Family Reunion September 2014

Family Reunion September 2014

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Trey Tuesday - December 31, 2013

They Loved the Box!?!

Do you have typical kids?  Did they love the box that the gift came in almost as much as they loved the gift that was inside!?!?

Aren't we all a little bit like that?
Celebrating Christmas as a one day "event" instead of appreciating God's awesome gift of His Son every day of your life is like only liking the box without ever looking inside at the gift!

And just like using a smart phone to only make phone calls (who does THAT anymore!?!) :) is like only recognizing Jesus as a that sweet little baby in the manger!

Those of you who know Trey well know that he is much more than that poor little boy who has cancer.  He bears the name Young Warrior for good reason!  Able to endure the surgeries and treatments and medicine, yet ever the silly, fun, lovable sweetheart and Energizer Bunny!

This new year, won't you dig a little deeper?  Tear off the wrapping paper of your Bible!
Go ahead, open the box!  Crack open the cover!  Spend some time getting to know Jesus: the man, the Savior, the Lord!

And please keep praying for Trey!  :)


Happy, Blessed New Year!
"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."  Luke 2:11

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Trey Tuesday - December 24, 2013

Make Some Noise!

No sleeping in heavenly peace going on...
No Silent Night either...
Many creatures should be stirring...even the mice!
And we're doing more than just laughing all the way!
The angels declared it: "Glory to God in the Highest!"
Let's declare it, too! :)

Glory to God for Trey's amazing "health!" :)
Glory to God for the strength and peace of Trey and his family! :)
Glory to God for the testimonies of Trey's supporters: Team Mitlo One! :)

O come, all ye faithful!
Hark! The herald angels sing!
Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
O night divine!
 
"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:11-14

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Trey Tuesday - December 17, 2013

Bows, Tinsel, Icing and A Noisy Gong

What do they all have in common?  Nothing...nothing at all.
Except that they are the opposite of love:
"If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn't love others, I would only be a noisy gong" I Corinthians 13:1


You can wrap your gifts in the prettiest of wrappings,
decorate your trees with the finest decor, and
embellish your gingerbread house with the tastiest of treats,
but without a loving and kind spirit, they are merely fluff and show; they are like a noisy gong.

Trey can be a noisy gong sometimes...literally!  :)
But deep inside he is a verrrrrry loving little boy!  :)  Oh, to see Christmas through the eyes of a child!  The gifts (of course!), the manger, the baby Jesus, the tree, the star, candy canes...gifts of hope and joy and yes, love!


Think of all the love that has been shown to Trey!  He is an adorable yet sick, little boy!  Who could resist him?
What about those in your life who are not quite so adorable?  You know, the ones you would like to resist!?!?
Take some time this week to show God's Christmas spirit of real love:
Stop by your coworker and say, "How are you?" and mean it!  :)
Offer, and deliver, a plate of cookies or a slice of pie! :)
Let the cranky neighbor shovel your driveway!  :)
Tuck your child in a little longer tonight...just because!  :)

And please pray for Trey - for God to heal his body!
For a local study to open up for him!
For Trey and his family to feel God's peace which passes understanding!  :)

"This is real love--not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins."  I John 4:10

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Trey Tuesday - December 10, 2013

Power!

Looking at Christmas lights while driving around town provides a whole evening of joy! Isn't it amazing how different each house looks? The basic white lights provide a classic look.  The inflatables conjure up exciting childhood images! And the flashing colored lights set to synchronized music proclaim a zealous Christmas spirit! Different displays, yet all those lights come from the same source: One electric outlet. (I'm sure there is a more electrically appropriate description, but work with me here!) :)

God is the One True Source of all that we have and all that we are.  What do you do with that Power? What do you do with Him? Do you display a dim reflection? A safe and well rehearsed time and place to shine? Or do you fill the grid with a radiating display of God's praise and glory?

Trey and his family choose to tap into God's source of power on a daily basis!  Team Mitlo One wears the shining truth loud and clear: One Faith One Family One Fight! :)

Pease continue to pray for Trey and his healing!
And for God to provide a treatment plan for Trey!
And for a curative study to open up for him in Pittsburgh!
And for Trey's family to feel the spark of Christmas hope!

"Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress...The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned." Isaiah 9:1,2

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Trey Tuesday - December 3, 2013

Strange...

Christmas is a strange celebration.  We remember the birth of baby Jesus, born in a remote place, with a manger for a bed.  Pretty strange entrance for the King of Kings wouldn't you say?  An odd arrival of the One prophets predicted would rescue the people....The Savior, the Messiah...not arriving in a grand cavalcade, but born to a teen mom and a foster dad outside the comfort and warmth of a home or inn.
There is a Christmas song, Strange Way to Save the World, that sums it up nicely:
Why me, I'm just a simple man of trade
Why Him with all the rulers in the world
Why here inside this stable filled with hay
Why her, she's just an ordinary girl
Now I'm not one to second guess
What angels have to say
But this is such a strange way to save the World

I guess that's just the way God works.  Think about the many unpredictable ways in your life that God has used the unexpected to solve a problem, provide a need, create a miracle!

And so, this Trey Tuesday, let's entrust Trey to the Unpredictable Author of Life, the Designer of Unexpected Events....God.  Yes, it is strange and it definitely wasn't in "the plans" that Trey would have cancer, yet we know God's plan is perfect in Trey's life and in each of our lives. 
Please keep praying for Trey's health, a local case study for him, and for continued joy surrounding that household!  :)
"Nothing is impossible with God....May it be to me as You have said."  Luke 1:37, 38

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Pray for Trey Tuesday - November 26, 2013

Love Suffers Long
This Thanksgiving, as you prepare to spend the days ahead with extended family and Black Friday shoppers and people in close proximity (like at parades or with hunters in a closed up cabin opened only once a year!), let's take another peek into the Mitlo family!
Trey was diagnosed on Christmas Eve 2010.  Almost 3 long (deliriously thankful for!) years ago!  It hasn't been an easy road for Trey - or his parents - or his siblings - or his Team Mitlo One!  Yet, the years have been FILLED with long suffering love:  sacrificial parental love, Trey's love of his nurses,  siblings loving their little brother in spoken and unspoken ways, tokens of love from family and friends..."Love suffers long" I Corinthians 13:4   
Can you love a little deeper this Thanksgiving?  Can you breathe a little deeper and offer an extra measure of grace to that stranger at the store or on the highway?  Can you suffer a little longer (with love) with that "you know who" in your life?  Jay writes an excellent blog and this week's entry sums up the father-son duo perspective on love perfectly!  check it out: jaymitlo.com

Please keep praying for our Young Warrior to be placed in a study in Pittsburgh.  And for his strong, "healthy" body to stay that way!  :)
This Thanksgiving, try to love as Team Mitlo One loves Trey!
And as God loves each one of us!
"Give thanks to the God of gods, for His steadfast love endures forever..."
Psalm 136:2

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Trey Tuesday - November 19, 2013

Selfie!

There, I did it! I think today is the first time I have ever typed the word "selfie!"
Obviously, I am in the minority...again! :)
You see after surveying 150 million words a month online(!), Oxford dictionary named "selfie" as Word of the Year!  (FYI: a selfie is a photo of oneself taken on a smartphone and posted on social media.)

Trey is a natural at selfies! He's happy to pose for a photo - he doesn't care about his hair, his clothes, his look....he's just excited to smile!  And then the ritual: Lemme see! Lemme see! :) Oh, to feel joy and zeal like Trey! :)

As we pray for Trey this week, please take time to praise God for Trey's awesome smile, his joy, his gift of life lived to the very fullest!
And please consider times in your life when you didn't feel like smiling, didn't want to be happy, didn't want to accept God's blessings.
And then please ask God for Trey's insides to be as full of life as his smile! :) for Trey to be healed! For a treatment plan or sign of hope! And for wisdom and peace for the Jay and Rachel and Joe and Bella and Trey! :)

Oxford should have known! The Bible has The Ultimate Selfies! :)
"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." Revelation 1:8
"And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." John 12:32
"And the Lord--who is the Spirit--makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image." 2 Corinthians 3:18

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Trey Tuesday - November 12, 2013

Cold, snow, wind

Ahhh, the great winter trifecta!  :)

I wonder how many times today those words gave been reported, recorded, posted or tweeted!  How many comments or conversations (or grumpy thoughts) about the winter weather conditions have you had today!?!

And stop by the doctor's office or the pharmacy to find the top 3 physical conditions today: cough, cold, allergies.

But what about the spiritual condition in your life and in those around you? How many times today have you mentioned or thought about the Ultimate Trifecta:  Father, Son and Holy Spirit?  When was the last time you exercised the trio of grace, mercy and peace?  And did the gifts of faith, hope and love help you to sleep well last night?

As we pray for Trey this week, please know that prayer is not a messy, cumbersome chore that must follow a script or an intricate list of directions.  Sometimes less is more!  :)  Let's take this week's prayer requests one word at a time:
Health:  We ask God to make Trey healthy.  God wants Trey healthy, too - mind, body and soul!  :)  God wants the same for you!  :)  "Dear friend, I pray that you may prosper in every way and be in good health physically just as you are spiritually."  3 John 1:2
Strength:  We ask God to keep Trey strong as he fights his fight! :)  "Be strong in the Lord, and in His mighty power."  Ephesians 6:10
Wisdom:  We ask God to shed His light and wisdom on the team of doctors researching options for Trey.  And we ask for God to share His wisdom with Jay and Rachel when decisions need to be made.  "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Proverbs 9:10
 
I leave you with some powerful 3 word phrases for Trey from God's Word.  Please feel free to add to the list!  :)
"Peace, be still."  Mark 4:39
"Pray without ceasing."  1 Thessalonians 5:17
"Believe in God."  John 14:1
"Do not fear."  Isaiah 41:10

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Trey Tuesday - November 5, 2013

Would You Rather...

Have you ever played that game? It goes something like this...
Would You Rather...eat dirt or kiss a worm?
Would You Rather...have a large order of fries or an order of large fries?
Would You Rather...go to the beach or to the mountains?
Would You Rather...have tax breaks for millionaires or...oh sorry, who let government issues into our game!?!  :)


Don't you feel like we play this game with God?
Dear God, I would rather have a flat tire than root canal.
Dear God, I would rather lose my car keys than lose my job.
Dear God, I would rather Trey not have cancer.  period.

This Election Day we get to go to the polls to vote our preference.
It doesn't work that way with God.
It's not a game of Would You Rather, but a life of Faith and Trust.

So this Trey Tuesday, let's set our agendas aside and wholeheartedly believe in God!  :)
Have faith in His promise to never, ever leave Trey or forsake him or Jay or Rachel or any of us!  :)
Trust that God really, truly has a good and perfect plan for Trey!  :)
And PLEASE keep praying for Trey to be healed!  :)
And for a treatment plan that protects Trey's quality of life!  :)
And for Jay and Rachel to continue to receive God's peace and wisdom!  :)
And for Joe and Bella to be secure in their parents' love and provision, as well as that of so many around them!  :)
And for us all to believe enough to sing:

"Bless the LORD, O my soul,
            And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
            And forget none of His benefits;

Who pardons all your iniquities,
            Who heals all your diseases;

Who redeems your life from the pit,
            Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;

Who satisfies your years with good things,
            So that your youth is renewed like the eagle...

Bless the LORD, O my soul!"
Psalm 103:1-5, 22



Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Trey Tuesday - October 29, 2013

I Wonder...

About 80% of the dictionary definitions of wonder involve emotions or reactions of amazement, surprise, admiration.  Only 20% deal with feelings of doubt and curiosity.

How true is that in your life?  Are you 80% amazed by life and 20% uncertain?

I wonder what you wonder....Not the scratch your head at your boss/friend/spouse/child's behavior-and-comment-type wondering...but what you really look at in wonder....

As we pray for Trey this week, and await his test results, let's spend 20% of our time and energy and emotions on wondering about the outcome.  And then let's lavishly spend 80% of our time and energy and emotions on wondering about God's divinity, His goodness, His tender loving care for Trey and Jay and Rachel and Joe and Bella - and for you!  :)

Of course, please pray that the doctors are amazed by how clean Trey's scans are!  And that the doctors create a "safe" and "easy" plan for Trey.  Please also pray for clarity of mind and comfort and strength for Jay and Rachel to take it all in.

This is a short prayer letter this week so you can spend the other 80% of your reading time in wonder of God in His Word! :)

"And when Jesus heard it, He wondered, and said to those who followed, 'Verily I say unto you, Not even in Israel have I found so great faith."  Matthew 8:10 (Even Jesus wondered!!!)  :)

"As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet Him."  Mark 9:15 
(When was the last time you were overwhelmed with wonder at Jesus? or with any of God's creation?)

"'Great and wonder-ful are Thy works, O Lord God, the Almighty, righteous and true are Thy ways, O King of saints"  Revelation 15:3

"Therefore once more I will astound these people with wonder upon wonder"  Isaiah 29:14

"And all the people saw him walking and praising God; and they were taking note of him as being the one who used to sit at the Beautiful Gate of the temple to beg alms, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him."  Acts 3:10

"For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonder-ful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."  Isaiah 9:6

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Trey Tuesday - October 22, 2013

A Call to Arms/A Call to Pray


This is a big week for Trey, with perhaps bigger weeks to follow!
Let's get out our Terrible Towels and rally for our Young Warrior!
For Trey Tuesday this week let's help Jay and Rachel (and all of Team Mitlo One!) prepare for battle against the enemies of fear and confusion and doubt.

"let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us" Hebrews 12:1 NIV
"let us strip off every weight that slows us down" NLT
"let us lay aside every weight" KJV

What's holding you back?  Think like our Young Warrior!  "It's Running Day!" declares Trey as he dons his shorts in 40° weather!  :)  And Jay writes the other day:  "Right now Trey is standing naked in front of the tv with both feet in a plastic pumpkin."  Is Trey hindered?  No!  He certainly knows how to strip off every weight that slows him down!  :)  I don't even think he even knows he has a heavy weight that he carries.  To Trey, every day is Running Day!  Let's prepare for battle on behalf of Trey this week!
Trey has a very important scan tomorrow, an MIBG scan to determine where the cancer is active in his body.  Thursday he will need a bone marrow biopsy to check for cancer in his bone marrow.  Please be praying for miraculous results of health of strength for Trey!  And peace and comfort and strength for Jay and Rachel!  And patience and peace for Joe and Bella!
Let's all wear our Team Mitlo One wrist bands and t-shirts this week so we remember to pray!
Get out the face paint - we declare war!
Sound the stadium horns - this is the week of reckoning!
Come on, team, let's run this race for Trey!

"But I pray to you, LORD, in the time of Your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with Your sure salvation"  Psalm 69:13

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf6kPsDm7B0
Lincoln Brewster:  Today is the Day

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Trey Tuesday - October 15, 2013

God Willing? - or I'll Do It Myself!

How's your prayer life and your faith walk?
We pray so specifically, wait so patiently and yet nothing happens.
What went wrong?
Yes, we know that God always answers our prayers...either yes, no or not yet.  And God is never late, but always on time.  So what do we do while we wait?  "Be still and know that I am God," God says in Psalm 46:10.  So we sit and wait, right?  We don't want to rush ahead of God and doubt His provision....or do we?  Or do we work out the answer by ourselves, planning and making sure all our bases are covered?

Trey was diagnosed with cancer.  What do Jay and Rachel do?  What do the doctors do?  What does Trey do?  Pray and then sit and wait?  (Trey DEFINITELY doesn't sit and wait for anything!)  :) No, they all do what they can.  Treatments, prayers, tears, tests, prayers, giggles, surgeries, prayers, memories, therapies, prayers, praises and repeat!  :)  It is a delicate balance of prayer and waiting and then doing what we can:  "But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat." Nehemiah 4:9    Nehemiah used both faith, praying to God, and human effort, posting a guard to meet the threat.  A combination of God willing AND doing what you can.

So as we pray for Trey this week, yes! Please pray!  :)  For his health and strength and his Tumor Board and their decisions.  For Joe and Bella and their spoken and unspoken fears and wonders.  And for Jay and Rachel as they process and adapt to a new plan for Trey. 
And for you:  After you have prayed, and while you are waiting, what can you do?
"We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."  I Thessalonians 1:3

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Trey Tuesday - October 8, 2013

Out the Spout!

"Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’"  John 7:38
What flows from your heart?
Do you have bitter waters flowing out the spout of your mouth?
Are there attitudes and agendas which bias your conversations?

God has given us Trey as an image of great inspiration!  :)
Have you been blessed to spend some time with Trey?  Or to have read his stories/tales/escapades?
Trey lives out loud!  Both literally and figuratively!  :)  He believes in a John 10:10 lifestyle:
Jesus said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
Yes, cancer (the thief) tries to defeat us, but God has given us life!  God has given Trey life - a few times now!  :)  And Trey intends on living every second of it!
How about you?


Please let your prayers flow this week for Trey:
For his hearing - that the doctor will have a good action plan to help Trey and his family with Trey's hearing loss!
For Trey's CT Scan coming up on Thursday - for no new growth - the results to be stable!
For his treatments - that Trey can continue his typical treatment plan!
For everything else a typical "healthy" preschool boy could encounter - his safety, his health, his siblings, parents, teacher and classmates!  :)

"The LORD will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."  Isaiah 58:11

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Trey Tuesday - October 1, 2013

No Shut Down Here!  :)

"The eternal God is your refuge"
Deuteronomy 33:27

Cancer and debt and standoffs are realities despite our deepest wishes.
"But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations."
Psalm 33:11

Pain and suffering will always exist this side of heaven.
"But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear Him" 

Psalm 103:17

BUT>>>>Despite our circumstances or point of view, the power of healing is always possible!  :)
"The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the Word of our God stands forever."
Isaiah 40:8
Loving relationships always strengthen us!  :)
"For the LORD is good and His gracious love stands forever"

 Psalm 100:5
The unity of Team Mitlo One and the joy and hope spread by Trey, encourage us all!
"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever."
I Chronicles 16:34


Focus on the Truth, keep in touch with the Author of Truth and trust in His Goodness for Trey, for the Mitlos, for Team Mitlo One and for our country!
"Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens."
 

Psalm 119:89
Keep praying to our Eternal God and Father and Lord of ALL!!!  :)
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
Ephesians 3:20-21



Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Trey Tuesday - September 24, 2013

“Do whatever He tells you.”
 
The infamous wedding at Cana, (John 2) where Jesus turns the water into wine, is known for Jesus' miraculous works.  Taking a deeper look into the story, an issue of obedience comes to mind.  When Mary, the mother of Jesus, realized that there was no more wine for the guests, she told her son, Jesus, about it.  She then readied the servants by telling them, "Do whatever He tells you."  Jesus proceeded to tell the servants to fill the jars with water....WHAT!?!?  Mary just said they ran out of wine!  Why would Jesus say to go fill massive stone jars with water?  What wedding guest will be blessed by that!?!?  And then Jesus told the servants to give some of that "water" to the master!  What a test of faith!  They waited for his first taste...what did the master reply?  "You have saved the best till now.”
 
Whew!  The servants passed the test of faith with an A+!!!  :)
How does your "report card" of faith look these days?
Do you have any assignments that don't make sense?
Have you tried to avoid some tough lessons?

Stage 4 cancer certainly wasn't in the Mitlo's syllabus of life.
Yet through obedience their faith (and Team Mitlo One's faith!) has grown in Supernatural ways!  :)

As we pray for Trey this week; his treatments, his schooling, his therapy, his healing, please take time to praise the Lord of the Impossible for the many wonderful lessons of faith that have come through obeying God throughout Trey's journey!  :)

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."
Hebrews 11:6

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Trey Tuesday - September 17, 2013

You are Special, Except You Aren't!

Do you ever hear this in your house?
"That's not fair!"
"What about me!?!?"
"Where is mine?"
"Why did she/he get to (whatever), but I didn't!?!?"

Mr. Rogers always told us that "You are Special."
Yet we are all the same in so many ways!
Trey and Bella and Joe do the attention dance at their house, vying for a parent's affirmation or even the "stink eye!"
What about your relationship with God?
Are you satisfied with God's supreme design of Y-O-U?
Or do you complain about inconveniences or missed opportunities? Things you felt entitled to?

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

As we pray for Trey this week, please place your hope and trust in the Almighty Designer!
Praise God for all that He has done in Trey's life!
And thank Him for the many lessons learned along the way!
Preschool, treatments and therapy make for a very busy week for our Young Warrior!  Please keep praying for health and strength for Trey and his family!  :)
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Your works are wonderful,
I know that full well."  Psalm 139:14

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Trey Tuesday - September 10, 2013

Your Little Corner

"And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap the corners of your field, neither shall you gather the gleanings of your harvest."
Leviticus 19:9
You know, I think it's time for a good Old Testament lesson, straight from the book of Leviticus!  :)  It may seem rough to apply Leviticus to life as we know it in 2013, but it is still happening today!
A dear friend told me last week that the neighboring farmer didn't cut/glean/reap the harvest from the edge of his field that bordered hers....did she want the corn?  More corn than she and her children could EVER pick, husk, blanch and freeze!?!?  Soooo much that she shared some of her corn with my family!  What a treat it will be when we serve some of that corn to our extended family this Thanksgiving!  :)   That's Leviticus 2013!  :)

How are you doing in your little corner?  Planting anything?  Tending your fields?  Harvesting much?  Such abundance you can't help but share?
God has certainly been planting and harvesting much through the life of Trey!  Praise God with us for the many wonderful stories shared of growth in faith and courage and love!  Thank God for the way He provides comfort and encouragement and support throughout Team Mitlo One - and beyond!  Please keep praying for Trey and his new big boy life as a preschooler - for his teacher and his classmates and their families.  For wisdom and peace as questions arise...and for a chance for God to use Jay and Rachel in their usual amazing ways!  :)
And as always, for Trey!  For his healing from cancer - even the total destruction of cancer everywhere for everyone!  And in the meantime, for strength and health in Trey's treatments and therapies.  And for Bella and Joe - soldiers in this battle, too!  :)

"They all ate and were satisfied"
Matthew 14:20



Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Trey Tuesday - September 3, 2013

It's the Little Things...
Ever try to maneuver your car without those little lug nuts holding on your wheels!?!?
Ever have a few little fleas in your home?!?!
Ever experience a "friend" sharing a little germ with you!?!?
Yes, it's the little things in life that mean a lot.
At times it may seem small to "just" pray for Trey!  What a HUGE gift your prayers are to Trey and his family!  Thank you for sharing your precious time with them!
Please keep praying for effective treatments for Trey!
And for Trey and his teachers and classmates as he begins preschool tomorrow!!!!!
Please also pray for Trey as his hearing may be getting worse from chemo!
Thank you for blessing Trey in HUGE ways!  :)
Little things DO mean a lot!  :)
 
"Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!
It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest."
Proverbs 6:6-8

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Trey Tuesday - August 20, 2013

What Do You Smell Like?
(PLEASE do not respond with your answer!!)  :)

I had an "encounter" with an oil filled air freshener the other day.  The encounter left me marinated (clothes and hands) in a long-lasting, non-wash-off-able aroma!!  Good thing it was my favorite scent!  :)

What about you?  What do you smell like!?!?
As we pray for Trey and his family this week, let's praise God that they spread the aroma of Christ wherever they go!  (And of course, please keep praying for Trey's complete healing!)  :)
Just imagine any of those nurses or doctors or hospital staff thinking they were going to be grumpy one day...and in walks Trey!  :)
Just imagine a heavily burdened parent encountering Rachel and her uplifting smile and words of wisdom!  :)
And just imagine a poor unsuspecting soul thinking they were juuuuuuust going to smile at Jay at Panera's and say, "Hello! How are you?" :)
Can you just sense the heavenly influence being shared at that opportune moment?

What about you?  What do you smell like!?!?!

"For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing;"
2 Corinthians 2:15

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Trey Tuesday - August 20, 2013

Bundle Up!

No, I am not talking about winter!  It is still glorious summertime! Enjoy the beautiful, warm sunshine! :)
Am I speaking of "Bundling up" with a Verizon Triple Play!?  Nope!
How about a little bundle in scripture?
(You) "will be bound securely in the bundle of the living by the LORD your God"
1 Samuel 25:29
Ahhhh, more comforting than a down blanket in the winter, more efficient than high speed Internet...bundled by and with God!! :)
Please keep Trey bundled with God this week and always, for powerful treatments and strength in therapy!
And for Joe and Bella as they start back to school next week!
And for Rachel as she prepares to send Trey to preschool!
And for Jay as he listens for God's calling in ministry and employment!
"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."
Isaiah 26:3

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Trey Tuesday - August 13, 2013

Harmony

What's your favorite kind of music?  Can you hear the harmony in the vocals and the instruments?
It's a pleasant combination of individual elements, isn't it?

Just imagine Jay and Rachel at home with Joe and Bella and Trey every day at this point in the summer...harmony?
PRAISE THE LORD their home is just like any "normal" home - filled with antics and bickering and giggles!  :)
PRAISE THE LORD that Trey is healthy enough to be a self-diagnosed "stinker" pressing his siblings' buttons!  :)
Harmony?  At times!  :)  You bet!  :)  Rachel's awesome photographs capture it at times!  :)

How are you with those around you?  Harmony?
At work?  Harmony?
At church?  Harmony?

As we pray for Trey this week, please pray that there is the PERFECT harmony of effective cancer killing treatments!  :)
And powerful healing in Trey!  :)
And harmony between Trey's doctors and nurses and therapists!  :)
And for harmony with God for each member of Team Mitlo One!  :)

"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another."
Romans 12:14-16

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Trey Tuesday - July 30, 2013

But What If You CAN'T Do It!?!

So what if you aren't as fearless as Trey!?!
What if you struggle with doubt and fear?
What if you "can't" jump in to the deep end of life without a suffocating fear of drowning?
What do you do?

Many have tried much....
Try harder?
Read a different book?
Follow another blog?
Eat more protein or less gluten?
Get more exercise or sleep?
Have you discovered that you lack the super powers necessary to obliterate your fears?
God has His Super Powers ready for battle!!  "divine power to demolish strongholds" 2 Corinthians 10:4
Quit trying your own powers and start using God's arsenal!  :)
Trey doesn't realize that there is a power greater than he, but one day he will!  :)
Jay and Rachel cling to the Almighty Super Hero - Jesus Christ, the Healer, the Redeemer, the Deliverer - on behalf of their children!
Trey is beating cancer by God's design and power!  :)
As they are getting older, Joe and Bella are becoming more aware of the Hand of God in their family's journey!  :)
Jay and Rachel are alive and well because they know they "can't" do "it," but trusting in God's promises, they can!  :)

Thank you for sharing in this ministry, this journey of prayer and faith and love and fellowship in Trey's fight against cancer!  Keep up the great work!  :)  God "CAN" do it!  :)
"I can do all things...through Christ."
Philippians 4:13

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Trey Tuesday - July 23, 2013

"I Can Do It!"

Have you ever experienced the sheer grit and determination of a young child?!?
Willing themselves to grow tall enough to ride the roller coaster?
Insisting they are not tired as their head continues to bob while eating dessert?

I was blessed to have spent time with Trey at the public pool - WOW!
Our Young Warrior's grit, determination, will and fortitude splashed all over everywhere as Trey
announced to each life guard:  "I Can Do It!"
Swim in the deep end?  "I Can Do It!"
Dive off the high dive?  "I Can Do It!"
Could he?
Absolutely not!  :)
Did Trey think he could do it?
Absolutely!  :)

As so it is in Christ!  :)
We all know the verse:  "I can do all this through Him who gives me strength."
Philippians 4:13

But do you know what comes before that verse?
"I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."
Philippians 4:12

Do I hear you saying, "I Can Do It!"?  Regardless of what your "it" is?

As we pray for Trey today/this week, praise the Lord for Trey's grit and confidence!
And please ask God for a continued, endless supply for Trey!
God has enough for you, too!  :)
And as always, please pray for continued amazing health for Trey!
And for successful treatments!
And fun and sweet summer times for Joe and Bella and Trey and Jay and Rachel!  :)

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ."
Ephesians 1:3

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Trey Tuesday - July 16, 2013

Let's Celebrate!  :)

Wow!  What a HUGE blessing that we can celebrate Trey's stable scan...AGAIN!  :)
Yes, we need to keep praying for Trey's healing from cancer, and yes, we need to keep praying for Trey's family, but this week, let's also celebrate!  :)

God commands us to give thanks:  "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good"  Psalm 106:1
He tells us to praise Him:  "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord" Psalm 150:6 

God wants us to celebrate:  "Let's have a feast and celebrate."  Luke 15:23
And to rejoice:  "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"  Philippians 4:4
And to be happy:  "When times are good, be happy"  Ecclesiastes 7:14
And God wants us to remember these good times:  "This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the LORD--a lasting ordinance." Exodus 12:14

Let's Celebrate!  :)

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Trey Tuesday - July 9, 2013

Wherever You Go"Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God."
Ruth 1:16

I hope this summer has you traveling to a new and exciting place!
Or going on a traditional family vacation!
Or maybe you are venturing off on a backyard camp out! (The biggest and bravest adventure of all!)  :)
Or maybe you found a good book or movie that transports you to another place and time!

Trey and his cancer and his treatments and his upcoming scan stay front and center despite the season on the calendar.
Thank you, Team Mitlo One, for being with Trey and his family year round!
Thank you for always remembering him in your prayers!
Please keep up the great work!  :)
God is present!
He is listening!

You are never alone, no matter how far you travel or how far you stray!
"And surely I am with You always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:20

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Trey Tuesday - July 2, 2013

To-Do Lists

What's on your Summer to-do list?
Get to the beach?
Host a picnic?
Paint the house?
Grow a garden?
Have a bonfire?
Try every flavor of water ice?
Read a good book?
Cut the grass if it ever stops raining?
Visit every amusement park within a few hours' drive?

And then what?
More to-do lists! 
Gather back-to-school supplies...Then what?
Visit a pumpkin patch....Then what?
Start Christmas shopping....Our work is never done!  We are slaves to this mentality!

But what about Trey?
We prayed for Trey to be saved from his surgery!  Praise the Lord he was!
Then what?
We prayed for Joe and Bella to feel secure in their parents' embrace of comfort!  Praise the Lord they are!
Then what?
And now we pray for Trey's complete healing from cancer!
And for wisdom and strength and health as he progresses with his treatments!

There will always be "something" enslaving you.  This 4th of July week, seek personal freedom.
Freedom from the drudgery of just "getting things done."
Freedom from self-imposed expectations.
Freedom from the would-a, should-a, could-as.
God is the Creator of the "Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave!"

As Jesus said, "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me,because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.  He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Luke 4:18, 19


Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Trey Tuesday - June 25, 2013

When are we going to the pool, Mom?

If curiosity kills the cat, then persistence wears down a mom in summer! :)

A friend recently shared the unending, monotonous, droning melody of her children a few days after school had ended...."When are we going to the pool Mom? When are we going to the pool Mom? When are we going to the pool Mom? When are we going to the pool Mom? Etc. Etc. Etc!" This tune is kin to "What are we going to do today, Mom?"

How passionate are you in your relationship to God? (not the droning part, but the zealous, never ending, trusting part!?) :)
Do you know that Jesus made it OK for us to ask God for things? Even over and over again!? :)
How many times has Team Mitlo One asked/begged God for Trey to be made well?  It's working! God is listening! Keep up the great work! :)
How often do we ask God for peace and hope for the Mitlos?  Look at them! It's working! :)
Thank you for persisting in prayer on behalf of our Young Warrior! :)

"Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit." James 5:17-18

"Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually!" I Chronicles 16:11

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Trey Tuesday - June 18, 2013

Deadly Perils

"He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us again."
Yes, God has delivered us all from many deadly perils!
Our tenacious Young Warrior is proof of this!The cancer that Trey fights can very easily be regarded as a deadly peril.We praise the Lord that He has redeemed Trey's life over and over again!
What do you have in your life that can be a deadly peril...causing you to need deliverance?

I didn't even know I had a deadly peril going on in my life recently....not until a friend warned me about it.
Isn't that great how God works?  He brings our friends who have been through the same trials to lead us on, encourage us and teach us how to watch out for the perils!
What was my "near dreadful" peril you may ask?  The dreaded wild strawberry vine!
You see, I have a beautiful strawberry patch in full bloom this spring.  Every day I go out and pick sweet, warm fruit and marvel at God's redeeming springtime,
reviving our dreary, wintry earth!  :)  I focus on the green plants, the white blossoms, the red fruit!  Sheer bliss!
Until I talked to a friend who lost her entire strawberry patch to....the wild strawberry vine!  Gulp.
I didn't even know to watch out for this "deadly peril!"  Thank God for friends who warn us by sharing their journeys!

Strawberries are nothing compared to cancer. 
But maybe you have a "cancer" in your life that you have been ignoring or overlooking.
Listen to a friend.  Watch out for the vines that strangle.  Take them to the Master Deliverer! 

As we pray for Trey this week, please pray for the dreadful cancer in Trey to be annihilated!
Please pray for his treatments to continue to be so effective!
And please continue to pray for Joe and Bella and Jay and Rachel and Trey to enjoy their "lazy" summer days together!  :)
(On a side note, strawberries are very near and dear to Trey's heart, so he also would want me to guard my strawberry patch well!)  :)
"He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us again.  On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many."
2 Corinthians 1:10-11

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Trey Tuesday - June 11, 2013

Trey's weeks consist of a series of being "off" and "on."
"Off" and "on" his treatments.
"Off" and "on" medication.
"Off" and "on" Joe and Bella's school schedule.
"Off" and "on" the coffee table!  :)

How do things look in your life?  A little bit of "off" and "on?"
"Off" and "on" your diet?
"Off" and "on" your exercise plan?
"Off" and "on" your budget?
"Off" and "on" your time with the Lord?

Thank you for staying on your knees in prayer for Trey!  :)
Thank you for your faithful attention to our Young Warrior and never turning off his needs!  :)

Please keep praying for Trey's complete healing!
And pray for ANOTHER (Praise the Lord!) awesome summer for Trey and his family!  :)

“Be strong and very courageous...Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:7-9

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Trey Tuesday - June 4, 2013

Comfort and Joy

Trey is a perfect picture of comfort and joy!  :)
He loves to snuggle and be comforted by his dad, mom, siblings, extended family, friends, nurses, teachers, etc!  :)
And in turn, we all are comforted!  :)

Trey loves to be silly and giggle and play and run and be a "stinker!"
His times of joy, become our times of joy!  :)
And that's just the way God works!  :)

We praise and thank God for each precious time with Trey!
We beg God for many, many more!
We ask God for continued great health for Trey - and complete healing from cancer!
And we thank God for the many blessings that have been given to the Mitlos through Trey's journey!

How do you fit in all this?
What/Who is your comfort?
Where do you find your joy?
Where do you do with your comfort and joy?

Look around - find someone that needs some comfort and some joy!
And give it to them!  :)  Then watch God at work - and see just how contagious it is!  :)

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 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. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort."
2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Trey Tuesday - May 28, 2013

Remember?

Believe it or not, Memorial Day has come and gone already this year!
Memorial Day - a day on which those who died in active military service are remembered.

What do you remember?
Anniversaries?
Births?
Grudges?
Grocery lists?

As we pray for Trey today (and every day!) God calls us to remember.  He commands us to remember!
Remember God's faithfulness!
Remember God's promises!
Remember God's abilities!

"I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago."
Psalm 77:11

"Remember the wonders He has done, His miracles, and the judgments He pronounced,"
Psalm 105:5


"I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done."
Psalm 143:5


Please remember to ask our Great Physician to heal Trey of cancer!
To surround the Mitlos with God's hedge of protection!
And to bless them with peace and wisdom!

"And remember, I am with you always"
Matthew 28:20

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Trey Tuesday - May 21, 2013

Green grass!  :)

Well, praise the Lord we have green grass!
And lots of it!  :)
Such a picture perfect spring time it has been!  :)

But the reference to green grass always reminds me of that old adage:
"The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence."
Other people's circumstances always seem better - or worse - than our own.
Yet they aren't.
The grass isn't greener....the grass isn't browner...it just is.
Sure, Trey's cancer is awful, terrible, scary and stinky.
But so is abuse.
And poverty.
And depression.
And pain.
And murder.

The grass isn't greener...the grass isn't browner...it just is.
And God knows all about it.

As we pray for Trey this week, please lift him before our All-Knowing King of the Universe!
Please ask God's unchanging, never-ending power to rest on Trey and heal him from his cancer!
And please pray for Trey and his family to lean on God and His Truths of comfort, peace, joy and hope!  :)

"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever."
Isaiah 40:8

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Trey Tuesday - May 14, 2013

The government is right!

IN GOD WE TRUST our currency says. 
The U.S. Government has it right!  And they have had it right for many, many years!
http://www.treasury.gov/about/education/Pages/in-god-we-trust.aspx

But what about you?
Who/what do you trust?
Your friends?
Your spouse?
Your parents?
Your children?
Your job?
Your car?
Your looks?
Your circumstances?
Your emotions?

What about Trey and Jay and Rachel?
Do they trust the doctors?
The medicine?
The treatment plan?
The research?
Yes, but not completely.

We challenge you this week to yes, pray for Trey and everything his poor body and family deal with on a regular basis.
And of course, please pray for Trey's complete healing!

But whether you yourself face cancer or broken relationships or financial hardships or deep sorrow, please also consider where you stand on this issue of trust.
"Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe."
Proverbs 28:26
"Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save."
Psalm 146:3
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths"
Proverbs 3:5,6

Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62:8


Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Trey Tuesday - May 7, 2013

Birthday Boy!

Happy Early Birthday to our Young Warrior!
Sunday, May 12, 2013 is a day to celebrate:  Trey's 5th birthday!  :)

Will you join us in thanks and praise for God's overwhelming gift of us being able to celebrate Trey this day!?!?
Psalm 118:24 "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Let's sing a song of praise and rejoicing for God's mighty work done through the Mitlos!
Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"

Please keep praying for Trey as He lives out loud for us all to watch and learn from and enjoy!  :)
Ecclesiastes 11:8 "However many years a man may live, let him enjoy them all."

And thanks be to God for Jay and Rachel and their strong and honest testimony!
Luke 15:23 "Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate."

And as a special birthday gift, we ask for prayer for Trey's complete healing!  :)
"For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful,
I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You  when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in Your book
before one of them came to be."
Psalm 139:13-16



Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Trey Tuesday - April 30, 2013

April Showers Bring May Flowers

And my how those showers can come!  Depressing, soggy, dreary rain that seems to interfere with our plans!
But wait!  Then comes the May flowers!  :)  Pinks and oranges and reds and purples!  A feast for the eyes!  :)  Where would they be without the April showers!?!?!

Has Trey had April showers?  You bet!   Stage 4 diagnosis, near fatal surgery, chemo, scans, contrasts, zero white blood cell counts and much, much more!  (I call these monsoons and hurricanes more than just April showers, but I needed to work within the famous saying!)  :)


And now we celebrate Trey's May flowers!  His smile, his joy, his silliness, his "health!", his running and learning and playing and growth and development!! 

Praise God with us this week for Trey and his journey!  :)

Praise God for the journey you have been on as well!


Never fear or doubt what God is doing!  He is faithful!  We need to be faith-filled!  :)

Please continue to pray for our Young Warrior's continued May flowers!  :)

"After Jesus had fed the five thousand people the loaves and fishes He commanded His disciples to gather what was leftover..."Let nothing be wasted." Luke 6:12

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Trey Tuesday - April 23, 2013

What did you do today?

Has it been a long week...today?
And yet, what did you do?  Did you accomplish everything on your to-do list?
And then there is tomorrow and the next day and the next day!!!??!

Jay often reminds us, in light of life with a son with cancer, We Have Today.  *jaymitlo.com
God's Word commands us, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Matthew 6:34

Well then what's our problem?  Why do we live in such a panic state of dealing with today and planning for tomorrow?
Ummmmm, I think they are called bills, deadlines, reservations, commitments....It's part of growing up, right?
Or is it a sign of being immature, relying on our own selfish and prideful ways instead of trusting God?

Trey's clean scan last week (Praise the Lord!) happened whether or not Jay and Rachel (and Team Mitlo One) worried about it or not.
Actually, Trey's diagnosis happened even though Trey didn't plan on it!
The doctors and nurses and prayer warriors and fund raisers who God has brought forth in this journey did not dream one day of meeting Trey and his family.
It's God's World, God's Design, God's Time.
Sounds neat and clean, but tough to implement in our daily lives.

What if we looked at Scripture in light of "today": (I added the word, "today" for application purposes, not to change God's Word...  :)
"Love one another....TODAY" John 13:34

"Forgive one another...TODAY" Colossians 3:13
"Be kind and compassionate to one another...TODAY" Ephesians 4:32
"Bear with each other ...TODAY" Colossians 3:13

Can you do it for just...TODAY?
And for Trey Tuesday: "Pray for each other ...TODAY"  James 5:16
Please continue to pray for our sweet Young Warrior as he fights his fight!  :)

And for Jay and Rachel and Joe and Bella and Trey and all of Team Mitlo One:
"Do not worry...TODAY"  Luke 12:11
"Trust in the LORD...TODAY"  Psalm 37:3

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Trey Tuesday - April 16, 2013

UNITED States of America...and Trey!  :)

Tragedy draws us together:
We become united as one front against an enemy!
We forget our differences and bond in unison!
We stop competing and combine our efforts!

"My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ"
Colossians 2:2
The Boston Marathon runners, in competition for the finish line, abandoned their individual goals and dreams for the welfare of those around them!
United.
Team Mitlo One, hundreds of very busy professionals, parents, teachers, students, children, athletes, coaches, neighbors, friends and strangers, spend precious time and attention praying for Trey!
United.
The Body of Christ, whatever "flavors" we are, encourages and loves the Mitlo family just as Jesus did!
United.

As we join together this week for Trey Tuesday, please use this week as a wake up call for any division or separations in your life.  Unite!!!!
Let's pray for:
All the Mitlos to recover from the stomach bug!
Trey and his new weekly physical and occupational therapy to be a blessing and an effective plan!
Trey's CT scan this Thursday - for continued awesome results showing no growth!  :)

"Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
Philippians 2:1-4

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Trey Tuesday - April 9, 2013

Whoever would have thunk it?

Please post the following photos on your refrigerator and be reminded of God's faithfulness!

Can you imagine how Jay and Rachel feel on a daily basis?  Since December 24, 2010 they have been walking a weary road fighting for Trey's walk with cancer.
God has been glorified over and over and over again though, as we all celebrate each victorious day and month and year with Trey!  :)
I have shared photos of silly, joy-filled, hope-filled, trusting Trey in order to encourage you in your walk with the Lord!
But some of you may not get to see Jay and Rachel very often.  "How are they holding up?" you may ask. "How do they handle each day?"
Well, here is their latest photo:

https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/u/0/?ui=2&ik=da733adba0&view=att&th=13de759bc60e7718&attid=0&disp=inline&safe=1&zw&saduie=AG9B_P_-68XVMF2WXynzedDpEC6r&sadet=1365517882013&sads=kXcaggNsMJG7BijpMMJNOT981sQ
Have they gone off the deep end?!?!  No!  Here are Jay and Rachel, despite their schedules and their heartaches, serving at a hoe down at their church this past weekend!  With sleeves rolled up and the joy of the Lord overflowing from their hearts and lives and spilling out for the congregation, Jay and Rachel bring joy and love and laughter in the midst of their journey!
Whoever would have thunk it?!  (No, they are not their real teeth!)  :)

As we pray for Trey this week, please include LOTS of praise to our All-Providing God and Father!  Praise for good health for Trey!  And good emotional health for all the Mitlos! :)
And of course, please be on your knees for Trey and his weekly treatments to continue to be effective!  And for his CT scan to be clear...AGAIN!  :)

And because I am a nice sister, here is a sweet family photo from Easter!  :)

"Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”
I Samuel 7:12

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Trey Tuesday - April 2, 2013

Happy Easter to all of you!

"Christ is Risen from the dead
trampling over death by death
come awake come awake
come and rise up from the grave!

Oh death! Where is your sting?
Oh hell! Where is your victory?
Oh Church! Come stand in the light!
The glory of God has defeated the night!"

-Matt Maher, Christ is Risen

http://youtu.be/ptqVzhVSUPE

Praise the Lord with me in the news that Trey can stay in his current study for as long as possible!

God is so good.
He protects Trey each and every week as he goes to his treatments. It is JESUS who fills him with Joy and Strength!
And He can give you that same joy as well... just ask for it!

Let's continue to pray for Trey and all the Pray for Trey-ers!

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Trey Tuesday - March 26, 2013

Puppies!

What is cuter than a brand new puppy dog?
Trey!  :)
Even though that frolicking little pup steals your heart, you must keep the adult version in your mind...puppies DO grow up!  :)

As I think about Trey and pray for him and giggle at Trey's silly photos and antics I can't help but to pause a minute to think of so many others
who are battling cancer....perhaps those who are not quite as cute as Trey...perhaps those who do not tolerate their treatments wearing a Pinocchio nose!
....perhaps those who do not look forward to their days at the hospital....perhaps those who are absolutely miserable in their fight.
How do we handle those people in our lives?

It's a big week in the church calendar...the road to Calvary, the cross and Resurrection Sunday!  :)
Jesus' earthly life began when He was born....a precious, adorable baby!  Who couldn't love Him?
But then He grew.  He calmed waves.  And He made waves.
He made people well.  And He let them die.
He made friends.  And He made enemies.
Hmmm....not quite the precious, adorable adult!?!

As we rejoice in Trey's good news this week, please also take some time before the Lord to ask for God's perspective on all His children.
Who can you enjoy like you enjoy Trey?
Who can you hug real tight like you hold a puppy?
Who can you love like God loves you?

"This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him."
I John 4:9


From Jay and Rachel yesterday:

Monday afternoon update!!! Trey's treatment went really well this morning, both in getting there and administering of meds!

You guys!!! Here's some GREAT news!!! The study that Trey is currently in, is changing to become open ended!!! Meaning: Trey can stay on this course of treatment for as long as he can! Can I get an 'Amen!!"?? He still has 2 more treatments in this cycle, then a CT scan. If his scan is stable, then he should be able to continue with his treatment without interruption.

"Praise the Lord."
Psalm 150

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Trey Tuesday - March 19, 2013

There is a Friend...

"There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
Proverbs 18:24

Brothers.  Sisters.  Friends.  Does it get any better than those bonds?
Especially in Christ:  Brothers and Sisters bound together by the blood of Jesus and the love of God!  :)
It takes a mature Christian to arrive at that point, right?
Guess again.
Look at this  photo!  Do you think any of those boys are thinking:  Oh, poor Trey.  I feel so sad for him and his cancer.
I don't even know how to talk to him or reach out to him.  What words do I say?  How can I "ahem" minister to him?

Look closely at these Costain and Mitlo "brothers"...arms entwined, eyes engaged, smiles erupting...all working toward the same goal at Joe's Bowling Birthday Party = F-U-N!  :)
(aka consuming massive quantities of fruit punch, sliding on slippery bowling lanes and trying to weasel quarters from the adults for the little vending machine!)
Regardless of the goal, they are united.

How is that working for you?  Do you have a band of "brothers" in your journey with Christ?  Someone(s) to support you, encourage you, correct you and love you?
Maybe it's time for YOU to find a "bowling" buddy!  :)  Or a "'prayer" buddy!  Or a jogging buddy!  Or a lunch buddy!
Someone to drape your arms around and love through the ugly, blotchy face days...or fruit punch mustache days!  :)
We praise God for the HUGE brotherhood of pray-ers and cheerleaders in Team Mitlo One!  Keep up the awesome job!
Please continue to thank God for each and every joy filled face and precious moment with Trey!
Please ask for many, many more!
Please also give thanks that Trey was able to continue with his treatment this week - even after a busy, exhausting weekend!  <3
And please pray for God's wisdom and strength and hope and joy (and miracle cure!) to be ever present in Trey's life and in his family's life!  :)

"Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude."
I Peter 3:8



Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Trey Tuesday - March 12, 2013

Take "this" personally...

God has a message for you found in His Word and in your life. 

Trey and the Mitlos have heard His message loud and clear!  They have taken great wisdom in heeding the message!
An entire fleet of Team Mitlo One prayers have also heeded the message and have committed to disciplines of prayer and service!
And praising God for it is our prayer this Trey Tuesday!  :)
Many have also heard the message and have made positive changes in their lives and in their churches!
Websites and blogs and t-shirts and wristbands and fundraisers have enabled the Penn Hills community to link with others around the world!  :)
Doctors and nurses have been bombarded by the effects of hundreds of people praying for them as they treat Trey!  :)
And Trey has experienced great health and strength and joy and LIFE!  :)
All because of "this."

I'd like you to take "this" personally.
What is "this?"

I had the blessing of seeing Joni Eareckson Tada (of Joni and Friends ministry) in person at our church this Sunday.
Joni, after 45 years in a wheel chair due to a diving accident, peacefully shared the scripture:
"To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps."
I Peter 2:21


Easter is a time to remember Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross.
He did "this" for you.

"This is My body given for you"
Luke 22:19

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Trey Tuesday - March 5, 2013

A Journey

Journey...a word that conjures up romantic images of travel to distant places...or explorations into unknown territory...or revisiting a a warm memory...or even a treacherous trek through impossible terrain and situations:
Moses and Aaron:  "Then they said, "The God of the Hebrews has met with us. Now let us take a three-day journey into the desert to offer sacrifices to the LORD our God"  Exodus 5:3
Jacob:  "Then Jacob continued on his journey and came to the land of the eastern peoples."  Genesis 29:1
Naomi, Orpah and Ruth:  "With her two daughters-in-law she left the place where she had been living and set out on the road that would take them back to the land of Judah." Ruth 1:7
Elijah:  "...while he himself went a day’s journey into the desert."  I Kings 19:4
The Disciples:  “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic."  Luke 9:3
Paul:  "Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness." 2 Corinthians 11:25-30Even Jesus:  "When the days grew closer for Jesus to be taken up to heaven, he was determined to continue his journey to Jerusalem."  Luke 9:51

Each day, each one of us is on a journey!
How would your story sound?
Give it a try!
Let's start with Trey:  Our Young Warrior faces his journey with a Popsicle in hand, Team Mitlo One by his side, and dancing the butter dance!  :)

As we focus on Jesus and His journey during this Lenten season, please continue to pray for Trey and his journey:
For continued strength and health!
For complete healing!
For peace and patience at home!
For wisdom and discernment for Jay and Rachel!
Thank you for your faithful, faith-filled prayers!  :)

Check out more great stories of successful journeys in Hebrews chapter 11!  :)

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 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 12:1-3

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Trey Tuesday - February 26, 2013

Whose Lion is it Anyway?

When I say the word, Lion, what image comes to mind?
Probably something between Lion King, National Geographic and Webkinz.
Or perhaps Daniel in the Lions' Den (Daniel 6), Samson tearing the lion to pieces (Judges 14) or Jesus, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David! (Revelation 5)
Or maybe Jay and Rachel think of Trey and Bella and Joe - like any good parent would!  :)

But would you ever consider a lion a blessing?!?!
Think of all the opportunities that came about after the encounters with lions!
Think of all the good that has come from the treacherous encounters in your life!
Think of all that God has done through Trey's journey with cancer!
Team Mitlo One and the journey of faith and hope and trust and love abound because of Trey!  :)

Thank you for your faithful prayers!  They are working!  :)
Please continue to pray for strength and health and peace for Trey!
Please pray that Trey's current leg pain is not tumor growing, but growing pains from a healthy, vibrant boy!  :)
Please also pray for Joe and Bella and all that they do and do not express in their lives.
And as always, pray for Trey's complete healing!
May God be praised!

What's Your Lion?
Whose Lion is it Anyway?
.....check out jaymitlo.com for more great perspective....
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done"
Genesis 50:20

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Trey Tuesday - February 19, 2013

Snapshot

Snapfish
Shutterfly
Snapchat
Instagram
Whatever happened to good old fashioned Kodak?!?!  :)
Oh, there are so many ways to take a snapshot to capture the moment these days...

And Trey knows all too well that there are many ways to take a snapshot to capture a moment internally, too.
We praise God for each and every great report that Trey has received!
And we pray for many, many more great reports!  :)
We also ask for prayer for continued great health for Trey!
And of course, for a miracle healing!  :)
And for Jay and Rachel we pray for continued wisdom and guidance in every decision they make.
And for Joe and Bella we pray for peace and grace and them knowing without a doubt the unconditional love and
provision of their earthly parents and Heavenly Father!

What about you and me?
Daily we should be taking an internal, deeeeep internal, spiritual snapshot of our "condition."
And then what?  What if we are suffering from a terminal condition? (pssst....we are!)
Let's check in with the Authority:  God's Word:
"Finally, I confessed all my sins to You and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the LORD."
And You forgave me! All my guilt is gone."
Psalm 32:5

Thank God, our Almighty Savior and Healer!  :)

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Trey Tuesday - February 12, 2013

This is....it!

What comes to mind when you read that?
The finding of a long lost puzzle piece?
The rage of an exhausted parent of young children?!?
The rage of an exhausted parent of teens?!?!?
The relief of a successful tax accountant?
The Word of God?

"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalm 118:24


Jay and Rachel face new transitions as Trey's key doctor has changed.
Also, Trey's treatment plan will be undergoing review.
His eligibility for the study may be over soon or it may be extended.
How does Trey handle it all?
Singing, dancing, eating, drinking, playing, being a kid...LIVING!  :)
Please continue to pray for continued happy, healthy days for Trey!
For good answers!
For great test results!
For peace and protection for their family!

Once again following in Trey's footsteps, won't you consider living life through his eyes?
Singing, dancing, eating, drinking, playing, being a kid = LIVING!  :)

Instead of dwelling on today's trials and struggles or tomorrow's plans and worries and fears and doubts:

REJOICE!
BE GLAD!
LIVE!
DON'T WAIT!
NOW!
TODAY!
THIS IS...IT!  :)

"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalm 118:24