Sunday, July 31, 2011

"Moments On Our Journey"




"HE guided them by the skillfullness of HIS hands." Ps. 78:72

Dear Praying Friends and Family,
    Looks another "Sunday" email, after Friday came and went with me taking a CPR class, studying for my final this week, and celebrating my brother and sis in law's birthday's with my family Friday evening.  I wasn't feeling the best in the world on Friday either...but I did want to take this next few minutes to share with you a few thoughts from this past week.   Great is THY faithfulness, would be the continued theme of my life, of how GOD keeps things going around here, when I feel like I am coming apart at times...literally.  I have continued to try to take my thyroid medicine here and there at reduced dosages, and all my efforts, though giving me some measure of stability, result in side effects that far outweigh the benefits...so I continue to wait upon the LORD to guide me by the skillfullness of HIS hands through this uncharted territory for me.  Thank you for remembering me in your prayers.  Last Monday evening, I felt like I was going to burst after I finished studying, and although it was our "family" night, I loaded up my kayak in the back of the Yukon, tossed my gear in and rod and reel and headed for the peacefulness and serenity of the river.  I hated to leave Johnny and Hannah Beth, (John Mac was in Hawaii), but I just felt like I had to get to the river and Johnny was okay with it.  I had a wonderful time in the late summer evening paddling along in the smooth water close to the shore, as I slowly made my way to Big Creek.  I took time to buy my fishing license at Sportman's Park before I unloaded my boat, and I enjoyed casting my rod and reel as I paddled along the river bank.  I don't know what I would do if I did land a fish...I don't ever take my tackle box anymore...just doesn't seem necessary since I never catch anything...but oh was it relaxing just being out on the water...it was just what the "doc" ordered.  Not really, but MY GREAT PHYSICIAN knew I needed that time to unwind, and let my body relax.  After trying another "thyroid," pill experiment the day before...my body was fit to be tied.   I sure enjoyed my sunset paddle, and made my way under the bridge where the barn swallows build their nest and swarm in and out under the bridge.  I paddled a short ways up into Big Creek and cast my fishing line a few times, before I headed back...I didn't want to get caught out on the river after dark.  I enjoyed a leisurely paddle back to where I had put in, and then decided to fish a little bit more, before heading back to my family.   It sure was a soothing time to my soul...even though I don't remember even being able to pray that much...just getting out there, paddling in GOD's beautiful creation on the Elk River, casting my line into the water, brought peace to my soul.  This is just one of the ways, the LORD has ministered to my soul during the midst of the "storms," that my body has gone through these past couple of months.  I praise HIM and thank HIM for these times of refreshing and taking me from "strength to strength," as I walk through the Valley of Bacca as it talks about in Psalms 84:6.
     "When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs." Psalm 84:6

   I sure wouldn't want to repeat this trial, which isn't over yet, but I am thankful for the LORD's presence and love and comfort to me in so many ways, through so many people and circumstances in the midst of it. 

  This is the final week of my Precalculus class and I will be done...PTL!!!!   What an incredible 2 months the LORD has brought me through...and what seemed impossible at times, became difficult, and now is almost done.  However, because of my health issues, and the toll it's taken on me and the family, it does have my husband and me to question will I be able to handle the upcoming nursing courses at UAH.  I read this devotion this morning from Streams in the Desert, and once again the LORD encouraged me in this journey.  
Author: Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
Source: Streams in the Desert
Scripture Reference: Psalm 78:72 

Skillful Guidance
"He guided them by the skillfulness of his hands"
(Ps. 78:72).
When you are doubtful as to your course, submit your judgment absolutely to the Spirit of God, and ask Him to shut against you every door but the right one…Meanwhile keep on as you are, and consider the absence of indication to be the indication of God's will that you are on His track…As you go down the long corridor, you will find that He has preceded you, and locked many doors which you would fain have entered; but be sure that beyond these there is one which He has left unlocked. Open it and enter, and you will find yourself face to face with a bend of the river of opportunity, broader and deeper than anything you had dared to imagine in your sunniest dreams. Launch forth upon it; it conducts to the open sea.
God guides us, often by circumstances. At one moment the way may seem utterly blocked; and then shortly afterward some trivial incident occurs, which might not seem much to others, but which to the keen eye of faith speaks volumes. Sometimes these things are repeated in various ways, in answer to prayer. They are not haphazard results of chance, but the opening up of circumstances in the direction in which we would walk. And they begin to multiply as we advance toward our goal, just as the lights do as we near a populous town, when darting through the land by night express. --F. B. Meyer
If you go to Him to be guided, He will guide you; but He will not comfort your distrust or half-trust of Him by showing you the chart of all His purposes concerning you. He will show you only into a way where, if you go cheerfully and trustfully forward, He will show you on still farther. --Horace Bushnell
As moves my fragile bark across the storm-swept sea,
Great waves beat o'er her side, as north wind blows;
Deep in the darkness hid lie threat'ning rocks and shoals;
But all of these, and more, my Pilot knows.
Sometimes when dark the night, and every light gone out,
I wonder to what port my frail ship goes;
Still though the night be long, and restless all my hours,
My distant goal, I'm sure, my Pilot knows. 
 Yes, I am doubtful at my course at times, and wonder, am I crazy or what for even attempting to go back to school.  I hope it's the "or what," and I truly am following the LORD's call on my life.
    I am just having to trust the LORD one day at a time, and we are going to see how this first semester goes.  So ya'll pray for us, pray for me...GOD seems to have opened so many doors for me to do this, and I just keep praying, LORD shut the doors if this is not the way YOU want me to go.  So far, HE continues to open them...the latest being me not having to take the required Hep B Vaccine for the nursing program at UAH, and of course finishing the Precal class...my only prerequisite I had lacking for the senior year of nursing at UAH.  HE sure did go to a lot of trouble to get me through this class...a wonderful teacher, three tutors including my son, an understanding family most of the time....and well you know some of the other things that were going on at the same time that were more than a bit distracting....like becoming allergic and i think toxic to my thyroid meds, having to change IV nutrients in the middle of the class, my Daddy in law's health  being precarious, and my  husband having his own health challenges, along with my two adult children home for the summer and all that goes along with everyone coming and going.     
    John Mac submitted his application this weekend for med school at UAB....sure would appreciate your prayers for him and GOD's call on his life.  He plans to look for a full time engineering job now while he waits...if he does get accepted he has to wait a year to start, and he plans to take a couple of classes at UAH this fall, Genetics and something else.  HB will be taking four anatomy test this week, beginning tomorrow, and then she will be heading back to the U of M next week where she will begin her clinicals in nursing school soon.  She tried on her nursing outfit for me the other day and she looked so pretty in the white top with maroon pants.  She and her Daddy went shopping last Thursday afternoon to finish buying her supplies for school and all.  It was sweet....and I'm glad they were able to spend that time together while I was home studying for my test.  It's been neat HB and I have been doing the same things to get ready for nursing school, and the book I used for my CPR class is the exact book her teacher wanted her to get and read before the class so I gave her mine.  She got her Hep B shot, wish she didn't have to, and has two more to go.   GOD sure has blessed her with a good mind...i am amazed at how well HE has enabled her to do taking to human anatomy courses this summer.  Ya'll please pray for HB as the LORD leads and guides her...
     I mentioned Johnny having his own health issues...this past week, he had a CT scan done on a cyst in his hip and we are waiting to hear back from those results.  Sure would appreciate you keeping him in your prayers....and pray for our family that in the midst of all that GOD is doing in our lives individually and as a family that CHRIST would be magnified, and draw others to HIM through us.
    As I've been doing this summer, I'm just going to share with you some things the LORD has used to encourage my heart this week to sustain me, encourage me, and strengthen me as I walk with HIM day by day, minute by minute...HE is teaching me to lean hard on the everlasting arms. 
     "Manna from Heaven"
     Stand still and see the salvation of the LORD." Ex. 14:13
   "GO from strength to strength." Ps. 84:7
   "Faith is to believe what we do not see, and the reward of this faith is to see what we believe." 
    "To be afraid of what happens today or what may happen tomorrow is not only an awful waste of energy, it is not only useless, it is disobedient.  We are forbidden to fear anything but the LORD HIMself." Elisabeth Elliot
     "Do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind." Luke 12;29
    "For we are GOD's masterpiece HE has created us anew in CHRIST JESUS, so that we can do the good things HE planned for us long ago." Eph. 2:10
     "In their affliction, they will seek ME early." Hosea 5:15
      "Loss and adversities are frequently the means the GREAT SHEPHERD uses to fetch home HIS wondering sheep.  Like fierce doges, they worry the wonderers back to the fold.  Lions cannot be tamed if they are too well fed; their stomach need to be deprived and they must be brought down from their great strength before they will submit to the TAMER's hand." Charles Spurgeon
     "You are GOD's opportunity in YOUR day.  HE has waited for ages for a person just like you." 
     "Bring to GOD your gift, my brother, HE'll need not to call another, You will do. HE will add HIS blessing to it, and the life of you will do it, GOD and you." Springs in the Valley
     "What I do thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know hereafter." Jn 13:7
     "I do not ask my cross to understand.  My way to see-better in darkness just to feel THY hand and follow Thee." Streams in the Desert
     "The power of forgiveness can keep us in the flow of GOD's will, at peace in the storms, carried along in the ever advancing river of HIS eternal places and purposes for our lives." Nancy Leigh DeMoss
     "You will keep him in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." Is. 26:3
    "If we really comprehended the measure of the grace of GOD toward us, surely it would be easy for us to forgive others for the relatively small sins they have committed against us." Elisabeth Elliot
     "LORD, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?  I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven." Mt. 18:21,22
     "I learned that I must bear all that others were allowed to do against me and to forgive with no trace of bitterness." Hannah Hurnard, Hinds Feet on High Places
    "I am my Beloved's and my Beloved is mine." Song of Sol. 6:3
   "Forgiveness is a mighty tool in the hand of an all powerful GOD to bring healing to every conceivable type of situation and relationship-past and present." 
     "Through this MAN forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by HIM everyone who believes is freed from everything." Acts 13: 38
    "For YOU equip me with strength for the battle." Ps. 18:39
     "For when I am weak, then I AM strong." 2 Cor. 10:12
     "Jehoshophat cried out, and the LORD helped him." 2 Chr. 18:31
     "Do not sorrow for the joy of the LORD is your strength." Neh. 8:10
     "As we get the TRUTH of GOD's WORD into our hearts, it protects us from deception and from sinning with our tongues." Nancy Leigh DeMoss
    "Nevertheless, I am continually with thee...Ps. 73:23
   "A hardening of our hearts means a resistance of our wills, for the heart is the throne room, the innermost place of control.  and in the heart, either self will is on the throne, or the will of GOD." Hannah Hurnard, GOD's Transmitters
     "They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of GOD because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts." Eph. 4:18
   "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
     "The Shepherd laughs too-I don't know anything more exhilarating and delightful than turning weakness into strength, and fear into faith, and that which has been marred into perfection." Hannah Hurnard,  Hinds Feet on High Places
     "I will meditate on all YOUR works and consider all YOUR mighty deeds, YOUR ways, O GOD are holy...YOU are the GOD who performs miracles, YOU display YOUR power among the peoples." Ps. 77:12-14

      Well, this seems like a good place to wrap this letter up...meditating on all GOD's works and considering HIS mighty deeds in our lives.  HE has performed a miracle for me this summer, to get this incredibly weak vessel through Precal, i know that and I praise HIM for HIS power and HIS love to me.
     This morning, our choir sang the beautiful song, "Bow the Knee" and it sure did minister to my heart, where the LORD has me walking, not quiet understanding but wanting to surrender to HIS will and "Bow the Knee"....I pray that it will yours too ...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuZltbXH9KQ&feature=related
    Please continue to remember my in laws in your prayers...Pop has better times and then difficult.  Pray for my Mother in law who is so lovingly caring for Pop at home.  Also, Darlene begins her new treatment for cancer in Houston tomorrow at the Brysinski clinic.  Please remember her and her dear family while they are away from her and all that GOD wants to do in their lives during this time.
    Thank you for taking your valuable time to spend this time with me....i love you and I covet your prayers...one more Precal Test, pray me through it, i'm counting on you!
                                                                                 With all HIS love,
                                                                                       mitzi
   
    
   

    



      

--
"Men ought always to pray and not to faint." Luke 18:11

"When I passed by thee,...I said unto thee..., Live."
Ezekiel 16:6

Friday, July 22, 2011

"Blessings"


"Consider it all joy, my brethern, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:2-3


Dear Praying Friends and Family,
             I finished my third precal test today(Thursday).   I'm so very thankful to have the third one under my belt, and can't believe just one more left.  It's been a painful and joyous journey. I decided to take time out from trying to figure out binomial theorem this evening to share my heart with you...John Mac helped me with "Pascal's Triangle," a couple of night's ago before he left for Hawaii today and  I just can't quite get my brain to wrap around it.  My friend Laura Haggenmaker who teaches math at East Limestone and we're in choir together and she came to the "Detoxify or Die" class this spring  is coming to help me tonight when she finishes serving at "Harvest Unlimited."  You remember I told you about "Harvest Unlimited," last Sunday night...it's one of the ways that our church is seeking to reach the lost  in our community for CHRIST.  One of our mission teams just got back from Peru yesterday.  These  efforts are only a couple of ways the LORD is using HIS body of believers at First Baptist, Athens,  to share CHRIST with those who don't know HIM and minister to those who do. If you don't have a church home and live close by, please come and be a part of what the LORD is doing in our hearts.  Sunday School is at 9:15 a.m. and worship service is at 10:30p.m.   It is not us...it is CHRIST at work in us to fill our hearts with HIS love.  HE is the one WHO empowers and inspires and gives us the grace to reach out to the world that HE gave HIS life for so they won't perish in everlasting hell , but enjoy fellowship with HIM, and the saints forever and ever.  I feel led to share this beautiful song by Twila Paris, "How Beautiful" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJfSp_rceFs&feature=related as I think of these faithful believers who labor to share the good news of our KING here and to the uttermost parts of the earth... 
 
"How beautiful the feet that bring  
  The sound of good news and the love of the KING
How beautiful the hands that serve
The wine and the bread and the sons of the earth"

"For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only SON that whosoever believes in HIM shall not perish but have everlasting life. 17For God sent not HIS SON into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through HIM might be saved." John 3:16-17

                                                                                                                                                                                    
     Before I go any farther, I want to thank you for your prayers and concern for my Father in law, Buddy Evans.  He has had some good days this week, but then had yet another stroke last night.  Please continue to remember my Mother in law, Bobbie who is caring for him at home and my Daddy in law Buddy.  Thank you so much for your love and concern for them.  As I mentioned, John Mac flew to Hawaii this morning to be with his girl, Amanda and her family over there for a few days.  Hannah Beth drove to Atlanta this afternoon to be with her boyfriend and his family...so you know what that means...EMPTY NEST for Johnny and me this weekend!  Whoo Hoo!!!  Looking so forward to enjoying being with my hubby between studying Math this weekend, and him working and whatever else the LORD has for us. Thank you so much for your prayers for all of us.
     Well, after last Friday, I am glad to be here this weekend...It has been another week of "Blessings," and "Holding On."  I almost took myself out last Friday, and on into glory after taking my IV.  Usually, when my IV gets toward the end, it drips in slowly, but last Friday, Johnny had added some air in the IV to get the nutrients to finish dripping in my veins.  He added quiet a bit in fact, and as the last bit was dripping into my arm, John Mac came through the room to ask me something.  I wasn't paying attention and all of the sudden I felt a funny sensation up my arm, in my brain, and across the top of my chest.  I can tell you for sure now that all that is connected...  I immediately realized that following the nutrients that went in me, a whole bunch of air followed.  I was kind of numb, remembering in nursing school they said, you don't have to worry about a small air bubble in the line, it would take an Iv line full to hurt you...I realized I just had gotten an IV line full it felt like or more in my veins.  I didn't panic, amazingly maybe I should have, but John Mac immediately went and got on the computer and started reading what to do.  After I unhooked from the IV, he had me lie down on my left side with my head down for about two hours.  I protested a little as my niece and I had planned to go to Earthfare when I finished the IV, but I didn't feel too good, so I didn't protest too much.  I called my homehealth care nurse and she said that if anything was going to happen she thought it would have already happened.  John Mac wasn't sure about that, and insisted I lay on my side for at least a couple of hours.  He went and got my notebook, and all my papers, and computer, so I could study my Precalculus while I was laying there with my head down...kind of an unorthodox way to study, but it worked.  I took it easy the rest of the night and they called to check on me from work to make sure I was still with them.
    The next day, my niece and I made it to Earthfare, and I really enjoyed her fellowship. Corinne is a student at Indiana University, and is involved in the Navigator ministry up there, where she has grown in the LORD leaps and bounds.  Hannah Beth and Corinne and I have enjoyed going through a Bible Study this summer together called, "GOD's Priceless Woman."  Corinne and I enjoyed eating breakfast together at Earthfare, before we bought all kinds of good and healthy stuff to eat...we were running low in the cupboard around here.  I still wasn't feeling good, in fact, I was feeling pretty badly, but the LORD helped me and we "got er' done."
     I won't go into all the details, but let's just suffice it to say that this week, has been another tough week as far as the changes my body has been going through.  After taking my new thyroid medicine again last Friday and it acting crazy in me, I decided to leave it off, along with most of the other supplements I've been taking.  Sunday, I was ill as a hornet with my kids, and Monday, Tuesday and Weds. I've held on.  I realized about Monday afternoon, that my body was detoxing and the new IV ingredients seem to be working well at helping me do that...real well.  Detoxing is not fun when you have a bunch to detox and your detox system doesn't work too well....in fact you can think you're dying, and it can be very uncomfortable.  I'm pretty sure some folks have died from detoxing too fast.  Well...I've had some good opportunities lately for dying but it doesn't seem to be the LORD's time for me yet...HE seems bound and determined for me to finish this math class.   
    I am thankful I was able to study Wednesday morning for my test, before feeling pretty cruddy yesterday afternoon.  I went out to cut the grass in the front yard hoping that would make me feel better to sweat, but it only made me feel worse, and i laid down when I came in to study some more.  GOD helped me to feel good enough to go eat with my family at Logan's. That was a real blessing since we haven't been out to eat together in I can't tell you when, and the kids were leaving the next morning.  We also got to see our friends Greg and Wanda, as they were there at Logan's celebrating Greg's 66th birthday.  I had planned to try and study  some more when I got home, but I ended up going to bed early last night, after reading in my book about John Newton, the author of "Amazing Grace."  It hasn't been that long since I read it, but I loved reading about how GOD worked in his "wretched life," and his love life which he waited many years for GOD to give them the desire of HIS heart, but GOD did.  It sure does build my faith.   John Mac woke me at 4:45 a.m. this morning (Thursday) to take him to the airport.  Thankfully, I felt pretty well when I woke up, not sick at my stomach and nervous feeling like so many mornings recently.  By the time I dropped him off though at the airport, I wasn't feeling too well, and couldn't wait to get back home.  Thankfully, I started feeling better, as the morning went on.  I reviewed one last time for my test, took a walk to help get the jitters out and headed down to school to pick up my test.  I thought about saunaing before I took my test, but decided to go ahead and take it even though I was feeling a little brained fog and jumpy.  GOD's grace was sufficient and helped me to be able to think through it...later when i finished, I ate, and then saunaed and went back through my test feeling a whole lot clearer in my head and relaxed.
      You know, I'm not sure what all has been going on with my body the whole time I've been taking this class...i've got my ideas and part of it is spiritual and part of it's physical, but it's all  under the control of my FATHER WHO loves me so much.   I know that my body doesn't detox well.  I had been taking a thyroid medication for about a year and a half that perhaps has gradually built up in me, and got to the point of producing all these uncomfortable symptoms I've had that have made me panicky, itchy, sick at my stomach, nervous, depressed, and even felt despairing at times.  I don't know for sure, my doctors don't know for sure, but GOD does and that is where I have had to turn time after time in the midst of this storm.  


    My friend, Laura is going to be here soon to help me with my "Binomial Theorem" homework, (Thursday even) so I'm just going to share with you some quotes and verses the LORD has shared with me this week and maybe weeks before to encourage my fainting and weary heart:

"For thus says the LORD GOD, the HOLY ONE of Israel:
    "In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength..." Is. 30:15

"You cannot think of prayer so large that GOD, in answering it, will not wish that you had made it larger.  Pray not for crutches, but wings." Phillips Brooks

"Make thy petition deep." Springs in the Valley

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of GOD in CHRIST JESUS for you.  Do not quench the SPIRIT." I Thess. 5:16-19

"It is the path of HIS appointment that we shall find HIS presence." Springs in the Valley

"Nobody ever failed to do the will of GOD because he was too weak, too poor, too old, too ignorant or didn't have time.  GOD has promised that HE will give you the strength, the knowledge and the time to do whatever HE wants you to do." Elisabeth Elliot, www.elisabethelliot.org

     "For GOD has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." II Tim. 1:2 

"My limitations become in the sovereignty of GOD, gifts.  For it is with the equipment I have been given that I am to glorify GOD." Elisabeth Elliot

     "There are diversities of gifts...But one and the same SPIRIT with all these things, distributing to each one individually as HE wills."  I Cor. 12:4,18

 You don't have to have exceptional gifts, abilities, or connections.  GOD specializes in using ordinary people whose limitations and weaknesses make them ideal showcases for HIS greatness and glory." Nancy Leigh DeMoss, www.reviveourhearts.com

"GOD chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise:  GOD chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong...so that no one may boast before HIM." I Cor. 1:27,29

"But what thing was gain to me, those I counted loss for CHRIST." Phil. 3:7

"If you have ever had the vision of GOD, you may try as you like to be satisfied on a lower level, but GOD will never let you."  Oswald Chambers, "My Utmost for HIS Highest," July 20

"GOD sometimes asks of us things that look impossible, but they never turn out to be-because GOD's command is always HIS enabling." Elisabeth Elliot

"I can do all things through CHRIST WHO strengthens me."
                                                   Phil. 4:13


"JESUS said to pray instead of quitting."   Learning to Live the Love Dare calendar

The Parable of the Persistent Widow
1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up."



Well, the LORD knows, that this gal would have give up the first week, maybe the second, if it had not been for a TON of HIS grace to help me through this precalculus class.  I have had one adversity after another, but I am learning that is a sign of GOD's "blessings" that I am in the middle of HIS will and to hang in there, put on my "tough shoes," put on my spiritual armor and used the shield of faith to quench the fiery darts that have been flying my way lately.  In the book of Ezra this morning, i read about them going to rebuild the temple  in Jerusalem and the great celebration they had of praising and worshipping the LORD.  Then, not long after they begun, here came the "giants," the opponents, the adversary to come against them to discourage them and try to get them to stop building the temple.  Eventually, they did have to stop for a while because the king issued a degree, but later they were able to continue and they finished rebuilding the temple.
     As i mentioned a few weeks ago, the LORD brought me the most encouraging devotion from Springs in the Valley, about when we step out in faith to follow the LORD's leading, that is where we will find the "giants," waiting to discourage us in the path GOD has called us too.  I've met a few of those "giants," recently, have you?  They sure can be scary.  I am so blessed, GOD has encouraged me with HIS WORD each morning, with so many of you who have come alongside me and said you can do this, Mitzi, don't give up, with my son and friends helping me to understand the math, with blessing me with the most wonderful teacher who has allowed me to watch the lectures online, take my test at home, and call her and keep up with what's going in class.  So many "graces of GOD, and I am so blessed."

"It's to be expected that every decision made with the desire to be obedient to GOD will be attacked."  Elisabeth Elliot
"Therefore take up the whole armor of GOD, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day." Eph. 6:13

      Last night, as I was about to drop into bed, Hannah Beth was packing for her trip to Atlanta and she had the song, "Blessed" by Laura Story playing on her computer.  I heard that song for the first time a few weeks ago, and used it in my Friday email, and felt led to share it again this week http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CSVqHcdhXQ .The song has a powerful message about how blessed we are through our trials, even though we don't often recognize it at the time we are going through them. You got to listen to the story how the LORD gave it to Laura...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDiTuSLSJB8&feature=related. Her husband developed a brain tumor shortly after they were married.  Through the journey HE has led them, GOD gave her  this song that ministers to so many going through difficult trials to see GOD's love and mercy in the midst of our painful circumstances. 

  As I look out over our green grass, I think about just a few weeks ago how barren our yard looked with weeks of no rain.  It was the worst looking yard in the neighborhood, because I didn't take time to water it and it was barren, crunchy and brown. But when the rain came...oh how the grass has grown, and now looks so pretty and green and thick and full.  If only I can remember that when GOD allows the "rains" to come into  my life, instead of kicking and screaming about HIS ways with me.  I remember a saying that I saw on a professor's wall when I was a student at the University of Montevallo that said,"  All sunshine makes a desert."  It certainly did of our yard at the first of the summer, and it certainly does in our spiritual lives  if the sun is shining all the time in our lives.

    Well, Laura, my tutor, has come and gone...45 minutes she was here to explain to me "Pascal's Triangle," and help me with this  wonderful shortcut to the Binomial Theorem.  She helped me in minutes what I was worried about for days and would have taken me hours and i still couldn't figure it out on my own. Thank you JESUS for your "Blessings," in my life and the lives of all of us. I even went back and did one of my logarithm homework problems that I had trouble with before....these logarithms were my most feared section of Precalculus and I even kind of like learning to "expand" them.  "Blessings," HIS blessings, come in packages that often we fear or want to run away from...LORD teach me to truly give you thanks in all circumstances for the blessings that are  HIS mercies disguised by things that I fear.

   Thank you for your faithful prayers for me and my family...so much going on in our lives this summer, as I am sure it is yours.  I love hearing from you and you giving me the privilege to pray for you and your family.  Thank you for your dear encouragement to my heart...you are GOD's "Blessings" to me. 
     

                                                                    With all HIS love,
                                                                         mitzi
"Blessings" by Laura Story

We pray for blessings, we pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering

All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops?
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights 
Are what it takes to know You’re near?

What if trials of this life 
Are Your mercies in disguise?

We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough

And all the while You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears?
What if a thousand sleepless nights 
Are what it takes to know You’re near?

And what if trials of this life 
Are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us, when darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears?
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near?

What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst
This world can’t satisfy?

And what if trials of this life           
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise?
     
"Strange and difficult indeed
     We may find it,
         But the blessing that we need is behind it."
                          -Streams in the Desert, July 19th
 


   
--
"Men ought always to pray and not to faint." Luke 18:11

"When I passed by thee,...I said unto thee..., Live."
Ezekiel 16:6

Sunday, July 17, 2011

"Rescue the Perishing"

"As YOU sent ME into the world, I also have sent them into the world." John 17:18

Dear Praying Friends and Family,
   It looks like the "Friday email," is becoming the Sunday email lately.  I am thankful for the opportunity the LORD has given me to write tonight.  Writing this email is something I love to do, and I am thankful for the grace that GOD gives me to share with you. Thank you for your prayers for us, we sure do need them....i sure do them.  In fact, shortly before i began writing, i had a meltdown...and I need your prayers.   I am a weak vessel, who continues to struggle with hormonal changes or something, and I need your prayers.  
     As I began to write, right now, at our church, our members are making phone calls to those in our community.  The purpose of those calls are to reach those who don't know CHRIST and to encourage those who do.  The people who make the calls record if the person is churched or not, and writes down any prayer request they may have.  If they don't have a church home, they are inviting them to come to our church, and to a special meal and worship service we will be having in a few weeks...called "Harvest" Sunday.   After the caller has finished taking the person's prayer request, those cards are taken to another room where "Prayer Warriors" are waiting to pray for those request and to write a note of encouragement to the person the caller spoke with.  If the person didn't have a church home, they will be receiving a card from our church family for the next three weeks and all the prayer request will be prayed for again by intercessory prayers who are praying at home for these people. 
     Last Tuesday night, I had the privilege of being one of the "Prayer Warriors," and writing notes to those who had been contacted that evening.  I will have to be honest, I was kind of wishing I didn't have to "go" to the church but, that was what GOD had for me, and I am so glad HE did.   I was so blessed to be a part of what GOD was doing.  We spent 2 hours praying and writing notes on cards and rejoicing in what GOD was doing.  One of the callers shared that they spoke with someone who said that 30 minutes earlier their sister had told them she needed to be in church and then our church called.  We were all really excited about the LORD using us to reach out to that person who needed to know JESUS and be a part of what GOD was doing in their life.
      We had a wonderful guest preacher this morning who really shared with us that JESUS has left us here to use the talents and gifts HE has given us to lead others to CHRIST.  I wondered about that with these new leading in my life of returning to nursing school, how GOD would use that to reach others for HIM.  I don't know, but I want HIM to use me in any way HE sees fit...even if that includes suffering from all these changes my body has been going through recently.  As uncomfortable as it's been, I know that HIS power is made perfect in my weakness and HIS grace is sufficient for me.  I guess this would be a good time to share with you all that GOD's grace allowed me to make a 102 on my last precal test and I have an A average in there....amazing grace for this gal who has had a most difficult time concentrating at times.  I am humbled but know that GOD is strengthening me and helping me in everyway that HIS grace might be displayed through my life to draw others to HIM.  I can't tell you how many people have told me they admire me for going back to school...I am surprised at this, but it reminds me that this is where GOD has me and HE wants to use this to draw others to HIM.
     Well, I lost some of what I wrote while ago when the computer clicked off, and I'm getting tired.  It's a nice evening here in Alabama, not too hot, though I know that many of you are suffering from the heat, and I am praying for you.  I love the crickets singing softly in the trees, and whipperwill nearby, singing his song...those he suddenly stopped for now.   I have been studying most of the afternoon since after lunch though I did take a short nap with my husband and that refreshed me.
    John Mac is heading to Hawaii this week, GOD giving him the desire of his heart.  Please pray for him as he flies over on Thursday and returns Sunday or Monday to be with his girlfriend and her family over there.  Pop is having some difficult days, please continue to remember him in your prayers, along with my dear Mother-in-law who cares for him at home.  
    Please pray for our churches efforts to reach our community for JESUS and that each of us who know CHRIST would remember what we are here for, and be a lighthouse and rescue the perishing right where GOD has placed us...you know, I appreciate what the preacher said this morning, is you don't have to go to Africa or Peru to be a missionary, our mission field is all around us...our family, friends, neighbors, people we work with, whoever the LORD brings into our lives.   Johnny and I thought that we would be living on a foreign mission field until I got sick, and this is the field that HE has for us.  Sometimes I still want to go other places, and I'm so thankful for all the mission trips that our church is going on...one team is in Peru with our friends Josh and Crystal Murphree right now.  But this is where GOD has us and we are to be HIS lighthouse to rescue the perishing and care for the dying.
      Last night I had a wonderful time at the Bowling Family Concert at Seven Mile Post Church of CHRIST.   Two of the Crabb family girls from "The Crabb Family" are a part of "The Bowling Family," along with Mike Bowling and John Jeffrey's who drove the bus for the Greene's and played the keyboard for them.  Now John drives for the Bowlings and plays keyboard and sings with them.   It was great to see John and how i sure do miss the Greene's.  GOD was with us down there last night in that church, and how I thank HIM for strengthening the Bowling Family to continue to be a witness for HIM after their terrible bus wreck last year that miraculously they all lived through, though they suffered some very difficult injuries  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nS-ki7GnKbc I really was touched by this family's love for CHRIST and for being a Lighthouse for the LORD JESUS.  Their heart and desire to "Rescue the Perishing," and care for thy dying even in the midst of great adversity, overflowed in their heart and testimonies for CHRIST.   One of the songs they sang last night was one of the first gospel songs I remember hearing when I got saved, "I Thank GOD for the Lighthouse,"  by Ronnie Hinson.  I found this version by the Crabb family on You Tube to share with you   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOJrT5H2zco&NR=1.

     GOD has called us all to be HIS lighthouses,  to "rescue the perishing, and care for the dying." Do we even care, is what some of the words in this song says, and it is a stinging rebuke to my heart.  I noticed on our church today little posters put up that said, "Do you care enough?"  I know that I don't but I want to care like JESUS does...please pray that GOD would give me HIS heart for those who are perishing. This is a powerful video of "rescuing the perishing," by Billy and Cindy Foote that I hope you will take time to watch and listen carefully to the words... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gai0v2xLA5I&feature=related "Rescue the Perishing".   May our prayer be, LORD, use all of me,  whatever it cost all the talents you have blessed me with, the sicknesses, the weaknesses, whatever, to lift YOU up and draw others to YOU through my life.
   I pray this for me and my family and for you tonight....please pray that for our family, that our hearts desire would be to magnify JESUS so that others might be drawn to HIM.  I'm so glad that it's not our strength that draws others to CHRIST, but it's CHRIST in us...it's HIS power, as Oswald Chambers shared this morning in My Utmost for HIS Highest:http://www.christ.com/devotional-oswaldchambers.html
     

The Miracle of Belief

My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom . . . —1 Corinthians 2:4


Paul was a scholar and an orator of the highest degree; he was not speaking here out of a deep sense of humility, but was saying that when he preached the gospel, he would veil the power of God if he impressed people with the excellency of his speech. Belief in Jesus is a miracle produced only by the effectiveness of redemption, not by impressive speech, nor by wooing and persuading, but only by the sheer unaided power of God. The creative power of redemption comes through the preaching of the gospel, but never because of the personality of the preacher.
Real and effective fasting by a preacher is not fasting from food, but fasting from eloquence, from impressive diction, and from everything else that might hinder the gospel of God being presented. The preacher is there as the representative of God— “. . . as though God were pleading through us . . .” (2 Corinthians 5:20). He is there to present the gospel of God. If it is only because of my preaching that people desire to be better, they will never get close to Jesus Christ. Anything that flatters me in my preaching of the gospel will result in making me a traitor to Jesus, and I prevent the creative power of His redemption from doing its work.
And Iif I am lifted up. . . , will draw all peoples to Myself” (John 12:32).

That's one thing I love about the gospel singers, the Greene's, the Bowling's, the Isaacs, and others...they just go around telling what JESUS has done for them, and sharing and singing the gospel of JESUS CHRIST and they do that with much faith in GOD to provide their needs, and they give up a lot to be on the road every weekend.   They are weak vessels that GOD is using to draw others to HIM and I want to be counted in that number.
     I love you and thank you for spending this time this week...i'm sorry again about the late email...but I just have to trust the LORD with that, and write when HE makes the way.  Apart from HIM, I can't do anything.  Thank you for praying for me as I prepare for my test on Thursday, but most of all, that I would be a witness for CHRIST, and not be consumed with class, but keep it in balance with my family life, and all the other relationships GOD has for me.   Pray for our church and for all of GOD's Church to be HIS witnesses as HE commanded us, to "rescue the perishing and care for the dying."

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8 
"For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believeth in HIM shall not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
                                        With all HIS love,
                                                   mitzi
                                             



    
     





-- 
"Men ought always to pray and not to faint." Luke 18:11

"When I passed by thee,...I said unto thee..., Live."
Ezekiel 16:6

Sunday, July 10, 2011

"GOD Did It All For Me"

"I will gladly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my GOD, for HE has clothed me with the garments of my salvation; HE has covered me with the robe of righteousness." Is. 61:10

Dear Praying Friends  and Family,
     I'm running a little behind this weekend getting my "Friday" email written, and I thought about just letting it go until next week, but I just couldn't.  I have too much to thank the LORD for and I wanted to thank you so much for praying for me.  Last week, I shared with you that I had to change my thyroid medicine, and my IV medications (vitamins and minerals) all within a week's time, right before my second pre cal test.  I was really concerned about all of that when you are as sensitive to things as I am, and well, I just want to say that "GOD Did It All for Me," and made the way.  My new IV arrived from the pharmacy last Thursday, allowing me the perfect time for me to take it and be treated on it so I wouldn't be allergic to it when I took it, the following Tuesday.  Thankfully, the allergy treatment "took" and the IV worked beautifully without making me feel badly...and believe me...I have really felt badly when the ingredients don't agree with me. I also appreciate you praying for my transition with the thyroid med.   I don't have all that ironed out perfectly yet...so keep praying as I depend on the LORD to lead me and guide me and my doctors.   But, I have had relief from the anxiousness and jitteriness I have been feeling for a month and a half, and I am so very thankful for that.  And I thought the "precal" was going to be my major test:).   Speaking of precal, i had my second test Thursday.  Two down and two or three to go, praise the LORD!  Thank you so much for your prayers for me. Keep praying, GOD is hearing and answering your prayers for me, and I praise HIM for all of HIS help to me.
    I am also thankful to share that Johnny's Dad is doing much better at times...thank you for your prayers for him and his Mother.   Last night I stopped by and I enjoyed watching the Bill Gaither Homecoming Choir on TV with them...the late Jake Hess was the featured singing. Pop's brother in law, Uncle Dorris knew Jake Hess...  It was really special watching it together with Johnny's Mom and Dad and hearing the different singers sing about heaven and going home.  Many of them like Vestal Goodman and her husband, and George Younce have gone home to be with JESUS now. When Johnny was in seminary, Pop flew out to Ft. Worth to tell us that he had asked JESUS into his heart....wow, what a blessing!  We are so thankful for GOD choosing Pop to be HIS child.  Please continue to remember him and Baba in your prayers.
     Johnny has been experiencing severe pain in his hip that he had replaced a few years ago and became unable to walk without a crutch earlier this week.  We were both afraid that he was going to have to have it redone.  I thought, wow, that's all i need for Johnny to get his hip replaced in the middle of precal with everything else that's gone on.  Well, the LORD knows what we need, and I wasn't going to say no...but we both were so relieved when the doc said he has bursitis in his hip instead of something being wrong with the replacement.  Please remember him too as he endures this pain, and seeks relief.
     John Mac is on his way back right now from the Space Shuttle Launch on Thursday.  One of the buses he is traveling with already broke down.  Please pray for them that they all will arrive home safely in a timely manner. Just heard from him and they are expected to arrive back in Huntsville around 2:00 a.m. in the morning.
      My friend Darlene who has breast cancer was in the hospital earlier this week with intense swelling and pain in her arm.  Please remember her and Arthur in your prayers.  She is taking radiation  to help shrink the tumor, and plans to return to the Bryzinksi Clinic http://www.burzynskiclinic.com/  in Houston Tx, next week for treatment.  If anyone feels led to help contribute to her medical expenses their address is Arthur and Darlene Anderson, 102 Brookwood Dr. Athens, Al 35613.

    The LORD has been so gracious to help me with all that concerns me...and I couldn't let the week get by without praising HIM for His faithfulness to help me and deliver me.  Yesterday I felt like getting up and going paddling early and what a great time with the LORD I had at my little quiet spot back up in "Big Creek."  There was plenty of water so I paddled pretty far up the creek,  until I got to where some water was trickling over some rocks...I loved that sound, and that became my praying and resting spot for the next few hours.  I pulled my little blue boat up on shore, got out my pink backpack which contained my Bible and devotion books, and spread out a multicolor oversized beach tile to sit and lay on.  It was so secluded and I loved being out there, just the LORD and me and the beauty of HIS creation...I like watching the little "shadow" fish, darting to and fro underneath the surface of the clear water.  That's the neat thing about "Big Creek."  Once you paddle up in there, the water is clear and you can see the fish swimming below you and beside you as you paddle or sit on the rocky bank.  It got a little hot out there after the morning overcast skies gave way to sunny skies, and I eventually packed up my books, and waded up the creek a piece and made my way to a shady spot where I finished spending the rest of the morning....oh what a great way to spend Saturday morning, paddling and praying and spending time with my sweet LORD and praying about people and circumstances that HE has laid upon my heart.  One of the reoccurring things I prayed about yesterday was the "Harvest Unlimited", the city wide outreach that our church is doing to reach our town for CHRIST.  As I prayed, there were many meeting at our church to train for that endeavor to make phone calls, and pray, and write letters of encouragment, and whatever else needs to be done to reach others for CHRIST.  Please remember our church family as we will be involved in this particular outreach for a month...and then we will have a Harvest Sunday in August.  Without the HOLY SPIRIT moving and convicting and drawing other's hearts to HIM, our efforts will be in vain...we must depend on the LORD,  "apart from HIM we can do nothing."



    As I was reading and praying yesterday out on the rocky bank of Big Creek, the LORD gave thoughts about what to share with you this week in the email and once again HIS timing was perfect...it just wasn't there Friday when I usually send out the email.
     As I thought about how GOD had been so faithful and done all these things physically for me that I needed to happen last week in order to be able to take my test successfully Thursday, I was in awe how "GOD Did It All For Me."  Earlier in the week, I was listening to the Greene's "GOD is a GOOD GOD" CD and I heard the song, "GOD Did..."  I used that song several years ago in a Friday email, but most of you probably don't remember, but I remembered.  We had gone on a paddling trip with our church then, New Life Baptist, and one of my friend's son's turned over in his kayak right behind me.  He was caught against a tree stump in the flow of the current, and it seemed forever before his head bopped up out of the water.  I was there close enough to see him, along with others, but I was helpless to try and rescue him because of the strong current of the water.  I remember realizing me or no one else could rescue David, "GOD Did It All," to help him and kept David from drowning that day. That's a lesson that embedded in me, that know one except GOD can save us from our sins, and the situations that we find ourselves in life....like my medical situations this past week...only GOD could have orchestrated the timing and events so beautifully like HE did....and by the way, did I mention that our test was postponed from it's original time of last Tuesday to this past Thursday giving me time to get a fresh IV in me and enabling me to detox some and think clearer?  Yes, "GOD, Did It All for Me,"  and HE uses human vessels and circumstances to accomplish HIS will.
      
    Earlier this week, as I got ready to turn my lamp off and go to sleep I read the Evening Devotion from Charles Spurgeon's Morning and Evening for July 8.  It reads as follows:
"When I passed by thee, I said unto thee, Live."
--Ezekiel 16:6
Saved one, consider gratefully this mandate (of mercy. Note that this fiat of God is majestic. In our text, we perceive a sinner with nothing in him but sin, expecting nothing but wrath; but the eternal Lord passes by in His glory; l He looks. He pauses, and He pronounces the solitary but royal word, "Live."

There speaks a God. Who but He could venture thus to deal with life and dispense it with a single syllable? Again, this fiat is manifold. When He saith "Live," it includes many things. Here is judicial life. The sinner is ready to be condemned, but the mighty One saith, "Live," and he rises pardoned and absolved. It is spiritual life. We knew not Jesus--our eyes could not see Christ, our ears could not hear His voice--Jehovah said "Live," and we were quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins.
Moreover, it includes glory-life, which is the perfection of spiritual life. "I said unto thee, Live:" and that word rolls on through all the years of time till death comes, andin the midst of the shadows of death, the Lord's voice is still heard, "Live!" In themorning of the resurrection it is that self-same voice which is echoed by the arch-angel, "Live," and as holy spirits rise to heaven to be blest for ever in the glory of their God, it is in the power of this same word, "Live."

Note again, that it is an irresistible mandate. Saul of Tarsus is on the road to Damascus to arrest the saints of the living God. A voice is heard from heaven and a light is seen above the brightness of the sun, and Saul is crying out, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" This mandate is a mandate of free grace.

When sinners are saved, it is only and solely because God will do it to magnify His free, unpurchased, unsought grace. Christians, see your position, debtors to grace; show your gratitude by earnest, Christlike lives, and as God has bidden you live, see to it that you live in earnest.

   Once again, I was reminded that salvation is the unmerited favor of our loving GOD.  HE picks and chooses WHOM HE will to walk by and say "Live." GOD does it all for you and me to give us the gift of eternal salvation.

     "You have been saved through trusting CHRIST.  And even trusting is not of yourselves; it too is a gift from GOD." Eph. 2:8 TLB

   I praise the LORD for choosing me as a 19 year old rebellious college girl.  I know that a part from HIS grace walking by and choosing me and saying, "Live," that I would still be lost and undone, and walking in darkness.  Do you know HIM today?  Has HE walked by and said "Live," to you and given you a new heart, a heart that beats for JESUS and loves HIM and is obedient, and loves others with HIS love?  If you don't know HIM like this, ask HIM to give you a new heart...confess and repent of your sins, HE longs to give you the gift of HIS eternal salvation that was purchased through the blood of HIS SON."

"For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believeth in HIM shall not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

   Listen to this beautiful song by the McRae's, "When HE Said Live."http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LX4OPCfJJTo

     

     This morning, our choir was off from singing this week,  ( i just found out the percussion wasn't off and i missed it, wow! I hate I missed it, but know the LORD had plans for us in Elgin this morning) and Hannah Beth and I made the short journey to Elgin to hear Jonathon Wilburn and his son sing at Crossroads Baptist Church in Elgin, Al. http://www.wilburn2.com/.   Jonathon used to sing with the gospel group "Gold City" for 12 years where he was named Male Gospel Singer at least 5 times.  He retired from the road to spend more time with his family, and I think he was "burned out," from singing.  He told the LORD he didn't want to sing anymore.  He sold cars for 3 years, and he said one day he went into work and the LORD spoke to his heart.  He said there were hurting people out there who needed to know JESUS, and he wanted him to go back and sing.  Jonathon said okay, but give him a trio or a quartet...GOD gave him his son...and this Father and Son team are traveling on the road each weekend to share the FATHER and SON everywhere they go and the salvation and hope and peace and joy that we have in CHRIST.  One of the T shirts they were selling had property of JESUS with John 3:16 on it...I told HB I had to have one of those with John 3:16 on it since I share that verse almost every Friday in my email.  She got the t shirt that came free with the purchase of my T shirt with the Logo of Jonathon Wilburn and his son on it...
    What a sweet time it was to be there together with HB, going to a gospel singing together.  It was like old times, and we both knew many of the songs from our "gospel music memories" the LORD has blessed us to make together.  Afterwards we enjoyed brunch at Joe Wheeler State Park eating in the restaurant overlooking the river.  Just wish that Johnny could have joined us, but his hip would not let him.  It was a sweet time with my daughter...thank you, JESUS. 

   Speaking of gospel singings, "The Mike Bowling Group" will be in Concert this coming Saturday nite at Seven Mile Post Church of CHRIST at 7:00 p.m.  Some of you may remember the Bowlings had a very bad bus wreck last July and suffered injuries that some are still recovering from.  Two of the Bowlings are sisters from the Crabb family.  I know this group loves JESUS and will be sharing the gospel through song and through their words as well as bringing the comfort and encouragement that is ours in CHRIST JESUS.  Bring your family and friends and come and be a part of this special night of worshipping our great GOD.  If you can't come...pray for all that GOD wants to do in the hearts of each one there...pray for souls to be saved, and hurting hearts to be encouraged in the LORD.  This is one of my favorite songs the Bowling Family sings: "Your Cries Have Awoken the Master."http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n9VESzK-gA&feature=related.  I sure am thankful, aren't you, that our cries awaken our MASTER, and HE calls the storms in our lives.  I have been crying out to HIM a lot lately, and how thankful I am that HE hears and answers and delivers me from all my troubles. 

    I wish I had the recording of this song from the Greene's "GOD is a Good GOD" Cd to share with you, but I don't.  I pray the words will be a blessing to you and help you and me reflect on GOD doing it all for us...not our strength, not our goodness....but "GOD Did It All," and does it all for you and me.

                                               "GOD Did"
      No one had the answer had the answer for what to do
       No one saw the pathway to journey through
        No one in the world reached out to me
        But there from the timbers of Calvary,
          GOD Did...

      The teacher could not move me to understand,
         The preacher could not reach me to take my hand
            WHO came when I was caught to rescue me
                 WHO looked beyond my fault and saw my need
                       GOD Did...

        GOD did it all for me, HE moved heaven and earth just for me,
        WHO stepped forward when others hid, 
         GOD Did, GOD Did...
 
       The path of philosophy cannot erase,
          The hope of humanity cannot replace
             I am a receiver of everything,
               And in the great forever the heavens ring
                 What GOD Did...

         GOD did it all for me, HE moved heaven and earth just for me,
        WHO stepped forward when others hid, 
         GOD Did, GOD Did...


     Thank you so much for taking time to read the "Friday" email this week, a few days late.  We may be late, but GOD never is:) and I thank HIM and praise HIM for the ability to be able to share these thoughts with you.   I love you and thank GOD for each one of you.
                             
                                                                                  With all HIS love,
                                                                                        mitzi

More"Manna" from Heaven this week:

"Much Afraid, you know where your help lies. Call for help." Hannah Hurnard, Hinds Feet on High Places

 "I will life up mine eyes to the hills from whence will my help come?  My help cometh from the LORD WHO made heaven and earth."

 "Neither know we what to do, but our eyes are upon thee."II Chr. 20:12

 "I have chosen you in the furnace of affliction." Is. 48:10

 "The burden of suffering seems a tombstone hung about our necks, while in reality it is only the weight which is necessary to keep down the diver while he is hunting for pearls." July 8, Streams in the Desert

"There is no one like the GOD of JESHURUN, WHO rides the heavens to help you.  And in HIS excellency on the clouds.  The eternal GOD is your refuge, and under
underneath are the everlasting arms..." Deut. 33:26-27

   

--
"Men ought always to pray and not to faint." Luke 18:11

"The LORD gets HIS best soldiers out of the highlands of affliction." Charles H. Spurgeon

"Bow the Knee"