses we use at our house. Mrs. Dean who is in her seventies i think, and her two daughters did a tremendous job of preparing the wonderful food and flowers and their home for the coffee. I sure was glad my good friend Marion Walker was there. Marion too, is in her seventies and has such a passion for our country and has battled for many years in prayer and supporting godly conservative candidates. She knows the issues, as did many of the ladies who attended. There were ladies from all walks of life, school teachers, business owners, stay at home mom's, retired teachers, etc. This was not just a casual gathering to look good and meet a prospective governor's wife. These were concerned women for our country and they wanted to know where her husband stood on the issues. After we ate and mingled a while longer, then Angela spoke and shared a little bit about what her husband stood for and his concern for our state. I honestly can't remember much of what she shared because i was standing in a little hallway as she spoke and couldn't hear too well, so you'll have to visit Tim's website for that (www.timjames2010.com).
One of the highlights for me at the coffee was speaking with the Dean's daughter whose 25 year old son had been in a car accident 3 years ago after leaving church one night. He has been through years of therapy to help rehabilitate the brain injury that he suffered when he was thrown from the car. The faith and acceptance of this dear lady of what GOD had allowed into their lives was such an example and inspiration to me. Their son was attending a Baptist college in Mississippi, preparing to be a youth minister, when the accident occurred. There was no hint of bitterness in her voice, only acceptance and faith in what GOD was doing in their family.
After the coffee was over, a few of us went uptown on the square to eat lunch on the square where Angela could meet more folks from Athens. We ate at U.G. White Hardware, (http://www.ugwhite.com/) a hardware store on Athens square since 1917. Part of it has recently been converted into a restaurant. Hannah Beth met us at LuVici's (http://www.luvicis.com/), after leaving American History class at Calhoun. I was thankful for her to have the opportunity to meet Mrs. James, and visit with Lisa Parker, who is always so friendly to Hannah Beth. Unlike me, Hannah Beth is much more comfortable at "women's affairs," and she is such a blessing to have along and help her Mom behave. While we were eating i found out Lisa's secret to staying so little. I looked over and saw she left all the crouton's from her salad lying in her plate. She says she does that to save room for the caramel pie and stuff like that:). About that time, the chef of LuVici's brought our table a huge piece of some wonderful coconut creme cake or something like that to die for. She brought us 7 forks so we could all sample it and it was out of this world good! After lunch we intended to walk around the square, but Angela had to head to Birmingham, and i had to leave also. I felt so very honored to be included in this group, and I'm so thankful that Hannah Beth was able to join us for this opportunity to be with Lisa and the other ladies. Hannah Beth is quiet the campaigner and has recently been working to help Don Spurlin (http://www.donspurlin.com/) get elected to our State Senate going door to door with other young folks handing out his information.
As i listened to the sermon clips from Dr. David Jeremiah while i ate a salad without croutons, on the state of our economy, I thought about the seriousness of the conversations that i heard at the Dean's home concerning the affairs of our country. This was no woman's affair just for show...these were concerned women for their families and for their country. We want to elect the best candidates who we believe will first of all lead us back to GOD and stand for the TRUTH of HIS WORD, defend our constitution, and lead wisely in economic affairs, immigration, and all the issues we are facing. Dr. Jeremiah did not sugar coat the fact that he believes we are in for some real hard times and we need to prepare for these difficult days ahead. I hope that you will take time to listen to these clips from his message and Brannon Howse's comments concerning his words http://www.worldviewweekend.com/worldview-radio/episode.php?episodeid=16322 .
I read some comments a few weeks that Corrie ten Boom shared several years ago about her concern for persecution that was coming to America. Corrie ten Boom and her family was put into Nazi Concentration camps for hiding Jews. Her sister and Daddy died there. Corrie warned that we need to be preparing CHRISTians for difficult days instead of just thinking they are going to be ruptured...the CHRISTians in China, and Germany, and other countries have suffered great persecution and we should not think that just because we are Americans that we are going to escape that...so i have been waiting to share her article with you at the right time, and i thought this might be it.http://www.americaisraelprophecy.com/corrie.html. I hope that you will take time to prayerfully read this letter that Corrie wrote in 1974 exhorting us to prepare our hearts to be strong in the LORD for the days ahead.

As i began to write i felt led to share the song, "A Mighty Fortress is our GOD," by Martin Luther, the leader of the Protestant Reformation to conclude this weeks email. Martin Luther http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther did not set out to led the Protestant Reformation when he nailed his 95 thesis http://www.spurgeon.org/~phil/history/95theses.htm to the door of the church in Wittenburg. But GOD strengthened him and gave him courage to stand strong against the opposition of the Catholic church leaders, thus leading the way for the common man to worship and study GOD's Word for himself and herself, and declare that salvation is in CHRIST alone and not in the works of man. May the LORD give each one of us HIS courage and power to stand in the place that HE has for each of us in these days that we are living in. May you be blessed as you listen to Steve Green sing these powerful words: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Y-_TsRjm5Y&feature=related .


A Mighty Fortress Is My God

~ Martin Luther, 1483-1546
~ Translated by Frederick H. Hedge, 1805-1890





Stanza 1:
A mighty fortress is our God,
A bulwark never failing;
Our helper He amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe -
His craft and pow'r are great,
And armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.




Stanza 2:
Did we in our own strength confide,
Our striving would be losing,
Were not the right Man on our side,
The Man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he -
Lord Sabbaoth His name,
From age to age the same -
And He must win the battle.




Stanza 3:
And tho this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph thru us.
The prince of darkness grim -
We tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure,
For lo! his doom is sure -
One little word shall fell him.




Stanza 4:
That word above all earthly pow'rs -
No thanks to them - abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours
Thru Him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
This mortal life also;
The body they may kill;
God's truth abideth still;
His kingdom is forever.

Dear ones, i didn't mean to get so serious tonight, i was just going to tell you about a southern coffee, for a southern governor hopeful, but this is the way the LORD led me to share with you this week. I feel i must share these things with you...not to frighten you, but to encourage you and myself to draw nearer to my LORD JESUS through HIS WORD and prayer, and fellowshipping with other believers, and telling others that GOD loves them so much HE sent HIS SON to die for their sins that they may be forgiven and made ONE with HIM. "For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only SON that whosoever believeth in HIM shall not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16. If you have not trusted the LORD JESUS as your SAVIOR and LORD, please do so today by repenting of your sins, and placing your life in HIS hands. HE loves you and me so very much, HE is our Mighty Fortress, and the Lover of our Souls. Let's keep our hand to the plow, and be found faithful serving our MASTER when HE returns...in whatever way HE leads us, whether it's running for governor, or working as the gardener, may we be found faithful in HIM.
Well, i've cut the grass today (to GOD be the glory!) scooped poop, weeded the flower beds, and now it's raining...blessed rain that we need very much. They are predicting storms tomorrow, severe storms, please pray the LORD would send the rain, and protect us from the storms. He knows what we need to make the plants grow, and to make us grow and be strong and mighty in HIM. HE wants us to be "oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that HE may be glorified." Isaiah 61:3. HE doesn't want us to fear the days ahead, but to face them confidently as we abide in HIM. HE cares for us as a FATHER tenderly cares for his children.

With all HIS love,
mitzi






"To follow CHRIST will mean death. Not crucifixion in the literal sense, probably, but the coming to the end of ourselves, our expectations, our dreams. HE must bring us to that end in order to bring us to the beginning of the CHRIST-life."
Elisabeth Elliot, www.elisabethelliot.org

"Our old man was crucified with HIM...that we should no longer be slaves of sin." Romans 6:6

"Mighty Musk Ox Prayer Warrior Princesses"

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of GOD, and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7

Dear Fellow Mighty Musk Ox Prayer Warrior Princesses, (and a few Princes),
I will explain more about that greeting later...but first I want to give you and update on Krystal, the new mom that i asked you to pray for yesterday. Krystal is the daughter of my best friend, Wanda Adams. Greg and Wanda adopted her as an adult a few years ago, just as she was getting married. Krystal and her husband have desired a child since shortly after their marriage, and their journey to become parents has been one of difficulty. Last week, GOD gave them the desire of their heart, and Krystal delivered a beautiful, baby girl, Madalyn Avery. Everything appeared to be going well, until earlier this week when Krystal began hemorrhaging, and hurting in her back. By Wednesday morning, her fever was 104, and she was taken to the emergency room. She had developed sepsis (infection) throughout her body and nearly died Wednesday night, according to Wanda. Yesterday morning, Wanda called early and explained the critical situation of her daughter as i was mixing up my IV. She asked me to put Krystal on my church prayer chain, and of course i thought of ya'll. I just couldn't get to the computer for a while while i took my IV. Wanda called her church, First Baptist, and Lindsay Lane, and asked for prayer for Krystal. Her other daughter Paige, asked for prayer on Facebook. This was yesterday morning. Late yesterday afternoon, i saw this posted on Paige's status concerning her sister Krystal..."

Quote from her doctor "I have never seen a patients condition deteriorate as quickly as you did last night" and then this afternoon " i am shocked by your rapid improvement!!" ... fever is at 99 and if improvement continues she can be taken out of ICU tomorrow.... MAYBE go home Sunday."

Paige, Wanda's other daughter, was thanking her friends for their prayers on Facebook, and i want to thank you also for your prayers for Krystal. GOD has certainly shown HIS power through answering the prayers of HIS children for Krystal. Please continue to remember her, Wanda said her blood pressure dropped again, and she continues to have difficulty getting deep breaths. She is still in ICU. Wanda and Greg are up there with Bob and Krystal in Ann Arbor, Michigan and what a blessing they are to be there to be able to care for Madalyn Avery, while her Mom is so sick. Madalyn is a wonderful baby and they are enjoying being able to care for her. Thank you for remembering this dear family in your prayers...and all that GOD is doing in the midst of their lives.
I have one more prayer request before i continue...my children are on their way to Indiana even as i type, to visit their dear cousin, Corrine, this weekend at Indiana University. I think this is John Mac and Hannah Beth's first solo road trip together...sure do appreciate you remembering them in your prayers this weekend. It's a six hours drive up there...and they plan to return on Sunday. Thank you so much for your prayers for them, and all that GOD has for them this weekend.


Now, i guess you're wondering about the different greeting this week, "Mighty Musk Ox Prayer Warrior Princesses." Well, last week, after i didn't get to Mobile with Johnny and Hannah Beth, i knew the LORD had a reason for keeping me home. Thank you so much for praying for Johnny and Hannah Beth. They had a really good trip together and got her signed up for school in the fall...that will be another prayer request in the future:). Even though i knew GOD had a reason for not letting me go i was still really disappointed and a little bit mad to be honest when they pulled out to leave. I didn't know what the specific reason was that GOD didn't have for me to go on that trip...and i still don't know one specific reason, but the LORD blessed my socks off last weekend, and i've just been trying to figure out what blessings to share with you. My first blessing was in being able to share with you through the email, "Embrace the Cross," last Friday. GOD used that email to encourage many of your hearts, and i thank GOD for that. I wouldn't have been able to write that email if i had gone on that trip. Missing a trip was small in comparison to the encouragement that GOD gave some of you through that email and the blessings i received from CHRIST throughout the weekend. Last week's email was certainly "borne," out of my cross of not feeling well and being "Left Behind," as many of my emails are "birthed," from my cross. Lord help me to remember, "to count all things loss for the surpassing greatness of knowing CHRIST JESUS my LORD..." Phil 3:8.

On Thursday evening, (last week) as i was writing my Friday email ( i usually do write it before Friday like i'm doing today:), i had written on my Facebook status that i didn't feel up to going to Mobile with my family. Betty Dean Newman, from First Baptist, wrote me and said, "Now you can come to the Woman's Conference this weekend at First Baptist...i'll have you a ticket at the front desk. Wow...little did i know the blessing the LORD had in store for me at that conference, and how thankful i am for Betty Dean's persistence, and all the women who invited me to go.

Before i get to Friday night though at the Women's Conference, the next morning, after GOD safely saw me through the night, i was sitting on the couch reading when the doorbell rang. It was my next door neighbor and she had accidentally locked herself out of the house. Her son was having "Kite Day," at his school, and she was due to be there, right then. She asked if i could take her, and i said sure just let me brush my hair and get my shoes on. She and I and "Troy," loaded up and drove to her son's school which isn't very far away. It was a beautiful April morning here in Alabama with the dogwoods and azaleas in bloom, and after we dropped Trisha off, me and Troy decided to walk around the little track there in front of the library. As we walked around, it was a lot of fun to watch the kids and their parents flying kites together. We ended up staying long enough to take Trisha to her husband's office to get a key to unlock the house and then went home. It was such a blessing to be there for Trisha, and she said she had called everyone to try to get a ride. I'm so thankful i was there to help her out that morning...if i had been in Mobile i couldn't have done that for her. Thank you, JESUS!

I still wasn't feeling the best in the world Friday, so i stuck pretty close to home that afternoon. I didn't really feel like talking to anyone, so i was kind of glad everyone thought i was gone. I know that sounds bad, but i really didn't feel well and the peace and quiet was a real blessing. About and hour and a half before i was supposed to leave for the Ladies Conference Friday night at FBC, Athens, i was going to go lay down and rest. The phone rang, as i was on my way back to the bedroom, and it was someone i had never talked with before. She had gotten my name from the Growing Kids International office in Iowa i believe where i used to be on the list for mom's who encouraged other mom's going through the Growing Kid's Curriculum (www.gfi.org). I got off of the list recently because i wasn't staying current with the material, and i didn't feel that i could represent them efficiently. So, i was surprised to get this call, but it was amazing...this lady lives very close to me, and basically was sinking and just needed some encouragement, and a friend. We have so much in common and we ended up talking an hour, and she prayed for me before i went to the Conference. I was very thankful for her taking that initiative, and really praying diligently for me that the LORD would use this conference to be a blessing to me. She really wanted to go herself, and loves women's ministry but was not able to at this season of her life. I realized she is a very special person the LORD has brought into my life. When i tried to pray for her, the words just didn't flow and i apologized for not being able to pray very much. I still wasn't feeling the best in the world, but the LORD really strengthened me, and i was able to attend the service that evening.

Now, i have tried to discern what the LORD wanted me to share with you from that conference and this morning as i was reading back over my notes, i thought well, maybe i'll just share some of my notes with you. I don't know how long that will be so i'll just start typing and see what happens:
The conference speaker was named Donna Partow (www.donnapartow.com) and i'll be honest i had never heard of her before she came to this conference at First Baptist. I understand she has sold lots and lots of books. I decided to look at her website before i went, just so i'd have a little idea of who she was...but i was still pretty clueless who she was. The wonderful thing is when i stepped into First Baptist Church building that evening was the love i felt from the women there. We have gone to church there in the past, and these women are like my family...well, they are my family in CHRIST. They made me feel so loved and special, and i was glad to be there. They had on these neat black aprons with "Willing Hearts," stitched on them. I soon learned that it was the "Willing Hearts," Bible study group that this Conference was birthed from. I found a seat, and decided i'd better move a little farther away on the outskirts. With me not feeling well, i didn't want to battle perfume smells all evening. The first part of the service was a dedication to Sadie Roberts, one of the dear saints at First Baptist who recently graduated to heaven after fighting an eight year battle with cancer, and she had come up with the name, "Willing Hearts." Before Donna got up to speak, the music leader sang, "Broken and Spilled Out," by Bill and Gloria Gaither. I thought that was neat, i had just listened to that song last week when i had found "Embrace the Cross." Steve Green sang them both. When Donna got up to speak, i immediately didn't think i was going to care for her too much. I can't tell you exactly why, may have been the way i was feeling, her New Jersey accent...but let's just say i wasn't carried away with the way she started. As the night moved on, and Donna shared truths from GOD's Word, i was blessed by what she had to say...and thought i'd come back the next day for as long as i could stay. The theme of the conference was "Becoming a Vessel That GOD Uses," and the Scripture theme was the one i used above: But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of GOD, and not of us."II Cor. 4:7.
She first got my attention in her prayer...as she prayed to her FATHER, "YOU'RE not limited to the words I speak. It's not what i'm saying, it's what YOU're doing." I thought wow...i like that, and i pray that what i desire for the emails i write... the LORD is not limited to what I share, but it's what HE is doing in your lives, and that's the blessing of hearing from you each week, what GOD is doing in your hearts. It encourages the fire out of me! In her first session, she talked about acceptance (have you heard that recently, "in acceptance lieth peace." She tried to get us to accept that the devil is going to come against us, as JESUS promised us we would have trials and tribulations. But how do we respond when the devil comes against us? I didn't realize it but she was laying the groundwork for the rest of the conference. She reminded us of the verse in John 10:10, "The thief comes only to kill,steal and destroy. I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly."
She said, "The attacks will come, along with the disappointments. We're in a spiritual war...and then she mentioned the power of prayer.
PRAYER-
GOD prompts HIS people to pray-it is inevitable that the devil will try to disrupt the work of GOD." She gave examples of GOD prompting people to pray for others, and what a difference those prayers made in those people's lives. This was a real encouragement to my heart as the LORD has laid different people on my heart to pray for and i've been amazed later when they have shared with me what was going on in their lives when the LORD impressed them so heavily on my heart to pray for them.
She said that GOD is looking for someone to build up the wall and used the verse in 1 Peter 2:5, "You always like living stones are being built into a spiritual house."
She gave a very graphic example of standing in the gap, and "being a living stone" as she picked a person to be the person we're praying for, one person to be the prayer, and one person to be the devil. She had them all standing up front so that we could see how the person who was praying was a "stone," or wall between the person that was being prayed for and the devil. The neat thing she then demonstrated is when a person has their Mom praying for them, aunts, grandmothers, church family...how that "wall," stands between the person being prayed for and the devil. She asked the "devil," person what she was going to do with that "wall," surrounding the person being prayed for and she said, "I'm going to leave her alone."
It's a simple illustration, but powerful...if you get this image in your mind of being surrounded by "living stones," a wall of GOD's people interceding for one whom the devil is attacking. At the end of the evening, she gave the illustration about musk oxen and how they surround their young to protect them from the attacks of wolves. They literally make a "wall," around their young, so that the wolves will not be able to get in and kill them. She used this illustration that evening to encourage us to be, "Mighty Musk Ox Prayer Warrior Princesses," for JESUS and intercede on behalf of others...we are in a spiritual war and praying for them through JESUS is the most powerful way we can do battle. So thus, that's where the title came from for this email...and i might just start calling ya'll that if you don't mind:). I want to be a "Mighty Musk Ox Prayer Warrior Princess" (that's Prince for you guys), how about you?
The next morning...the session was about being empty vessels the LORD can use. She reminded us from the session the night before to "accept the inevitable, the devil is bad and wants to make a mess of our circumstances." Then she encouraged us to "become empty of self." One thing she said that i have never thought about is "that the more opinions you have, the more the devil can grab a hold of you." I hadn't thought about it, but it's true. She went around talking about the decorations on stage, and giving her opinion, and we all laughed, but it's true. I'm not talking about biblically based convictions...but opinions about things that really don't mean anything in the scheme of eternity and men's souls, but they stand between us and others, and can cause a whole world of bitterness when we hold on to our opinions and get angry, and stay angry.

She said, 2 things hold us back from GOD:
1) Food-we're so full of food, we're not hungry for GOD
2)Idle chit chat...she encourage us not to be idle chit chatters but to have stories worth telling that magnify GOD

Concerning GOD's Assignments:
"GOD has selected a battlefield and all HE needs is a willing and obedient vessel."
"When GOD gives you an assignment, HE gives YOU everything you need."
"When GOD makes up HIS mind to set someone free, HE's going to do it...power of GOD's timing."
"GOD going and you're along for the ride."

She used Moses as an example for the above, and how GOD had to empty Moses of himself before GOD could use him to lead the children of Israel out of captivity.

"When GOD gives us an assignment, HE will be with us and go with us...we are representing the KING, not ourselves. The KING is committed to backing us up, we are operating with HIS power, and HE will "cover our backs."


Concerning Bitterness and Being a "Porcupine,"
"A bitter old woman is one of the crowning works of the devil."
She was sharing this about something she was struggling with...and she didn't want to become a bitter old woman...neither do i.

"We fight the WRONG battles...we fight to prove we're right, and we fight to have our way.
She likened bitterness to making us like a "Porcupine"-a creature with a lot of good points, but nobody wants to be around. She shared you can tell a lot about a person by the stories they tell.
"If you are a porcupine, if you have a lot of opinions, you will be sick."

On having PEACE:

"You have need of many things, but one thing in particular you must develop for your own preservation, and that is an absolute confidence in GOD's loving care."
"GOD has your back...fighting this battle for you."
"GOD wants me resting in HIM. "Come unto ME all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:28
"Only when your mind is at rest can your body build health."
"Peace is a weapon of spiritual warfare."
"Unshakable Faith-Soul at Rest, Body in Motion, on the Battlefield

About telling Stories:
"Self-Pity"-story "all about me." Start with a different part of story...at the beginning, see me....later on see GOD!!!! We need to be empty of ourselves.
"TELL a Story Worth Telling."
-Be careful...the story you tell over and over is the story you'll tell over and over again when you're old.
"Tell Story of GOD's faithfulness."

Session 3, Being a Cleansed Vessel:
"If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the MASTER and prepared to do any good work." II Timothy 2:21
Purity is the key to unleashing the power of GOD.
Purity is the pathway to spiritual power.

Lunch:

We had wonderful lunch will all kinds of beautiful decorated tables...on each table was special keepsake. On my table, so beautifully decorated by Lea Kinney, who invited me to sit at her table when i walked in by myself, was a vase that had been her grandmothers, and two more empty vessels. For each of us she had a beautiful brown vase with yellow daisies inside to remind us of the theme of the conference. I have it setting on my prayer table in my "Joy Room" to remind me each day to be an empty and cleansed vessel that GOD wants to fill and use to for HIS glory. The men of FBC served the wonderful meal prepared by the ladies there...chicken salad, and strawberry shortcake is all i can remember, it was delicious!

After lunch was the closing session when she really encouraged us that GOD can use anyone who is an empty vessel. She gave the example of Naamun in the Bible who was a very successful officer in the Syrian army who got leprosy. His maid, who had been captured from Israel, told him to go and see Elijah and he could be healed. She made several good points, but the one i want to mention, is GOD used Naamun's maid, who had been brought there against her will, to bring healing to Naamun. No matter what our place is in life...GOD has an assignment for us there. She also gave an example of a movie star, whose maid came to live with him and his wife for the express purpose of leading them to CHRIST. He came to know the LORD a year later, and his wife seven years later.
GOD has left me here to be HIS vessel. He wants me to bring HIS comfort to the world
"Praise be to the FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, the FATHER of compassion and the GOD of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble wih the comfort we ourselves have received from GOD." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
paracletos-called alongside, responding to the call of GOD.
What ALONGSIDE looks like:
-on a playground
-at the grocery store
-among the poor

Be obedient to the "piece" HE gives me.
""Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from GOD. HE has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant." 1 Cor. 3:5-6

On being a "Cracked Vessel:"
This was one of my favorite parts, because i am definitely a "cracked vessel." She took a hammer and cracked a clay pot, and used it as an example of how the light of CHRIST shines through our cracks. She said that anything we have in our lives where we have been comforted is where GOD can use our credentials. She was a drug addict, alcoholic and promiscuous before the LORD saved her...she didn't try to hide these things, she allows GOD to use her "cracks," that HE might comfort and minister to others who struggle where she has.
One thing about that "cracked pot." If you are a "porcupine," inside, filled with bitterness and prickly, when the pot is cracked, instead of the the light of CHRIST shining through, that "porcupine," will snuff out the light of CHRIST. Sure don't want to be a "porcupine," underneath and keep the light of CHRIST from shining through me.

On being "REAL," Sincere:
This is part of being a cracked vessel, and instead of trying to hide our weaknesses, letting CHRIST be strong through them.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from GOD and not from us."
Sincerity=(Greek) without wax
"Unlike so many, we do not peddle the Word of GOD for profit. ON the contrary, in CHRIST we speak before GOD with sincerity, like men sent from GOD." II Cor. 2:17
"Don't put on wax, just be real with people. We're all the same...You want to be a minister-comfort people.
People need to feel they're not alone.
Be real GOD will use you

The spiritual battleground in my life is where someone hurt me...either CHRIST will shine forth or the enemy will gain a stronghold.
Either HIS light will shine, or the "porcupine" will block out the light.
Broken places can never be neutral territory.
We are never to fight for our own vindication.

On CHRIST transforming our brokenness, our hurts:
CHRIST's broken body not a defeat, greatest victory.
Broken places can become your greatest victory.
GOD transforms our crosses into something beautiful...
We battle in prayer and GOD moves our circumstances.
All that hurt, all that pain just makes me more powerful as CHRIST transforms it.
Conclusion:
I can be a porcupine or a mighty warrior...
She showed a video of men who were in World War II and they parachuted behind enemy lines to fight the battle.
Am i willing to go behind enemy lines for JESUS CHRIST and be a mighty warrior in HIS strength?
We had all been handed a piece of a broken clay pot when we came back from lunch along with a sharpie to write on. At the conclusion of the video she encouraged us to write down the "broken places," in our lives that GOD wants to transform and use to comfort others. She gave us an opportunity to come and lay those pieces at the altar for GOD to transform them into something beautiful. We also picked up the "Mighty Musk Ox Declaration," with a picture of a "Musk Ox" on that declared:

I am a Mighty Musk Ox Warrior Princess
I have been chosen by GOD.
HE has called me
to be a spiritual warrior
in my own home
in my church and community
in this nation
even to the very ends of the earth.

In this critical hour
I take my stand and declare
No devil in hell
No porcupine on earth
Nothing and no one
can stop me from fulfilling
my kingdom assignment
As long as...
I choose to walk in peace
With my soul at rest
And my body in motion

I have absolute confidence
in my FATHER's loving care
GOD's got my back
I am standing in the gap
And i will not be moved.

I will fight battles worth fighting
and tell stories worth telling

Because I am-and always will remain-

A mighty MUSK OX PRAYER WARRIOR PRINCESS!


All right, there you have it...the highlights of the conference. I pray they will be a blessing to you, as it has been for me to go back through my notes, and even gain more understanding of what it means to be a "Mighty Musk Ox Prayer Warrior Princess!" Thank you "Willing Heart," ministry and ladies of FBC, Athens, for working and praying so hard for the conference. I am a life that was loved and changed by your "Willing Hearts."

GOD continued to bless my weekend with more "grace upon grace," and Johnny and i took a day trip over to Ft. Payne, Al to see Little River Canyon, and DeSota St. Park, and hear the Greene's (www.thegreenesgospel.com ) sing that night. What a blessing each one of these things were..."grace upon grace." We had planned an overnight trip, but when the fertilizer they used around the lodge was getting me...my husband rescued me and brought me home. I didn't think of it as that at first, i was really disappointed, really disappointed but GOD gave me the grace to accept his decision. The next morning when i woke up, the first thing that came to my mind, was Johnny "rescued me from the fertilizer," and i was so grateful. He did, i would have been miserable to have stayed, even in a cabin away from the fertilizer because i was already uptight from the fertilizer. "Disappointments are HIS appointments" and we had a good day at home, catching up on clothes, and ironing. Then a friend of HB's invited her to go hiking on Rainbow Mtn. and i got to tag along. What a blessing! "Grace upon grace, upon grace...our FATHER loves us so very much and has a plan for us each day. He wants us to be an empty, cleansed vessel..."useful for the MASTER, and prepared for any good work."

I'm going to close with the beautiful song, "Broken and Spilled Out," the song sung to open the Women's Conference. If you've read this far...now you will see how fitting this song was to be sung at a conference with the theme, "Becoming a Vessel GOD can Use." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPXAju9z7Cs&feature=related "Broken and Spilled Out."

Thanks for taking time to stop by this week...and next time i greet you with "Mighty Musk Ox Warrior Princess," you'll know what i'm talking about!

With all HIS love,
mitzi

"The message of the Cross is transformation. We bring our sufferings, and CHRIST gives us joy. We bring our pains, and HE gives us comfort. We bring our deaths, and HE gives us life." Elisabeth Elliot

"I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10




The pictures are of the falls at Little River Canyon, and one of the falls near the lodge at DeSota St. Park. If you get a chance to go over there, go for it...it's so beautiful especially this time of year!





--
" In HIS inscrutable wisdom and love, GOD is able to use the most agonizing circumstances in your life to refine and purify you, to make you fruitful, and to magnify HIS grace and glory through your life." Nancy Leigh DeMoss, www.reviveourhearts.com

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances'; for this is the will of GOD in CHRIST JESUS for you. (I Thess. 5:16-18)

"Embrace the Cross"

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of GOD." I Corinthians 1:18

Dear Praying Friends and Family,

Prayer requests:
My dear friend Catherine Smith came by this afternoon and shared with me about a friend of her family that was involved in a car accident. Two of their three children were killed...a two year old and fourteen year old. The sixteen year old remains in critical condition. This family was on vacation when the accident occurred in North Carolina i believe. They love CHRIST, and HIS grace has been poured out upon them during this most difficult time. Please remember the Martin family in your prayers. The funeral for the children will be Saturday.
Also, please remember my husband and Hannah Beth as they are in Mobile this morning getting her registered for school next fall. Please pray for their safe travel back to North Alabama tonight (Friday), and that they would have some sweet Daddy/Daughter time together. Thank you so much for your dear prayers for our family.
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May those who love you be secure." Psalm 122:6


Well, i thought that i would be on my way to Mobile as i write (Thursday ) with my husband and Hannah Beth to register her for fall classes at the University of Mobile. Instead, i'm writing to you and they are on their way to Mobile. Actually they have just arrived safely thank the LORD...HB just called to tell me. After working outside all day Wednesday, cutting grass, tilling up my flower beds, weeding the garden, i haven't felt too well today (Thursday). I tried to get my body to cooperate, but after my third sauna and i was still struggling, my husband told me i needed to stay home. That wasn't music to my ears...it was fine when it was my decision to not go, but when he told me "no," ...my flesh reared up inside me, and i really struggled with his "no." I knew in my heart he was right, i just didn't want him telling me i couldn't go. You wives, ever struggle with your husband's no's? Sure you do...we've all had a good dose of the curse of rebellion when Eve disobeyed GOD and ate of the forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden. When they pulled out of the driveway, the title to the book series that Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins wrote about being "Left Behind," during the Tribulation, immediately came to my mind as i felt, "Left Behind." I pushed back the tears that wanted to come. I walked in the house and in just a few minutes the phone rang. It was my dear friend, Wanda...GOD's perfect timing. As i cried on her shoulder over the phone she comforted me, gave me godly counsel, and prayed for me. She was "JESUS to me with flesh on." I felt much better after i talked and cried and prayed with her.

Getting "Left Behind," when it's something you really want to do is difficult. Elisabeth Elliot writes in her book, A Path Through Suffering," that, "Suffering is anything you have that you don't want, or anything you want but don't have ." I knew in my heart today, that it was GOD's will for me not to go after my husband said no, but i still licked my wounds and felt sorry for myself. I had asked the LORD early this morning to make it clear to me if i should try to go with them to Mobile, or if i should stay home. HE did make it clear through my husband, and i didn't care for HIS answer too much. It wasn't what i wanted to hear...but i knew it was part of the cross that GOD has so allowed in our lives to shape and mould our family these past 20 years.

Recently, i have been reading about the Cross a great deal. I knew that not getting to Mobile with my family was another "chance to die," to my preferences and accept the cross, or the thorn the LORD has allowed in my life. Elisabeth Elliot shares in her "Relinquishing Our Will," series:

"This is what the cross of CHRIST means-the willingness to take whatever conditions are necessary in the path of obedience, letting go of our preferences."

HE has used this cross of my ill health in so many ways and I praise HIM for that...even when i do have to let go of my preferences. It is not always easy at the time, to relinquish my will or praise HIM, when my flesh wants to do something else. But my heavenly FATHER has proven HIMself so very faithful to my family over and over and over and over...especially when we stumble and fail, which is often and much.

I read a devotion yesterday from "Streams in the Desert," that has been such a tremendous encouragement to me through the years. I've struggled deeply with my weaknesses at times, a body that seems to rebel at what i want it to do. When i read the devotion this morning...i rejoiced inside, even though i didn't feel good. GOD has proven HIMself over and over to be "dynamite," in my weakness...and HE is teaching me to love my cross, to love my thorn, to embrace it, because that is where HE is strong. I try to let you see my weaknesses, on purpose, that GOD's power might be demonstrated through my weak body. We are not to be ashamed of our weaknesses, but as Paul said, we are to take pleasure in them...because GOD's grace is sufficient, and HIS power is made perfect in our weaknesses.

Author: Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
Source: Streams in the Desert
Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 12:10
Thankful for the Thorns
"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong" (2 Cor. 12:10).
The literal translation of this verse gives a startling emphasis to it, and makes it speak for itself with a force that we have probably never realized. Here It is: "Therefore I take pleasure in being without strength, in insults, in being pinched, in being chased about, in being cooped up in a corner for Christ's sake; for when I am without strength, then am I dynamite."
Here is the secret of Divine all-sufficiency, to come to the end of everything in ourselves and in our circumstances. When we reach this place, we will stop asking for sympathy because of our hard situation or bad treatment, for we will recognize these things as the very conditions of our blessing, and we will turn from them to God and find in them a claim upon Him. --A. B. Simpson
George Matheson, the well-known blind preacher of Scotland, who recently went to be with the Lord, said: "My God, I have never thanked Thee for my thorn. I have thanked Thee a thousand times for my roses, but not once for my thorn. I have been looking forward to a world where I shall get compensation for my cross; but I have never thought of my cross as itself a present glory.
"Teach me the glory of my cross; teach me the value of my thorn. Show me that I have climbed to Thee by the path of pain. Show me that my tears have made my rainbows."
"Alas for him who never sees
The stars shine through the cypress trees."

"Wow...have i ever found these words to be true..."we will recognize these things as the very conditions of our blessing." And not only our blessing, but the blessing of those GOD brings into our lives. Yes, i do recognize, as much as i kick and scream, that my blessings have come through my cross...the perfect cross(s) the LORD has picked out for me.

This morning as i was trying to accept what my husband said about not going, but not doing a very good job, the LORD reminded me of several years ago when we first started kayaking. We had joined the Huntsville Canoe Club, and they were going to paddle down the Sipsey River. It was this time of year, and the kids and i were looking forward to making the trip with the HCC, and with our next door neighbor at the time, Greg Adams...Wanda's husband. The morning of the trip came, and i did not feel well. I remember i had been trying to juice a few days before, and the bottom had fallen out of my blood sugar. It broke my heart to tell the kids i didn't feel up to going, but i just couldn't. My body said, "No." That same day, there was a Pet Show in our town at the "Dogwood Festival," held each year. Hannah Beth had wanted to do that also...so although i didn't feel up to an all day paddling trip, GOD gave me the strength to load up "Dixie," our Golden Retriever and we went to the Pet Show where Dixie won several ribbons. I'm not sure now what she won...but that was GOD's grace to a little girl HE loves more than i do that day who didn't getting to go paddling. But something more important happened, and it's a lesson HE reminds me of from time to time when i am wrestling against HIS will like yesterday. At that Pet Show, were some friends that we knew from our home school circles. Their dog was also in the Pet Show that day with their daughter. As we stood there watching our daughters' show off their dogs, we talked about each other's health journey. This young handsome man, with a dear wife and two children, struggled with similar issues that i have...he was raised on a farm and was around pesticides heavily as a young man. He was experiencing all kinds of weird problems the doctors just hadn't been able to help him with...and they were just about at their "wits end." You would never know this man was sick from looking at him and the smile on his face...but that was what people had often said about me. But he was sick, and GOD had led our paths together that day, through me not getting to do what i wanted...through my cross. I was able to share with them where the LORD had led me to get help for my problems at the Environmental Health Clinic in Dallas. Today that man and his family are doing well...he still has a "thorn," but he is able to work and help provide for his family, and they have wonderful, godly family. Other members of his family struggle also with similar health issues and they too have been able to find help for their special needs. GOD used my suffering, my cross that day,to lead my path to share with this family the help that i have found. If i had gone paddling instead and done what i wanted... we wouldn't have been at that Pet Show. By the way, we paddled that river together later, and GOD has given us many opportunities to paddle together since then. That day, HE had other plans for me.

"Teach me to treat all that comes to me with peace of soul and with firm conviction that YOUR will governs all. In unforeseen events let me not forget that all are sent by YOU."

When i am feeling sorry for myself, GOD gently reminds me, that my cross is really what makes my life worth living...HE has given me so much "abundant life" through my cross. I have learned that HE has used my cross to direct my paths, and the path of my family to a great degree, through my cross. It is through the pain of my cross that has taught me to cling to JESUS and helps me to understand how very, very much HE loves me and you. HE has shown me over and over and over again, that indeed, HIS grace is sufficient and HIS power is made perfect in my weakness. My cross helps me to have CHRIST's compassion for others who suffer. I have so much more to learn as i learn to "Embrace the Cross," of my dear LORD JESUS who "Embraced the Cross" for me and for you. HIS blood covers all of our sins, and HE paid the price of our redemption from sin as HE poured out HIS life unto death...and then HE was raised on the third day. HE asks that we receive HIM, that we repent of our sins, and say "Yes, LORD," each day denying ourselves, taking up our cross and following HIM in whatever that looks like. Today, for me, it was to stay home and rest, instead of going to Mobile with my family. I don't know all the reasons the LORD had for me to stay home and for them to go without me, but HE does, and HE asks me to trust HIM and to accept HIS will..."In acceptance lieth peace." On my little calendar from Elisabeth Elliot that i have sitting beside my computer... are the words:

"The power of the cross is not exemption from suffering but the very transformation of suffering."
Loneliness, p. 26

"But we see JESUS, who was made a little lower than angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor." Hebrews 2:9

Just as JESUS' death was transformed into glory and honor...HIS glory and ours, through our redemption in CHRIST, so HIS resurrection power transforms our sufferings, our thorns, our crosses, into glory and honor. He transforms them into something beautiful that we cannot imagine. HE asks us to trust HIM and "endure then, until tomorrow," the suffering HE allows in our lives.

Isaiah 61 is an amazing chapter of Bible prophecy that is being fulfilled right before our very eyes. It tells of the intimate love that CHRIST has for Israel and how HE delights in her, and is going to restore the ancient ruins and the places long devastated. This is such an exciting chapter as we see how very much GOD loves Israel, how HE cherishes her, and the future plans HE has for her. Tucked away in this beautiful chapter in verse 3 are words that we, HIS bride, who have been engrafted into HIS family through the blood of CHRIST can claim for our own. HE is fulfilling HIS promise even now to the nation of Israel and to us, HIS church, the Bride of CHRIST:
"And provide for those who grieve in Zion-
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of HIS splendor."

This is what CHRIST does for us as HE transforms our crosses, as HIS was transformed from death to life...life for all who believe in HIM. "But as many as received HIM, to them HE gave the right to become children of GOD, even to those who believe in HIS name." John 1:12

Betty Scott Stam was a missionary who visited in the home of Elisabeth Elliot when Elisabeth was a little girl. She and her husband John were called to be missionaries in China with the China Inland Mission in the 1930's. At that time, the Mission needed single men to serve in remote areas, so they died to self and put off their feelings. Afterwards, they were married, and God gave them a beautiful little girl.
"During that time, China was experiencing fighting between the Communists, lead by Mao and the Nationalists, led by Chang. One day, they received word that the communist army might soon take over their city. John made arrangements for his wife and child to leave. But before they could, communists entered the city. The Stams were arrested and Betty was forced to watch as her husband was beheaded. Then, she, too, experienced the same fate. Their child's life was saved by a Chinese pastor who put his own life on the line."
Betty Stam wrote these words earlier and she meant them, words of what the cross of CHRIST means:
Lord, I give up all my own plans and purposes
All my own desires and hopes
And accept Thy will for my life.
I give myself, my life, my all
Utterly to Thee to be Thine forever.
Fill me and seal me with Thy Holy Spirit
Use me as Thou wilt, send me where Thou wilt
And work out Thy whole will in my life at any cost now and forever.
"I am crucified with CHRIST and it is no longer i who live but CHRIST who lives in me, and the life that i now live in the flesh i live by faith in the SON of GOD who loved me and gave HIMself up for me. " Galatians 2:20



As i wrote this, the LORD brought a song to my mind that i haven't heard in a while, but it embraces what i'm trying to share this week about the cross. It is called "Embrace the Cross," by John G. Elliot and it is sung on this video by Steve Green . I had the privilege of hearing John G. Elliot's testimony years ago and he shared how CHRIST had allowed his hands to be crippled for a time, and during that time his heart was transformed. Later, GOD restored his hands to play beautiful music for HIM on the piano. He has such a powerful testimony of GOD transforming his cross into something glorious. I pray that it will be an encouragement to you as you watch and listen, to thank JESUS for your thorn, your cross, in whatever form it may be. "Embrace the Cross," offer it up to HIM, and watch HIM,the ONE WHO loves you so very much, transform it to bring HIS life to you and through you to others... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10LhDfP8CHM.

After sleeping all afternoon until almost 6:00 p.m., the LORD blessed me with rest and i was able to write this email. HE knew i needed to rest more than i needed to go...sometimes it's hard to say, "Yes, LORD." I am like a little child who wrestles with their Mom or Dad, in this case, my husband, over taking a nap and then out of sheer exhaustion, falls to sleep. HE quieted me with HIS love and gave me rest. "The LORD your GOD is with you, HE is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, HE will quiet you with HIS love, HE will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17. This is another verse that GOD has promised to HIS beloved Israel, but we as HIS Gentile children who have been adopted by HIM experience as our own. Indeed our BRIDEGROOM is with us, and HE is mighty to save. HE takes great delight in all those whom HE has chosen and has made HIS bride. HE quiets us with HIS love and rejoices over us with singing." Wow...what a Husband and Lover of our Souls who has laid down HIS life for you and me.
I love you all and thank you for investing your time with me this week. I pray the LORD will use these words to encourage you and help you to "Embrace the Cross." May the LORD bless you, HIS dearest ones.
With all HIS love,
mitzi


"Embrace the Cross" Words and music by John G. Elliot
I am crucified with Christ
Therefore I no longer live
Jesus Christ now lives in me
(Repeat twice)

Embrace the cross
Where Jesus suffered
Though it will cost
All you claim as yours
Your sacrifice will seem small
Beside the treasure
Eternity can't measure
What Jesus holds in store

Embrace the love
The cross requires
Cling to the one
Whose heart knew every pain
Receive from Jesus
Fountains of compassion
Only He can fashion
Your heart to move as His

Oh, wondrous cross our desires rest in you
Lord Jesus make us bolder
To face with courage the shame and disgrace
You bore upon Your shoulder

Embrace the life
That comes from dying
Come trace the steps
The Savior walked for you
An empty tomb
Concludes Golgotha's sorrow
Endure then till tomorrow
Your cross of suffering
Embrace the cross
Embrace the cross
The cross of Jesus






--
"The LOVE that calls us into being, woos us to HIMself, makes us HIS bride, lays down HIS life for us, daily crowns us with lovingkindness and tender mercy, will never abandon us." Elisabeth Elliot, "Loneliness" p. 27 www.elisabethelliot.org

"In this the love of GOD was manifested toward us, that GOD has sent HIS only begotten SON into the world, that we might live through HIM." I John 4:9