YOUR Word is Alive!

"For the Word of GOD is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

Dear Friends,
Last Monday, my daughter along with several other children and young people from our church, and the surrounding area, competed at Lindsay Lane Baptist Church in the District Bible Drill. We are so thankful for the Reville family, the Cobbs, and others who have been working with our young people since January to help them hide GOD's Word in their hearts, and prepare them for the past couple of weeks of competition. Usually before an event like this, i would ideally love to have a little "down" time, but this day, it didn't happen. Hannah Beth had committed to delivering some posters for an event coming up soon, and needed some help. Monday afternoon was her only time to do it this week, so it had to be done...so we both missed our "down" time, and i was sleepy:).
Before Hannah Beth's group came out to quote their Scripture verses, and look up the different passages in 8 seconds or less, there was a Children's drill competing. As I sat there with my head against the wall, I got really sleepy and i didn't just nod off, i must have gone into a really deep sleep. I awoke with a start- my husband had gently ( i think, honestly i don't remember) punched me to wake me up...he said i was moaning. I saw him looking at me, and my Mother-in-law was leaned around him with a big smile on her face looking at me, and my friend, Marcia Christian sitting beside me was bouncing up and down in her seat laughing...i could feel her chair moving, i was too embarrassed to look at her. Thankfully, no one else seemed to have heard the moan, at least no one was turned around looking at me, so after we all had a good laugh, quietly, we resumed listening to the children doing their Bible Drills. I didn't get sleepy anymore after my "nap." In fact, I made it through Hannah Beth's Drill without any further incidence. I am so thankful for her and all the other children and youth that GOD has given them the ability to focus and concentrate and recall HIS WORD that they so diligently have been hiding in their hearts these past several months. Later after the Drill, we had a wonderful time at the Calvert's home where they so graciously hosted a "cookout" for the Bible Drillers and their families. Alan, the barbeque you cooked was wonderful and so was all the rest of the food that everyone brought! Thank ya'll, Alan, Tracy and the whole Calvert family for your wonderful hospitality!
As i was looking back on that embarrassing incident, it was really funny, embarrassing, but funny. I'm just glad it wasn't worse than it was...it could have been. But, i started thinking about this season of our lives in our family, and how "busy" life has become. I remember when the kids were little and we were doing the Ezzo's (www.gfi.org) parenting tapes, they talked about this season of life when your kids are teenagers. They explained how we become the "coaches" as we watch them live out what we've been trying to train them to become all these years. It's true, seems like me and Johnny do a lot of "watching" these days, watching our kids participate in life. I thought about how easy it is just because they are older and able to do so much more, to become "sleepy" and perhaps not be as diligent as we once were to "hide GOD's Word in their hearts" or ours, and fall asleep, and let other less important things crowd out the most important-spending time in GOD's WORD.
When the kids were little, we began teaching them GOD's Word from the very beginning, and i am so thankful for all the encouragement we have had along the way to raise our children in CHRIST, and teach them HIS WORD. We have had so many friends who have been tremendous examples to us as you have raised your families in the LORD and we watched you and wanted our family to be like yours. I remember John Mac learning the 23 Psalm when he was two years old, and laying down with him at night listening to him quote it before he went to sleep. I believe we got that idea from "Creative Family Times" book that the Ezzo's recommended in their Growing Kid's God's Way classes. You can still order those off the web and i highly recommend them for ideas in training your children to focus and concentrate, and hide GOD's Word in their heart. Something i remember the Ezzo's sharing those many years ago, was that training a child to be disciplined, to sit still, and learn to focus, will help them learn and do better in school. Since we homeschooled, it was a matter of survival for me that we trained them to focus, and part of that was training them to start their day spending time in the WORD with JESUS by themselves..."In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD." John 1:1. Since they have been old enough to learn to sit still, we have taught them to look at books about JESUS, and read to them the Bible. Then when they got old enough to read on their own, we trained them to have their own quiet time in the WORD before they started the day. I want to share that what the Ezzo's taught us so many years ago has borne itself out in our lives time and time again...recently our son was honored as one of the top 10 students this year at the junior college he has attended the past two years. We are so thankful to the LORD JESUS CHRIST and give HIM all the glory for this honor. We know that it is HIS work in the life of our son, and HIS favor, that has brought about this honor. As my homeschool coordinator, Kathy, shared with me over lunch yesterday, we parents have so many gaps that GOD fills in when it comes to our kids, and when you homeschool them, you are conscious of that even more. I know that HE has used HIS WORD and HIS grace to fill those huge gaps in our family...it doesn't take long to be around me to realize that i am "fruity," "flaky," and have a whole bunch of glaring weaknesses...I have plenty of room for CHRIST's power to rest on me...and i'll take all of HIS power i can get:)! I am so thankful that HIS "grace is sufficient and HIS power is made perfect in my weakness." II Corinthians 12:9
I remember at Elkmont Baptist, where we were going to church when the kids were little, Joe Kress led a Bible Scripture memory program there one year and the kids got prizes for memorizing different verses out of the Bible. The kids and i would make up little tunes to go with the verses, and work on them after breakfast each morning. My kids still can sing some of those little tunes we made up that go with those verses. When John Mac was in the second grade, the LORD led us to start Bible Drill at Elkmont Baptist, and what a blessing that was to work with the children at Elkmont, helping them to hide GOD's word in their hearts. To this day i have a special place in my heart for those kids who were in our Bible Drill there. When we later moved to First Baptist, Lauren Cox and Shelia Knox led the Bible Drillers, and Hannah Beth was old enough to began competing. She had been learning verses right along with her brother at home, but now it was time for her to be able compete with the team and she like her brother learned the verses with the other children and competed at the end of the year in the various drills. After six years, the LORD moved us to New Life Baptist, and the Reville's started Bible Drill there. They have had a team for 3 years and the program has grown leaps and bounds. What a blessing it has been to see so many of our children and young folks from church competing in these drills. Not just to win, but i know that does motivate them, but more importantly, that GOD has hidden HIS living WORD in their hearts, and the HOLY SPIRIT will use it throughout their lives to bear much fruit for HIS glory. Recently, a friend of mine, whose grown son competed in Bible Drill in his church as he was growing up, shared with me that the verses that he hid in his heart when he was younger kept him out of a lot of trouble as GOD continues to bring them to his mind in his adult years.
When the kid's were younger and both at home all day since we homeschooled, we had a much more leisurely time in the mornings and could spend more time in GOD's Word. These days, it's a quick breakfast, we read a quick devotion from John Macarthur's, Truth for Today, have prayer, and John Mac is out the door to go to school. Usually in the evenings, our family gathers before bed to read a longer devotion together from John MacArthur's Drawing Near. Our times in the Word together have definitely changed through the years, but i am so thankful that the habits the kids built when they were younger spending time in the Word before they get out of bed continues. I trust that in the midst of the many, many weaknesses, that my husband and i have as their very sinful and fallen parents, that GOD will continue to use that WORD, that is living and active in my children's hearts, to accomplish the plans and purposes HE has for them and to "bring forth the fruit YOU deserve." "As the rain and the snow come down from the heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is MY Word that goes out from my mouth. It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:10-11.


This morning, as i was reading Charles Spurgeon's Morning and Evening, he talked about renewing our "dedication to GOD," after any deliverance from troubles and our joys bud forth anew,(and this has definitely happened to me in recent weeks), or in our prosperity. Spurgeon said, "If GOD has honored us, we should honor GOD." GOD has honored our family so very much, and i know that those years of investing in hiding GOD's Word in our children's hearts have borne fruit, are bearing fruit, and will continue to bear fruit for HIS honor and glory. But i also thought of how easy it is to "rest" or "go to sleep" on the past foundation, and not continue to work diligently to read, study, and hide GOD's Word in our hearts. I was challenged by this morning's reading to "Consecrate" myself anew to my commitment to the LORD JESUS first of all and my family to be diligent hiding GOD's Word in our hearts. "Choose you this day whom you will serve, as for me and my house we will serve the LORD," says Joshua 24:15. This verse we hung on our wall as newlyweds and it continues to hang in our kitchen. It's a verse that I desire to be living and active through our lives as our family grows older age wise and in the LORD...I don't want to "nod" off and "fall asleep" just because the kids are older...GOD has been so faithful to our family, and I praise HIM and exalt HIM and lift HIS name up..."Whoever offers praise glorifies ME; and to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of GOD." Psalm 50:23.

These past few weeks, the LORD has really ministered to me through the group "Casting Crowns", who won a Dove Award this week for Contemporary Christian"Group of the Year." One of the songs that has jumped out at me recently has been their song, "The WORD is Alive." As i am trusting GOD's Word to bring forth fruit in another situation in my life, my friend, whom i have been asking you to pray for, this song has really reminded me and encouraged me that HIS Word is Alive. I love these words..."

And as the rain falls from Heaven, feeds the earth before it returns-
LORD, let YOUR WORD fall on us and bring forth the fruit YOU deserve-
With eyes wide open, let us see-
The WORD is alive-HIS WORD is alive.

I remember when i got saved at 19 that all of the sudden, i didn't just read my Bible anymore so i could say i had done my Bible reading- i couldn't wait to read my Bible, and it was alive and speaking to my heart as it never had before. These past few weeks that i have shared with ya'll about my trials with a friend, GOD's WORD has been so living and precious to me, as HE has comforted me over and over through Scripture. I am so thankful for this time that i have been reminded that HIS WORD is living and active, and how it has ministered to my heart. I want to thank each of you who are praying for "my friend." I ask you to continue diligently praying for her salvation and that GOD will use HIS living WORD i have shared with her the past several months to convict her heart and draw her to HIM. I am amazed at how GOD is continuing to work in our relationship when i thought the relationship was over and i praise HIM, and i thank you so much for your prayers. HIS Word is living, active, and alive..."the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." James 5:19-20.
I don't want to get sleepy and forget that GOD's WORD is alive, and let other fading things crowd out GOD's WORD in our lives...LORD JESUS wake me up, and keep me in YOUR WORD. Renew that passion in me to continue to disciple my children in YOUR WORD that lasts forever and then others YOU entrust me with to teach them YOUR living and active WORD that lasts for all eternity..."Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away."-The grass withers, the flower fades, but the WORD of GOD will stand forever." Isaiah 40:8.

With all HIS love,
mitzi

THE WORD IS ALIVE by Casting Crowns

Looking out from HIS throne, the FATHER of light and men-
Chose to make HIMself known and show us the way back to HIM-
Speaking wisdom and truth into the hearts of peasants and kings-
HE began to unveil the WORD that would change the course of all things-
With eyes wide open, all would see-

Chorus:
The WORD is alive-And it cuts like a sword through the darkness-
With a message of life to the hopeless and afraid-
Breathing life into all who believe-
The WORD is alive-
And the Word and its glories will fade-
But HIS truth, it will not pass away-
It remains yesterday and forever the same-
The WORD is alive-

Simple strokes on a page- Eternity's secrets revealed, carried on from age to age-
It speaks Truth to us even still-
And as the rain falls from Heaven, feeds the earth before it returns-
LORD, let YOUR WORD fall on us and bring forth the fruit YOU deserve-
With eyes wide open, let us see-
The WORD is alive-HIS WORD is alive.


Prayer Request:
Many of you remember Br. Aaron Johnson our dear pastor and friend that was at First Baptist Athens during the time we were there. Br. Aaron, in his early forties at that time, had colon cancer while he was in Athens, and just recently was declared cancer free after 5 years. We received an email earlier this week that Br. Aaron had written that they are waiting for some test results that may indicate the cancer has returned. Please remember Br. Aaron and Denise, and Jordan as they continue this journey. What a great attitude Br. Aaron had as he shared his trust and faith in what HIS loving FATHER is doing in their lives. Thank you for your prayers for their family.



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The PBR and HIS Love is Extravagant

"But HE said to me, MY grace-MY favor and loving-kindness and mercy-are enough for you, [that is, sufficient against any danger and to enable you to bear the trouble manfully], for MY strength and power are made perfect-fulfilled and completed and show themselves most effective-in [your]weakness. Therefore, i will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of CHRIST, the Messiah, may rest-yes, may pitch a tent [over] and dwell-upon me! II Corinthians 12:9-10 Amplified

Dear Friends

This past weekend, Johnny and John Mac took off from the restaurant on a Saturday night (which is most unusual) and our whole family had the blessing of going to the Professional Bull Riders http://www.pbrnow.com/ rodeo over in Huntsville. Hannah Beth had heard the rodeo was coming to the Civic Center a few weeks ago, and she and her Daddy made plans to go. Before i knew it, it had become a family affair and so we all loaded up and headed over to watch the Bull Riding. Above I've shared a few pictures at the rodeo...the first are my kids "clowning" around. We got settled into our seats and they were great seats close to the gate. We were surprised and so glad to find that my brother, Joe, and his wife, Marilyn were there sitting not too far away from us and enjoyed visiting with them...It was great to be with ya'll Joe and Marilyn! I don't know why i was surprised, my brother loves everything about Texas, even naming his oldest son Dallas, and many of the bull riders were from Texas. It even tugged on my 'heartstrings' with all the Texas influence...just suffice it to say we have a lot of dear family, including my brother and his family, and a lot of dear friends in Texas whom we love very much and are so dear to our hearts-we love ya'll! I don't know why the Texans would come to Alabama to ride bulls indoors:)...it just doesn't seem right, but I'm so glad they did!
As i said, our seats were close to where the bulls were coming out but we were sitting up high enough in the stands to be a safe distance away from the actual action. Johnny had encouraged me to bring my binoculars, in case we had to sit in the nose bleed section. We didn't, but they came in handy, scouting out the cowboys as we were waiting for the rodeo to start:). As i looked through the binoculars I could see a few guys getting their gear ready for their ride. They were rubbing "rosin" or pine tar (according to my husband) on the straps they used to hold on to the bull that helped them get a better grip to keep from flying off. Well, most of them did get bucked off when that bull starting bucking all over the place. When the bull rider hit the dust, there were "clowns" in the arena, to run in and get the bull away from the fallen rider. A couple of times, the "clown" got gored by the bull. These guys were putting his life out there to protect the bull rider and give him time to get back on his feet and out of the arena, where he prepared to ride again either that night, or at the next event.

Earlier this week, i was thinking about the last few weeks in my life, and how i felt kind of like i had been "bucked" off of a bull when my opportunity to share CHRIST with "my friend" came to an abrupt halt. GOD had certainly led me in the place i was walking, I kept reminding myself, and HE kept me there through HIS grace, HIS Word, and the encouragement and prayers of you, my dear friends who have helped me to "hold on" these past few months. The days following the "bucking off," GOD has been so very gracious to pour out HIS extravagant love upon me, again through HIS WORD, through HIS presence that has been so real to me in my circumstances,and through you my dear friends who have been so precious to encourage me and help me "get up out of the dust" where i felt like i had fallen. You certainly aren't "clowns" but you reminded me of how those guys were there for the bull riders to help pick me up. It hurts to fall, and get gored by a bull, I'm sure...i don't know, thankfully I've never been gored by a real bull that i remember:). GOD has been so very gracious to pick me up, and encourage me to "get back up on that bull" and ride again:)...and though i can't communicate with "my friend" as I'd like too("in acceptance lieth peace," as Elisabeth Elliot says), i can pray fervently for her that GOD will bring her to a saving knowledge of JESUS CHRIST.
Those "clowns" at the rodeo took some of the "goring" in that arena last Sat. night so those fallen riders didn't have too...i saw the "clowns" gored a couple of times, as they were getting the bull to chase them instead of the rider. OUR SAVIOR, CHRIST was beaten beyond recognition it says in Isaiah, pierced for our sins, and nailed to the CROSS to take the punishment for our sins so you and i wouldn't have to take the punishment that we deserve. The LAMB of GOD, JESUS CHRIST, was a "clown" in some people's eyes as HE walked on earth and was nailed to the cross for us. HE asks us to be "foolish" for HIM...and be willing to be crucified for HIS sake. "Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But GOD chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; GOD chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. HE chose the lowly things of the world and the despised things-and the things that are not -to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before HIM," I Corinthians 1:26-29. Believe me, i have identified with feeling "foolish" very much these past several months...i can relate to these verses more than ever.
I want to thank you my dear friends for praying for me and for your encouragement after last week's email. I can honestly say, the LORD has been lifting me up through your prayers. I still have these waves of sadness that hit me...but it just reminds me to pray diligently for "my friend" that i ask you to pray for her salvation. Thank you so much, especially for your diligent prayers for her...pray with me, until GOD "brings the victory" in her life. I read these words from Charles Spurgeon this week about our friends holding us up and persevering in prayer with us:

"When Moses grew weary, his friends assisted him...It is said that Joshua never grew weary in the fighting, but Moses did grow weary in the praying. The more spiritual an exercise, the more difficult it is for flesh and blood to maintain it. Let us cry, then for special strength, and may the Spirit of GOD, who helps our infirmities, as HE helped Moses, enable us like him to continue with our hands steady "until the going down of the sun." Morning and Evening, April 16.


These past week, our Bright Lights (www.brightlights.info) group at church met, where our older girls are discipling the younger girls. One of the stories in the lesson was about a young girl, that a missionary had the privilege of leading to JESUS as her LORD and SAVIOR. The little girl was a slave to a cruel master, and she longed with all her heart for him to know CHRIST. One day he became so angry with her that he beat her so severely that she died. The missionary went to see the little girl as she was dying, and the little girl expressed her desire for her master to know JESUS as she did. After the little girl died, the missionary and the other children and families at the church began praying fervently for this little girl's master to come to JESUS. One day, the hard hearted master came to the missionary, all broken inside, and asked the missionary how to receive CHRIST as HIS LORD and SAVIOR and he did! That little story really encouraged me, as it was a true story. The little girl was so concerned not for her life for she was going to be with JESUS, but she had such a burden for her master to be saved. The fervent prayers of the believers in the church were answered by GOD to save that man's soul. This story really encouraged me that GOD does hear and answer our prayers.
I know i have asked so many of you to pray for "my friend's" salvation, and i ask you to keep on praying for her. I told you before, i don't think I've ever been burdened so by someone's soul, and only GOD can put that "extravagant" love and compassion in your heart for someone...especially someone you don't know that well. This week the LORD has laid on my heart some verse's to claim and stand on about prayer and about asking HIM for "my friend's" salvation....i know they sure have encouraged me to pray more fervently, not only about her salvation, but other's whom GOD has laid on my heart to be saved, as well as other areas GOD leads me to pray for.
James 5:16-19 says, "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man just like us.. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins."

You know, i did get "bucked off' a couple of weeks ago, when "my friend" had enough of me sharing CHRIST with her and my life, and it hurt, it hurt real bad. In all honesty, the things the devil has "gored" me the most about are my weaknesses that i have thought if I hadn't of emailed her so much, i would still be able to communicate with her now. But CHRIST has been so intimate and encouraged me so tenderly, even in my Bible reading this morning, that HE is in control of all the events of our lives, just as how JESUS was not killed before it was HIS time to be crucified. Herod tried to kill JESUS as a child, the people in the synagogue wanted to kill HIM, and even tried to throw him off a cliff, (Luke 4:29) but until it was time in the fullness of GOD, they could not touch him or harm HIM. I don't think "my friend" wanted to kill me:)...she has been most gracious and patient with me with me, but there may be coming that time for all of us that that is a price we may have to pay for sharing our faith in CHRIST. There was a time for me to enjoy the blessing of sharing my faith in CHRIST with her, and then a time to stop. Now GOD is saying to me, this is the time now to continue praying for her and "Be still and know that I am GOD," Psalm 46:10. Also, "Stand still and see the salvation of the LORD." Exodus 14:13.
GOD also reminded me yesterday of how HIS "love is extravagant," and though i made mistakes along the way of trying to be a friend to this person in perhaps my over zealousness , GOD's "love is extravagant with us..." and HE loves us "exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think..." I have been comforted by thinking upon how much GOD loves to lavish HIS love upon us, and i was trying to be a vessel of HIS love to this person. I am so comforted that "HIS power is made strong in our weakness." The reading for April 17, today, Springs in the Valley shares this about GOD's extravagant love:

" ...GOD never does anything small. When HE makes an ocean HE makes it so deep that no man can fathom it. When HE makes a mountain HE makes it so large that no one can measure it. When HE makes flowers, HE scatters multiplied millions of them where there is no one to admire them but HIMself. When HE makes grace, HE makes it without sides or bottom and leaves the top off. Instead of giving salvation with a medicine dropper, HE pours it forth like a river. When GOD sets out to do a thing for us, HE does it with a prodigality of love-prompted abundance that fairly staggers one who reckons things by the coldly calculating standards of earth."

I can assure you GOD put a "ocean load" full of love in my heart for "my friend", and it was hard to hold back...i think she might have been drowning in it, and had to come up for air:)...if i were in her shoes, i would have probably had to come up for air long before she did in all honesty. It's just GOD's amazing grace that she held on as long as she did:).


Though it hurt to be "bucked off", hit the dust, and get the breath knocked out of me, I wouldn't trade being in the "arena" of the LORD using me to help share CHRIST with someone who has wandered from the truth for anything. I want GOD to use me, i don't want to be sitting up in the stands watching others, i want the LORD to use me. As i shared last week out of II Corinthians 2:5, "For just as the sufferings of CHRIST flow over into our lives, so also through CHRIST our comfort overflows." GOD's love, HIS comfort, HIS consolation has been so precious and real to me these past several weeks, and intensified even more in the past couple of weeks and i praise HIM and thank HIM for HIS extravagant love to me and to her. It amazes me that HE didn't need me to share HIM with her, but HE wanted me to go to her...what a privilege and HE went with me in my weakness with HIS power. HE is not finished working in "my friend's" life or mine, and i ask you to continue to pray fervently with me for her salvation until HE "brings the victory" and pray for my wisdom in this relationship. I was reminded in my reading this morning in Streams in the Desert that it takes GOD time to answer prayer, just as it does for HIM to grow an oak tree. I don't like being patient i've found:), but in Words of Comfort and Cheer I read, "He has attained to an imminent degree of CHRISTian grace who knows how to wait..." Waiting patiently is not one of my strong suits, i confess.

"Your Love is Extravagant" sung by Casting Crowns, is a song that has comforted me this week as i was once again, having regrets about the way i handled some things. I am amazed at how HE lavishes HIS love upon us and how intimate HIS dear and precious friendship is to each one of us whom HE has called to be HIS child. I have been so conscious of that love recently as HE has picked me up out of the dust. Some of the words are... "YOUR love is extravagant, YOUR friendship, it is intimate...Spread wide in the arms of Christ there's a love that covers sin. No greater love have I ever known; YOU considered me a friend."

But there is another song that "Casting Crowns" sings that has been on my heart and Ipod throughout this whole process of trying to reach out to this person for the past few months called ,"In Me." It really describes how i have felt about taking a risk to reach out to her and i felt compelled that i could do nothing else. I am privileged as you are, to be a "soldier of the LORD." HE doesn't need us to go for HIM, but HE wants us to go. I love the words, "How refreshing to know YOU don't need me, how amazing to find that YOU want me, So I'll stand on YOUR truth and I'll fight with YOUR strength, Until YOU bring the victory, by the power of CHRIST of me." HE promises to go with us in HIS power, in HIS strength, promising that HE is strong in our weaknesses. When i start kicking myself for my weaknesses that i think might have messed things up, CHRIST lavishes HIS love upon me, and says , "MY power is made perfect in your weakness." Truly HIS "love is extragravant," allowing me as Paul to " gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of CHRIST, the Messiah, may rest-yes, may pitch a tent [over] and dwell-upon me! II Corinthians 12:9-10."

With all HIS love,
mitzi


In Me by Casting Crowns
If you ask me to leap
Out of my boat on the crashing waves
If You ask me to go
Preach to the lost world that Jesus saves
I’ll go, but I cannot go alone
Cause I know I’m nothing on my own
But the power of Christ in me makes me strong
Makes me strong

Cause when I’m weak, You make me strong
When I’m blind, You shine Your light on me
Cause I’ll never get by living on my own ability
How refreshing to know You don’t need me
How amazing to find that you want me
So I’ll stand on Your truth, and I’ll fight with Your strength
Until You bring the victory, by the power of Christ in me

If You ask me to run
And carry Your light into a foreign land
If You ask me to fight
Deliver Your people from satan’s hand

To reach out with Your hands
To learn through Your eyes
To love with the love of a savior
To feel with Your heart
And to think with Your mind
I’d give my last breath for Your glory



"Should we not, therefore, account it an honor and a privilege when the Captain of our salvation assigns us a difficult post, since HE can, and does inspire HIS soldiers which no earthly commander can with wisdom, courage, and strength suitable to their situation." Springs in the Valley, April 14




Praise the LORD for answering a huge prayer i have asked you to be praying for my doctor in Texas. The head of the Texas Medical Board has resigned and is leaving the practice of medicine. Apparently this person was the most adamant against Dr. Rea and his practice (www.ehcd.com) which has been such a help to thousands of patients who couldn't find help anywhere else. GOD is so gracious to "allow" this development...this is definitely an answer to prayer! Thank you so much for your prayers for him...i don't know if the battle has been won, but this is definitely a major victory.
Also, please remember a friend of ours from church, Marco Chubb who has been in the hospital all week with heart issues. Marco's wife died three years ago, leaving him with 5 kids to raise...GOD's grace is sufficient, and i sure appreciate your remembering the Chubb family this week.

A Bucket Full of Tears

For just as CHRIST's (own) sufferings fall to our lot [as they overflow upon HIS disciples, and we share and experience them] abundantly, so through CHRIST comfort and consolation and encouragement are also [shared and experienced] abundantly by us." 2 Corinthians 1:5

Dear Friends,

I'm not exactly where to start as i share this...but let's just say my heart is still tender and i'm asking the LORD to lead every word i type. Some of you who actually take time to read these emails may have noticed that i didn't send one out last week, and that may have been the first time since i've been writing these for over a couple of years now. It wasn't that i didn't write it...i just didn't feel that i could share what i wrote about yet, just a little too personal and painful.
I still don't feel the freedom to share a lot, but a few months ago the LORD laid someone on my heart night and day to pray for. This has only happened once before in my life, and it got me in trouble then too:). GOD put a great love in my heart for the one HE laid on my heart to pray over a short period of time. I wasn't sure what i was even praying for since i didn't know the person very well at all, but i felt led very strongly, as in I couldn't help myself, strongly, to take a risk and try to build a relationship with this person. The LORD opened the door for several months to communicate somewhat with this person, i did most of the communicating:), to share CHRIST with them, my life, and the love GOD had put in my heart for them. Then last week, the door was pretty much abruptly closed, along with my beliefs in CHRIST challenged, and i realized for the first time, this person truly didn't know CHRIST...thus, the broken heart. For a few days, i did shed " a bucket full of tears." Believe me, the love and compassion and concern for this person's soul didn't go away just because i can't communicate with them, i think it intensified.

A few weeks ago, i read the above verse in Charles Spurgeon's "Morning and Evening" and it jumped out at me like it never has before. You know how GOD's Word is living, well, HE knew this was the time for this passage to become alive to me. This week and last week, and actually in the weeks past, GOD has been so very gracious to pour out HIS consolation on my broken heart and encourage me and I want to praise HIM for HIS goodness to me. I believe with all my heart that GOD led me into this relationship, and HE sent me a ton of encouragement to keep me there. HE knew what was going to happen and HE has been sending me so much consolation...HE is so good and so kind. HE leads us in the hard places and HE provides our every need. I have to admit, my faith was a little bit shaken last week when my faith was attacked. I would never that admit to anyone, guess i just did, but i thought, is what i'm sharing about CHRIST really true? Am i off base in my beliefs?
As i started thinking back over the events of the week, I saw CHRIST's consolation and comfort so very precious and real to me, and poured out upon me in so many ways after i had undergone just a little persecution... nothing terrible, just my faith challenged. The realization that this person didn't know CHRIST was breaking my heart, and only CHRIST could do that in me. I have never been heartbroken over someone not knowing CHRIST before. I'm ashamed to admit that...but it's true. I grieved over the loss of the privilege of communicating with this person, but thinking about them being in hell forever and ever weighs so heavily on my soul and compels me to pray that GOD would save them.

The very day i learned the news, (and the news itself was very gracious in parts and GOD was so kind to allow that ), GOD sent my "angel" over to sew that day...she thought she was coming to sew, but GOD knew i needed a shoulder to cry on and Pam was there for me, along with Hannah Beth. After i cried and shared my sadness...we did sew and it was such a blessing to get my mind off of things for a little while, well sort of:). I thought LORD you were so kind to send Pam on the very day that i received that news...
That morning GOD was so gracious to allow me a phone call from another dear friend who had received a wonderfully encouraging birthday message from her son who has not been walking with CHRIST. We both rejoiced in the LORD working in her son's life, and the LORD working in his life encouraged me that HE would work in my friend's life too. I also got another precious phone call from a dear friend who encouraged me and prayed for me, and both friends are praying for "my friend" now and for her salvation.
GOD was so kind to comfort me through my husband who only had tender words for me when i shared the news with him.
Last Wednesday night, as our family watch "American Idol" -i know, i share that with hesitation,GOD encouraged me from the most unusual place as HE often does. As i was licking my wounds, and sort of wondering is this all real, what i share about JESUS, Dolly Parton sang a song,"JESUS and Gravity" on "American Idol." Out of all the songs she could have sang, GOD put this song in her heart and mind to perform that night in front of millions of people who were watching the show....she sang, "I'm to the point where it don't add up. I can't say I've come this far with my guitar on pure dumb luck...everytime I get too high up on my horse I fall. Cause I've got something lifting me up, and something holding me down. Something to give me wings and keep my feet on the ground. I've got all i need, JESUS and gravity." Something about Dolly Parton having the courage to stand up there and sing that song in front of everyone and tell Simon, "I've got JESUS," gave courage to my wounded heart. I know, it sounds crazy, but i'm being honest. It's like JESUS was saying to me, I'm real Mitzi, I'm here.
As GOD would have it, we were already planning to go to Dollywood (www.dollywood.com) and Gatlinburg Friday, before Dolly sang on "American Idol" last week. Hannah Beth and i were taking a couple of friends, Pam and Tabatha who had never been. Hannah Beth was all excited and i was just kind of putting one foot in front of the other. On top of my broken heart, my thyroid medicine was messed up... GOD put it in my mind to do something different with it that morning and i felt better later on that evening and the next day-Praise the LORD. When we got up to Dollywood about 11:00 that morning it was raining and we almost didn't go, but i'm so glad the LORD put it in our hearts to stay. Although it was rainy, the SON shone through the entire trip so brightly to encourage my heart. It was rainy enough to keep the crowd down, but not rainy enough to shut the rides down so Hannah Beth and Tabatha had a ball riding the roller coasters and others rides to their hearts content. Pam and I hit "Dolly's" museum first thing. Though i've been through it many times, i'm always encouraged about her humble upbringing in a 2 room house with 10 other siblings and the emphasis in her life on CHRIST when she was growing up and now. She has a place to worship in each of her homes now...she has a chapel where she goes to pray. Her granddaddy was a preacher and church and CHRIST was such a big part of her childhood. GOD used those things to encourage my drooping heart as we walked through the museum.
As Pam and I walked around the park, we came upon a group from Zambia that was singing...they were having "Festival of Nations" in the park where they had different international groups come in. We sat down in the outdoor theatre and listened to them sing Praise songs to the LORD...again GOD encouraged my heart, and i was so thankful for Dolly having this kind of group to come in and sing. Every year in October she has Gospel Music Month at the park and all month long you can go and listen to the LORD lifted up through these southern gospel singers. Inside the park, the Southern Gospel Hall of Fame is located, which honors those who have faithfully sang GOD's praises down through the years. As we walked along, it seemed that day, that everywhere i turned, Scripture was jumping out at me to encourage me. We went in one store that was full of Scripture carvings and encouraging sayings and Pam and i walked around just soaking in every word we read. Pam and I had a wonderful visit as we sat and ate at "Aunt Granny's" my favorite restaurant in Dollywood-we must have visited and had fellowship over an hour as i enjoyed my fried chicken, pinto beans, cooked cabbage, mashed potatoes, and i'm embarrassed to go on and on here, but let's just say it was good food and such sweet fellowship. We enjoyed going in the White Chapel at Dollywood, and just soaking in the LORD's presence inside the wooden framed church building. As we went out the general store to exit that day, i noticed several other Scripture verses in that store.
Later that evening, after a full day at Dollywood and being encouraged in the LORD there...we went up to Gatlinburg to eat, and walked around a little while along the stores there. After we ate a delicious meal at Bubba Gump's, we walked into a store i had never seen before and it had the most beautiful engraved laser carvings of Scripture in wood. While the girls went off to check out putt putt and some other places, Pam and i walked around looking at the different wood carvings of Scripture. The verse that kept coming to both of us was "Be still and know that I am GOD." Psalm 46:10. In the New American Standard it reads, "Cease striving and know that I AM GOD."
The next day as we rode in the mountains and Cade's Cove and saw the beauty of GOD's majestic creation, ...GOD reminded me how much HE loves me giving me my heart's desire to be up there in the mountains and get to go to Cade's Cove too. At Cade's Cove, Pam and I sat quietly inside one of the white church buildings and you could feel the presence of the LORD in that church building. Others so long ago had prayed in that simple white building with the wooden benches with desperate needs and broken hearts, and loved ones had been saved and their lives changed for all eternity. I silently lifted up "my friend" in each church we went into, and along the way as we drove and walked. Pam was such an encouragement to me all weekend, and what a special blessing from the LORD she was to me when i needed that consolation most... she has received her encouragement from the LORD through undergoing her own painful suffering and just as it shares in 2 Corinthians 1:6 "If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer." Well, the sufferings i am undergoing is nothing compared to what Pam has undergone, and i am so honored the LORD would raise up such a champion comforter for me at this time in my life...HE is so kind and gracious to give us what we need when we need it most.
Before all of this even took place the previous week, our pastor preached a wonderful message on GOD being sovereign over our affairs. Even when we mess up in our human weakness, we never fail as God's children, because "HE is working all things together for good to those who love HIM." Romans 8:32. Man, did the LORD JESUS know i would need those words the following week, and how i leaned on them as i felt that i have failed in this relationship because of my weakness. GOD continue to pour out HIS consolation the following Sunday as our pastor's wife comforted me with her presence and consoling words...She said, "Mitzi, even the STOP signs are a blessing." The next day, i received an email from a dear friend full of Scripture encouraging me...this is a new friend, another precious new friend that GOD has recently brought into my life and again my heart was overflowing with thankfulness for God's goodness to encourage me and love me through her.
This past Monday evening, as i thumbed through our hymn book, i kept noticing the words about "GOD saving a wretch like me", "He sought me and bought me with HIS redeeming blood," "You're my Friend and you are my Brother even though You are a KING." So many thoughts were running through my head, things speaking to me so much more precious than they have before. You know sometimes we have to go through things, before GOD's word, and the words of the hymns can penetrate our hearts. How thankful i am that GOD sought me out to save me, and i believe HE is seeking "my friend" ...and i realize HE has worked this way in all HIS children's hearts...HE chose us before the foundations of the world to be HIS, and to "proclaim the excellencies of HIM who called you out of darkness into HIS marvelous light." 1 Peter 2:9. We have that common bond in CHRIST, and though we are all very different with different gifts, yet in CHRIST we are all very much the same part of one family, the family of GOD and we understand each other.

As i thought about these things, my faith was strengthened and I knew that the changes that GOD has made in my life and my husband's life, and those who know CHRIST, only CHRIST could do what HE does to make us new creature's and accomplish HIS plans and purposes through us. Nicole C. Mullin's song came to my heart and mind as i walked the dogs in the beautiful green field nearby our house Tuesday evening- "I Know that My Redeemer Lives," based on Job 19:25. GOD has been solidifying this in my mind once again as i have thought of the events of the last few days and how HE has worked so powerfully in the lives of HIS children down through the ages.

Wednesday morning,as i was waiting for Hannah Beth to come out of the orthodontist, i was reading "My Utmost for HIS Highest" when a paragraph jumped out at me that described exactly what i am going through. Oswald Chambers writes:

"JESUS must appear to your friend as well as to you, no one can see JESUS with your eyes. Severance takes place where one and not the other has seen JESUS.
YOU cannot bring your friend unless GOD brings him. Have you seen JESUS: Then you will want others to see HIM too...You must tell, although they do not believe."

I ask you to please pray for "my friend" that JESUS would open her eyes and heart and enable her, as HE has done for us, to believe in HIM. And i asked you to pray for me, as GOD mends my broken heart.

After we left the orthodontist, Hannah Beth and i had the opportunity to play with our beloved dulcimer group at the nursing home. One of the songs we sang and played was "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." How many times have i sang this song in my lifetime, but yesterday, it really meant something to me to have JESUS, the KING of KINGS, LORD of LORDS, ALMIGHTY CREATOR, the LAMB of GOD, to be my FRIEND, and not be ashamed to call me HIS FRIEND...the first line is so precious, "What a Friend we have in JESUS, All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Everything to GOD in prayer!" What a privilege is ours to carry everything to GOD in prayer...In the Old Testament the Israelites had to go through the high priest and didn't have the access that we have to go directly to JESUS. He had to die on the cross and HIS sacrifice opened the way for us to come straight to HIM for those who have trusted in the blood of the LAMB of GOD to save them from their sins. It's a privilege i have often take for granted. It took being denied a privilege to communicate to someone that i love dearly to help me understand what an awesome privilege it is that JESUS wants us to come to HIM in prayer about everything...HE wants us to share everything with HIM, to carry our burdens and invites us to "pray without ceasing." HE never tires of us coming to HIM, HE loves us and loves our presence with HIM.
Thank you for taking time to read this and i hope that you GOD somehow encouraged you as you read this. Just as HE allows the sufferings in our lives, and HE knew all about "my friend" and what was going to happen, so HE ordains the comfort, the encouragement, the consolation that overflows at the same time. I praise HIM for HIS goodness to me. Through my broken heart, He continues to pour out HIS consolations in so many different ways, including through many of you my dear friends that HE has chosen to love me and comfort me through...thank you!



With all HIS love,
mitzi

"What a Friend We Have in JESUS"
by Joseph Scriven


What a friend we have in Jesus,All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry, Everything to GOD in prayer!

Oh what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry,Everything to GOD in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged, Take it to the LORD in prayer:

Can we find a friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share?
JESUS knows our every weakness, Take it to the LORD in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care:
Precious Savior, still our refuge; Take it to the LORD in prayer;

Do thy friends despise forsake thee? Take it to the LORD in prayer;
In HIS arms HE'll take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there.



P.S. A dear friend shared this video with me earlier this week with a little girl singing, "The LORD's Prayer"-thought i'd share it with you it blessed my heart so much-thanks, Shelia!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR4PQ30VkBk

Enduring the Shame

"Let us fix our eyes on JESUS, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before HIM endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of GOD. Consider HIM who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:2

Dear Praying Friends,

It was just a normal family night, something the Ezzo's (www.gfi.org) encouraged us to do in our Growing Kid's God's Way classes years ago, to set aside one night of the week for doing something together as a family. But it wasn't just a normal family night to me...it had been several months since my husband had felt like playing Ping-Pong with us upstairs in the "playroom." Actually, it was his first time to go upstairs in our house in many months since having had trouble with his hip, and having it replaced. So, last Monday night was special and how thankful we are to GOD for the progress Johnny has made in his mobility...we sure are thankful for all of your prayers for him. After making chili, and eating together, we all went upstairs to play Ping-Pong. It's amazing how good the kids have gotten:)...i think John Mac beat everyone, and Hannah Beth wasn't far behind. She humbled me playing foosball, even skunking me-that was before she hurt her wrist in karate on Tuesday...the doctor could not tell if it's cracked or not, but please pray it will heal soon...she has Bible drill coming up and it's hard to turn the pages quickly with a bad wrist:). After we came down from upstairs, we enjoyed a cherry pie I had made earlier and topped it off with ice cream. Johnny suggested we watch a documentary he had recorded on John Adams, our second President. That suggestion went over like a "ton of bricks" including me:), but it was actually very good, and i even watched it on the big TV:)...which i am thankful.
I did not remember a lot about John Adams from studying him with the kids somewhere along the way in our homeschooling, but i did remember that he and his wife had a very close relationship and they wrote each other letters when he was away at the Continental Congress...i didn't realize that it was over the course of almost 10 years-wow. I later looked them up in "America's GOD and Country Book" and saw that they very definitely were CHRISTians, and their letters to each other are filled with reverences for their faith in GOD and love for one another. On October 16, 1774, Abigail Adams wrote to John Adams just prior to the outbreak of war with Great Britain " I dare not express to you, at three hundred miles distance, how ardently I long for your return...And whether the end will be tragical, Heaven only knows. You cannot be, I know, not do I wish to see you an inactive spectator; but if the sword be drawn, I bid adieu to all domestic felicity, and look forward to that country where there are neither wars nor rumors of war, in a firm belief that through the mercy of its KING we shall both rejoice there together...Your most affectionate, Abigail Adams. On June 18, 1775, in the middle of the battle with Britain she wrote to her husband, "The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; but the GOD of Israel is HE that giveth strength and power unto HIS people. Trust in HIM at all times, ye people, pour out your hearts before HIM, GOD is a refuge for us...Almighty GOD, cover the heads of our countrymen, and be a shield to our dear friends...Abigail Adams." As we watched this documentary, i was impressed with the intimacy of John and Abigail's marriage, and also John Adams desire for justice whether it be on the American's side, or Great Britain. He was a tenacious lawyer and defended some British soldiers early on when they were falsely accused by some rioting Americans.
But something later on in the documentary, totally surprised me, and touched my heart. There was a part in the movie where a man who was standing up for the British was carried away by an American mob in a rage of their fury. They stripped him and tarred and feathered him, and it was very graphic...including the stripping part. My husband had warned us, and Hannah Beth turned her head, but i sat there and watched it and it was very painful to see them tearing his clothes off, all of them, and pour hot tar over this man. Later on, maybe even the next day, i was thinking about how humiliating and painful that was for that man, and somewhere in my thoughts, i thought how humiliating, embarrassing and painful it must have been for my LORD JESUS CHRIST to have been stripped naked and crucified on a wooden cross for you and me...HE took the punishment that i deserved. Matthew 27:28 says, "They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on HIM." Later in John 19:23 it says, "when the soldiers crucified JESUS, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares..." Luke 23:34 JESUS said, "Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." and they divided up his clothes by casting lots." We have just come through celebrating Easter, but something about that scene in the movie, made JESUS crucifixion more real to me." My heart is so grateful to my precious SAVIOR who suffered that shame and pain for me...and being stripped of your clothes, beaten to a pulp, and hanging naked on a cross is shameful and humiliating.
What does this have to do with me now...i've read about JESUS crucifixion in the gospel's over and over, yet something about this movie made it more personal and real to me...seeing that angry mob strip that man naked and thinking of my JESUS suffering that for me when "HE could have called 10,000 angels" to rescue him and slew all those who were doing these evil things to HIM. But JESUS knew why HE had come into this world, HE came to die for my sins and yours...and thankfully, 3 days later, it was also GOD's plan that HE conquer death and HE was raised from the dead that we might have eternal life..."But as many as received HIM, to them gave HE power to become sons of GOD, even to them that believe on HIS name." John 1:12.
JESUS set an example in the way HE suffered that HE told us to follow in 1 Peter 2:19-24, when it says, "For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of GOD...but if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before GOD. To this you were called, because CHRIST suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in HIS steps. HE committed no sin, and no deceit was found in HIS mouth." When they hurled their insults at HIM, HE did not retaliate; when HE suffered, HE made no threats. Instead, HE entrusted HIMself to HIM who judges justly. HE HIMself bore our sins in HIS body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by HIS wounds you have been healed." JESUS died for "the broken ones," you and me, and by HIS suffering we have been healed from our sin, when we trust HIM as our LORD and SAVIOR.
I sure wish I would have remembered those words last week, when someone insulted someone i love and then me, and i got so mad at them...i forgot to follow CHRIST's example and i got angry instead of forgiving and "entrusting myself to the ONE who judges justly." Mine was a little thing, but i have people in my life that i love dearly that are facing much bigger issues of unjust suffering. One person is being unjustly accused at work and is in danger of loosing their job. Another person, Dr. William Rea,(www.ehcd.com) has been caring for " the broken ones" for many, many years and has endured much scorn from others in the medical profession for the way he practices medicine. He is under fire from the Texas Medical Board and is in danger of loosing his license. I asked you several weeks ago to pray for him, and just wanted to remind you... I was reminded myself of the battles he is facing when he was on Nightline last week. Dr. Rea is world renowned in his field of Environmental Medicine. He was trained as a surgeon, but when he became sick from gases, pesticides, and other chemicals, GOD redirected his medical practice and taught him to care for "the broken ones,"- ones whose health problems baffled most doctors. Instead of these doctors being grateful, the Texas Medical Board is trying to strip him of his license to practice medicine. He is very much going through some unjust suffering and i would ask you to please keep Dr. Rea in your prayers. He has helped so many people recover their health and be set free from the "chains of sickness" that had engulfed our bodies. He has been a "champion" for the ones like me whose health has been broken by chemicals, mold, antibiotics, and other things in our environment making us sick. I tried many, many doctors and remedies before the LORD led me to Dr. Rea and his clinic, and it was there that GOD began to teach me the tools i needed to restore my health. It's our turn to stand in the gap for Dr. Rea, who has "laid down his life for us," who had endured his own cross, and the shame that has gone with it. I am so thankful that GOD has raised Dr. Rea up to fight for those whom others would cast away. I am asking you to join me in praying for Dr. Rea that GOD would give him peace, strength, and wisdom, as he suffers for doing good and help Dr Rea to endure this suffering. And also that he would "entrust himself to the ONE who judges justly, and know that "The LORD is his Rock, Fortress, and Deliverer...my GOD in whom I take refuge," Psalm 18:2. Psalm 37:39-40 says, "The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; HE is their stronghold in time of trouble. The LORD helps them and delivers them; HE delivers them from the wicked and saves them because they take refuge in HIM." Just as the GOD had a plan and purpose for JESUS' suffering, shame, and resurrection, enabling us to be free from our bondage of sin, the LORD has a plan for Dr. Rea's suffering. GOD will be faithful to deliver him through this battle as HE has done many times in the past and will bring forth new life for the cause of those suffering from environmental illness. Who knows what other good will come out of his battle's but the LORD?

Last week, our family was so blessed to have Tony and Taranda Greene, Brad Hudson, and John Jeffrey's eat with us at our restaurant (www.oldgreenbrier.com) before they sang in Hartselle last Friday night. We had a great time with them, catching up and laughing together. I am reminded once again, what an amazing GOD i serve who delights in giving me my hearts desires. This was the first time the Greene's have eaten at our restaurant, and what a blessing it was to have them...and a long time desire in my heart. They drove out of their way to eat with us and gave up their afternoon of rest, which is a very big deal when you're 9 months pregnant which Taranda is and we appreciate their sacrifice so much. She has had a long hard 9 months on the road with her pregnancy, and i'd sure appreciate you remembering the Greene's next Wed as Taranda is scheduled to deliver Jocelyn Ruth, their second baby girl, by C-section. As we were visiting with them, Taranda shared something with me, that i was just amazed that GOD had done. She had no idea when she was sharing with me, that what she was telling me was an answer to a prayer and heart's desire that i had prayed just a few weeks ago. I was amazed and still am, at GOD's power, HIS creativity, bringing the Greene's to our restaurant from Charlotte N.C. and then HIM winking at me and saying," See i did hear your prayer and answer it, even many many miles away. Would you please continue to remember Tim, Tony's brother in your prayers? Tim continues to have complications from his immune system not functioning well, and has been struggling with pneumonia, among other things. GOD in HIS grace, has led Tim and his wife,Amy to start a church at Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina. ..Tim is pastoring again, praise the LORD! The Greene's (www.thegreenesgospel.com) blessed the fire out of our hearts Friday night as they sang, "Without the Cross," "Redeemer," "GOD on the Mountain," ,"Sky Full of Angels", "All for Me," and several other songs so beautifully. Even though i used "All for Me" a few months ago, i felt led as i wrote this to use the powerful words this week because it just fits what i've shared above about the shame CHRIST went through for you and me on the cross. "If i had been the only one, HE would have done it still for love...What grace untold what love indeed, all for me, all for me. "
With all HIS love,
mitzi

"All For Me" by Jason Burton

A crown of thorns upon YOUR head.
Where one of gold should go instead.
Pressing down until YOU bled.
All for me, All for me.

Bruised and beaten by the crowd.
Mocked and scorned they led you out.
Grief and pain was all you found.
All for me, all for me.

Chorus:
If I had been the only one
You would have done it still for love
What grace untold what love indeed
All for me, all for me

Blood flowed down
Your wounded side
The people laughed
Your FATHER cried
The SON of GOD laid down to die
All for me, all for me

YOUR body weak and wracked with pain
The sinless one the KING of KINGS
Hung on a cross between two thieves
All for me, All for me

You took the chains so I'd go free,
All for me, All for me,
The spotless LAMB became unclean
All for me, All for me.


P.S. Last week, i shared about the role of the older women teaching the younger women...my sister-in-law shared this powerful video with me this week of a 92 year old woman who is a wonderful example to all of us. Thanks, Cheryl for sharing this with me...

Click the link for a powerful testimony:

YouTube - Elderly woman witnesses to man trying to rob her

An Easter Story/"A Living Prayer"

"...Why do you look for the living among the dead? HE is not here; HE has risen!" Luke 24:5-6

"If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." I Corinthians 15:19-20.



Dear Friends,
Thank you so much for your precious prayers on our behalf and my behalf for the ladies retreat with our homeschool group, Excalibur, last weekend at Desota State Park. I included a few pictures above of beautiful Desota Falls, Little River Canyon, my dear friend Louise Todd who took care of me all weekend (she gained a greater appreciation for my husband:) , and some special gals from the retreat i got to know last weekend. GOD answered your prayers "exceedingly abundantly" with HIS power and presence upon us, kept us safe through the storms, and blessed the socks off of all us through the testimonies and love of the older and younger women there. HE even kept me so busy involved in hillbilly skits..."Oh, we're not the kind to go around spreading rumors...", playing and singing with Melinda Quinn and her girls who did a beautiful job leading us in praise songs and hymns, visiting and praying with other women... that i didn't go hiking once ( so He answered that prayer too-the woods didn't bother me:).
Thank you, Kathy Bond and Billie Sue for your wonderful leadership, love, and examples to us of being godly, older women. Thank you for taking time to encourage us who are coming behind you. Thank you, Tenise, for being such a fireball, and dragging me to see Desota Falls when i really needed to rest, but so glad you took me-it was the prettiest i had ever seen it due to all the rain the night before. Thank you the rest of the retreat team for working so hard and being such a blessing to me and everyone there. The theme of the retreat was from Titus 2 about the older women teaching the younger women to "love their husbands, children, be self-controlled, pure, etc, busy at home, kind, and to be subject to their husbands so that no one will malign the word of GOD." Well, to say i have been tested in that this week, and failed would be an understatement, but that's not the point of this email:).
This time of year is incredibly special to me because the LORD JESUS CHRIST reached down and saved me from the miry pit of sin i was in when i was 19 years old on April 3, 1982. A few days later, April 11, on Easter Sunday, I was baptized at Central Baptist Church in Decatur, Al. Mine was a dramatic conversion, and i felt the load of my sin, lifted off of me when the blood of CHRIST washed over me, and cleansed me to be "white as snow."
It wasn't long after CHRIST came into my life that GOD raised up godly women to encourage me in my walk with CHRIST...my Mother had read Bible stories to me and modeled for me a life of goodness to me and my 3 brothers and one sister since i was a child. My sister, Jill, who is six years older than me, used to make me read the "Upper Room" devotion book with her each night in bed and say prayers with her and she was a tremendous example to me in the way she helped my Mom clean cook, and doing the things i spent a lot of effort trying to avoid as a child.
As a CHRISTian, GOD has brought many older women to encourage me and disciple me, including Anne Marie Ezzo. We met Anne Marie and her husband Gary, in Richardson, Texas when Johnny was in seminary during the latter part of the 1980's. They were sharing there parenting principles at a Shepherd's Conference that John MacArthur was leading. We didn't have any children then, but GOD HE knew how much we desperately needed to be taught to be the parent's we needed to be to the children HE had planned for us in the future. GOD has used Gary and Anne Marie not only to be such a tremendous blessing to us in our parenting, but to thousands of parents and families throughout the world who have been blessed by their teaching based on Biblical principals. (www.growingkids.org, www.gfi.org) Anne Marie and i have stayed in contact through the years through email, as it's probably been over 10 years since we've seen each other in person, and through praying for one another. What a special blessing from the LORD she is to me as she continues to share her wisdom, her love, and her life with me...she has a very gracious way of speaking into your life when you need correction:).
She passed on the following story to the Growing Kids "family" this week about Easter and i wanted to share it with you, my dear praying friends and family. She said she wasn't sure if the following "Easter" story is true or not but it is a beautiful story, passed on to her by a friend from Georgia. Thank you, Anne Marie, for sharing it with me and the GFI family. I pray that you along with me, will take time these next few days to think about the agony of CHRIST's suffering and death for your sins and mine, HIS burial, and HIS glorious resurrection from the dead. This is the Gospel and to all who believe in HIM, HE gives eternal life... "For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only SON that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16.



THE STORY OF EDITH BURNS...
Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in

San Antonio, Texas. She was the patient of a doctor

by the name of Will Phillips. Dr. Phillips was a

gentle doctor who saw patients as people. His

favorite patient was Edith Burns.



One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart

and it was because of Edith Burns. When he walked

into that waiting room, there sat Edith with her big

black Bible in her lap earnestly talking to a young

mother sitting beside her.



Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in

this way: "Hello, my name is Edith Burns. Do you

believe in Easter?" Then she would explain the

meaning of Easter, and many times people would be

saved.



Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he

saw the head nurse, Beverly. Beverly had first met

Edith when she was taking her blood pressure. Edith

began by saying, "My name is Edith Burns. Do you

believe in Easter?" Beverly said, "Why yes I do.

"Edith said, "Well, what do you believe about

Easter?" Beverly said, "Well, it's all about egg

hunts, going to church, and dressing up. "Edith

kept pressing her about the real meaning of Easter,

and finally led her to a saving knowledge of Jesus

Christ.



Dr. Phillips said, "Beverly, don't call Edith into

the office quite yet. I believe there is another

delivery taking place in the waiting room. After

being called back in the doctor's office, Edith sat

down and when she took a look at the doctor she

said, "Dr. Will, why are you so sad? Are you

reading your Bible? Are you praying?" Dr. Phillips

said gently, "Edith, I'm the doctor and you're the

patient." With a heavy heart he said, "Your lab

report came back and it says you have cancer, and

Edith, you're not going to live very long."



Edith said, "Why Will Phillips, shame on you. Why

are you so sad? Do you think God makes mistakes?

You have just told me I'm going to see my precious

Lord Jesus, my husband, and my friends. You have

just told me that I am going to celebrate Easter

Forever, and here you are having difficulty giving

me my ticket!" Dr. Phillips thought to himself,

"What a magnificent woman this Edith Burns is!"

Edith continued coming to Dr. Phillips. Christmas

came and the office was closed through January 3rd.

On the day the office opened, Edith did not show up.

Later that afternoon, Edith called Dr. Phillips

and said she would have to be moving her story to

the hospital and said, "Will, I'm very near home, so

would you make sure that they put women in here next

to me in my room who need to know about Easter.

"Well, they did just that and women began to come in

and share that room with Edith. Many women were

saved. Everybody on that floor from staff to

patients were so excited about Edith, that they

started calling her Edith Easter; that is everyone

except Phyllis Cross, the head nurse.



Phyllis made it plain that she wanted nothing to do

with Edith because she was a "religious nut". She

had been a nurse in an army hospital. She had seen

it all and heard it all. She was the original G.I.

Jane. She had been married three times, she was

hard, cold, and did everything by the book.



One morning the two nurses who were to attend to

Edith were sick. Edith had the flu and Phyllis Cross

had to go in and give her a shot. When she walked

in, Edith had a big smile on her face and said,

"Phyllis, God loves you and I love you, and I have

been praying for you. "Phyllis Cross said, "Well,

you can quit praying for me, it won't work. I'm not

interested." Edith said, "Well, I will pray and I

have asked God not to let me go home until you come

into the family. "Phyllis Cross said, "Then you

will never die because that will never happen, "and

curtly walked out of the room.



Every day Phyllis Cross would walk into the room and

Edith would say, "God loves you Phyllis and I love

you, and I'm praying for you. "One day Phyllis

Cross said she was literally drawn to Edith's room

like a magnet would draw iron. She sat down on the

bed and Edith said, "I'm so glad you have come,

because God told me that today is your special day.

"Phyllis Cross said, "Edith, you have asked

everybody here the question, "Do you believe in

Easter? "but you have never asked me. "Edith said,

"Phyllis, I wanted to many times, but God told me to

wait until you asked, and now that you have asked.

"Edith Burns took her Bible and shared with Phyllis

Cross the Easter Story of the death, burial and

resurrection of Jesus Christ. Edith said, "Phyllis,

do you believe in Easter? Do you believe that Jesus

Christ is alive and that He wants to live in your

heart? "Phyllis Cross said, "Oh I want to believe

that with all of my heart, and I do want Jesus in my

life. "Right there, Phyllis Cross prayed and

invited Jesus Christ into her heart. For the first

time Phyllis Cross did not walk out of a hospital

room, she was carried out on the wings of angels.



Two days later, Phyllis Cross came in and Edith

said, "Do you know what day it is? "Phyllis Cross

said, "Why Edith, it's Good Friday. "Edith said,

"Oh, no, for you every day is Easter. Happy Easter

Phyllis! "Two days later, on Easter Sunday, Phyllis

Cross came into work, did some of her duties and

then went down to the flower shop and got some

Easter lilies because she wanted to go up to see

Edith and give her some Easter lilies and wish her a

Happy Easter.



When she walked into Edith's room, Edith was in bed.

That big black Bible was on her lap. Her hands

were in that Bible. There was a sweet smile on her

face. When Phyllis Cross went to pick up Edith's

hand, she realized Edith was dead. Her left hand

was on John 14: "In my Father's house are many

mansions. I go to prepare a place for you, I will

come again and receive you to Myself, that where I

am, there you may be also. "Her right hand was on

Revelation 21:4, "And God will wipe away every tear

from their eyes, there shall be no more death nor

sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain,

for the former things have passed away."



Phyllis Cross took one look at that dead body, and

then lifted her face toward heaven, and with tears

streaming down here cheeks, said, "Happy Easter,

Edith - Happy Easter!" Phyllis Cross left Edith's

body, walked out of the room, and over to a table

where two student nurses were sitting. She said, "My

name is Phyllis Cross. Do you believe in Easter?"







A dear "little" sister in the LORD from our church, 17 year old Sarah Cobb, also sent me an email this week and encouraged me tremendously. After the mountain top experience at the retreat, i was down in the "valley," even the next day. GOD used Sarah to encourage this older woman who had no idea what i was wrestling with through her encouraging words and she shared the video below with me. What a blessing it has been to me this week as i have watched it and listened to it over and over. Alison Kraus sings so beautifully "A Living Prayer," which is what the lady in the story above lived as she shared CHRIST's love and HIS unspeakable gift (2 Corinthians 9:15) of eternal life with those she met. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9upE_PGJVq8

Each one of the ladies I have mentioned in this email are "A Living Prayer", saved and kept by the blood and power of our LORD JESUS CHRIST who rose from the dead. It is "CHRIST in them," that empowers and motivates them to love and invest their lives in the women coming behind them. Women, like my little sister Sarah, whom GOD used to bless me this week, need the wisdom of those who have walked with CHRIST a little farther down the road than she has walked to teach her and encourage her. Women like me, who in my mid forties, have learned many lessons from those who have gone before me have been instructed in Titus 2 to take time to share those things with women walking behind me...we aren't born with the knowledge to do everything, it has to be taught, and this is GOD's plan of passing on wisdom to each other...older women teaching the younger women. I have many more things to learn from those of you who have walked with CHRIST a little farther down the road than i have walked. Thank you, for each of you who are "A Living Prayer" to me and those around you. CHRIST lives and breathes HIS life into each of us who know HIM as LORD and SAVIOR and makes our lives "A Living Prayer," as we follow HIM in obedience...obedience that means death to self, "I am crucified with CHRIST and it is no longer i who live but CHRIST who lives in me," Galatians 2:20.



Dear LORD JESUS,

Thank YOU, so much for dying on the cross for my sins and thank YOU that the tomb is empty!! I praise YOU that YOU rose from the dead, and "Because YOU live, I can face tomorrow," and look forward to living with YOU for all eternity. We celebrate YOUR life today and every day, and thank YOU for YOUR life that gives us life abundantly. Thank YOU for choosing me to be YOUR child, forgiving me each day in my failures and empowering me with YOUR Resurrection power in the victories that YOU give me...thank you that "YOUR mercies are new every morning." Thank you so much for the older and younger women YOU have brought into my life to be "A Living Prayer" to me. Help my life to be "A Living Prayer", and help me to die to self, that others may see "the JESUS in me" and be drawn closer to YOU. I love YOU, LORD. Amen.

With all HIS love and Happy Firstfruits(Easter),

mitzi

Please continue to remember my friend Ann and her family during these difficult days for them, and our friends JD and Gail Clanton. JD and Gail are longtime friends, she being another wonderful godly mentor to me and JD has been such a warrior for CHRIST in the public education arena for many years. JD has had Parkinson's for years and just found out this week he has extensive cancer in his body after falling and breaking his hip. Thank you so much for remembering these dear families in your prayers.

"GOD on the Mountain"

"O LORD, when YOU favored me, YOU made my mountain stand firm; but when YOU hid your face, I was dismayed....YOU turned my wailing into dancing, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my GOD, I will give you thanks forever." Psalm 30:7,11,12


Dear Praying Friends,
Please continue to remember in prayer this week my friend Ann and her family. Ann probably won't be with us much longer on earth...thank you for your prayers for her. Also, a 10 year old girl named Kennedy (http://www.caringbridge.org:80/visit/kennedypepper) from our town has recently been diagnosed with cancer and has begun treatments at St. Jude hospital in Memphis. ... please remember her and her family. I'll be spending the weekend at Desoto St. Park this weekend with around 75 other ladies at a ladies retreat and sure would covet your prayers for what GOD is going to do there, and ask you to remember our families at home who will be having a great time I'm sure:). Please pray that GOD will be lifted up and magnified in all that is said and done during this time and the days following. Thank you so much for your diligent prayers.

Earlier this week, Hannah Beth and I had the privilege to sing and play with our dulcimer group at the First Baptist Church in Athens, "Keenager" gathering...we were their entertainment that day:). Several weeks ago, Addie Ming had called and asked Jerry Todd if our group could come to their meeting. Several of the regulars, the "Varsity" as Coach Todd (he coached the Athens High Boys Basketball team for years) calls them were out of town at a dulcimer festival this week, so the LORD worked it out where Hannah Beth and I ( the junior varsity) could be there, along with Pam, our new "angel" friend. We joined Jerry, Louise, Roger and Charlie , (who are on the Varsity team) and Shirley who has only been playing a few weeks, We were so blessed to have Ed McCracken join us on fiddle that day. Ed and his wife, Martha are members of First Baptist, and Ed was the very first "Fiddle" king of the "Old Time Fiddler's Convention"( http://www.athens.edu/fiddlers/). In fact, his Dad started it many years ago at their home. Now folks come from all over the United States, including our dear friends from California, the Ferguson's, to the Fiddler's Convention held in our town each year the first weekend of October on the campus of Athens State University.
Jerry and Louise were out of town the previous days leading up to playing at First Baptist, so like most of the playings the dulcimer group does, we hadn't rehearsed much together ahead of time, and were pretty much winging it...this was the first time that this particular group had played together. I had asked Louise earlier about maybe singing "GOD on the Mountain," and she said, they'd be practicing it and to just play it by ear, so that's what we did. Somewhere along the way, after playing several fiddle tunes, and then playing while the "Keenagers" sang along with us several hymns , like "Old Country Church", "Farther Along," and "Jesus Loves Me," we got the nod to sing "GOD on the Mountain." Well, I don't know if you remember reading my past history with "GOD on the Mountain," but the last time i sang it in front of folks was at the assisted living home, by myself, and it was awful. I'm not kidding, or trying to put myself down and show false modesty...i started off on the wrong key, and kept it there, and i have only sang it once in public since then. I had put that song away because i lost confidence in being able to sing it, but Louise every once in a while would say, "I want to work on "GOD on the Mountain," and I'd think about it again. GOD brought Pam along, as i have shared with you, and she is able to sing harmony, and HE has used her to bring great comfort and confidence to me to help me sing and not be afraid. Hannah Beth suggested I ditch trying to play and concentrate on singing, and she, along with the others played and sang beautifully with GOD's grace. Our friends at First Baptist, that knew it, sang along with us and seemed to be so blessed by the words...the words are really powerful and everyone who hears them who's lived through any trials can relate to them.
This time at First Baptist was really special to me, because these people have loved Johnny and my family through the "mountain" top times and the times in the "valley" in many seasons of our lives. First Baptist is our home church and the church we joined when we were married. My husband grew up in this church and when we were newlyweds and young CHRISTians, GOD used these dear folks to love on us and nurture us and help us mature in the LORD. They were there for us, when we felt GOD calling us to be foreign missionaries and Johnny was ordained by them as a pastor. When we returned several years later, with my health broken, and we were in the restaurant business instead of being foreign missionaries, they loved us and supported us. They were there for us when i was trying to find out what was wrong with me after going to many doctors. One morning, back in November of 1998, as i was walking, the LORD put this thought in my mind, "Mitzi, you just need to humble yourself and put yourself on the church prayer list." I did after that and a few months later, after searching for years, GOD led me to the Environmental Health Clinic (www.ehcd) in Dallas, Texas, where HE began to bring healing to my body. I know that GOD answered the prayers of HIS children for me. Our church family loved us through that time when i was away from my husband and two young children for 6 1/2 weeks. They were so faithful to pray for us, cook for us, call, and sent me many, many cards while I was away in Texas. The LORD kept us there at First Baptist for the next six years, and when HE called us away it really was very difficult to leave these dear folks. We continue to remain friends with them and what a blessing it has been for me to be able to worship at First Baptist the past few weeks while they are painting at New Life Baptist where we now attend.
So, yes, the time with the our dear older friends at First Baptist last Monday was very special to me. Many of them sang along on "GOD on the Mountain," as we sang, and I knew that they too, knew what it was like to walk on the "mountain" with GOD, and then to walk through the "valley" with HIM. All of them in the room had had their own share of trials and struggles. There was Ed McCracken, the fiddle player, sitting beside me in a wheelchair. Just last May he had a malignant tumor removed from his lung, and had a blood clot. As a result of the blood clot, his left leg had to be amputated to save Ed's life...yes, Ed and his wife know the "GOD on the Mountain is still "GOD in the Valley." There was Addie Ming, so faithful to write me when i was in Texas for several weeks who had her own bought with cancer since then, and then Mr. Balch, who had developed some medical problems and had to stay in the nursing home for awhile...he was there with his wife doing so much better, they too know that "the GOD on the Mountain is still GOD in the Valley." The prayer requests at the beginning of our time together were evident of the "valleys", as GOD promises each of us in HIS word that we will have trials here on earth, "Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward." Job 5:7. What a blessing to be among our dear friends who had shared our "mountain" and "valley" experiences with us, and we have shared many with them...
After we ate an absolutely wonderful meal the ladies had prepared...black eyed peas, fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, pear salad, broccoli salad, tons of desserts and other wonderful food i wanted to share with this group how much they had meant to our family. Larry Hicks, the minister to the adults, quietened everyone down, and the LORD gave me the courage to get up and tell those dear people how very much they had meant to us through the years and they continue to. I am so glad the LORD gave me the desire to do that, cause I wanted them to know their love, CHRIST loving us through them. has been so dear to us and helped us through the "valley" times and "mountain" times in our lives.
There is a verse i have thought about many times recently from 1 Thessalonians 3:10 that says "May the LORD give you the same increasing and overflowing love for each other and towards all men as we have towards you." My heart was certainly overflowing with love for our brothers and sisters in CHRIST at First Baptist remembering the love of CHRIST they have shown us through the years, and continue to. I have such admiration for this group of believer's knowing that a church family is like our own family, which has disagreements and ups and downs, but their love for CHRIST keeps them together, forgiving one another and loving each other and others like us. Even though we aren't currently members there, their love for us continues, and I am so grateful for GOD loving us through them. I am reminded of a verse in Philippians 1:9 when i think of these dear people..."That your love may abound yet more and more." Their sharing the " mountain" experiences of life and the "valley" experiences of life, and seeing GOD's faithfulness in each other lives has served to strengthen their faith and mine in the LORD JESUS CHRIST.
I do give GOD thanks for who HE is... and indeed HE is "the GOD on the mountain," and the "GOD in the valley." JESUS promised us in John 16:33, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." GOD is so gracious to give us the "mountain top" experiences, as well as the "valley" experiences to mature us in our faith, and help us to learn how very much HE loves us...and use us to be a blessing to others. HE used our church family at First Baptist to show us HIS love and grace during the "mountain" experiences of our lives, and the "valley" times and for that we are so thankful. I am thankful that HE has turned my "wailing into dancing" and that HE has given me strength and health and love in my heart for HIM to be able to play and sing for HIM and that is a tremendous blessing to me... though I'm not sure how much to others:). I give HIM thanks for the trials which HE has used to deepen my faith in HIM, to deepen my love for HIM and others, and a song in my heart to sing for HIM..."For the GOD on the mountain, is still GOD in the valley, when things go wrong, HE'll make them right...and the GOD of the good times, is still GOD in the bad times, the GOD of the day, is still GOD in the night."


With all my love,
mitzi

God On The Mountain

Life is easy when you're up on the mountain
And you've got peace of mind like you've never known.
But then things change and you're down in the valley.
Don't lose faith for you're never alone.

For the God on the mountain is still God in the valley.
When things go wrong, He'll make it right.
And the God of the good times
is still God in the bad times.
The God of the day is still God in the night.

You talk of faith when you're up on the mountain.
Oh but the talk comes easy when life's at its best.
But it's down in the valley of trials and temptation
That's when faith is really put to the test.

For the God on the mountain is still God in the valley.
When things go wrong, He'll make it right.
And the God of the good times
is still God in the bad times.
The God of the day is still God in the night.

For an extra special blessing you can watch Lynda Randall, who wrote "GOD on the Mountain" sing it by clicking on the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xipq208iNHg&feature=related