Bless the LORD = Happy! Happy! Happy!

"Oh that men would praise [and confess to] the LORD HIS goodness and loving kindness, and HIS wonderful works to the children of men!  And let them  sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and rehearse HIS deeds with shouts of joy and HIS singing!"  Psalm 107:21-22 Amplified

                           Happy! Happy! Happy! 

Dear Praying Friends and Family,

   It's been  cold and overcast here in Alabama and a good cozy day to stay inside...in fact i stayed in my pj's and housecoat until this afternoon. My cold/cough/ headache /sore throat is still hanging on.  I told my husband when he left for work that i thought i would go back to bed. I never do that, but today i wasn't feeling good.  I didn't make it back to bed, but i felt good enough to spend time in my little place in the "joy" room with the LORD on the little love seat.  I am thankful i was able to focus and concentrate, even though i was feeling badly.  Just me and Troy and the LORD sitting on the couch surrounded by pictures of my loved ones i pray for,  daily calendars from Oswald Chambers, Elisabeth Elliot, Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Hannah Hurnard, and the Love Dare calendar, prayer lists,  my John MacArthur One Year Bible and of course my devotion books...lots of devotion books:).  On the back of the couch, squeezed in between me and the couch is Troy, our Maltipoo.  He loves to lay on the back of the couch, snuggled up real close to me and  does that every morning when i have my time with JESUS.  I forgot to mention something i added just yesterday...a yellow legal pad...one of those looong yellow legal pads to jot down the things i am thankful for.  This simple little yellow pad is a key to transforming my life and blessing the LORD.  

I am thankful for my favorite place to start the day...

 I have been really struggling with being thankful.  Instead my emotions have been naturally leading me to focus on all the negative things i don't like about my family and friends, and my circumstances in life.  Does that ever happen to you?  At 50, and going through some hormonal changes,  i'm sure that's had a lot to do with my "toxic" feelings.  Last Thursday morning, when i got up for Thanksgiving, the last thing i felt like doing was giving thanks for anything. GOD gently reminded me to get out my notebook and began writing things down that i was thankful for.   After sitting there for several minutes and my list was growing longer and longer, my spirits were truly lifted.. i know it blessed the LORD for me to take time and thank HIM for HIS blessings in my life.

Counting my blessings...naming them one by one.

     A couple of weeks ago, the LORD reminded me through friends on FB who were writing down the things they were thankful for to start using my notebook again that i started last year when my body was going crazy on me. He reminded me  how miserable last Thanksgiving, last summer, and last fall was for me....real miserable.   HE led me to read a book about a lady that wrote down a 1,000 things she was thankful for and how it transformed her life.  I began doing that last year, not because i felt thankful but because i needed to count my blessings instead of focusing on the uncomfortableness my body was going through for months. Somewhere along the way this year, i stopped writing in my little journal.  I picked it up again a couple of weeks ago and began writing again.  I told Hannah Beth when she was home for Thanksgiving i needed to buy a new one, because i was almost out of pages, and then the LORD led me to go to the homeschool closet (yes, i still have a homeschool closet though we haven't homeschooled in a few years...i love it when the kids still go to it and get out school supplies, like index cards and paper) and got out one of those long yellow legal pads.  I started writing down the things i was thankful for yesterday and numbering them.  I love having that big long sheet of paper because it encourages me to write more.  It's not hard at all to think of things i'm thankful for once i get going, and it's really neat to see that long page fill up with GOD's blessings, HIS love, and HIS tendermercies.  I'm not sure what it is...but GOD tells us over and over to thank HIM, in everything...there is something supernatural about doing that that moves the heart of GOD and moves our heart.


     "It is always possible to be thankful for what is given rather than to complain about what is not given.  One or the other becomes a habit of life." 
                                                         -Elisabeth Elliot

So thankful for my brother's family and his son's  new bride! 

        

My Daddy with his first greatgrandbaby, Caleb-
So thankful for both...

     Tonight i was talking to my cousin on the phone and he was telling me about his little granddaughter who is almost four and is unable to feed herself.  She is at Children's hospital now, where they are trying to teach her how to eat.  She gets hooked up to an IV every night when she goes to bed for her nutrition, but her little body is failing her. Please pray for her and her sweet family.   One of our friends Johnny grew up with lost his 28 year old son in a car accident this past weekend.  Gene Chizik got fired as Auburn's coach after a miserable season after winning the national championship just two years ago.  Gene is a man of GOD and is learning another step of faith in giving thanks in everything...even when you get fired.


"The true CHRIST is thankful for all things.  How is it possible to be thankful for all things?  Because we trust HIM.  Trust is the ground of our Thanksgiving." Elisabeth Elliot

You and i could go on and on with difficult and tragic situations that can and do often rob us of our joy and peace in CHRIST JESUS. Not only difficult situations, but being envious of others robs us of our joy  too.

Advertisements often have one major goal: to make us discontented, woefully dissatisfied with who we are and what we have.

-Chuck Swindoll

  There is something supernatural about giving thanks that unleashes GOD's power in our lives and the lives of others, especially in difficult times.

   "When we choose the pathway of worship and giving thanks, especially in difficult circumstances, there is a fragrance that flows forth out of our lives to bless the LORD and others."  Nancy Leigh DeMoss, 
www.reviveourhearts.com

  

    One of the friends that blessed me on FB the most as she was writing her thanks each day was my friend Ronda.  Ronda's husband was killed in a car accident in the spring, and she was left a widow with two teenagers, and a 20 year old.  Her husband had been wrestling with brain cancer for several years.  When Al died, Ronda was left with the strain of running the family business that was already having financial struggles.  I know she has and continues to go through a difficult time, but each day in November, she has bravely shared something that she was thankful for...one day it was Hope...the hope that is ours in CHRIST JESUS, and that she will see her husband again in heaven.  There truly was a fragrant that flowed forth out of Ronda's life that blessed the LORD and all who read Ronda's thanksgiving posts.

    JESUS, this JESUS that came into the world as a little baby,  died to save us from our sins, and he ROSE from the grave three days later!  He's Alive, just like i wrote about a couple of weeks ago, when i felt HIS nearness in my little kitchen as i washed the dishes and grieved over the recent elections.   I was listening to the song, "This Blood," http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQLlW_Bl4BA&feature=sharesang by Prestonwood Baptist choir when i felt that sense of HIS presence in a powerful way.  This is the JESUS, who turns weeping into joy, and gives us beauty for ashes, and restores the years the locust have eaten.

 This morning in my "Amazing Grace," devotion book, it too was about thanking GOD...in particularly for our salvation.

"Thanks be to GOD for HIS indescribably gift!  ( 2 Cor. 9:15)     The gift of salvation-a personal relationship with almighty GOD-what an indescribably gift!  Yet how often do we sincerely thank our LORD for all that HE has done in making this possible:  Our lack of praise and thanksgiving for HIS gift of salvation can be likened to the response of the ten lepers after being miraculously healed by CHRIST (Luke 17:11-19).  Only one returned to express gratitude.  The interest of the other nine was centered more in what had happened to them personally than in remembering the One who had performed the miracle in their lives.  Are we ever guilty of the same carelessness?    It is interesting to imagine the life-long remorse that characterized these nine ungrateful lives:

          I meant to go back, but you may guess I was filled with amazement, I cannot express

          To think that after those horrible years, that passion of loathing and passion of fears,

          Of sores unendurable-eaten, defiled-my flesh was as smooth as the flesh of a child.

          I was drunken with joy; I was crazy with glee; I scarcely could walk and I scarcely could see.

          For the dazzle of sunshine where all had been black; but I meant to go back, O I meant to go back!

          I had thought to return, when people came out; there were tears of rejoicing and laughter and shout;

          My cup was so full I seemed nothing to lack!  But I meant to go back, Oh, I meant to go back!

    Do you know JESUS CHRIST as your personal LORD and SAVIOR?  Have you invited HIM to come and cleanse you of your sins, and surrender your heart to HIM?  I invite you now, to ask HIM to cleanse you, and make you whole.  Then thank HIM for the price HE paid to do that for you. "For GOD loved the world so much, that HE gave HIS ONE and only SON, so that everyone who believes in HIM will not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

                                         

   How many opportunities have you and i missed to thank the LORD because we don't take time to thank HIM.  Get you a yellow legal pad and start thanking HIM today!  You can get a whole stack of legal pads at Staples, and i plan to fill up a stack of them thanking the LORD.  Our pastor told us about a lady who had 14,000 Reasons to Thank GOD.  You and i do too, and more...let's get going, and bless the LORD by thanking HIM...

    This week the LORD used another song to really speak to my heart , a song i've been listening to several times today called, "10,000 Reasons (Bless the LORD, O My Soul)  As i have started writing down my thanksgivings to the LORD, i am amazed at the difference it makes in my attitude...which definitely needed changing.  But it also is a blessing to the LORD when we take time to thank HIM.  I was sitting in church Sunday morning listening to a wonderful message about being thankful our pastor was preaching and my daughter texted me and thanked me for the food i had bought for her while she was home.  She was on her way back to school and had just left.  I did text her back (during church:), and told her i knew now how it made GOD feel when we thank HIM....it really blessed me, and it blesses HIM so much when we thank HIM.  I want to bless the LORD and as we remember to bless HIM and thank HIM...oh how HE blesses us!  I hope you'll take time to listen to this beautiful song, and let HIS love minister to you http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXeyrNtQfrs. Better yet, Bless HIM,  thank HIM and let your love minister to HIM...

    I am thankful for the time we had this week together with our family....HB was home from school for a week, John Mac was home for the weekend and was in and out, and we are so blessed.  One of the fun things we enjoyed was watching "Duck Dynasty" together. 

I am thankful for special times as a family...watching "Duck Dynasty," together.

 If you haven't watched that show, it's a winner, filled with the great outdoors, a godly family that the LORD has blessed their business tremendously http://www.duckcommander.com/, it's funny, and full of good advice for all ages from dating to marriage to work to working through conflict. The Daddy of the family has a saying, "Happy, Happy, Happy," and it's stuck in my head since i've been writing this email:).  One thing i've noticed is when we start thanking the LORD, HE indeed makes us happy, happy, happy and fills with HIS joy!   There are two new episodes coming on tomorrow night on A & E.  Not sure what time, Johnny does all the recording around here, so i mostly just watch shows he has recorded when he comes home from work and i never know what time the actual show is. 



 Speaking of Johnny, he'll be rolling in soon, and i need to get some clothes folded.  It's starting to look a lot like CHRISTmas around here...i'm excited, we have a live CHRISTmas tree for the first time i can remember in years.  It's a little one, but it's ALIVE, like my JESUS....  "Bless the LORD, O My Soul!"    Outside, we have a beautiful tree on the front porch...complete with big bulb lights like i grew up with..."Happy, Happy, Happy!"

I am thankful for  BIG LIGHTS

       

   

   A month from today, my boy marries the girl of his heart's desire.  Please be in prayer for all of us, as we make the final preparations for the wedding, and pray their wedding and marriage will "Bless the LORD, O My Soul," and bear much fruit for our LORD JESUS CHRIST.

I am thankful for GOD giving my son the desires of his heart and my new daughter in law to be.

4 More Weeks
Psalm 37:4
"Delight Yourself in the LORD and HE will give you the desires of your heart."

      December 8th and 9th our choir and music ministry, at FBC will be sharing "An Athens CHRISTmas."  This is a great opportunity to invite your friends and Come and Bless the LORD by joining in with us to celebrate HIS birth...i sure hope to see you there.     I love being a part of the music ministry at First Baptist Athens...thank you, LORD!  

                                            I am so thankful to be a part of the choir and orchestra
                                                  I love playing the drums for JESUS!

                                     

                                                                                                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                                              

    

   I'm sorry i haven't filled you in on Dana Grammer in a while, but she has been released to move back to Alabama with her baby Tristan and she is Happy! Happy! Happy!   She continues to be in the process of getting custody of her son, Zach.  Her husband hasn't been cleared of his charges for spanking their son in the backyard, but he and Dana are very much together (even though separated by distance for now) and are so very thankful for GOD restoring their family thus far.  She was able to be with Zach over Thanksgiving, she even made the Thanksgiving meal for all of her family here in Alabama!   Dana sure looks forward to the day her husband can join them here in Alabama and they all be together as a family again. Please continue to remember their sweet family in your prayers.

I am thankful that Dana is back in Alabama with her sons and GOD is restoring her family!

       I am so very thankful for you, and your sweet prayers on behalf of our family and loved ones.  Thank you so very much...your prayers and sweet fellowship in CHRIST JESUS bless me, bless the LORD and make me Happy! Happy! Happy!  

                                                                      With all HIS love,

                                                                         mitzi

--

Let all that I am praise the Lord ; with my whole heart, I will praise His holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord ; may I never forget the good things He does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! (Psalms 103:1-5 NLT)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXeyrNtQfrs&feature=share

"10,000 Reasons (Bless the LORD, O My Soul)

"So I Come to Tell You..."

"But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek JESUS WHO was crucified.  HE is not here; for HE is risen, as HE said, "Come, see the place where the LORD lay.  And go quickly go to  and tell HIS disciples that HE is risen from the dead...so they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring HIS disciples word.  And as they went to tell the disciples behold, JESUS met them, saying, Rejoice!" So they came and held HIM by the feet and worshipped HIM.  Then JESUS said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethern to go to Galilee, and there they will see ME." Matthew 28:5-10

Our new lights shining on the back porch...LOVE THEM!!!

Dear Praying Friends and Family,

    What a blessing to be able to write tonight....i am enjoying looking out the window at my new "Mexican-CHRISTmas," lights draping the rail on our back porch deck, and just being able to settle down and write.  I miss writing you...i truly do.  For whatever reasons i am not able to write as much these days, GOD has HIS reasons, and i am thankful to be able to write when HE opens the door, and gives me the ability to write.    

    A lot has transpired since i last wrote...a devastating hurricane struck the East Coast, and we had a Presidential election this week, an election that stunned and shocked some of us. As Johnny and i watched the results come in, we were just shocked, as Mitt Romney said he was....this wasn't the results he was expecting either.  I remember waking up Wednesday morning and remembering the results of the Presidential election and just having this sinking feeling in the depths of my soul, and that feeling lingered throughout most of the morning.  Fear of what the future is going to hold for our country, for us, for our children, our grandchildren, for CHRISTians.  I wanted to write you last week and send out several informative video clips that had been shared with me during the days leading up to the election....one in particular by Pastor David Jeremiah exhorting us why it was so important to vote our biblical values. http://vimeo.com/52163082?utm_source=2012-11-04+2012+U.S.+Presidential+Election&utm_campaign=News+Alert+-+Election&utm_medium=email. In it he spoke of how the LORD had led him to the East Coast three times in recent weeks, and how the LORD had used Franklin and Billy Graham to  lead the efforts to take out newspaper ads in the state of North Carolina a few weeks ago when the marriage law was up for a vote to encourage people to support the biblical roles of marriage between one man and woman.  He shared his role in the ad of Billy Graham that was placed in the battle ground states newspapers encouraging voters to support Biblical values when they went to the polls to vote.  I thought wow, that's going to do it, David Jeremiah, Billy and Franklin Graham....all these influential CHRISTian leaders encouraging us to vote our biblical values, that would surely get the people to vote.   My son and husband had been talking back and forth the days leading up to the elections and things were sounding really good for "our side."  I was really confident in the outcome of the election and felt really peaceful throughout the day.  Not my friend, Wanda...she was very uncomfortable and she had a heavy burden and prayed throughout the day.  That evening as i was home alone watching the returns come in...i thought this doesn't sound the way we thought it was going to go according to the "experts," we had listened to.  I called my son, and my husband and they both agreed....this wasn't going the way we anticipated.

    As I was standing at the sink the afternoon after the election washing dishes,  I was thinking about the elections and listening to a song  that has really ministered to me the past couple of weeks since i first heard it.  It's called "This Blood,"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQLlW_Bl4BA&feature=plcp, sung by Prestonwood Baptist Church's choir a few weeks ago.  The first time i heard it, it gripped my heart.  As i was washing the dishes Wednesday afternoon, my heart anxious and heavy over the elections results, i was not expecting what happened as i was listening to words to this powerful song:

   "There is a blood, that cost a life, that paid my way, death its price,

     When it flowed down from the cross, my sins were gone, my sins forgot,

     There is a grave that tried to hide, this precious blood that gave me life

     In three days HE breathed again, and rose to stand to in my defense. 

  "So I come to tell you HE's alive, to tell you that HE dries every tear that falls,

   So I come to tell you that HE SAVES, to shout and to proclaim that HE's coming back for you.

   There is a blood that  sights  the blind, that heals the sick, and the lonely finds

   And it has the power to free the bound, as chains that fall upon the ground

   So pour it out and cleanse my soul, let HIS liquid glory flow

    Cause HE lives to make me whole, I owe my life, I owe my all

  "So I come to tell you HE's alive, to tell you that HE dries every tear that falls,

   So I come to tell you that HE SAVES, to shout and to proclaim that HE's coming back for you.

    All of the sudden, for a brief moment at that kitchen sink it was as if JESUS HIMself was standing there with me, saying, "Cheer up, Mitzi, I AM ALIVE, you don't have to be afraid."  It was the sense of HIS PRESENCE of HIM with me in the kitchen, it was the reality that HE is ALIVE, and it was HIS comfort to me, that I didn't have to be afraid of the future because HE IS ALIVE...not was ALIVE!

    That was it....for a brief moment, i had an up close encounter with my LORD, the kind that only occurs very occasionally when you sense HE is really REAL, HE is REALLY ALIVE, and HE is coming back for me and for you, and for all those WHO placed their trust in HIM as LORD and SAVIOR and repented of our sins.  Then the phone rang, and it was my doctor in Texas, and she got an earful of the joy that i was feeling at that moment, and I told her what had just happened to me as I was listening to that song.  

    The LORD reminded me in that brief encounter how scared and downhearted the disciples were after HE was crucified and they were huddled up in a room hiding away from the Jews. It seemed to be the end of the world to them...the worst that could happen, happened.   When JESUS appeared to them, and convinced them that HE was indeed alive, and reminded them that HE had to fulfill what the prophets said about HIM, they were filled with joy and with courage, and shortly, thereafter, the HOLY SPIRIT, to empower them to do what JESUS shared with them as was recorded in each of the four gospels.  HE told them, to go and preach the gospel to every nation, to  tell others that HE had died for their sins, and for them to repent of their sins, and "As the FATHER has sent Me, so send I you," and to "Go and make disciples of all the nations baptizing them in the name of the FATHER, the SON, the HOLY SPIRIT, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

   JESUS  Words to them is HIS Words to us..."I AM ALIVE,....Do not be afraid, and I'm coming back for you.  "  HIS command to the disciples, is HIS command to HIS disciples now...to go, to preach, to teach that CHRIST died for our sins, HE arose on the third day, believe, repent, and somehow HE makes us a new creature in CHRIST.  , Nothing about the elections changed that...in fact, people may be more open than ever to hearing the HOPE and SALVATION that is found in JESUS CHRIST not in this world.  If you read the Scriptures...these circumstances we find ourselves living in have to take place in order for the prophecies to be fulfilled concerning the end times, the rapture of the Bride of CHRIST, and the one world government, the anti christ, and JESUS coming back to rule and reign here on earth ultimately.  It's all there, and these things have to happen for GOD's plan to be carried out.  Our role is to go and tell....to tell those who aren't in CHRIST about HIS salvation, for it's not HIS will that any should perish.  

    I am reminded as i have thought about what i was going to share, that those fearful disciples were filled with GOD's HOLY SPIRIT and courage after they saw HE was ALIVE.   They were different after that and they went out with boldness to share the gospel to a culture that was very adverse to hearing what they had to share.  Our culture has become more and more hostile to us too, and we must be filled with CHRIST's HOLY SPIRIT and the reality that HE is indeed ALIVE to be able to share HIS salvation and "Stand UP, Stand Up for JESUS" in the face of persecution...persecution that is surely to increase for the CHRISTians.  But that persecution is not the end of the story for CHRIST's children...indeed the best is yet to come, as it was for the 12 disciples who were  all but one,  (not including JUDAS Iscariot who betrayed JESUS)  martyred for being a CHRIST follower.   

     "We know that we face nothing alone, neither temptation, test or trial, and that nothing can seperate us from the presence and love of CHRIST or from contact with HIS power." Hannah Hurnard, Winged Life

     Nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of GOD demonstrated by our LORD JESUS CHRIST when HE died for us." Romans 8:39

   I watched a video a few days ago, after Phillip and i read the story about Jim Elliot and the four missionaries who were killed by the Auca Indians in 1956. Jim Elliot and his friends knew the risk they were taking as they tried to build a relationship with these savages and share CHRIST with them.  They  had guns on them, but they chose not to use them because the Aucas did not know CHRIST and they didn't want them to go into eternity without knowing the SAVIOR. After the Aucas killed Jim and his missionary friends, his wife and 2 year old daughter later went to live among the Auca's and the whole tribe came to know CHRIST.  It is a remarkable story that is still being told, and you can read about it,  www.elisabethelliot.org or watch the videos, "The End of the Spear," and "Beyond the Gates of Splendor," to name a few.  There are several clips on youtube. This video is entitled is "HE is No Fool," sung by Twila Paris and it shows different men and women who have given their lives for the sake of sharing CHRIST with others....I hope you will take time to watch this and be inspired to give your all to share the salvation found in JESUS CHRIST with those who don't HIM...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fkeXbti90Y.

    Whatever lies ahead for you and me we can be assured that JESUS IS Alive,  HE is with us ALWAYS,that indeed HE does dry every tear that falls, and HE is coming back for me and you...if you have trusted HIM as your LORD and SAVIOR.   Have you abandoned everything to walk in the steps of our LORD JESUS CHRIST?  Have I?   Oh these songs and these words by Jim Elliot challenge my heart, "He is no fool who gives what HE cannot keep to gain what HE cannot loose."  

  

   I have written the words of all four gospels down so you can compare them for yourselves...JESUS Words to HIS disciples then, or HIS WORDS of comfort and exhortation to us now..."Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the FATHer and of the SON and of the HOLY SPIRIT, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."  Matthew 28:19-20.

     

   

"But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek JESUS WHO was crucified. HE is not here; for HE is risen, as HE said, Come see the place where thees  LORD lay.  And go quickly and tell HIS disciples that HE is risen from the dead, and indeed HE is going before you into Galilee,; there you will see HIM...So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring HIS disciples word.  And as they went to tell HIS disciples, behold, JESUS met them saying, "Rejoice!" So they came and held HIM by the feet and worshipped HIM....Then JESUS said to them, "Do not be afraid.  Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me..." 

"And JESUS came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to ME in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the FATHER and of the SON and of the HOLY SPIRIT, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:5-10,  18-20

"Now as they said these things, JESUS HIMself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, "Peace to  you."  But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. And HE said to them, "Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that is is I Myself.  Handle ME and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have. When HE had said this, HE showed them HIS hands and HIS feet.  But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, HE said to them, "Have you any food here?"  So they gave HIM a piece of broiled fish and some honeycomb and HE took it and ate it in there presence.  Then HE said to them, "These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me." And HE opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures."  Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the CHRIST to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in HIS name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem."

Luke 24:36-43

"Later HE appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and HE rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen HIM after HE has risen.  And HE said to them, "GO into all the world "and preach the gospel to every creature.  He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." Mark 16:14-16

"Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, JESUS came and stood in the midst, and said to them, "Peace be with you."  When HE had said this, HE showed them HIS hands and HIS side.  Then the disciples were glad when they saw the LORD. So JESUS said to them again, "Peace be to you! As the FATHER has sent ME, I also send you." John 20:19-21

 Our Sunday School teacher's son who is a pastor in Arkansas  wrote a blog the morning after the election about him being excited in a weird way about the outcome of the elections...hope you can take time to read his words that sure were an encouragement to my heart...http://theheartofpastormatt.wordpress.com/2012/11/07/in-a-weird-way-son-i-am-excited/

   May Matt's excitement be ours as the LORD has fresh grace to pour out upon us for whatever lies ahead.  In the darkness, CHRIST shines the brightest through our lives as we saturate ourselves with HIM and HIS WORD.  May HE burn and shine brightly through you and me in the darkness of this world as HE did through Jim Elliot and those other men who gave their lives for CHRIST.  Elisabeth Elliot, Jim's wife used to say, "The worst day in history was turned into the best day when CHRIST died and rose from the dead.  These elections may seem like the worst thing that could happen to us...GOD has a way of turning the worst into the best.      "So I Come To Tell You....  that HE IS ALIVE, HE Dries Every Tear That Falls,  HE SAVES, and HE's Coming Back for you." He tells us to go and tell others about HIM and the salvation that is found in HIM alone.  I pray these words will comfort your heart and challenge your heart  today as they have mine.

                                                                                                         With all HIS love,

                                                                                                                  mitzi

PS. Johnny wasn't too excited about the mexican CHRISTmas lights...sigh:). I still think they're pretty AWESOME and cozy!

Shine, JESUS, shine YOUR light through me in the darkness of this world

   "You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your FATHER in heaven." Matthew 5:13:16

--

"Men ought always to pray and not to faint." Luke 18:1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CC8puwexBBo&feature=related

"He Knows My Name"

"No More Night"

"Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from GOD, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of GOD is with men, and HE will dwell with them, and they shall be HIS people. GOD HIMself will be with them and be their GOD. And GOD will wipe away every tear from their eyes: there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things news." And HE said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful." Rev. 21:1:-5

Dear Praying Friends and Family,

    As i was finishing up my time with JESUS this morning, i was trying to decide which of the kajillion things on my to do list i was going to do first.  I had been praying the LORD would show me, and HE brought my thoughts back to a song our choir is singing tomorrow, "No More Night."  I had shared it on FB last night for it touched my heart so very much as i heard the choir of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church sing it on You Tube at the funeral of Dr. D. James Kennedy.  When the kids were little and Johnny was at work on Saturday nights, i would often turn their services that were recorded from the previous week on and listen to Dr. Kennedy preach.  When the choir was singing this beautiful song last night and it showed Dr. Kennedy's casket, it made me sad. I had not thought of Dr. Kennedy in a long time, but wow, what amazing works GOD did through this man's life as HE filled Dr. Kennedy and used him in so many ways to build GOD's kingdom in the hearts of men, women and children.  GOD used this ordinary man, whom he saved in his bedroom i believe listening to a sermon on a radio, to lead so many people to CHRIST JESUS through the Evangelism Explosion questions :

1. Have you reached the point in your spiritual life where you know for certain that if you were to die tonight you would go to heaven?
2. If you were to die tonight and God were to ask you, "Why should I let you into heaven," how would you answer?

         When i was 19, the LORD  led me down the aisle at Central Baptist Church and called me to be HIS.    I had been wrestling with a dating relationship for the past four years, and knew that i had to surrender in order to be CHRIST's but i had not been able to do that in my own strength...in fact i had failed time and time again. This time, the LORD did it for me.     Afterwards,  some church members came over to my house, to make sure that i knew CHRIST as my LORD and SAVIOR and they asked me these two questions. I had no idea they were from D. James Kennedy...didn't know who he was at the time.  I remember stammering and stuttering around a little bit, but then the Holy Spirit to gave me the right answer, it is because CHRIST died for my sins, that i should be let into heaven, not my works, or anything i have done.  

    Not only was Dr. Kennedy instrumental in establishing  Evangelism Explosion that CHRIST continues to use to reach the lost and disciple those who come to CHRIST,http://evangelismexplosion.org/, but the impact of CHRIST through this man's surrendered life continues to reach out in so many directions and bear fruit for all eternity.  Dr. Kennedy was such a champion in exhorting  our country to be a CHRISTian nation. Coral Ridge was always making videos and having specials on our Founding Father's and other things pertaining to our godly heritage as a nation.  They ran them on the Coral Ridge's hour each week to encourage godly leaders, godly families and us to be a godly nation where CHRIST was exalted and reaching the world through America.    I am so glad my children got to grow up listening to him and watching some of the great teachings they had on during their growing up years. On of the books we read together of D. James Kennedy that really made an impact on me was What If JESUS HAD NEVER BEEN BORN, clearly outlining the impact that the life of JESUS CHRIST has made throughout history.  No other life transformed our world like JESUS CHRIST in every area.  

 It kind of took me back to another time last night when i watched this video on you tube and listened to it over and over- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asht-Cdbur4&sns=fb " No More Night." This morning, when i noticed a friend had commented on it... i listened to it again...and it took me forward to another time... a time when there will be "No More Night."  A time when "GOD will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.  There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." Rev. 21:4.  Hallelujah those are shouting words that bring joy to my heart and should to every true child of GOD. 

"No More Nights" by Glen Campbell and Lari Goss

The timeless theme, earth and

heaven will pass away. It's not a

dream, God will make all things

new that day. Gone is the curse

from which I stumbled and fell.

Evil is banished to eternal hell.

No more night. No more pain.

No more tears. Never crying

again. And praises to the great "I

AM." We will live in the light of

the risen Lamb.

See all around, now the nations

bow down to sing. The only

sound is the praises to Christ,

our King. Slowly the names from

the book are read. I know the

King, so there's no need to dread.

No more night. No more pain.

No more tears. Never crying

again. And praises to the great "I

AM." We will live in the light of

the risen Lamb.

See over there, there's a mansion,

oh that's prepared just for me,

where I will live with my Savior

eternally.

No more night. No more pain.

No more tears. Never crying

again. And praises to the great "I

AM." We will live in the light of

the risen Lamb.

All praises to the great "I AM."

We're gonna live in the light of

the risen Lamb.

      For all of us who are in CHRIST JESUS, this world and it's pain is temporary, and we have so very much to look forward to.  As Dr. Kennedy shared last night on an interview i watched, he has had a lot of pain, and i have too physically, and it sure does make you look forward to the time of no more...in fact, i can't imagine it.  I have lived for so long with a chronic pain of some kind every day....whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual.  CHRIST promised that in this world we would have tribulation, but to be of good cheer HE has overcome the world."  John 16:33  Praise the LORD, in CHRIST now, we can have peace in the midst of tribulation, but the day is coming soon where we will have "no more tears, no more death, nor sorrow nor crying, nor pain, for the former things have passed away." Rev.21:5.  Think about it!  These are shouting words, and not just words, but TRUTHS, GOD's PROMISES that have all come true and are coming true.  HE is TRUSTWORTHY and HE keeps all HIS Promises: 

    " For all of God's promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding "Yes!" And through Christ, our "Amen" (which means "Yes") ascends to God for his glory."2 Cor. 1:20.

     That's all of them, including the one up above!

     Sadly, there is another promise HE keeps too, and that is to punish the wicked forever and ever in the lake of fires, where "'their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.' Mark 9:48.  This promise from GOD is just as true, and if we could get to heaven any other way, HE would not have sent HIS perfect, sinless SON, to take the punishment for our sin.  My prayer today, is that you will ask GOD to forgive you for your sins, and trust in CHRIST and CHRIST alone to save you and deliver you from the lake of fire.  GOD loves you so very much, and HE has been waiting for you to surrender your life to HIM.  Why don't you ask HIM today to come into your heart?  

    I'm thankful that GOD continues to raise up pastors and churches that are not ashamed to confront the difficult issues of our time like D. James Kennedy wasn't afraid to confront them in his time.  This past week I watched the 2nd "Faith and Freedom Forums," that Prestonwood Baptist Church  in Plano, Texas http://www.prestonwood.org/plano/ sponsored the past two Tuesdays at lunch time for the people in their community.  As pastor Jack Graham shared, it wasn't just an event for their church family, they invited the press, and used it to reach out to the world for CHRIST and help us understand the issues better going into this presidential election.  You can listen to those forums here :http://www.prestonwood.org/faith-and-freedom-forum-october-2012/.  They were excellent in addressing some tough issues and i so appreciate what GOD is doing through HIS body to reach the Dallas area and the uttermost parts of the world for CHRIST.  One of the quotes Dr. Jack Graham used at the close of the forum was from Dr. Billy Graham:

 Please pray for our country, as we go and vote on Nov. 6..."If My people who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will i hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." II Chr. 7:14

   We each have to opportunity to be a part of a loving church family in the community CHRIST has placed us in-that's one of the wonderful privileges and freedom CHRIST has given us through his death and resurrection and our soldiers have paid for through the years as they have fought and died for.     Tomorrow night our church will be hosting one of our largest family outreaches of the year as we have our "Trunk or Treat," there in the parking lot of the Family Life Center.  Come and join us and bring your family and friends as we share CHRIST with our community.  My friend Wanda and i will be manning our "trunk," with the  Harvest Theme of "In Everything Give Thanks." We'll have mums, pumpkins, leaves, tracts, and plenty of candy so come by and see us! 

"Family Fun Harvest" Festival at First Baptist Church, Athens- Come and join  us!

 Next Sunday night, our choir and orchestra will be leading in worship with "Honor Hymn with Hymns."  We have been working for several months on some of these favorite hymns such as "How Great Thou Art," "My JESUS, I Love Thee," "The Old Rugged Cross," "Amazing Grace, My Chains are Gone," "Wonderful Grace of JESUS," and several more.  You come and join us at 5:30 for the string ensemble, and then 6:00 as the choir and orchestra "Honor HIM with Hymns."  Please pray that CHRIST will be exalted in all that our church family does and is and draw others to HIM. 

"HONOR HIM with HYMNS" -Nov. 4 Come and join us!

   I appreciate so much your prayers for me and my family these past couple of weeks.  The liver detox i am doing has gone amazing well and i give GOD all the glory through the answer to your prayers on my behalf.  That's not to say there hasn't been some rough days, there has, but to be able to take the supplements and protein shake itself is a great praise and i thank GOD for hearing and answering your prayers.  I'm learning a lot about the liver and how important it is to help in our detoxification of chemicals, but also in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins and that is something i don't do well.  I'm on a journey, learning more and more about this body that is fearfully and wonderfully made by our CREATOR and looking forward to the LORD continuing to bring HIS healing to my body...little by little.  I'm excited what the LORD continues to teach me and allows me to share with others the healing that HE brings to me. 

   I started a health blog a few weeks ago when i started teaching a health class at our church on Sunday nights.  Right now we are learning we are studying Dr. Mark Hyman's book, Ultrametabolism, and we are studying The Carbohydrate Myth on Ch. 4-the importance of eating good carbs, and the detriments to our body of eating refined carbohydrates.   This book has some evolution in it,  that i ask you to throw out if you read it and pray that Dr. Hyman's eyes will be opened to CHRIST and HIS marvelous creation of the human body.  But GOD has enabled Dr. Hyman to put together some great information that i have been blessed to learn from several other doctors and health care professionals and i want you to be able to learn it too.    You can check that blog out here: www.hisgraceissufficienthealth.com and you can get subscribe through email if you want to continue getting it.  If you want to be a part of our "online," class-i just send out the weekly notes, let me know and i will be glad to do that for you.

    Please continue to pray for our family...and especially myMom and Dad.  We've weathered some health issues recently and sure do appreciate my brother Tracy coming home from Texas to help with that, and my sis and my brothers and all coming alongside my Mom and Dad in their time of need. 

Mom and Dad- thank you for my dear parents, LORD.

 John Mac made an A in his First Fundamental Class and he has enjoyed being home for Fall Break this week.  I have enjoyed two bike rides with him, including one along the creek yesterday and i so much enjoyed hearing his heart and all the LORD is doing in his life.  Please pray for him as the LORD  is at work in him "to will and to work for HIS good pleasure." HB also made an A in her Community Health nursing, i think i mentioned that earlier, and she is deep into "Pediatric" nursing now. I remember that rotation well, when i accidentally stepped on a baby's IV line and pulled it out of his hand.  I thought i was a goner, but my teacher handled it so well.  I did have to go and watch them put the line back in...this time in the baby's scalp and it cried and cried.  I guess my teacher realized that would be enough punishment for me and i have never forgotten that experience and the grace and mercy my teacher showed me!    I praise GOD for HIS continued favor upon our children....thank you for your prayers for us all.

    Lots of exciting events coming up in our family these next couple of months...my nephew Drew and his finance, Katie are getting married on Nov. 17!  My niece, Melissa and her husband Cory are expecting their first baby, and our family's first greatgrandbaby around this same date.  Melissa's brother, Daniel is graduating from Auburn with a degree in electrical engineering in Dec.  Daniel served our country for five years in the Marines, and we are so thankful for GOD blessing him and helping him to obtain this achievement.   My son and new daughter in law to be are getting married on Dec. 27, so it's going to be a busy next few months.  Thanks for your prayers for our family...  GOD is so good!

    You are such a dear blessing to me, and i thank GOD for you...thank you for your prayers for our family.

                                                                                                                                  With all HIS love,

                                                                                                                                          mitzi