A Church Full of Heroes

"Blessed be the GOD and FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in CHRIST, just as HE chose us in HIM, that we should be holy and without blame before HIM in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by JESUS CHRIST to HIMself, according to the good pleasure of HIS will." Ephesians 1:3-5

Dear Friends,

Last Friday evening, my kids and I attended a beautiful outdoor wedding on Monsanto Mountain. The young couple getting married are members of our church and it was a real joyous occasion to be a part of GOD bringing these two young people together as one in CHRIST. The gazebo was decorated with white ribbons and ferns, I think:), and looking through the gazebo, just before the wedding began, you could see the gorgeous pinkish orange sun setting out over the city of Huntsville. What a beautiful sky the LORD painted for that special occasion.

When we got there the kids went over to talk to there friends and I sat down next to my friend Marsha Christian who is goofy as i am. Our kids later came and sat down behind us and they were calling us down before the wedding threatening to separate us because we were laughing so loudly. Marsh and her husband have five kids and they have homeschooled all five of them. Their oldest graduated from the University of Alabama, and is serving our country in the army doing all kinds of special training. Her next son is still in school at the University of Alabama and is in the Marines... these guys are heroes, along with their family, and we are so thankful for their sacrifice and service for our country. As we waited for the wedding to start, another dear friend came walking up and we talked a few minutes. Marco had a contraption around his neck hanging down from his shoulder. I asked him what it was and he said a wound vac...i should know these things being a nurse, but i didn't. Marco had his pacemaker removed a few weeks before, and I was surprised that he was still having to wear this machine that was helping to suction the secretions away from his incision site. We talked a few minutes, as Marco encouraged me and it was time for the wedding to start. What a sweet wedding it was with our pastor leading part of it, and he did a great job sharing the biblical role of marriage. I sure needed to pay close attention to his words, cause I seem to forget rather frequently what my role is and want to "wear the pants" in my family. Then another pastor shared the wedding vows with Nathaniel and Christine. We have know Nathaniel's family for many years, and admired them from the first time we met their older boys who were so friendly and outgoing. The Mobley's are another one of those special families that make up our church. They have 12 children and all of them who are old enough have been homeschooled, and the youngest Mobley is a special needs child. Robin, the Mom, made one of the dresses that was in the wedding, along with the grooms cake, and her little girls looked adorable and are as sweet as can be. She and her husband Rick are truly heroes, as they lay down their lives for CHRIST each day to raise a godly family and are a very active part of our body of CHRIST.

After the wedding ceremony was over, we were all invited to the reception and man was the food delicious! There was fresh fruit- pineapple, strawberries, honeydew and cantaloupe, i think, spinach dip, shrimp, chicken fingers, and lots of other yummy food. Then, of course was a beautiful wedding cake that our friend Tabitha made, who also goes to our church. Tabitha and her family manages a CHRISTian (http://cliffhouseretreat.org/) retreat near Scottsboro, Al. They have 12 siblings too, and they all are homeschooled.

After I enjoyed eating some good food with my friend Marsha, her husband, and my kids, I ran into Marco again and he started sharing with me his day. I want to back up and tell you a little bit of background about this hero named Marco. Marco is a single Dad. His dear wife died a few years ago, leaving Marco with five children. The oldest is a special needs child. Marco and his wife homeschooled their children and even after she died, he continued the first year with their friends in Scottsboro helping them. Now they attend Scottsboro public schools, and one of the Christian schools in Scottsboro. Marco has had a really difficult year this year with some health issues of his own, including staff infection and had to have his pacemaker removed, but he has courageously continued on providing for his family and shuffling the kids back and forth the their activities, along with running his household. He has come to church with an IV attached to his arm on more than one occasion. Marco was at the wedding which was probably 45 minutes or so from home, with his five children, and him wearing a wound vac. Earlier in the day, he had taken his oldest son to get his license after swapping out cars with his daughter, and then found out his son was unable to take the driver's test because the horn wasn't working...so they had to reschedule that. Then he went to the doctor with a swollen and painful place on his arm that he suspected was a blood clot. They told him he needed to go and have it checked out right then, but he told them no, he was going to a wedding and he would do it later, and he did. Thankfully, he went to have the blood clot checked the next day, and it wasn't a serious blood clot, if it's possible to have a blood clot that's not serious. As Marco talked to me, almost everyone else had meandered down to where some of the older kids were dancing, but Marco was lingering behind to wait for his special needs child to finish eating. I knew he wanted to come join the fun, but he waited patiently for her to finish eating.

Sitting outside at the reception in the cool night air was another dear family in our church who are heroes too, the Wrights. Kirk leads the music at our church, and Kim plays the piano. Kirk works at a regular job during the week and Kim stays home and homeschools their four kids, of which they all are adopted. The oldest two are twins, and then there is Hannah, and then a few years ago, they adopted their youngest son from the Ukraine. What a blessing this family is to our church, always serving whether its leading the choir, Reformation Day Celebration, or our "Keepers at Home" group...Kirk and Kim are heroes in the way they love these children whom GOD has brought into their family through adoption and serve the LORD through serving in so many ways through our church.

Another family in our church whose Mom and Dad are heroes are Duane and Diane Dorhman. The Dorhman's have grown children and adopted two special needs boys, and adopted a daughter from China. I am constantly amazed at this family and the love that these parents share with their kids. They homeschool their daughter, and have homeschooled their boys at times, in addition to taking care of her Daddy who had been sick for a long time and passed away this weekend. In spite of the constant care their boys require, they are very actively involved in our church. Diane always has a smile on her face and is such an encourager to me, and all who meet her. Diane and Duane, too are truly heroes that help make up our church body.

As some of the older kids danced at the reception and some of the parents, others of us stood on the sidelines, cheering them on, laughing and having a good time, and wishing we were brave enough to get out there. Marsha encouraged me to dance with my son, which we did after a little awkwardness getting started and that was very special. Then she wanted me to line dance with her and our kids out there, but i didn't budge on that...i didn't want to make a fool of myself. Besides i wasn't too sure how i'd hold up to that turning and twisting...remember that softball game:). I know it's amazing to think of us Baptists dancing but some of us did and it was a lot of fun. But i respect those who didn't feel comfortable with that part of the wedding, and chose not to take part. I know myself, i am on a journey, and a few years ago, i wouldn't have felt "free" to do that and i'm sure would have looked down upon that...but GOD has brought me to another place in my journey, a place where others might not be. That's what i love about our church family...we can differ on things and still love and respect each other. And I very much respect our pastor for his honesty about his own journey and the grace he shows all of us, though he may not fully hold the same views on some issues.

After a while, Marco came moseying down the hill with his daughter and with his "wound vac." He was smiling as usual, and enjoying watching the dancing with his daughter. I lost track of them in the fun, and later after Nathaniel and Kristina ran through the reception line, i looked up and saw Marco again. He was coming down the hill with some paper towels in his arms, and the "wound vac," around his neck, cleaning up where his daughter had had an accident. I sure do admire this man who could have told his children "no" to coming to this wedding. He could have said, "I've got a blood clot i need to see about," or "I've got this thing i'm having to wear and I don't want anyone to see me," or "It's too much trouble", or "It's too far to go," etc. But he didn't, he brought his five kids to the wedding, served his daughter with her special needs, laying down his life for his family and took time to encourage me about my email last week as we talked.

As I thought of Marco being a hero to his family, he reminded me of the greatest hero of all, my LORD JESUS CHRIST. HE is my GREAT PHYSICIAN, WONDERFUL COUNSELOR, MIGHTY GOD, PRINCE OF PEACE. HE IS MY ROCK, MY FORTRESS, MY STRONG TOWER, MY SHIELD, and MY DEFENDER, HE is MY BROTHER, and
"A FRIEND that sticks closer than a brother." HE is my SAVIOR, my REDEEMER, who gave HIMSELF for me and you. Marco willingly laid down his life, that day and everyday, to make a way for his children to be at that wedding, and to provide for his children...even risking complications from a blood clot. He willingly and lovingly waited on his "special needs" child, while the others ran ahead, and had fun. In my weakness, I have often thought of how my SHEPHERD leads me "beside the still waters and green pastures" and stays behind to be with me and have tender, intimate fellowship with me when I can't keep up with others. He uses me where HE leads me. Marco cleaned up after his child, and my FATHER continually goes behind me to clean up my messes, which are many, and makes something special out of them that is useful to HIS kingdom. My SAVIOR, MY REDEEMER, the KING of KINGS, left HIS glorious home in heaven, to give HIS life for your sins and mine on a wooden cross to clean up the mess HE knew we'd make being born into sin, and to rescue us from burning in HELL forever and ever. HE'S up there in heaven right now, preparing a home for all those who have repented of their sins and surrendered their lives to CHRIST and HE's interceding for us before our heavenly FATHER. MY HERO, my SAVIOR, laid down his life, pouring HIMself out to death, not because HE had done anything wrong, but to pay the punishment for our sins because HE loves us so much. The Roman soldiers didn't take his life, HE gave it up for you and for me, to be the propitiation (appeasement) for our sins, that we might be adopted into the family of GOD. When I look at my brothers and sisters in CHRIST and see the love they have for their children, and for those whom they adopted, I am reminded of the wonderful love that my FATHER has for me, and the wonderful privilege that is mine to be adopted into the family of GOD.

I remember what it was like when I was a teenager and didn't know CHRIST as my LORD and SAVIOR and I was struggling with the guilt of my sins. "My spirit was willing, but my flesh was so weak." Matthew 26:41. My FATHER patiently waited for me to surrender my life to HIM. There was a young man in my life that was coming between me and HIM. One night at a revival at Central Baptist Church in Decatur, the LORD called my name, and drew me to the altar and helped me surrender my life, my will, and my boyfriend to HIM. Somehow, I was transformed into a new creature in CHRIST. One thing I knew I had to do was break up with my boyfriend who didn't know CHRIST because we were "unequally yoked" as the Bible calls it in 2 Corinthians 6:14. I never dreamed a month later, GOD would save my former boyfriend and make him a new creature in CHRIST. We have been married over 25 years now...to GOD be the glory! HE truly does "exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think." "What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought since JESUS came into my heart, " is a song I grew up singing in our Methodist church and it is so true...CHRIST paid the price for my adoption and how I praise HIM for choosing me and changing me. JEHOVAH JIREH, THE LORD who PROVIDES, has supplied all my needs, my special needs in CHRIST JESUS. HE even takes those special needs, those weaknesses, and promises to be strong through them. "My grace is sufficient for you and MY power is made perfect through weakness," 2 Corinthians 12:9...that's what MY HERO does for me and you!

I remember after CHRIST saved me and I felt so clean, free, and happy, we sang "I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of GOD," at Central Baptist, almost every service it seemed. The song, by Bill Gaither (didn't know that until just now) says, "I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of GOD-I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by HIS blood! Joint heirs with JESUS as we travel this sod; For I'm part of the family the family of GOD," and what a great job that our heavenly FATHER does of taking care of HIS children...HE shows us special favor.

I am so glad I am a part of the family of GOD, adopted at the price of my LORD JESUS CHRIST's blood. HE is my hero, and HIS family is made up of heroes because they are filled with CHRIST HIMSELF. HE puts HIS love, HIS desires, HIS courage in our hearts to accomplish HIS plans and purposes, and how thankful I am to be surrounded by a family of heroes, the family of GOD.

My favorite bluegrass gospel group, the Isaacs, (http://theisaacs.musiccitynetworks.com/?inc=5&news_id=10817) wrote a song called "Heroes" about special needs parents, single parents, and parents that have adopted children. They sang it at Dollywood last week, and though i think i've used it before, i felt led to share it again this week as I shared with you some of the special heroes that we are privileged to be a part of in our church family. I think of many of you as i write this, you are heroes right where you are serving the LORD, and how I thank GOD for each of you, and the heroes you are to me, encouraging me and helping me so very much. I love hearing from you and getting your emails, thank you so much for your dear friendship. I too am a "special needs" child, just ask my family, and how very grateful i am to my dear husband, who cares for me for "better or for worse," ...and sometimes, i really am "for worse," trust me.

Nathaniel and Kristina have a lot to look forward to in their journey together through this life. GOD has surrounded them with parents and with a church family full of heroes to encourage them and help them along their journey. I sure am thankful for you, the heroes GOD has surrounded me and our family with to inspire us, help us, encourage us, and care for us in this journey HOME. You are our heroes and how we thank GOD for you! And then one day, I shall see my greatest hero face to face, in all HIS glory, the LORD JESUS CHRIST...and "what a day that will be when my JESUS i shall see, when HE takes me by the hand and leads me through the Promised Land." I can't wait to share that journey with you, my heroes.

With all HIS love,
mitzi



Heroes by the Isaacs

Momma combs his hair and Daddy helps him brush his teeth
Day after day for thirty years the same routine
The special needs he lives with make life seem so unfair
But he thanks God every day cause he knows Mom and Dad are there

(chorus) He's a hero and she's a hero
It doesn't matter that nobody knows their name
They keep on giving to make life worth living
Might go unnoticed but they're heroes just the same

They tried for many years to have a baby of their own
But God knew a little girl who didn't have a home
Someone else's burden was their blessing in disguise
And now she's got a Mom and Daddy there to hold her when she cries

(chorus)

Every single parent who must carry twice the load
And those who sacrifice to raise a child that's not their own
They dedicate their time to make a difference in someone else's life
And in my eyes

(chorus)

They might go unnoticed but they're heroes just the same.

You can see and hear the Isaacs sing "Heroes" by clicking on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOJR1RR9Tyk

"Yours and Mine"

Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

Dear Friends,

A few weeks ago, I shared with you about sitting in my car down by the river early one Saturday morning and having my time with JESUS as the rain fell from the sky. As the droplets splashed on the surface of the water and on my windshield, I was inside the Jimmy reading my Bible and praying about a particular burden the LORD has laid on my heart for the past several months. It has been a particularly heavy burden, and often very difficult to carry. I have often carried it to my LORD but I don't know if I don't know how to lay it down, or the LORD just keeps it there so I will pray about it often. That morning as I was praying, GOD impressed on my heart to go and pray with my dear friend, Wanda, about this burden, as well as for a special burden she has had with her daughter being estranged from their family for a few years now. That Saturday morning as Wanda and I prayed, I shared with you, that her daughter who lives out of state was actually in our town, unknown to Wanda, visiting her granddaddy. The LORD knew that Wanda would need some extra support that day, and led us to pray together, as her daughter didn't call or come to see Wanda, or let her see her two little grandsons. Little did we know, that since that time, GOD has made a way for us to pray together almost every day, and though we pray about many things, depending on how much time we have or how tired we are, we specifically pray for our two burdens the LORD has laid on our hearts. I have shared with Wanda over and over, that since she and I started praying together almost daily, that my burden has become so much more easier to bear. Most of the times, Wanda and I pray together over the phone, sometimes in the morning, sometimes in the middle of the day, at night, in the car, sauna, Wal-Mart, or wherever we get a chance, we call each other and pray. I have to watch praying in the car. This week as the kids and I were traveling up to Dollywood, Wanda and I were praying over the phone and Hannah Beth said from the back seat,"Mama, quit shutting your eyes while you pray!" The embarrassing thing is I was shutting them, temporarily, and I didn't even realize it:).
I can tell you this, GOD sure is knitting together mine and Wanda's heart since we've been praying and sharing our burdens. We've done a lot of sharing our burdens together in the past...that's what good friends do, but praying together about them, has really made a difference in both of our lives. I told her I can't believe how much lighter my burden has gotten since we've be praying together. Oh, it's still there, very much in my heart, but its just easier to bear, and Wanda will tell you the same thing. Since the time we started praying together, Wanda's care for her aging parents has greatly increased as their health has rapidly declined and her husband was recently diagnosed with cancer. Thankfully, he's had some really good reports from the doctor but it is still scary any time the "C" word comes into your life. The load has become heavier, but Wanda has shared over and over that the LORD is carrying her with "wings like eagles" because of all the prayers that are going up for her, not just mine, but so many others who are praying for them. I am so amazed and encouraged by the strength and courage GOD is giving her to carry her through this difficult time in her life...why am I so amazed when GOD answers our prayers? Oh me of little faith...

As I think about Wanda and I sharing each other's burdens through prayer, both of us trying to pray in faith, yet, asking CHRIST to help our unbelief, I am reminded of a most encouraging devotion that Charles Spurgeon shared in the evening reading in Morning and Evening for Sept. 28 about trusting GOD to answer our prayers:

"Go again seven times."-1 Kings 18:43

Success is certain when the LORD has promised it. You may have pleaded in prayer month after month, without any evidence of an answer. However, it is not possible that the LORD will be deaf to HIS people when they are in earnest about a matter that concerns HIS glory. Elijah the prophet continued to wrestle with GOD on Mount Carmel, even when he did not receive an immediate answer to prayer. Never for a moment did he give in to fear that he would not be served in Jehovah's courts. Six times, Elijah's servant returned to him, unable to report any sign of progress. However, on each occasion, Elijah merely told him, "Go again." We must not even consider giving in to unbelief, but hold to our faith even to "seventy times seven" (Matt. 18:22. Faith sends expectant hope to look from the top of Mount Carmel. If nothing can be seen, she sends again and again. Far from being crushed by repeated disappointment, Faith is animated to intercede more fervently with her GOD. She is humbled, but not discouraged. Her groans are deeper, and her sighs more vehement, but she never relaxes her hold. It would be more agreeable to flesh and blood to have a speedy answer, but believing souls have learned to be submissive, and to find it good to wait for as well as upon the LORD. Delayed answers often cause the heart to search itself, and so lead to contrition and spiritual reformation. Deadly blows are thus struck at our corruption, and our hearts are cleansed of idolatry. The great danger is that people might give up and miss the blessing. Reader, do not fall into that sin, but continue in praying and watching. At last the little cloud was seen, the sure forerunner of torrents of rain. It will be the same with you. The "token for good" (Psalm 86:17) will surely be given, and you will rise as a prevailing prince to enjoy the mercy you have sought. Elijah was a man of "like passions as we are" (James 5:17). His power with GOD did not lie in his own merits. If his believing prayer availed much, why not yours? Plead the precious blood with increasing persistence, and you will receive what you ask for."

As I mentioned earlier, the kids and I did have the opportunity to go up to Dollywood (www.Dollywood.com this past weekend for their National Gospel and Harvest Celebration month. If you've never taken the family this is a great time of the year to go. The leaves are turning colors, and they have all kinds of craft demonstrations throughout the park like woodworking, making sorghum, making fiddles, basketweaving, dulcimer playing, etc. My pull up there was to hear the Crist family(www.cristfamilymusic.com) and the Isaacs (http://theisaacs.musiccitynetworks.com/index.htm) sing, two of my favorite gospel groups. The kids, enjoyed riding the roller coasters, bumper cars, scrambler and other rides in the park, and I was so blessed with having them accompany me to three of the concerts. We left Sunday morning, about 3 hours later than we planned, since the kids had late nights and our dear friends the Radcliffe's were staying with us...but we still managed to leave about 8:30 a.m. I got impatient trying to get off, but GOD's timing was perfect. Our friends, the Crist family, didn't sing until later on that afternoon, so we got there in plenty of time to hear them, and they did a great job. I sure am proud of Jackie and Bre (see their picture above with Hannah Beth) and what GOD is doing in and through them as they sing for HIM with their family. What a blessing they are to us and how good GOD has been to them to open so many doors for their family to sing for HIM. After we saw them, and visited a few minutes, I headed off to hear the Isaacs and the kids went and rode some roller coasters. The LORD blessed me with sitting up close in both concerts. What a special blessing from the LORD it was to see this group that has encouraged my heart and the hearts of so many through their music. GOD used Sonya Isaacs to inspire me to learn to play the mandolin 3 years ago and man, can she play and sing for the LORD! Maybe when I get to heaven I'll be able to sing and play like her...naahhh. That night, after we left the park, the kids and I headed up to Gatlinburg and ate at "Bubba Gumps" restaurant. My grilled salmon and steamed veggies were absolutely delicious and the kids both enjoyed shrimp. We were all tired, but we walked around the strip for a while and the kids enjoyed some new "mirror maze" they have up there in Gatlinburg. They have grown wise about the "tourist traps" up there, they've experienced most of them, and so they didn't rush into throwing their money away. While they were in the mirror maze, I took that opportunity to give Wanda a call and pray together for a minute. After the mirror maze , we headed back towards the car, stopping along the way in Baskin Robbins for ice cream. The next day, we went back to the park and while the kids hooked up with the Crist girls and rode rides, I enjoyed hearing the Isaacs again. That really was a special blessing as afterwards I had the opportunity to talk with Sonya Isaacs for a few minutes. She was really friendly and really liked my Palin button! I was more than honored to give it to her, - that's what she's pointing to in the picture above. I asked her what type mandolin strings she used on her mandolin and she wrote it down for me...the exact same kind my friend Zac Ferguson told me about a couple of years ago...thanks, Zac, you gave me great information! If anyone is interested she uses D'Addario EXP 74 extended play strings, and she plays a Gibson Fern Mandolin, which she has her own signature series...she didn't tell me that, but a guy who was with her shared that with me. Anyway, it was a thrill for this ole girl who has been kind of stand offish to talk with her in the past when she usually has so many people crowding around her.
I thank the LORD for the special time HE gave me this past weekend with my kids...HE reminded me on the way up there when Hannah Beth was a baby, and a friend of ours had a "Mother Daughter" weekend with her daughter, that I wondered if I would ever get to do anything like that with my daughter when I was in so much pain and could not hardly hold Hannah Beth, much less do fun things together. Well, I think you know the answer to that if you've been reading these emails for any length of time. GOD has blessed Hannah Beth and me with many special times together, and this weekend we were blessed to have John Mac with us too. He didn't cramp our style too badly:)...in fact, we had a great time together and so glad he could come along with us, just wish my hubby had been able to also. I praise the LORD for allowing me to do so many special things with my children and my husband through the years. Truly "HE has restored the years the locust have eaten," and even made us "richer" through it. Not money wise, though HE has so abundantly supplied all our needs in CHRIST JESUS, but through our trials HE's making us to be more like JESUS, and "HE is to me, more precious than gold." HIS faithfulness to give me the desires of my heart to restore my health and be able to do things with my family gives me the faith that HE will answer my prayers again and give me the "desires of my heart" for this burden HE has laid on my heart.
While we were in Dollywood, the Isaacs sang a song that GOD has really been using to minister to me called "Yours and Mine," from their "Heroes," CD. When I listen to Lilly, the mom, sing this with her daughters, I think about how GOD has led Wanda and I to "bear one another's burdens" to make them "Yours and Mine." What a blessing and encouragement and strength to my heart has come as a result of her loving me with CHRIST's love and sharing my burden with me. She has taken time out of her packed schedule to pray with me, almost every day, and some nights she has been so exhausted that it's all she can do to stay awake while we pray. My faith and hers has increased as we see GOD answering our prayers in little glimpses like the "little cloud," and we call those our "miracles for the day." One of those miracles was her daughter returning for a visit to see her son play football here recently and Wanda did get to see her this time...two visits in two months, hum, and she hasn't been here in probably two years until a couple of months ago...wow. We are trusting HIM to answer our prayers in "torrents of rain," as we share our burdens and make them "Yours and Mine." Hum...maybe that morning I was praying at the river when it was raining was a sign of HIS "showers of blessings" to come:)...yes, I'm believing that it is!

With all HIS love,
mitzi

"Yours and Mine" by Rebecca Isaacs Bowman, Sonya Isaacs

I hope I didn't wake you (It's never too late)
My heart is so broken (Honey, it'll be OK)
I wish you were here now (I wish I were too)
Don't know what I'd do without you.

If I could take the hurt all away/I'd gladly walk in your shoes
I'd rather it be happening to me than you
I'd love to turn your tears into laughter
And all of your rain to sunshine
But since I can't take it
Let's make it yours and mine

I heard from the doctor (I heard the bad news)
Oh I am so frightened (I've been praying for you)
I don't understand it (Sometimes life isn't fair)
Seems like more than I can bear

If I could take the fear all away/I'd gladly walk in your shoes
I'd rather it be happening to me than you
I'd love to turn your ears into laughter
And all of your rain to sunshine
But since I can't take it
Let's make it yours and mine.

I'll laugh with you, cry with you
You know I would die for you
Together we can make it through.

If I could take the hurt all away/I'd gladly walk in your shoes
I'd rather it be happening to me than you
I'd love to turn your tears into laughter
And all of your rain to sunshine
But since I can't take it
Let's make it yours and mine

You can watch the Isaacs sing "Yours and Mine" at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6poo__S2h8

The Sweetness of HIS Love

"You have turned my wailing into dancing; YOU removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to YOU and not be silent. O LORD my GOD, I will give you thanks forever." Psalm 30:11-12

Dear Praying Friends and Family,

I have been convicted about something I wrote a few of weeks ago when i mentioned my friend visiting with a doctor while she was campaigning. Well, he was a doctor, though not a medical doctor. I knew that, but didn't clarify it thinking that it sounded more impressive if I didn't. The LORD has been convicting me about misleading you and I want to confess that to you and ask your forgiveness for leading you to think something that wasn't the truth. I thought about it and wrote it anyway, not clarifying what type of doctor the man is. Please forgive me for my deception. Thank you so much for your forgiveness.


Last Friday morning, Hannah Beth and I packed the bicycles and tent in our car and headed down to Joe Wheeler State Park to join our friends from the Athens Dulcimer Club for a weekend of camping. HB and I had been wanting to go camping for a while and the LORD opened up the opportunity to go with our friends Jerry and Louise Todd, who head up the Dulcimer group. After we arrived at the campground that morning, Jerry and Louise were there waiting on us. They were getting their camper set up, and Louise was putting tablecloths on the tables and putting yellow flowers on the tables. That "feminine" touch really meant a lot to me, cause I don't think that way. My sister is the one who remembers to put out flowers and such as that...and it's funny she is the newlywed living in a camper now in the country! I was so glad for Hannah Beth to see Louise's example. Hannah Beth certainly has that touch, but somehow that "gene" skipped over me. As Jerry and Louise got their camper set up, HB and I set up our little tent. I didn't realize it, but HB was a little nervous about us setting up the tent by ourselves, and she was really glad to learn that we could do that without too much trouble with a hammer, some stakes, and the little pole thing that threaded down the middle. She figured out how to tie the pole up in the middle-I would probably still be there trying to figure that out if it weren't for her. Jerry and Louise were so kind and offered to help us in any way that they could....in fact, Louise was like a Mother Hen to us all weekend, fretting over us, like she did everyone else, and taking care of us. Thankfully, the LORD was gracious, and HB and I got the tent set up without having to back track too much.

After we set up the tent, HB and I headed back to our house to finish packing. We had some things to do in Huntsville that afternoon before we could resume our camping trip. One of those things was the privilege of praying with the staff at the Parker campaign headquarters that afternoon. What a dear blessing that was to my heart as we gathered in the copy room of the headquarters, closed the door, held hands, and took turns praying for the campaign, the Parkers, the staff, and all that involved. That prayer time was certainly a highlight of my weekend, and it is open to all who will join us at 4:00 p.m. on Friday afternoons. Please come and join us!

After we left the Parker headquarters, we headed back to Athens, where we swung by the house and picked up some towels, eggs, and a few things we'd forgotten. I kissed Johnny goodbye, and went by to pick up Hannah Beth's friend Natalie, who was going with us. That was such a blessing cause we used to do things we Natalie's family all the time, and through the past few years, our family's have gone in separate directions. What a blessing that we were able to be with old friends again. After picking up Natalie, we stopped at a gas station on the way, and the girls bought some worms for fishing and HB and I got our fishing license. I talked with Louise on my cell phone from the store. She was getting worried about us, and some more folks who weren't there yet. There had been an accident on Hwy 72, and she wanted to make sure we or the other folks weren't involved in it. She and Jerry had a fire waiting for us when we got there so the girls roasted hotdogs over the campfire, while I finished unloading the car. Louise roasted a hotdog (they were sort of the healthy ones:) for me and it sure tasted good after our busy afternoon.

By the time we finished eating it was getting dark. The girls decided they wanted to go fishing while the Dulcimer group was going to get together for a "jam," in the meeting room just across from where we were camping. I took my mandolin and joined Jerry, Roger, Grady and Janice, Homer, Louise, and a man named Jake who is 90 years old. He used to be some kind of engineer for NASA and worked on rockets. Since he retired and his wife died, he lives out of his camper and travels from dulcimer festival to dulcimer festival, singing and playing his guitar. Man, do I wish I could memorize the words to songs like he can...what a gift! I didn't see Jake a whole lot that weekend, but when I did, he was walking and looked as fit as can be. When I walked inside the meeting house, I knew that I was in trouble...it wreaked of the smell of mothballs. Though the windows were open, I eventually had to get up and leave...I didn't go too far though. I walked outside, and played along with the group standing outside by the window. I had my little headlight flashlight on that my husband had bought for me on some occasion and I was good to go. After we played awhile, it was bedtime for me and I was ready to hit the hay or actually my sleeping bag in the back of our Yukon. The girls were back at the camp, having made it back from fishing. They said there wasn't much biting in 3 inches of water but they had a great time talking on the bank while they fished. They had made an attempt at making some s'mores over the campfire before I got back, but the fire kept going out. I tried to revive it by stoking the coals, and getting some fresh wood, but it never did crank up for me. Unfortunately, the s'mores I promised Jerry at the jam never came to pass that night.

I'll be honest, I didn't sleep too that well that night in the car, I think the mothballs did me in...I just didn't feel right. The next morning, after we'd slept in a bit, Louise and I started cooking breakfast. Louise mixed up pancakes and cooked them inside the camper, and I cooked sausage and eggs outside on the electric grill. The girls took the pancakes Louise had made and put cherry pie filling and butter on them, rolled them up, and cooked them over the fire...yum, yum! We had a delicious breakfast that morning. After we finished cleaning up from breakfast it was nearly 11:30! The girls went on a bicycle ride, while Louise and I decided to take a walk. As I walked along the uneven ground beside the road, I could still feel the effects of the softball game a couple of weeks before in my hip joints...I told you that was a painful decision. We hiked over to the picnic area, along the river, and enjoyed the cool shade of the trees. She showed me a place on a large rock where she and Jerry had come and had a picnic before. In one of the large pavilions where we walked, is where our extended family had a family reunion a long time ago. As we were walking down the hiking trail, picking up walnuts, Hannah Beth called and said that she and Natalie were catching some bream and asked us to come over to where they were fishing. After walking down the hiking trail a little ways, we headed over to the little wooden bridge where Natalie and Hannah Beth were reeling in the fish...well, actually I think HB was catching the fish. She was baiting her own hook and taking her fish off the hook...without any assistance. I told you she does have the "feminine" gene so this was a real milestone for her. She even redid her own fishing line with a hook and bobber, after she broke her line...I'm really proud of you, HB! Natalie, you're a good influence on her:). After we watched them fish a little while longer, Louise and I walked back to our campsite and I rested a few minutes. When the girls got back from fishing, we all fixed sandwiches.
By this time, I wasn't feeling too hot...not sure if it was the mothballs the night before still bugging me or the smoke from the campfires, but I decided to take a break from the smoke, and head home a few hours. There was a gospel music singing that night on the grounds in front of Founder's Hall at the college, and I had been planning to go for weeks, before the camping trip came up. I wasn't sure if I would go or not since we were camping, but the smoke getting to me, made it an easier decision. I hated to leave the girls, but Jerry and Louise assured me they didn't mind keeping an eye on them, and the girls were happy to be going swimming, even though the water was cold. I made the journey home, visited with my guys who were watching Auburn play Tennessee on TV, saunaed, put some clothes in to wash, and ate some leftover chicken I had cooked the day before. I couldn't wait to get in the sauna. Thankfully, after sweating a while, eating supper, and vegging out in front of the computer a little while, the LORD renewed my strength and I headed to the singing on my way back to the campground. I still had a headache, but once I got there and sat on the bleachers beside our dear friend's the Wahl's, I got to feeling a lot better...that good singing, and that good night fresh air sure did perk me up. I was ready to go back and do battle with the campfires again. After New Ground (www.newgroundministries.com) sang, and they did such a good job, I went over and spoke with them a few minutes. They are from near Scottsboro and it was great to hear them again and see them in concert. I didn't linger long, and headed back down to the campground. I called Hannah Beth on the way, and she was playing her guitar "jamming" with the Dulcimer group. I sure was glad, even though most of them are old enough to be her grandparents, she enjoys playing with them and they are so sweet and kind to encourage her in her playing. Natalie was a great friend to sit around and listen to them. Jerry and Louise were so kind to be their "grandparents" for them while I was away and watch after them...well they actually were the whole weekend. By the time I got back to the campsite, it was almost bedtime. The girls were playing cards in chairs beside the campfire. I think they played a million games of "speed" and Natalie definitely came out on the winning side of that game.

That night after we'd all been asleep awhile, I woke up and had to go to the bathroom...ugh. Since I was sleeping in the back of our Yukon, I had to crawl over the back seat to let myself out. As I walked to the bathhouse, I spotted a skunk walking along the edge of the meetinghouse right where I had been standing and playing my mandolin the night before! I sure didn't want it to see me and run over and spray me (like it would run up to me unless it had rabies it might), so I eased back toward the car, and watched it walk around the building heading towards someone else's campsite. Don't know if ya'll remember, but the last time we camped at Joe Wheeler with my brother and niece, our campsite was sprayed in the middle of the night by a skunk. My brother had to take the dog, who got sprayed royally, home in the middle of the night and we had to change campsites the next morning it was so bad. So yes, I have a healthy respect for skunks...course leaving out hotdogs and shrimp against the camper, which I had done, didn't help our cause.
Once the skunk mosied on, I walked on to the bathhouse without any further ado. It took me a while to return to sleep and when I finally did, I slept until 8:00 a.m. We were planning to go to the worship service there in the meetinghouse at 8:30. I roused the girls and they got up and we got ready to go. Jerry and Louise had been up for a while. Funny thing is, no one showed up to lead the service, though the sign was out front, so we decided to have our own worship time around the campfire. We got our Bible's and another couple joined us, and whoever wanted to shared a Scripture and whatever the LORD laid on our hearts. It was really a sweet time as we went around the circle listening to each other share different verses...one lady shared out of Psalm 37 one of my favorite Psalms, about trusting in the LORD, committing our ways to HIM, delighting in HIM and HE would give us the desires of our hearts... Louise also shared out of Psalms. After we prayed, Jerry and Louise got out their dulcimer's, Hannah Beth her guitar, I got my mandolin and my notebook with the words cause I cannot remember words to songs...I'm pitiful when it comes to remembering the words unless I learned them as a child. Another dear lady from Jasper joined in playing with her dulcimer, and Roger Patterson came up and joined the circle with his dulcimer. We had such a sweet time of playing and singing hymns there around the campfire...what a special blessing from the LORD. We played songs like Amazing Grace, Wonderful Words of Life, Lord I'm Coming Home, As the Deer, and a bunch of other hymns that I can't remember right now...but I do remember what a sweet, sweet time of fellowship we had together around the campfire at Joe Wheeler.

After we finished singing and playing, I took off on a bike ride around the camp ground, and then out to the road that takes you to the lodge. As a road through the campground, I met a young father who was camping with his five kids ages 10 down to 3, and the Mom and 10 month old baby were at home. Talking to him was another Dad, Juan Carter who we went to school with, who was camping with his children, while their Mom was at home. I thought what a neat thing these Dad's were doing spending time with their kids, just as my Dad and Mom had done with us growing up...we camped as a family and what sweet times we had together. In fact, I felt a little guilty for not inviting my Mom and Dad to go with us on this camping trip. After I talked with those Dad's, I rode up and down some steep hills for these legs, but wow what a joy that I made it! I rode a pretty good little distance up by the golf course and saw the new cabins that had been built along side the river-man are they nice! Maybe we can have a family gathering there sometimes when they aren't so new anymore:)...I was really thankful the trip back wasn't as bad as I had dreaded. I knew I had coasted pretty much downhill to the new cabins, so the road back was uphill. Thankfully the LORD renewed my strength, and I made it back to the camp, a little out of breath, but in good shape...much better than when I tried to run to second base a couple of weeks before playing softball.

Back at the camp, everyone was still there sitting around talking, including the girls, who were playing cards. I think they must have really been tired from the day before...they hardly moved out of their chairs that day. After we enjoyed some of Louise's delicious taco salad she had served the night before, along with potato salad, and the girls grilled the last of the hotdogs, we had the best time sitting around talking and laughing at Jerry and Louise tell funny stories. A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about GOD being our "Coach" and switching our positions on us sometimes...like when I had to go from the outfield to first base because I couldn't run in the outfield. Well, Jerry and Louise are an example of this and I thought about them when I wrote a couple of weeks ago. Jerry was the boys basketball coach at Athens High School for many years, and was a great coach, he is such an encourager. The boys went to the final four in the state playoffs twice while Jerry was coaching, and they had many successful seasons. While coaching there at the high school, Jerry developed diabetes, and was unable to continue coaching...so he and his wife Louise, who was also a teacher, decided to retire. GOD knew the blessing HE had in store for many other people through Jerry and Louise's lives when HE switched their position. Through a series of events, Jerry and Louise got introduced to the Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer and the rest is history. They have been heading up, organizing and coordinating the events of the Athens Dulcimer group for the past 6 or 7 years and what a blessing they've been to so many of us. With the same passion Jerry had for coaching basketball, he and Louise have helped multitudes including myself learn to play the dulcimer. It doesn't take long to be around the both of them to experience the love that flows from their hearts to yours. When the LORD switched Jerry and Louise's position, it truly was a blessing for so many in our community and now all over the United States-Jerry and Louise have played for countless hospice patients, schools, nursing home patients, churches, and they organize functions so the rest of us can go along and play too. Just last night, we played for the Airstream Camping Club who is in town for the Fiddler's Convention this weekend. Just a couple of weeks ago, Jerry and Louise organized the making of a DVD by our dulcimer group so that beginning dulcimer players all over the country could hear some basic "fiddle" tunes and learn to strum along as we play...they plan to share those with folks all over the country. You can get yours here if you let me know! I sure am glad GOD switched their position, and they have the best attitudes anyone could ever have...they don't look back wishing things were the way they were...they're too busy living today, and thinking about how to bring joy to others lives.

After we had a great time of laughing and listening to stories, the girls did a great job of packing up their tent. HB got everything organized and loaded in the car. Miraculously, we managed to get everything in the car and return home. What a great time we had of camping and fellowshipping with our friends from the Athens Dulcimer Group, and especially Jerry and Louise who looked out after us and loved us like we were their own kids. Thank ya'll so much, Jerry and Louise for spoiling us all weekend.

That night, after we got home and got unloaded, the kids went to church, and I went to see the Crabb Revival, a southern gospel group, sort of, up at the college. What a weekend for southern gospel music it was in our town! I was tired, but I was so glad that I went. What a tremendous blessing that was and a story I could write about it all by itself. What blessed me the most was the testimony of Adam Crabb, the leader of the group, after GOD "switched his position" a year or so ago when their family group divided up. He shared of GOD's faithfulness in his weakness, his weakness to talk in front of others, his brother used to do most of the talking when they were all together, and be in that leadership position that he is in now. He shared how he suffered from depression during that time after his family separated into different groups to sing and how GOD had brought him through that difficult time. He shared GOD's faithfulness to provide a bus for them a couple of months ago after they had been traveling around in a truck pulling a trailer since their family group split. The "Crabb Revival" (www.crabbrevival.net) sang their hearts out, lifting up the LORD in their testimonies and singing, with such a humble spirit. Now I have to confess, I didn't really care for some of their hairdo's and their music can get a little "bumpy" at times for this old girl, but GOD has shown me that HE doesn't always work like I think that HE should...HE uses folks and music in different packages than what I think, for HIS honor and glory. I liked most of the music, couldn't help but like it when they kept lifting up how great JESUS is with their humble spirits...I really liked watching the drummer, he could play two drums and a few cymbals amazingly! At the end...they sang a "happy song," and a bunch of the folks were jumping up and down like I've seen them do at some of the contemporary CHRISTian concerts I've been to with the kids. I looked down my nose at that too when I first saw it a couple of years ago. Well, let me tell you, this old girl thought about jumping up and down to cause I was happy, happy that the LORD JESUS, loved me enough to let me enjoy all that I had enjoyed this past weekend. But, I decided it might be better not to jump since I was still recovering from my escapade on the softball field two weeks ago and didn't want to jar something looser than it already is. Besides, I am from the "frozen chosen" and it just wouldn't be right to be showing too much emotion praising the LORD...why what would the church folks say if they saw me jumping up and down like a jackrabbit? I have a confession to make, I did raise my hands some, though not too high, and when they encouraged us to dance, i sort of swayed from side to side, but I was jumping up and down on the inside Praising my LORD:).
It was a great weekend the LORD gave us and because of my affliction, my thorn in the flesh, times like this past weekend are just that much sweeter. GOD reminds me over and over what HE has done for me. I thank HIM for the affliction which has enriched my life so very much, and how I thank HIM and praise HIM for the energy and fun of easier times that I can enjoy so much more because of what HE has brought me through. I love you JESUS, thank YOU so much for your sweet sweet love for YOUR dear children, including me,and thank YOU for using my difficult times
to make the easier times that much more sweeter!

This week, I wanted to use part of a song that David wrote in Psalm 40:1-5 that shares my life,my heart, and most importantly, the sweetness of the love of JESUS for us. His testimony of praise is mine too...and I praise the LORD for HIS sweet love in my life. He brought me out of the slimy pit of sin and affliction, set my feet on a rock, the ROCK of JESUS CHRIST, and put a new song in my mouth...a hymn of Praise to my GOD!

"I waited patiently for the LORD;
He turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
He set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our GOD.
Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD."

"Blessed is the man
who makes the LORD his trust;
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.
Many, O Lord my GOD,
are the wonders you have done.
The things you planned for us
no one can recount to you;
were I to speak and tell of them,
they would be too many to declare."


To GOD be the glory for HIS goodness and sweetness in all of our lives...I love you and thanks so much for taking time to read my testimony of our GOD's sweet, sweet love to me and my family this past weekend. You are definitely a huge part of GOD's love to us...thank you for being such a dear blessing in our lives!

With all HIS love,
mitzi

"For Such a Time as This" Part II

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong, vigorous and very courageous; be not afraid, neither be dismayed; for the LORD you GOD is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 Amplified

Dear Friends,

A couple of weeks ago, I shared with you a letter from my heart about my opinion concerning Sarah Palin as our Vice Presidential nominee. Ya'll's response to that letter was much and so encouraging-thank you. Evidently I'm not the only one who was thinking along those lines. I didn't plan to write a second part to "For Such a Time as This," but this morning, as I was spending time in the WORD, GOD started bringing some thoughts together along the same line. Like last time, I am sharing with you from my heart.

Earlier this week as I was laying in bed reading a biography about Sarah Palin, I came to a chapter entitled "For Such a Time as This." If you haven't read her biography yet, entitled Sarah: How a Hockey Mom Turned Alaska's Political Establishment Upside Down," I sure would encourage you to get one-we got ours at "Books-A-Million." It is very inspiring, and you can certainly see the hand of GOD throughout her life in it's pages.
As I read along last night, I was so blessed reading what GOD did to help her win the "grassroots" campaign for governor in the face of what seemed to be insurmountable odds at times. Isn't that where GOD loves to show HIMself strong in our insurmountable odds? In the book, it shares "the campaign was so frugal that volunteers built "Palin for Governor" signs using dismantled wooden crates used for shipping snowmobiles." Kris Kerry, who became Sarah's campaign manager shared," While other candidates were sending out glossy flyers, we sent out stuff that I made at home on my computer and printer." GOD raised up volunteers from all walks of life-hunting guides, teachers, dog mushers, restaurant workers, retirees to help tirelessly with the campaign. It goes on to say that "many had never been involved in a campaign and others were so weary of and cynical about politics that they'd dropped out -until they met Sarah. Most relished taking on a deeply entrenched good-old-boy network. Sarah was not wealthy. Her husband was a working man. Nor was she politically connected. Her father was a teacher, her mother a school secretary." To me her story is a picture of GOD's sovereignty and power, and HIS plans being accomplished in man's weakness, using the "foolish things of the world, to shame the wise."

There is another battle against a network that is being fought right here under our very noses for those of us who live in North Alabama. The man who is running for Congress is Wayne Parker and he is an insurance salesman. The Parker's aren't wealthy either. He is running against a formidable opponent who is described as a "powerful individual," who uses "intimidation to those who cross him"-Dale Jackson, www.wvnn.com . His opponent has many connections in the medical community, he is a licensed physician though he hasn't practiced in many years, is a State Senator, and has many business ties...and there is certainly is a powerful network there. I don't know if you call it a "good-old -boy" network that his opponent is tied to, it seems to me to be downright evil from what I'm learning. I believe that GOD has raised Wayne to represent our area "for such a time as this" and come against the corruption that his opponent was involved in as an oncologist (cancer doctor) back in the 1980's. Earlier this week documents of this man and his partners were released to the media that reveal some appalling discoveries. The documents shared the findings conducted by two highly respected physicians who wrote a book on the protocol for administering radiation in cancer treatment. As a result of this peer review this the hospital where he saw patients sought to revoke his medical licenses. One of the local radio shows is revealing these atrocities this man did as he treated untold numbers of patients in our area. Some of the findings these doctors have shared said that "he prolonged the treatment of these patients" to ensure that they would have to keep making return visits. In simple laymen terms, he over radiated his patients to get more money. I don't know if you've thought about what too much radiation does to folks but it burns them...really badly. The document states that "his treatment was designed to insure reoccurrence." These patients were treated so they would have to keep coming back and the physician would keep the money rolling in.



Now some of you may be thinking, this is just mud slinging- what has this got to do with a Congressional Race for Congress? It has everything to do with integrity, honesty, and justice. I believe this is bigger than a congressional race, just as Sarah Palin's fight against corruption was bigger than cleaning house in the Republican party in Alaska. In our time of GOD's grace and mercy, sometimes we forget about HIS justice...that there will be a day of judgment for all that we have done in the darkness-"We must all appear before the judgment seat of CHRIST, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil, 2 Cor. 5:10- Romans 2:16 says that "GOD judges the secrets of men by CHRIST JESUS." I Corinthians 4:5 shares,"Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the LORD comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart." "And they say, "How can GOD know: Is there knowledge in the Most High?"-Psalm 73:11."These things you have done, and I have been silent; you thought that I was one like yourself. But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you,"Psalm 50:21. Luke 12: 2 shares," Nothing is covered up that will that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known."
These verses remind me and convict me, that things I think I may be getting away with are not hidden from GOD's sight, though it may seem so for a season that we get away with our sin. There will be a day of judgment. Thankfully, for all who are in CHRIST JESUS and have been cleansed by the HIS blood, our sins are forgiven. But that doesn't mean that my sin will not find me out..."behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out." Numbers 32:23.



GALATIANS 6:7
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for
whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

JOB 34:21-22
For His eyes are on the ways of man, and He sees all his steps.

There is no darkness nor shadow of death where the workers of
iniquity may hide themselves.

ECCLESIASTES 12:14
For God will bring every work into judgment, including
every secret thing, whether good or evil.

PROVERBS 28:13
He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever
confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.



It can be very scary and intimidating to go up against a powerful foe, even when GOD is using you to carry out HIS plan... just ask Elijah, Moses, and David. GOD commands us in HIS word over and over, "Be strong and courageous." In Isaiah 41:9-13 we read, "You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away. Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed for I am your GOD. Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Behold, all those who were incensed against you shall be ashamed and disgraced; They shall be as nothing, And those who strive with you shall perish. You shall seek them and not find them-Those who contended with you. Those who war against you. Shall be as nothing As a nonexistent thing. For I, the LORD your GOD will hold your right hand, Saying to you, "Fear not, I will help you."

This week in my personal Bible study I have been reading a passage over and over in Isaiah 37 of GOD's judgment on a very powerful, huge, and extremely evil Assyrian army. If you've ever studied the Assyrians you know that they tortured and mutilated those they took in captivity, cutting their fingers and toes off, and doing untold evil. Some of the Assyrians came to taunt the Israelites and intimidated them by telling how they had defeated all these other nations who had cried out to their gods, and they were going to destroy the Israelites. And it was true,GOD had used the Assyrians to bring judgment on these other nations who worshipped false gods...that's what made it so intimidating and scary. The Israelites had seen and heard of the destruction the Assyrian army had done...but the Assyrians had not come against the living GOD, and they were messing with...not Texas:), but with the "apple of HIS eye," ...the Israelites. Through Isaiah the prophet, GOD spoke to King Hezekiah's (King of Israel) servants and he told them: "Thus says the LORD: "Do not be afraid of the words which you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed ME. Surely I will send a spirit upon him, and he shall hear a rumor and return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land." Isaiah 37:6-7....and that's what GOD did...in Chapter 37:36 it says, "Then the angel of the LORD went out, and killed in the camp of the Assyrians one hundred and eighty-five thousand; and when people arose early in the morning, there were corpses-all dead." ...GOD did it then, and the same GOD that brought judgment to the Assyrians and protected the "apple of HIS eye," the Israelites, will deliver and protect HIS children today..."JESUS CHRIST is the same yesterday today and forever," Hebrews 13.8.

I believe that GOD has raised up the Sarah Palin's and the Wayne Parker's "for such a time as this," that HIS power might be shown through their lives, and to bring about justice where corruption has been sown. And HE has not just raised them up, HE has raised you and me up to fight in this battle on earth for the soul's of men and women, for the weak, and those unable to defend themselves, like children being killed in their mother's wombs. Yes, there may be long years that evil is covered up and we think that nothing is going to happen. But GOD's word is true and one way or another HE is going to "expose the evil deeds that were done in the darkness." Just like GOD fought for HIS children then and delivered them from an opponent stronger than them, HE continues to do that today. HE delights in showing HIMself strong in our weakness. I believe GOD is using these servants of HIS to bring about justice and to expose evil. GOD seems to be using this campaign to do that very thing... to bring about justice. I want to ask you my brothers and sisters to please pray for the Parker family as they "Lift Up the Cross," where CHRIST has called them to serve. Please pray that the Truth would be revealed in all that is going on, that GOD would give courage to other physicians, former patients and others who know about these atrocities to come forward and speak out about what they know.

I
Where are the Caleb's and the Joshua's and the Queen Ester's in our day...men and women who are bold enough to speak against evil, and to stand in the gap for those who are to weak too stand up for themselves? I believe with all my heart that Wayne Parker and Sarah Palin are among those who are strong and courageous in CHRIST, and the kind of leaders who stand up for the weak, and lead by serving, by laying down their own lives, "willing to endure the scars," not for dishonest gain or to build their egos, but because GOD has raised them up "for such a time as this," to carry out HIS plans and purposes.

The Crist family (www.cristfamilymusic.com), whom GOD has blessed with beautiful harmony and a love for HIS people, sings a beautiful song called "Lift Up the Cross." As I listened to this powerful song over and over this week, I am reminded that GOD calls us to "Lift Up the Cross" in whatever walk of life HE has called us- whether it be in the midst of a fierce battle for Congress, a homemaker, student, vice -presidential candidate, a physician, a pastor, plumber, a restaurant worker- wherever HE leads our paths, we are called to "Lift Up the Cross." Only by abiding in CHRIST can we do that when the battle rages and our hearts are tempted to give way to fear. HE lifted up the cross for you and me until HE died, and then was resurrected 3 days later. May we ask the LORD to give us the wisdom and courage to stand in the place HE has asked you and me to "Lift Up the Cross," for HIM.

With all HIS love,
mitzi


"Lift up the Cross"by Rebecca J. Peck

Lift up the cross carry the light of the gospel
Always proclaim GOD's Holy unchangeable WORD
Weep for the lost pray they will heed to the SPIRIT's call
Preach to all men until every ear had heard

Lift up the cross share the good news of salvation
Multitudes long to know there is hope for their souls
Give of your best fervently seeking the kingdom
Over all else know CHRIST and make HIM known

Lift up the cross high above the clouds of deception
Doubt and confusion
Tell the world GOD so loved HE gave us HIS Son, HE gave us HIS Son

Lift up the cross high above the clouds of deception
Doubt and confusion
Tell the world GOD so loved HE gave us HIS Son, HE gave us HIS Son.

Lift up the cross scorners and skeptics are watching
Don't be afraid there's power in JESUS' name
Stand for the faith having no need for apology
Speak forth the truth boldly and unashamed

Lift up the cross there is no greater honor
Than to obey the call no matter the cost
Lay down your life fully devoted to serve the LORD
Live all the rest of your days to lift up the cross

I do not have the freedom to share all that I am learning concerning this issue... it is much worse than I have shared above. But I do want to share the Parker's heart with you and their prayer for their family throughout this campaign has been "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." Philippians 1:27 . I had the privilege recently of hearing Wayne's wife, Lisa, pray for these former patients and for their opponent's heart who treated them. Her heart was absolutely broken as she sobbed deeply over the pain and injury of these innocent patients and their family members who had put their hope and trust in this doctor... they have met some of them as they campaign across this valley. You see, Lisa's first husband died of cancer many years ago when their child was but an infant. She has walked this road of pain and her heart is compassionate towards them. She knows the desperation one feels in this situation and how you put so much trust in your physician to do what is best for yourself or your loved ones. I asked Lisa if I could share this with you so you could see inside their heart as I had the privilege of doing. As Wayne shared on a radio show, "to not have made this information public would have been morally wrong." This is the kind of people that Wayne and Lisa are...they love CHRIST, love their four precious kids, and love the people HE has called them to serve. I am asking you to vote for them, contribute financially to this campaign that GOD has called them to, to put up a yard sign, to volunteer at the headquarters,(www.wayneparker08.com), to encourage them, and especially pray for Wayne and Lisa and their dear family. It is a war, spiritual warfare, and they are on the frontlines, as they are fighting to serve the LORD, and to serve us. To find themselves in this position is not where they expected to be walking. It is very uncomfortable at times, but as they have followed the call of GOD, this is where the battle has led. May we be faithful in our love and support of them as HE has called them out to "Lift up the Cross" for "such a time as this."

Play Ball!

"It is the Lord: let Him do what seemeth Him good". (1 Sam. 3:18)



Dear Friends,


Last Saturday morning as my brother's family was "battening down the hatches" near Houston, Texas, as Hurricane Ike was beating down upon them, and my Dad was on an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. to honor our World War 2 veterans, some of the men in our church got up a pick up softball game for whoever wanted to play. I had no intentions to play, didn't even consider it...my body just doesn't work at the speed it used to. Hannah Beth mentioned she thought it would be fun earlier in the week to play and when the gas prices went up around here and the pumps ran out of gas, our Saturday plans were altered to do something close to home. I woke her up Saturday morning to see if she was still interested in playing and she was... the only problem is she just doesn't like to do things by herself. Her sleepy headed brother wasn't interested, and I told her "no" when she asked me...I was enjoying a lazy morning reading on the front porch...besides it had been close to 20 years since I've played beyond throwing with the kids out in the front yard. I used to be pretty good in high school but a whole lot of water has gone under the bridge since then, a whole lot. In fact the last time I remember playing in a game was with our church team a few months after John Mac was born...and he is 18. I remember "tinkling" on myself as I ran around the bases. I guess those were the days before "Depends,"... at least I could still run back then. As Hannah Beth browsed through closets and the garage looking for her cleats, she asked me to help her. I looked in the closet in the guest room and saw my old softball glove in a big metal popcorn can, along with our other ball gloves. Something crazy came over me, and I decided to try and play...that would prove to be a painful decision.
We never did find Hannah Beth's cleats, but we finished getting ready, taking Hannah Beth's bat, and our gloves, and headed to the ball field. When we got there, we were the only girls there. The rest were Dad's and their son's. Thankfully, another Dad showed up with his daughter in a few minutes...I sure am glad, she became my "legs," during the game. HB and I warmed our arms up as the Dad's and their sons were warming up and then we took some batting practice. I fanned the air a few times getting used to the slow-pitch ball, but was thankful to be able to make contact. After we batted a little, they divided us up in teams and HB and me got on opposite teams. Our "coach" asked me where I wanted to play, and I said left field. I used to be able to catch fly balls pretty good and it was not in the middle of the action, so I trotted to left field where I tried to stretch really good..little beknownst to my body, I was about to throw it in shock. After we played in the field, we went in to bat, and I was 6th in the batting line up. I was relieved when I hit a fly ball that landed in front of Hannah Beth, she was playing left field also, and ran triumphantly to first base...not fast, but I got there. The next batter behind me, hit the ball and I began my run to second...as I approached the bag, all of the sudden, my legs collapsed under me, and I hit the ground...got a strawberry and everything, just like i used to sliding into base...only this time instead of sliding into second, I was collapsing on the way to second base...that was really humbling. I think I was out anyway, but I managed to get up and go limping off the field. Folks just thought I fell, and I did, but i have never fallen because my legs wouldn't cooperate...it felt like I had strained a muscle in my left hip...and later it felt like both hips. It wasn't just my hips, it was a whole area of my body, like from my belly button down to the bottom of my thighs...other than that...I was sort of fine:). After we batted, I went back to left field, but I knew that if I had to run I wouldn't be able to get to the ball. After that inning was over, I told our "coach" I couldn't run, so they got the 13 year old girl to run for me while I batted, and she did a great job. He asked me if I could play first base. I had played first base when I was in the sixth grade when I played on the boys baseball team, and another time when we lived in Texas. I was switched positions from the outfield after our first basemen got hit in the face with the ball and had to go to the emergency room...that was a long time ago. I said I would try, and so I did try. I have never played first base so much on my knees and belly (I played on my knees all the time when I was catching in high school, but that's because I wanted to not because I had to because I couldn't stand up) but I managed to play it and only missed a few balls. Thank the LORD... those men were humming the ball pretty fast across that field. I yelled out, "Hey I'm a girl."...and they had no mercy. They said something about "Palin Power" and just kept firing them to me. I was praying a lot, I really was, and by the end of the game, I was catching them out of self defense, and holding on for dear life...thankfully, we won, and I survived.
I'd better go ahead and confess my sins cause Hannah Beth threatened to tell ya'll if I didn't... I was playing first base and Hannah Beth hit the ball. It was a close play and I had to stretch to make the play...I thought my toe came off the bag, but the guy who called the play said she was out. Hannah Beth said she saw my foot come off the bag when she ran by. Instead of speaking up about my toe coming off the bag, I just stayed quiet. Later, I confessed to her I was sorry I didn't speak up too much about it. I half heartedly said to the Dad who was calling, "Are you sure my foot didn't come off the bag?" as HB walked to the dugout. I missed a good opportunity to show integrity there in front of my daughter and I blew it...that's why it's good for me not be competing too much in sports. I am competitive...and I blew it when I had a chance to be honest.
Later on, as my body was still aching from the shock it received that morning...I started thinking about how my injury had caused me to switch positions. I started out in left field, thinking I was playing it "safe" and was comfortable out there, and low and behold, suddenly I was thrust in the middle of the action, playing first base...not in spite of my weakness, but because of it. I started thinking about how that is so much like life. Sometimes we switch positions and we really like it when it's our choosing or something we feel is advantageous, or the "LORD's will." I really liked the switch in our position when we felt the call as a young married couple the LORD was leading us to the foreign mission field. My husband returned to college and finished in record time at 11 years:). He retired from General Motors after 10 years and less than a month later we moved to Ft. Worth, Texas where he attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. I attended nursing school at Tarrant County Junior College. What a wonderful 3 years it was, though very challenging for me at times with my school work. What dear friends we made at seminary, at work, and at church, Travis Avenue Baptist. Thank you for all the dear love you lavished upon us our dear teachers, the Lenamons, the Morgans, and the Waters. Johnny and I graduated the same weekend, me on Friday night, and he the next day...what a weekend that was, and such a special time to celebrate GOD's goodness in our lives.
Then sometimes our positions are switched not as much to our liking due to loosing a job, divorce, health issues, death of a loved one or whatever, and we struggle with that not realizing that our "Coach" the LORD JESUS CHRIST is working this change of positions not only for our good, but for the good of others and for HIS honor and glory. When Johnny said we needed to move back to Alabama while we waited for a church to call us, I did not want to go. I liked the "position" we were playing...we both loved Texas, and I wanted to stay. But, my husband felt GOD's will was for us to head back to Alabama and for him to help in the family business while I worked as a nurse in Labor and Delivery at Decatur General Hospital where I was born. We also found out shortly after leaving Texas that we were pregnant with John Mac...a "position" we found very favorable. As our COACH would have it, HE called us to a church a few months down the road, and we moved to a little town called Billingsley, Al about an hour south of Birmingham. I sure did love that "position" until I got so sick that I was unable to continue there with a two year old and infant two years later. I was at my wit's end with my increasingly odd physical afflictions. I did not want to change "positions," but we felt we had no choice. In fact, our COACH was using this "hurricane" to move us back to Athens.
I write about this theme of suffering often, I guess that because that's where the LORD has taught me the most how much HE loves me. As I write this, I think of Joseph in the Bible and how his position was "switched" from being pampered as his father's favored son and being a messenger boy to his brothers out in the field, to becoming a slave in Egypt... at the hands of his own brothers. Thankfully, GOD was working out HIS sovereign plans and purposes to raise up a Deliverer for everyone years later when that whole region was in a famine. Joseph's life was turned upside down and GOD allowed it...to use Joseph to save and rescue many from famine including his own family who didn't recognize Joseph when he was second in command to the Pharaoh. Joseph spent many long years in prison, not having a clue what GOD was up to, but we know that HE trusted GOD through all the confusion HE was allowed to suffer. And when he did meet his brothers after many years again, Joseph held no bitterness in his heart against them...instead he told them, " And as for you, you meant evil against me, but GOD meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive," Genesis 50:20.
What an example to my heart when my COACH, my LORD JESUS CHRIST, who gave HIMself for me and you on Calvary switches our "position." HE knows all about having HIS position switched...HE left HIS glorious home in heaven to come and be born in the most humble of circumstances in a stable or cave, suffer ridicule on this earth and die on a cross for your sins and mine. Yes, HE knows all about "switching" positions to fulfill HIS FATHER's will...but out of that change of positions came eternal life for you and me, and all those GOD has chosen before the foundations of the world to be HIS children...

" Praise be to the GOD and FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in CHRIST. For HE chose us in HIM before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in HIS sight. In love HE predestined us to be adopted as HIS sons through JESUS CHRIST, in accordance with HIS pleasure and will-to the praise of HIS glorious grace, which HE has freely given us in the One HE loves. In HIM we have redemption through HIS blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of GOD's grace that HE lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding...in HIM we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of HIM who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of HIS will in order that we,...who hope in CHRIST, might be for the praise of HIS glory. And you also were included in CHRIST when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation." Ephesians 1:3-8,11-13.


What a glorious change for us who are in CHRIST JESUS! He changes us from our "position" of eternal death to eternal life through CHRIST JESUS HIS SON...and gives us all the spiritual blessings that go along with that change of "position." "Behold what manner of love the FATHER has given unto us that we should be called the sons of GOD," I John 3:1. IT is GOD who chooses to switch my position...and just as CHRIST had to die to bring life to us, so we too are called to "follow in HIS steps", "take up our cross daily and follow HIM." We are called to "die" to our hopes and dreams and offer them to HIM so that HE might bring forth life through our "crosses," and HIM changing our "position." It took me several years to accept HIM changing our "position" after we moved back home, but HE has taught me, as HE taught Paul, "... for I have learned to be content in whatever situation I am in, " Philippians 4:11. I am thankful that "GOD's ways are higher than mine, and HIS thoughts are not my thoughts"...Isaiah 55:9.

I think of one of my dear doctors out in Texas...Dr. Rea is a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon by training, and was practicing in that field when he became sick from pesticides in his home, gases in the operating room, and formaldehyde. Through the events of his suffering and getting well, sleeping outside due to sensitivity to chemicals, and only able to eat one food a day for a long time, he learned the tools that would help thousands of patients like me who have gone from doctor to doctor with no answers, return to health. GOD has brought patients, including doctors, from all over the world to Dr. Rea for healing...and all this happened when GOD changed his position through an injury from being a surgeon only to being a world renowned environmental health doctor (www.ehcd.com, www.aehf.com).
You know, it's not easy to accept our position being changed when we don't want it to be changed, but that is the way of the cross, to die to self, and surrender to GOD's plans and purposes. HE wants to bring life to those around us, and HE does that through us laying down our lives, and being a vessel of GOD's living water that flows through us. Sometimes those changes are really hard and difficult to accept, but if we can but learn to trust the LORD's wisdom and what HE's doing, it will help us to accept HIM changing our position, and help us to realize our circumstances are not just random events happening in our lives ... HE is the one who does it. As I've often heard Elisabeth Elliot, who had her "position" changed when her husband Jim was killed by the Auca Indians, and then again, when her second husband died of cancer, say, "In acceptance lieth peace."

I was challenged in my Streams in the Desert devotion for Sept 17 to "see GOD in everything," in every circumstance, in every person, and especially when we find ourselves wondering what is happening to us and our "position" has been changed. The verse was from 1 Samuel 3:18..."It is the Lord: let him do what seemeth him good".

Streams in the Desert said:

"See God in everything, and God will calm and color all that thou dost see!" It may be that the circumstances of our sorrows will not be removed, their condition will remain unchanged; but if Christ, as Lord and Master of our life, is brought into our grief and gloom, "HE will compass us about with songs of deliverance." To see HIM, and to be sure that His wisdom cannot err, His power cannot fail, His love can never change; to know that even His direst dealings with us are for our deepest spiritual gain, is to be able to say, in the midst of bereavement, sorrow, pain, and loss, "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath, taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."

Nothing else but seeing God in everything will make us loving and patient with those who annoy and trouble us. They will be to us then only instruments for accomplishing His tender and wise purposes toward us, and we shall even find ourselves at last inwardly thanking them for the blessings they bring us. Nothing else will completely put an end to all murmuring or rebelling thoughts.--H. W. Smith.

"Romans 8:28 still applies "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

I heard a song a few years ago on "The Gospel Greats" radio show (www.thegospelgreats.com) called "For My Good and For HIS Glory." You can listen to "The Gospel Greats" on the web by clicking on http://www.sunlite-radio.com/page14.html. The words just went right to my heart, and encouraged me so much. The words come to mind as I write this about GOD changing our "positions in life"...it's part of our maturing as CHRISTians to learn to trust our COACH. HE knows what HE's doing to bring about victory in our lives and the lives that our life will touch. Sometimes HE does change our "position" and HE doesn't even bother to consult us HE just does it. HE is our CREATOR, our POTTER, and as it says in the Bible, the Potter doesn't have to ask the clay what HE's doing..."O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? says the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel. "
I have another dear doctor in Texas who trusts her Potter for what HE had done in her life. Though her "position" has been changed through health challenges....instead of being bitter about what GOD allowed through her weakness...she serves HIM faithfully as a wonderful physician at the Environmental Health Clinic in Dallas. HE used her weakness to change her "position"and broaden her position of influence where literally lives from all over the world are being delivered from the "bondage" of sickness because of the "position" where GOD moved her. How very thankful and grateful I am for the healing that GOD has brought to my body through her help...I sure wouldn't have been on that softball field Saturday if it wasn't for her.

Yes, my body is getting older and the old gray mare isn't what she used to be, but that's okay. I wouldn't have chosen this "position" my COACH put me in and the sickness that came with it, but I wouldn't switch the "position" the LORD has had me in the past several years for the best health in the world. For in my "weakness" HE has drawn me closer to HIM, shaped and molded our family, brought so many dear people into my lives that I wouldn't have met otherwise, and taught me so much. Hopefully, HE will use some of what HE's taught me to be a blessing to others somewhere along the way.

I walked a mile with Pleasure,
She chattered all the way;
But left me none the wiser
For all she had to say.

I walked a mile with Sorrow,
And ne'er a word said she;
But, oh the things I learned from her
When sorrow walked with me.

The next morning after the ball game, I was at church with my family, skinned up legs and all. Thankfully, I was still able to walk. After church was over, one of the guys who was firing the balls across the field at me said it was really a blessing when I got switched to first base...he said he was confident throwing to me, that I knew how to play first base(he just thought I was hustling cause I stayed in the dirt more than I stood up). I was honored that he felt that way with this 46 year old woman, who could barely walk, much less run, playing first base. It's just further evidence that GOD is indeed strong in our weaknesses, and uses us in the positions HE puts us in when we are weak. I know this, I sure did enjoy getting out on that softball field, even if I was in pain every step I took. I found this out, I'm not ready just yet to hang up my ball glove but I do have some work to do to get in shape to play. I'd better get busy so the next time Hannah Beth says, "Let's go play, Mama,"... I'll be ready to 'Play Ball!"

With all HIS love,
mitzi

For My Good and For HIS Glory by Rebecca J. Peck
"I must admit that I don’t understand
Why God would let me face
This painful circumstance.
All I have to cling to is His Word and His Name.
But that’s enough, so I will trust.

Because I love the Lord He’s promised me
He’ll work all things for good.
Through my tears I believe
That His ways are higher than any of my own.
Though my heart aches, He makes no mistakes.
(Chorus)

It’s for my good and for His glory.
This trial’s not the end of the story
There’s a bigger picture God alone can see.
Faith will take me through this sorrow
For I know Who holds tomorrow.
And He assures me
It’s for my good and for His glory.
(Bridge)

Though I would not have chosen
The suffering that has come
I’m willing now to say
Lord, not my will but Yours be done."