Friday, June 22, 2012

"Thou, O LORD Are a SHIELD for Me"

Rainbow over the Sky the Last night of Backyard Bible Club
God ALWAYS Keeps HIS Promises!
                                                    
                   
"Lord, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me. Many are they who say of me, “There is no help for him in God.” Selah But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head. I cried to the Lord with my voice, And He heard me from His holy hill. Selah I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people Who have set themselves against me all around. Arise, O Lord; Save me, O my God! For You have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone; You have broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongs to the Lord. Your blessing is upon Your people. Selah"

Dear Praying Friends and Family,
    It is one beautiful summer evening here in Alabama as i sit out on my front porch in the rocking chair typing.  Midnight, our black lab is breathing heavily on my arm.  Henry, our cat is crawling in and out the railing, and Troy,  our Maltipoo,well, he is just being wary of Midnight to keep from being stepped on. The crickets are softly chirping, the crescent shaped moon is in the west tonight...and me, well, i have had a lot on my heart this week.

    Yesterday i sent you the email asking you to pray for my friend, Dana Grammer Sanchez, and the return of her little boy.  Does that name ring a bell with any of you?  Evidently, the video of her husband spanking their little boy in the backyard was all over the TV and internet last week, and in the midst of Backyard Bible Club, Father's Day, Hannah Beth being home, and not feeling too good...i missed it.
    Hannah Beth sent me a text after she went back to school, about Saturday, and asked me what is wrong with Dana?  We are both friends with her on FB and i hadn't noticed any posts by her.  At that time, i couldn't tell exactly what was going on, but shortly after i contacted her, they included me on the "Bring Zach Home," site.  I went to see her Mother, and did not realize that she had moved recently due to illness.  I could not find out exactly what happened  with Dana's little boy but was piecing together from comments folks were making on the "Bring Zach Home" site.  Thus, i asked ya'll to pray.
    Last night i was at my friend Wanda's house and we were talking about Dana and the case.  Wanda said, i told you i saw something similar to that on CNN last week.  I came home and checked it out and sure enough it was Dana's husband spanking their son.  I watched the video and i thought oh wow, but then i listened to Dana's Daddy on the Today show, explain what was actually happening, versus what the media said.   I have included that interview here, because i want you to hear what Dana's Dad shared in humility about his grandson.http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/47763694/ns/today-today_news/t/stepfather-beating-boy-video-facing-charges/#.T-UjBBfY_AM   Dana and Zach lived with her parents for a few years while Dana was finishing up college.  Dana's Daddy, Terry, is more like a father to Zach than a granddaddy.  He shared on the "Bring Zach Home" site last night:
Please lift Zach up in your prayers tonight and every day and night until he comes home. from Zachary birth until june 15th there has only been 7-10 days that I have not seen or talked to him, since he has been removed (9 days) I have seen him twice and talked to him once. I have always been there for him and pray that our 
Lord surrounds him with his angels. Many churches in this great state are praying for our precious grandson tomorrow and l ask that you take some time tommorow morning to lift him up in prayer.


 The Grammer's and their extended family are very close.   
    Last night i reported to you that Dana shared they are having to go through a "full blown trial," and they were promised to get to see Zach this weekend.  When Dana didn't hear from anyone today, she called and they said, "Maybe she could see him Sunday."  Again, she is asking us to pray for her little boy, and I am asking you to do that too.


                                             Zach and his baby brother

   I wanted to include a few more posts from the "Bring Home Zach" site so you can see for yourself the love and faith this family has for GOD and one another.  

This is from Dana's oldest sister, who was a majorette for the University of Alabama, is married,  with children, teaches twirling and had a twirling camp going on this week, and loves her GOD and her family:
Ok folks- our fight continues, and we thank you so much for your continued support.
I just wanted to share with you what was overheard by Dana's lawyer in the courtroom yesterday. Apparently, our family and support group is, in their opinion, "Christian Wierdos." We were aware that the area was very liberal and that atheistic beliefs are growing in shockingly large number, but what we learned next was just wrong. Apparently they found it odd and bizarre that we set up a group time for our community to pray for Zach the other night. The sad part is that ZACH had wanted to participate, and as he anxiously awaited for 8:00 to arrive, the only clock he had access to was COVERED UP so that he would be unaware of the time.
I pray that little man can hang in there a little longer. We know God hears his prayer, even if if it's silent and hidden. If I remember correctly, a pretty cool guy said "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." (Mark 10:14)
Hard to believe we are talking about America here, isn't it?

This is from a relative who posted on  the site today:
As Paul says in Romans 1:16 "For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes--the Jew first and also the Gentile." It is clear to me that all of you are willing to fight in the name of Jesus Christ unashamed and confident in the salvation that is only offered through Him. Keep fighting in the name of Christ because when the time comes every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. I am so proud to be a Grammer and very thankful that this group is not afraid to stand up for what we know is the truth. Keep up the fight because God's word will not return empty. As Isaiah 55:11 says, "It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it." The word of God is living and alive and they feel it too I am sure of it.
Let's keep fighting this war not as the world does so that those who do not know Christ may come to know him personally. 2 Corinthians 10:3 "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought to make it obedient to Christ." I love you all and we will not stop praying in the name of Jesus Christ.
 ·  ·  · 7 hours ago

  
 No matter what you think about the video, and Terry Grammar's defense of the spanking, this is spiritual warfare and a child has been taken from the home of a CHRISTian family.  It may not affect you today, but if we stand quietly by, it will tomorrow. Who would ever thought this little girl who babysat for us would one day be in the midst of national news for her husband spanking their child?   The Grammers have chosen to let the LIGHT of JESUS CHRIST shine in this dark place, and they are not going to stop praying, and not going to stop trusting the LORD to lead them through this valley.

    I hope you will choose to stand with the Grammer family in this time of their need and diligently intercede for them.  It is no accident that you are on my email list, and that Hannah Beth let me know that the Grammer family was in trouble.  GOD has called you and me to intercede for our brothers and sisters in CHRIST who are in trouble.  Please pray for Zach, that in his "captivity," he will be a missionary to the foster family he is living with, and for peace for their whole family.  Pray the foster family will be kind and patient with him.   Pray for wisdom, that Zach will be returned to his parents soon and above all...pray that GOD will be glorified in the midst of all of this. 

Dana's post on FB tonight:
Please Facebook friends. I need all those who know me as a loving mother and person to please write a letter on my behalf to bamawilson@gmail.com. This is very important and needed ASAP and no later than Wednesday. We are being attacked in so many ways. But we stand strong in Gods word. Thank you friends

     If you know her, and some of you do, please take time to write a letter on her behalf. 



     GOD reminded me today through my JESUS Calling devotion by Sarah Young to give him thanks even for these circumstances for what HE is doing in the midst of them:

Thank Me for the very things that are troubling you. You are on the brink of rebellion, precariously close to shaking your fist in My Face. You are tempted to indulge in just a little complaining about My treatment of you. But once you step over that line, torrents of rage and self-pity can sweep you away. The best protection against this indulgence is thanksgiving. It is impossible to thank Me and curse Me at the same time.

Thanking Me for trials will feel awkward and contrived at first. But if you persist, your thankful words, prayed in faith, will eventually make a difference in your heart. Thankfulness awakens you to My Presence, which overshadows all your problems.

I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord.
—Psalm 116:17 nkjv

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
—Philippians 4:4–6


    
Thank you so much for praying for my friends.  I'm not exactly sure when the trial is, but Dana's other sis said on the site today she thought it was Thursday.  I don't know...just pray for them each and every day and several times throughout the day as the LORD reminds you.


    I also would like for you to remember the Al Roberts family in your prayers.  The LORD suddenly took Al home to be with him, after he was killed in a car wreck this past Monday.  Al leaves behind his dear wife Ronda, two sons, Reed and Austin, 20 and 18, and their daughter Savannah 16.  Al and his family are members of our church, and I am in choir with he and his wife.  Al let Johnny borrow his golf cart during the campaign and we were so blessed by his generosity.  Yesterday at our church, their was a wonderful CELEBRATION of his life, not a perfect life, but a redeemed life by the blood of CHRIST JESUS.  JESUS CHRIST was lifted up and exalted through the Scriptures that were shared by Ronda and Pastor Edwin, and Br. Aaron.   Ronda read Psalm 91 and requested the choir to sing "Thou Oh Lord, " based on Psalm 3 and "The Glory and the Majesty,"based on Psalm 8.  Ronda wrote a powerful letter exhorting the choir,to sing the written word of GOD with all of our hearts because of the spoken WORD's great power in our lives. Br. Ryan read it to us during choir practice Weds. night and sent it to us yesterday morning.  I'm not sure what happened but GOD sang through us yesterday and HE was exalted, lifted up and glorified through the entire service in a most powerful way.   Br. Ryan sent us an email later confirming that to us:


Dear Choir,
What occured today is not something that can be rehearsed, practiced or manufactured. It is not the result of any one person. We experienced something today from the overflow of Christ's work in our lives. He brought each of us together and united our "overflows" then inspired it and divinely annointed it. PRAISE BE TO GOD!!!!
I need more of that kind of power in my life. I'm guilty of not asking for it more and seeking Christ more. We need more of Jesus, period! More of Him in our individual lives, in our ministry and in our church.
As a choir we need to seek that kind of power everytime we step into our role as lead worshipers. Think of the impact. II Chronicles 16:9 says, "For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His." Is it possible for Him to find a choir whose hearts are completely His?
Is it possbile that God has "greater things" (John 1:49-51) for us? We need to lay aside our fears and be willing to be a little uncomfortable. I have a feeling we will be amazed. her
May the power of God bring us, inspire us and annoint us Sunday morning as we gather.
Thanks for hearing my heart,
Ryan

     If these are the kinds of things that define us by the world as being "CHRISTian weirdos," i want to be in that number, and to be a CHRISTian weirdo for JESUS.  You go, Grammer Family, i want to be like you!  I want the "greater things," GOD has for me, i think.  Lord help me to be willing to suffer that YOU might BURN brightly through my life, through my family. Ronda  and her family shared the "greater things" through lifting up JESUS and HIS WORD through homegoing of her husband, their father, son, and brother.  The Grammer family is sharing the "greater things," through this trial they are going through as a family with the loss of their son, her husband's job, reputation, finacial loss, their home has been broken into since this happened, and searched by the police while they were away, national media attention....lots of losses, but GOD will give them and others "the greater things," through this valley, for HE promises to restore beauty for ashes and HE always keeps HIS promises:
"To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified."—Isaiah 61:3.


   I have planted a couple of trees in our front yard...one of them actually i planted as an acorn, and i use those trees to remind me to pray for my children, that they would be called "trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD," that HE might be glorified."
   Please pray that for my family, the Grammer family, the Roberts family...and for your family and loved ones...because that's all that really matters in our lives...that GOD will be glorified, no matter where HE leads us.  These are "The Greater Things, " and "Thou, O LORD," are a shield for me, the glory and the lifter of my head.  "Thou, O LORD,"
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y284YvkYrZo

   If you have not trusted in JESUS as your LORD and SAVIOR HE stands ready and waiting for you to open your heart to HIM today.  HE died on the Cross for your sins...are you willing to repent and surrender your life to HIM that you might know HIM and "The Greater Things?"  HE loves us so much...come to him today, just as you are.  None of us are perfect, we will never be good enough...our righteousness is as filthy rags the Bible says....come to HIM, " Just As I Am."   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovYPQl93zro .

    I love ya'll, thank you for listening, thank you for praying for me and my family, for my loved ones.  I am feeling better since starting to go to the chiropractor a couple of weeks ago.  However, i had a bike wreck last week, and that set me back a little. The chiropractor said i had a rib sticking out in left field when she adjusted me that afternoon after the wreck.   I was still able to be the "Camp Nurse," at Backyard Bible Club last week, and we had five children pray to receive CHRIST!  Praise GOD from WHOM all blessings flow.  


My "Nursing Station" on the Mission Field
This coming week, we have another week on the mission field, as we are having VBS at our church.  Please pray for an outpouring of the HOLY SPIRIT on the teacher's, the children, the staff, and this "Camp Nurse." Pray that many children will accept CHRIST as their LORD and SAVIOR and we will all be drawn closer to HIM.  I was thrilled to get to put a couple of Band aids on at Backyard Bible Club, and wipe off a little girl who had fallen in the mud, and do some teaching about nutrition and using safer alternatives to pesticides and chemicals in the home.  Most of all i was thrilled to be a nurse on the mission field for my LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST and be a part of what HE did in so many of our lives through the Backyard Bible Club....most importantly, showing HIS power to save those who are willing to come to HIM as a little child.

   Dana's last post on FB tonight:  


Night is the hardest for me. My heart aches the most at night. I have not missed a night reading zachs devotional, reading fun books, him reading to me , and praying together. This is not right.



     Thank you so much for your faithful and earnest prayers for this dear Momma and her boy.

                                                                                       With all HIS love,
                                                                                                                 mitzi
   




More Scenes from Backyard Bible Club
Thank you for your prayers-5 Children prayed to receive CHRIST!












"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

"JESUS SAVES" Prestonwood Baptist Church

Monday, June 4, 2012

"More About JESUS" in My Own Backyard





                                      "Dixie"
                      Our beloved friend and companion                                                
                                  2000-2012


"Blessed be the GOD and FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO has blessed us in CHRIST with every spritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as HE chose us in CHRIST before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before HIM in love."  Ephesians 1:3-4 


"GOD is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1         


Dear Praying Friends and Family,
    As i began to write, i am curious to see what direction the LORD is going to take this email.  I have a general thought, but many things rolling in my head.  As i was preparing myself to write, i was getting my Cabela's lounge chair out on the back porch, and the LORD reminded me that this time last year, i was just beginning my journey through PreCalculus.  I spent A LOT of time on my back porch in that Cabela's chair studying PreCalculus.  Having not been in a college classroom in over 20 years, and struggling with ongoing health issues...it was a daunting task to this old girl who cheated her way through high school geometry, and Algebra 2.  GOD graciously worked out all the many details it took for me to be able to get through that class.  After attending the first day of class, i realized with fairly new carpet in the classroom, i wasn't going to be able to stay in the room.  There were lots of tangles, lots of tangles to iron out, when finally GOD made the way....through me being able to watch the lectures at home through the online program, yet still take the tests and get extra credit through my teacher on campus.  I didn't do the full online program, because the online teacher was not willing to take the hours and hours of homework i had already done, and my teacher on campus, welcomed me and was willing to work with me in any way she could and she did.  She allowed me to take all my tests at home, she allowed me to get the extra credit the rest of her students did, bringing in my scratch paper and all so she could see i did the work, and was very sympathetic with my situation.  GOD provided me three tutors, including my son, who worked with me many evenings after he had spent a long day at Calhoun tutoring other needy students.  He also provided a dear math teacher in our choir, who came over and worked through the pre tests with me, problem by problem, and lastly, when both my son and friend from choir were out of town, I "ran into" my old high school Algebra 1 and Calculus teacher in Walmart one day, and without asking for her help, she asked if i needed her help.  GOD's timing and provision was perfect, and she came over one day to help me work through a pre test and homework.   One of the glitches that coincided with me taking this class, is my health took a turn for the worse, and my normal everyday challenges became escalated with anxiety, and itching, and weird feelings in my legs and arms, and  going through all kinds of trials trying to take my thyroid medicine.  I finally had to totally get off of it which certainly wasn't my plan or desire at anytime, much less in the middle of Precalculs.  To say it was a rough and rocky road would be an understatement.  To say GOD's grace was sufficient and HIS power was perfected in my weakness would be the TRUTH.  When i received an A in the class...it was once again a testament to me of the power of GOD to supply my needs in my overwhelming weakness. 

       I am thankful HE reminded me of that as i continue to seek stability in my health in the midst of my health storms.   He continues to help me learn more and more, and put the pieces together...but to be able to take something and heal all my problems just hasn't happened.  Instead, it seems that everything i try to take to make myself better, ends up escalating my issues.  To say i get frustrated is also an understatement...i do, and i loose my patience with GOD and my family.  I will spare you the details of my loosing my temper this week, just suffice it to say, i did on more than one occasion with my family and i ask for your prayers for me and my family to help me through this time that "GOD has engineered for me." 


     "Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me?  Hope in GOd, for I shall again praise HIM for the help of HIS presence." Psalm 42:5
    
    When i came out on the porch to write, i received an unexpected blessing...these days to be able to think and write is a great blessing:).  Our neighbors, Shane and Trisha, have their house up for sell and we are going to miss them dearly.  They are moving to a home in the historic district of our town.  I am happy for them, but we sure will miss their family and their Saturday nights watching movies and Auburn football games on the garage door, playing outside with their kids, and being great neighbors to us. Their real estate agent was outside, as they are having open house yesterday and today.  She too is a neighbor, and we began to talk about praying about the house selling, and we were talking about patience and how that doesn't come by just being passed down.  She began quoting Scripture, and giving testament of how GOD has worked out everything in her life.  She prays and believes she has already receives it and waits for GOD to work it all out.  I reminded her of Abraham and how he and Sarah had to wait many, many years for GOD to give them the promised child Isaac.  They are like me, they took matters in their own hands to "help," GOD and boy do we still suffer from the consequences of that...the Muslims still fighting against the Jews, and everyone else....a direct consequence of Sarah and Abraham  taking matters in their own hands and trying to help GOD out. Written on Monday:  God reminded me last night on the way to church about praying for my neighbor's before Shane and Trisha moved in seven years ago.  I prayed a year and a half that GOD would bring me not just a good neighbor, but a really really good friend.... GOD brought me my friend Wanda, who is that indeed, and more than i could ask or think.  They lived in the house before Shane and Trisha, and i have no doubt the LORD is going to bring HIS best to live beside us...HE knows what is best for our lives.

    I have to admit with my health issues, i have tried every way in the world i know how to deliver myself, and i can't do it...i can't and i often end up making a bigger mess.   I need to remember the lesson of patience that my friend and i talked about and trust in the LORD.  I know trusting doesn't necessarily mean that we aren't to make and effort and try things...that's part of persevering is trying something, and if it fails, to get up and try again.  Just as GOD provided all my needs for Precal last year and they were great and many, and just as HE has provided all my needs in CHRIST JESUS up until now...HE will continue to.  I have to remind myself of that, because in the midst of the uncomfortableness, i loose sight and think wooo is me, i will always be like this....
   
    Naaaaaaa....i  won't always be like this.  GOD has delivered me over and over through the years and writing this email has helped to remind me of those deliverances.  This afternoon, i read about Elijah, and how GOD provided the widow to meet his needs after the brook dried up due to no rain.  So often in life what we were depending on to meet our needs dries up...only to make us look to GOD who meets all our needs in CHRIST JESUS. We sang a beautiful song, powerful song at church this morning that i have used even recently called, "JESUS SAVES." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPIc4UFwR0Y&feature=share
"JESUS SAVES" Prestonwood Baptist Church



 Our Minister of Music reminded us that JESUS does save us, not only from hell, but from the trials we go through in this  life. He read this passage to us from 2 Corinthians 1:8-9:

We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. 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.


"He delivers magnificently, and showeth lovingkindness" Psalm 18:50


"He calmeth the storm to a whisper." Psalm 107:29




  If GOD doesn't take us out of the situation, HE gives us the grace, the things we need, to live in the midst of the situation...like my IV's i take to give me "gas" to go every couple of weeks.  That in itself has been quite a journey of GOD providing my needs through the pharmacy, my doctor, homehealth  nurses, and my husband who works so hard to make money to pay for all of it, the business that GOD brings us, etc.  I wish i didn't have to have the IV's, but i do, and GOD continues to supply that need through many vessels of HIS love.
Yesterday, as i wrote this, the LORD reminded me of the chiropracter i used to go to help alleviate some of back upper back symptoms.  I had not thought of that, having not gone in recent years because my back is so much better....time for a readjustment!  Thank you, LORD for reminding me and delivering me once again from some uncomfortable circumstances.  I praise you in advance, as i am waiting to get in to see him.

    So thankful He provide our monetary needs...of which we have had a lot of out of the budget needs this past month.    We got in a "domestic" over that on Friday, and the next day, the LORD sent us a  large refund check from some insurance changes that were made earlier in the year.   Even though Johnny said it has to go back in insurance, it sure did remind me that HE has always been faithful to supply our needs and always will be...thank you, JESUS!


                                                               Sweet  Dixie

                                             

                                                            
     Yesterday, i had my dog Dixie put to sleep and it was very difficult.  If you've been reading these emails very long you know that Dixie has been a member of our family for about the past 10 years.  When our daughter was about 10 she wanted a Golden Retriever.  Her Daddy said only if we got one free.  Hannah Beth started praying and it wasn't long after that, that our friends, the Wahl's called, and said their UPS man had a one year old Golden Retriever that he was  looking for a good  home for.  I don't think the Wahl's even knew that we were wanting a Golden Retriever, that was the amazing thing for them to call and ask us...that was a GOD thing.  We all loaded up and went up to look at Dixie one day.  She was the most beautiful Golden Retriever, and she was in a small pen.  The UPS man had bought her to be a hunting dog, but she was gun shy, so he didn't want her.  She was a great hunter though, often on our walks she would bring turtles to me, baby rabbits, and anything else she could manage to catch.  She was very affectionate and a perfect companion for our family.  Dixie had struggled with a crippling sickness the past three years, and her kidney's were failing.  She could barely walk, but still managed to get up and go relieve herself.  After her options with medicine ran out, i changed her diet and she perked up some.  I was hopeful she might turn around.  We went back and forth with trying to decide to have her put down.  I took her to the vet more than once thinking i was going to have her put to sleep, only to come back home with her.  Friday, my husband said we needed to do something with Dixie, and i knew he was right.  My friend Wanda, asked if she could go with me to have her put to sleep and at first i told her no...i thought i would be okay and didn't want to have to take up her morning.   Later  i called my brother to see if he would go with me.  He had his Golden Retriever put down about a year ago, and went to the same vet.   My brother wasn't home when i called so i left a message. In the meantime, Wanda called back and insisted on going with me.  I was glad for her to go with me, and i'm so glad she did.  I don't know if i would have gone through with it if she hadn't been there to support me.  I was torn about what to do with Dixie's body, and on the way to the vet, my brother called me from my message the night before.  I told him what i called for and he offered to help me bury her.  Even though i could barely talk for crying, i called him back in a few minutes and told him i would like for him to help me.   GOD provided that for me...something that wasn't that important where to put her body, but it was to me.  I didn't want to leave her up there.  Now i have Dixie buried under our apple tree...giving life to the apple tree in her death.  My brother came over and we talked and dug the grave together.  He lost his father in law recently and we talked about different things GOD was doing in their family through his death...good things the LORD is bringing about....Life out of death, beauty for ashes. 

                                                  Rest in peace Dixie


I don't know if animals go to heaven, but if they do, I sure will look forward to seeing Dixie not suffering anymore.  I like to imagine her running in the fields like she used to be able to do.  Dixie  was such a good dog, and so mild mannered.  The only time she ever growled at anything was if they were trying to get her food which she did this past week. Our new little kitten, Henry, was trying to eat Dixie's food, and Dixie, growled loudly and barked.   Henry, usually unafraid of anything, scatted away in a hurry!  I guess that's where the saying, "Scat Cat," came from...


                                       Henry eating out of Dixie's bowl after
                                                 Dixie finished eating



Dixie poking her head through a snow fort our neighborhood boys built.
    I have a lot of great memories with Dixie on our walks, and how she always loved to be petted and close to me.  GOD taught me so many lessons through her life, and i have recorded many of them in these emails.  As she got older and less active (and me too:), she stayed closer and closer to me...the way we should do as we grow older in life and are nearing our heavenly home with JESUS.  She wanted to be with me, as i should want to stay close to my SHEPHERD, instead of the things of the world.  The last time i brought her home from Dr. Galbraith's, she stayed in the back of the car for awhile, and when she eventually got out she planted herself right by the back door where she is in the picture above.   Her last few months, that's where she stayed the most.  It was only a few weeks ago, i took Midnight and Troy for a walk, and we were about a block away when i looked back and coming behind us was Dixie trying to catch up.  She wasn't able to make it back home before she had to stop and rest on her badly swollen feet.  It was heart breaking to see her suffering as she did...wanting to go, yet having to be left behind.  I was reminded of the story of the Crippled Lamb, favorite CHRISTmas story, and Dixie was the Crippled Lamb.  It seemed just enough for her to be close to us, even if she wasn't able to walk...she loved being near the back door.  It sure was hard for me to have her put to sleep...and i do wonder if i did the right thing.  I have enough teaching and faith in me that i think anything can be cured with the right nutrition and detoxing the bad stuff out of us if there is enough time.  I'm not sure if i was just weary of the journey....but i have to trust the LORD was leading and guiding my paths.  The vet was very patient as i wavered trying to decide if i should have her put to sleep.  Wanda was very kind...and in the end, i felt like i had to do it.  She had suffered enough and we were all weary.  Even as i write i have tears and regrets of wishing i had taken her on more walks when she felt like it.  But oh, what a good dog she was, and i am so thankful for the 10 almost 11 years we were blessed to have her.          






Dixie loved to play in the creek no matter what the temp was!
                              
    Well, i don't really have a point to this except i have been grieving and reflecting and thinking a lot about adoption lately.  We were blessed to adopt a Golden Retriever named Dixie 10 years ago, and though she was neglected at times,  as the kids got older and she and Midnight were left to play in the backyard by themselves, she had a pretty good life with our family.   She had her own dog, "Midnight," our black lab that my friend Wanda called  "Dixie's dog."  Midnight would groom Dixie, lick her ears, and sore places, and do what Dixie wanted her to do.  Dixie was definitely the dominant dog, and Midnight would yield to her to let Dixie get treats first and just about anything else.  She was a great companion to Dixie in the times we didn't spend much time with her. 






                                             Dixie and Midnight 


     We recently adopted our little kitten Henry, and before that our Maltipoo "Troy," and it's amazing the love that we give our pets.  We have several friend's whom the LORD has put in a desire in their heart to adopt children from China, and one from Ethiopia.  My friend Wanda's daughter is adopting a little girl from China and they will be going to get her in July.  Another friend in my Sunday School class has just become a grandmother again, and her son and daughter in law adopted a little girl from Ethiopia i believe.  Last Sunday, as our SS class ate lunch at our restaurant, she told us how when her son and daughter in law went into the room to meet their new daughter, the little girl reached up to them with open arms and melted the hearts of her Mother and Daddy.  My friend's son who is a pastor, said it was such a picture of how GOD seeks us, and searches for us, and goes after us, and HE even gives us a new heart, and new spirit giving us the right desires to live for HIM.  HE also paid for us so that HE could adopt us for now and all eternity.    I am just amazed the love that GOD puts in our hearts to adopt pets, and adopt children.  He puts HIS desires to care for animals and people and puts them in such a wonderful family that is willing to love and care for their needs.  You can read about my friend's new granddaughter here: http://theheartofpastormatt.wordpress.com/2012/06/01/introducing-birtukan-birti-elizabeth-pearson/


Together with her  new adopted family that chose her as CHRIST chooses us.





    







                                So cute, and so very, very blessed by GOD
                                   as we are whom HE chooses!






     "In HIM we live and move and have our being." As some of your own poets have said, "We are HIS offspring." Acts 17:28




     If we people being evil can do that...how much more does GOD love and care for those HE has purchased with the blood of HIS SON JESUS?  I am talking to myself, reassuring myself, reminding myself how much GOD loves me.  We made so many trips up to Dr. Galbraith's to try to help Peach and Dixie, and spent lots and lots of money on them.  If we being evil  care for  our children and our pets, how much more is JESUS WHO gave HIS life  to pay for my sins, is going to care for me and provide all i need in CHRIST JESUS?

"He who did not spare HIS own Son, but gave HIM up for us all--how will HE not also, along with HIM, graciously give us all things?" Romans 8:32

If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask HIM?" Matt. 7:11

     
Does this mean that GOD is going to heal all our diseases here on earth...no, but HE will heal us for all eternity.  Last week, i watched the Memorial Service for Noah Crowe, an adorable little four year old boy, who won his battle with cancer.  The LORD JESUS took Noah home to be with him on my husband's birthday, May 18th.  Noah is no longer suffering and in his short life, JESUS used him so mightily to lift up HIS name...you can watch the service here www.prayforNoah.com and you can listen to the beautiful song his Daddy wrote about his son, "Beauty from Ash. 






                                        "HE Knows My Name"

     We are learning a beautiful song in choir called, "HE Knows My Name."  As we sang it last night, i thought this is so perfect for the thoughts GOD has given me to share this week.  "I have a MAKER, HE formed my heart, Before even time began my life was in HIS hands.  HE knows my name, HE knows my ever thought, HE sees each tear that falls, and hears me when i call. I have a FATHER HE calls me HIS own, HE never will leave me, know matter where i go..."
                 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CC8puwexBBo&feature=fvsr


      Yesterday, i went to the park with my dear Mom and Dad and we had a little picnic by the Tennessee River.  At 85, 82 and me at 49 it was a great joy to be with my parents and they have the same love for me that Noah Crowe's parents have for him. I am ever reminded that my Mom and Dad are not going to be here forever and it hurts me.  I want to spend time with them while they are still here.  Mom and Dad took their dog, Foxy, and i took Troy, and it was a sweet little outing together eating hamburgers on the park bench facing the river.   As we were getting ready to leave, we walk past a lady, and she asked me to pray for her.  As Mom and I stopped to talk to her, she told us she had buried her son last week...that suddenly jolted me out of my sorrow of burying my dog that morning.  Please remember this dear lady who Hurricane Katrina destroyed her home, and the LORD use it to bring her to Decatur.  Pray the LORD will comfort the hurting heart of this lady, of Noah Crowe's Mom and Dad, and even mine in the death of Dixie.

     Our preacher preached a powerful sermon this morning on the importance of being obedient to CHRIST, and telling others about the salvation that is ours in CHRIST JESUS.  That is the driving motivation for me to write these emails to be a witness of what CHRIST has done for me, and others, and hopefully make us all more thirsty to know CHRIST, and make HIM known to others.  CHRIST died for your sins and mine and if you have never repented and trusted HIM to be your LORD and SAVIOR you can do that right now where you are reading this by crying out to HIM.  Wherever CHRIST has put you and me to serve HIM, whether it's the lowliest task that no one sees but HIM, or the President of the United States, HE wants us to be HIS witnesses.  That is a great comfort to me, who seems to be searching at times for what GOD wants me to do in this season of my life.

    Our pastor closed this morning telling about the song, "More About JESUS," how that should be each one of our desires....to know JESUS more and more.  When i got home i looked up that song and read about the lady that wrote it suffered from an illness that kept her confined for a portion of her life.  Later on her health got better and she was able to be more active, but during the time she wrote this hymn she was sick.  It was a great encouragement to me, as i desire the LORD to use these emails, and use the every day life HE gives me to know HIM and share HIM with others. Here is a neat video with beautiful pictures  on you tube of the song i learned as a little girl growing up in the Methodist church my Mom and Dad took us to: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqyNeJ6BUXo.

                      "More About JESUS" by Eliza E. Hewitt, 1851-1920 

                   "More about JESUS would I know, more of HIS grace to others show, more of HIS saving fullness see, more of HIS love who died for me."
                   "More about JESUS let me learn, more of HIS holy will discern; Spirit of GOD my teacher be, showing the things of CHRIST to me."
                   "More about JESUS-in HIS WORD holding communion with my LORD, hearing HIS voice in every line,making each faithful saying mine."
                   "More about JESUS on HIS throne, riches in glory all HIS own, more of HIS kingdom's sure increase, more of HIS coming-Prince of Peace."
                 Refrain:                 " More, more about JESUS, more, more about JESUS; more of HIS  saving fulness see, more of HIS love who died for me."

   
Well, i wasn't sure which way the LORD was going to take this email...but the bottom line is "More About JESUS."  In everything one and everything, and in every season of our lives...HE desires us to know HIM more, and help others to know HIM more.  That is my heart's desire for me and my family, and my prayer for you this week as you read these words...that you would see JESUS in everything, and know HIM more, and make HIM known  to those around you more.  Please pray that for our family.

    Our church is having a "Backyard Bible Club"next week in our town, and we have been prayer walking, visiting homes in the neighborhood, preparing to teach Bible stories, and it's almost time.  This coming Saturday we will be having a cookout at the playground at Athens Elementary and you are invited to come and help us reach out to the children and parents who will be coming.  If you can't come please pray for CHRIST to use our efforts in a powerful way to lead others to know JESUS and  "More About JESUS." The club will take place June 11-15 at the Athens Elementary playground so please come join us each night at 6:00 p.m. and invite your friends and family to come!  I am so excited i am going to get to be the nurse at the Backyard Bible Club and at our VBS this year.  This is an awesome privilege for this ole gal who felt called to be a nurse on the mission field and didn't make it to a foreign country...now GOD has brought the mission field to us with Hispanics and families  of all kinds right in our own backyard...thank you, LORD JESUS, for giving me this special blessing of serving you on the mission field.  If i had been able to pursue the Nurse Practitioner route i was headed down last summer...i wouldn't have been able to serve in this way...GOD has a plan and a purpose, even for "The Crippled Lambs" like me.

      Thank you for spending this time with me this week...i pray the LORD will use this email to be a blessing to you and encourage you to know "More About JESUS," in your own backyard and everyday life.   It has encouraged me to think on the things and to remember HIS great faithfulness in my life and in yours.  We all need to be encouraged and i sure do. GOD bless you.
    
                                                                        With all HIS love,
                                                                          mitzi

  "A righteous man may have many afflictions but the LORD delivers him from them all."   Ps. 34:19 
 


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"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

"JESUS SAVES" Prestonwood Baptist Church