"Trey Tuesday" - December 29, 2020

The End

No wait!

Yes, this is the end of Trey Tuesday devotionals as we know it, but God has paved the way for us to have a new beginning TODAY! (see below)

Trey Tuesday began on Tuesday, December 28, 2010 just days after Trey's diagnosis and the night before his first surgery.

THANK YOU for loving Trey and Jay and Rachel and Joe and Bella for the past 10 years in countless ways!

THANK YOU for walking beside each other every day, loving, praying, sharing, and supporting!

And THANK YOU for encouraging me with your kind words and appreciation!

Tonight is the end of Trey Tuesdays, but we still have TODAY!  TODAY is the name of my new devotional found on my website: https://aheartforhome.org/today-devotional/
I still plan on posting every Tuesday on my personal Facebook page and you can subscribe on the website.  I look forward to staying connected with you!

Tuesdays will always remind me of Trey, so let's continue our journey together TODAY!

"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,”  Hebrews 3:13

"Trey Tuesday" - December 22, 2020

 Unprecedented

: having no precedent : novel, unexplained

adj. - never done or known before.

I'm not so sure we are living in the most unprecedented times......

A virgin birth

A fully satisfying sacrificial death

Hundreds of prophecies fulfilled

Fully God and fully man

Perfection

Sinless

Miracles

Defeating death

Eternal Life

Let's set every cultural distraction aside and savor the thrill of Hope as the weary world rejoices!  :)  Merry CHRISTmas to you and yours!

"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

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."  Isaiah 9:6

 

"Trey Tuesday" - December 15, 2020

 2021

Everyone is ready to send 2020 packing and usher in a Happy New Year - 2021!

Don't you think that's a little bit funny? Blaming everything (bad) that happened this year on the cover of your calendar?

First of all, what about all the good things that happened this year?
Like my granddaughter being born!!!  :)

And finally having snow in winter!  

And all of us learning Zoom and Google Classrooms and MUCH, MUCH more!

Second of all, what about Wednesday!?
Tomorrow is a new day, much closer than a new year, but with all the same potential!

So, let's look forward with great expectation to all that God will do on Wednesday!  And Thursday!
And EVERY DAY! :)

"Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days."  Psalm 90:14

"Trey Tuesday" - December 8, 2020

It's Personal

Cancer

Covid

Autism

Arthritis

Alzheimer's

Addiction

Each of these labels is well known.  You have probably heard that "people" experience them.

But until it gets personal we keep them at arm's length....not really feeling the pain and burden of those affected and the life change and battles they experience.

What happens when these diseases get personal?
How significant is the change when you attach a loved one's name?

Not just cancer.....but Our Trey had cancer!

Attach a name to each heartache and the tears begin to flow!

The prayers are intense!
Love overflows!

Praise the Lord we have the Ultimate Comfort from God:

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

I have summoned you by name; you are Mine.

When you pass through the waters,

I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers,

they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire,

you will not be burned;

the flames will not set you ablaze.

For I am the Lord your God,"  Isaiah 43:1-3

"Trey Tuesday" - December 1, 2020

 Morning People

I'm not naturally a morning person....at all.  My best sleep comes in the morning when I shoulddddddd be getting out of bed!  :)

Yet....through all this sickness and heartache, nights have been long....
I have actually been longing for morning to come.

The other night as I was praying myself to sleep, God reminded me of His presence and His peace and I actually couldn't wait to wake up the next morning to see what He would do!

Maybe I am a morning person after all!  :)

"Let the morning bring me Word of Your unfailing love,

for I have put my trust in You.

Show me the way I should go,

for to You I entrust my life." Psalm 143:8

"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,

for His compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;

great is Your faithfulness.

I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;

therefore I will wait for Him.” Lamentations 3:23

"Trey Tuesday" - November 24, 2020

 Not Just Thursday

Thanksgiving at your house may look a little different this year....Or rather, should I say....this Thursday at your house may look a little different this year.

What's the difference?

Thanksgiving is not just a Thursday in November. 

God calls us to be thankful all the time!

Our families and friends need us to give thanks to them often!

So, whatever your "Thursday" looks like this year, don't skip over giving thanks on Tuesday!  And Wednesday!  And every day!  :)

Psalm 100

"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.

Know that the Lord is God.  It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.

For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations."  

"Trey Tuesday" - November 17, 2020

 A Sing-a-Long

What song are you singing today?

I have 3 songs that are on a loop in my brain and heart:

In Christ Alone

It is Well with My Soul

This is the Song that Never Ends....!!  :)

Which songs are most powerful to you today?

"You are my hiding place; You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance."  Psalm 32:7

"Trey Tuesday" - November 10, 2020

Next!

Who is 29?!?  I AM!  :)

I LOVE when I pull the little ticket at the deli and it says the number 29!  Who wants to yell out, "I'm 72!??"  LOL!

Back on the playground, in line at the grocery store, or waiting at the DMV, we can't wait to be next!

As we have traveled together through almost 10 years of Trey Tuesdays, God is leading me to what is next.  I'm not 100% sure yet, but I know He is moving my ministry.  December 28, 2010 was our first prayer for Trey and his family and I thank God for you being on our journey!  My plan is to complete our 10 years together and then begin a new chapter in writing.

Until then, take a deep breath, don't worry about tomorrow, and let's accept God's best for us today!

"God again set a certain day, calling it "Today."  Hebrews 4:7

"Trey Tuesday" - November 3, 2020

 The Perfect Response

There are many hot topics these days.  Potential arguments and division lurk around every corner.  Don't get your blood pressure up!  Don't lose sleep! 

Think about these things:

"Whatever is true,

whatever is noble,
whatever is right,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable

--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--
think about such things."  Philippians 4:8

"Trey Tuesday" - October 27, 2020

Mirror Mirror

Those who knew Trey loved him.  How could you not adore our charming and silly Young Warrior?!  Everyone had nice words - fun words - encouraging words - lots of prayers and intentional acts of kindness - for him!

What if we treated ourselves with as much kindness and grace as we treated our special boy?

How often do we realize that God sees each one of us - you, your in-laws, your boss, your nemesis, your rival - with MORE love than we shower on the cute and pleasant people in life?

Next time you look in a mirror, see yourself through God's eyes.  Greet His child with delight!

"The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing."  Zephaniah 3:17

"Trey Tuesday" - October 20, 2020

Social Media

How's it working for you lately?

Maybe we never should have put those 2 words together!

It almost sounds like an oxymoron:

social:  companionship

media:  mass communication

I understand the mass communication part, but how can social media truly fill our need for companionship?

Reach out this week - set aside your device - connect socially.

Find companionship in person with one of your online friends.

"When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours."  Romans 1:12

"Trey Tuesday" - October 13, 2020

Trey's Girlfriends

One of Trey's best girlfriends is sad and struggling.

Another girlfriend just had serious surgery.

I'm not sure Trey ever met the young lady who just had surgery, but Trey considered every girl his girlfriend! <3

Do you love that large?  Do you love that unconditionally?
Do you believe the best in everyone?  Do you squeal and jump for joy when you see people?  (OK - maybe that last one is a stretch for most of us!) :)

Trey wasn't perfect, but he sure knew how to make someone feel good!

Will you please pray for Trey's 2 girlfriends tonight?
For health and speedy recoveries

For hope in a brighter tomorrow

For God's peace that passes understanding

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."  I Corinthians 13:13

"Trey Tuesday" - October 6, 2020

 Worms!

Do you suffer from ear worms?  Not a hygiene issue, but when a pesky song gets stuck in your head and is played over and over and over and over again!  "This is the song that never ends.....it just goes on and on my friends...."  THAT kind of ear worm!  (FYI - There are lists of Top Ear Worms for each year - who knew?!?) :)

Other than catchy songs, bad commercials, and clever slogans, what goes through your mind over and over and over again each day?  Do you rehearse reminders for work?  Grocery lists?  Bills due?  Arguments?  Hurtful words?  Worries?

What about exchanging all those ear worms for the sweet song of God's Word?

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."  Philippians 4:8

"Trey Tuesday" - September 29, 2020

Rest in Hope

Feeling the need for rest these days?

It has been a longgggggg 6 months since our lives were turned upside down.

And each day continues to bring more change in countless, unpredictable ways.

How are you and your family doing?

Are you finding rest in God?  Or searching for rest in temporary fixes?

Some days I think I am farrrrrr too busy to even find rest anywhere!

I worry, I complain, I spin my wheels....but I then stop and consider Psalm 62:5.

"Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him."  Psalm 62:5

YES indeed!!!  In this world that promises everything and delivers nothing, our hope can only come from God alone.

Let's stop looking elsewhere..."find rest in God."

"Trey Tuesday" - September 22, 2020

 Seasons

What season is it anyway?  Frosty grass and it's still summer?
Masks at school and it's not even Halloween?

And football games without rowdy fans in the stands?

Maybe your season doesn't make sense right now, or maybe you don't even like this season!  I get it!  We gathered last weekend to honor some very special family members.  It is a season of celebrations for the Mitlos.  Yet as we gathered for our traditional cousins photo, Trey wasn't there.  It's not his season to be in our photos.  His memories are everywhere and in everyone, but God chose Trey to spend his seasons in Heaven with Him!  :)

What season are you in with your walk with God?  Budding springtime?  Abundant growth of summer?  Dropping leaves of blessings?  Or hunkering down for deep study together with someone?

Own your season - A valuable crop awaits!  :) 

"Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains."  James 5:7

"Trey Tuesday" - September 15, 2020

 Before You Brush Your Teeth

Tomorrow morning before you brush your teeth, consider the calling of the Lord:

"O LORD, in the morning You hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for You and watch."  Psalm 5:3

How do you start your day?  With great dread?  Or great expectation?

Is the Lord the first One to hear your voice?  Or do your children hear you "greet" them?

What kind of sacrifice do you plan on offering the Lord tomorrow morning?  Your social media usage?  Your earnings?  Your patience?  Your tongue?

Ok - As you go brush your teeth - consider that last Word.  The Lord hears your prayers.  He WILL listen.  Your job is to, "Watch".

"Trey Tuesday" - September 8, 2020

 Your Trey?

Trey was a cute, adorable, strong, sweet, charming little boy! (spoken by his adoring aunt!)

Throughout his battle with cancer, Trey was easy to love.  Easy to support and cheer.  It was fun to swoop in and offer distraction and gifts and fun for Trey and his siblings.

But what about your annoying neighbor who has a broken heart?
Or your family member who has a chronic bad attitude?

Or your coworker who has crippling arthritis?
They probably aren't very easy to love...maybe not even possible to like them!
But God's law of love is the same for everyone.  Just like His love for you!

So who is your Trey?  How can you love them a little better today?

"Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”  Mark 12:31

"Trey Tuesday" - September 1, 2020

Super Size It!

Who orders just small fries these days?  Of course we need to Super Size it!  :)
Who wants to earn $5 an hour?  Definitely Super Size that!

And patience and rest and vacation time?  Super Size for sure!

What about other parts of your life?  Are you willing to Super Size them?
Your dreams?  Your hopes?  Your plans?  Your faith?  Your boldness for believing God?

Trey was called our Young Warrior.  Not our Young Cute Little Boy....our Young Warrior!
Super Size Fighter with great faith and a big smile!  :)

Are you living a God sized life these days?  

So big that all you can do is pray and watch and wait on God for results?
It's scary, but exhilarating!  And such a joy to brag on God for the GOD SIZED results!

"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

"Trey Tuesday" - August 25, 2020

 A Visit to the Vineyard  

Jesus Himself said, "I am the Vine, you are the branches" John 15:5

Notice He didn't say that He is the Vine and His disciples can choose to be branches of other vines depending on their preferences/comfort/need/wants?!?  

There is One Vine = Jesus

And the rest of us are branches = together.

So let's live like the messy, sweet, sticky, intertwined Vineyard of God that we are!

"If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing."  John 15:5

"Trey Tuesday" - August 18, 2020

 Fading Flowers

Beautiful summer flowers in their vase remind me of Trey...a once vibrant and bright little boy.  But as the blossoms fade away, I think of Trey leaving this earth and arriving in Heaven.

But that's not the end....what happens next?!

The fading flowers drop seeds which can grow in to new fields of flowers!  :)

And Trey left manyyyyyy seeds behind of God's life and light and love which continue to grow in each one of us!

What kinds of seeds are you leaving in your path?

"Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them."  Psalm 126:6

"Trey Tuesday" - August 11, 2020

 Nothing

There are soooooo many friends and family and coworkers and neighbors we haven't seen in months.  Sooooo many special occasions canceled, postponed, or celebrated without us all being together.  Add in some current events/issues/policies/decisions/preferences and we have a recipe for feelings of division and isolation.

And then - one day - you pray about a friendship.  And your phone dings with a text from a lifelong friend who just so happens to be in town!  AND you have endless time for catching up!  :)

Or an emergency hits your world and you cry out for prayer!

Or you experience a huge victory that you just can't wait to celebrate!

Or a major life event that changes your family/job/home/health and your friends gather around you!

We don't need to feel alone - we are NOT alone!  NOTHING can separate us from the love of God!

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."  Romans 8:38

"Trey Tuesday" - August 4, 2020

Speak Lord

There are countless memes and tweets and posts and podcasts joking about all that has happened this year.  The year 2020 seeeeeeemed to be such a nice round number, but we have now associated it with trauma, drama, and much emotion.

Have you had enough?  Are you listening?  

I don't have any answers for you.  Hey - I don't even know what the questions are!  But I do know the Author and Perfecter of our faith.  The Creator of our very life.  The Manager of the wind, the waves, the grains of sand, and the number of hairs on my head!  He also knows the innermost struggles, thoughts, and hopes of my heart.  And I rest in Him.  Unchanging, everlasting, eternal Jesus - the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

Can you stop looking for answers everywhere else for a moment?  Can you cease striving?  Take a deeeeeeeep breath and listen for the voice of the Lord in the midst of the storms.

"'Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening."  I Samuel 3:9

"Trey Tuesday" - July 28, 2020

Refresh

It has been a longgggg hot summer!  It has been a longggggggggggggger weirder 2020!  I hope you have created a season of refreshment at the beach or at a park or daydreaming in your favorite chair!  :)

When our browser stops functioning or our wifi refuses to work properly, we need to hit the refresh button.  

When was the last time you took a moment to allow God to hit His Refresh button of your heart? "May the words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."  Psalm 19:14

"Trey Tuesday" - July 21, 2020

Christmas in July

Hallmark has done it again with endlessssss Christmas movies this July!  :) It has been a nice distraction this sweltering summer...but I now have an even greater appreciation for it! 

A friend told me recently that when she first became a Christian she could only sing Christmas songs!  She couldn't sing hymns or contemporary songs, because she didn't know all the words!  God used Christmas song lyrics about the birth of Jesus to nurture her young spiritual walk.

Let's refresh ourselves with some powerful lyrics!

- O Come Let Us Adore Him - Christ the Lord
- Glory to God, glory in the highest: O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

- The King of kings salvation brings; Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
- O come, O Bright and Morning Star, and bring us comfort from afar!
Dispel the shadows of the night and turn our darkness into light.

"Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts."  Colossians 3:16

"Trey Tuesday" - July 14, 2020

Super Stars!

Joe and Bella are wonderful, strong, resilient teenagers.  That is an amazing accomplishment for any kid today - let alone having lost their baby brother almost 6 years ago.  By the grace of God and the love and support of family and friends, the experience has increased their love and compassion for people.  They get "it" in ways many adults don't comprehend.  And I love watching them live life with their parents openly and honestly - AND they all like each other! :) 

Will you please take a moment today to thank God for His Hand upon Joe and Bella in their grieving and healing?  And pray for them to continue to seek the Lord and His guidance for their futures!  Two high schoolers - one getting ready for driver's license and college applications - let's pray for Jay and Rachel, too!  :)

"But may all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who long for Your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!”  Psalm 40:16

"Trey Tuesday" - July 7, 2020

Puppies, Ice Cream, and a Shiny New Car!

Did you smile at reading those happy words?

What other words would you add to the list?
I might add....the beach!  :)

Will you take a minute or two and rest in God's refreshment that He sends to you?

I know you are busy - and you're burdened.  You're tired - and you're tired of "it".

But for a few moments at a time, let's try a little harder to live and speak of the glorious riches we have in Christ for a weary and watching world!

"How beautiful on the mountains

are the feet of those who bring good news,

who proclaim peace,

who bring good tidings,

who proclaim salvation,

who say to Zion,

“Your God reigns!”  Isaiah 52:7

"Trey Tuesday" - June 30, 2020

Rockin' It!

Trey always saw the bright side!  Even through cancer treatments, he looked for the happy people, the party, and of course, the prize box!

What about you?  We have all experienced a lot of negative these past few months.  Where have you seen bright spots?  What companies/people are rockin' it - even with all the restrictions?

I went to Chick-Fil-A.  Traffic flow, friendly faces, and of course, good food made a happy difference in my day!  :)

And my neighbor!  I received a beautiful photo one evening of the sun setting behind my house.  So very thoughtful!  <3 

Let's give a shout out to God for His extraordinary blessings!

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."  Philippians 4:8

"Trey Tuesday" - June 23, 2020

Toddlerhood

Trey will forever be a toddler/preschooler in this aunt's heart. Our memories of Trey are rich and wonderful treasures of new and exciting times of learning and celebrating the simple pleasures in life!  (Like not wearing shoes....or much of anything else!)  :)

Toddlerhood is a precious time.  The steep learning curve, reaching endless milestones is sooooo appreciated!  Each new day is photo shoot worthy! (I have a 15 month old grandson - my camera roll can testify to this!)  :)

What about you and your baby steps as we re-enter and navigate each phase/color/recommendation/requirement/etc?  Have you paused to appreciate your progress? 

What about the people around you?  Are they infants still drinking milk (Hebrews 5:13)?  Have you considered and accepted their perspective these days?  Let's not cause them to stumble.

"Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."  Galatians 5:25

"Trey Tuesday" - June 16, 2020

Your Nest

A bluebird family has a nest in a bluebird house in our yard.  One day, another bird came tooooooo close to the birdhouse!!  The bluebirds came out and started dive bombing the intruder.  They kept swooping and diving and fighting.  As I watched I couldn't help but wonder/worry, "But what about their nest?!  Who is watching the nest!?"

And then I gasped and considered what is going on in our world.  Do we consider what is going on in our own nest beforrrrrre we go out and fight the intruder?

"He has shown you, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."  Micah 6:8

"Trey Tuesday" - June 9, 2020

Moving Target

Red, Yellow, Green, Black, White, Brown, Rainbow, Glitter, Camo....

Does any of it reallllllly matter!?!?

Let's not fight over a target that is constantly moving, causing division and distracting us from loving one another - even LIKING one another!  Beginning with ourselves!

I "tried" to teach Trey a song, "Oh How I Love Jesus".  It was sweet....until the ending....when instead of saying, "Because He first loved me", Trey interjected (loudly!), "I LOVE ME!!"  :)

Be like Trey - Do YOU love YOU?  So much so that it overflows on to others?

That, my friends, is a bullseye!

"Love your neighbor as yourself."  Matthew 22:39

"Trey Tuesday" - June 2, 2020

Your Part in All This

Bad News:  You've had a part in all this mess.  We all have at one time or another - our thoughts, our "jokes", our likes and shares, our impatience, our indifferences, our actions, our lack of action, our comfort, fears, doubts, phobias, grudges...and much, much more!
And now for the Good News!  Thanks be to God He forgives, He redeems, He heals!
My mom's favorite song is: Let There Be Peace on Earth and Let It Begin with Me

What is YOUR part?  For each person it will look different, but each and every one of us can do SOMETHING!  Write a letter - join an organization - forgive the trespass - give your time - give your money - pray for your enemies - do YOUR part to live a life of love with everyone - regardless of race, creed, color, size, shape, status....everything about everyone!

How is God using YOU to begin to bring peace in your world?

"How beautiful on the mountains

are the feet of those who bring good news,

who proclaim peace" Isaiah 52:7

"Trey Tuesday" - May 26, 2020

Pivot!

There has been a lot of mention lately about the need for organizations and businesses to plan on pivoting as we re-open.  New business models, new education platforms, new ways for the church to gather. Maybe even in your personal life you have learned of the need for you to pivot.

Pivot: to turn on a central point

What is your central point?  Despite change and trauma and stress and family change, where are you anchored?

It makes a big difference!

If Jay and Rachel were centralized on a having a perfectly healthy family, when Trey was diagnosed with cancer, their ability to pivot would have been majorly crippled.

If your life is rooted in comfort and control, this quarantine has rocked you to the core.

If Jesus is your Central Point, your Anchor, your Rock, you can pivot 360 degrees and still stand strong!

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."  Hebrews 6:19

"Trey Tuesday" - May 19, 2020

That’s so unfair!

Some counties are in the yellow phase!  And some are STILL in red!!!
That's so unfair!

Employment, health, family.....beauty, strength, wit....the list of comparing ourselves to an unspoken, yet highly-desired, sometimes unachievable, status is endless.

Let's focus on a different list...abandonment, judgment, anguish.....all consequences we deserve from God....but, thanks to the perfect love of Jesus, we receive grace, unconditional love, mercy, peace!  That's sooooooo unfair!  Unfair...but in our favor!  :) We cannot work to earn those blessings!

Trey had cancer. Countless appointments and treatments and surgeries and emergencies. Trey shoulddddddd have been a scared and sad little boy. God is so unfair in His dealings....Trey was a JOY-filled little boy who LOVED going to see his friends at the hospital every time!

How has God changed your lens and focus to see His unfair love of you?

"we went through fire and water, but You brought us to a place of abundance."  Psalm 66:12

"Trey Tuesday" - May 12, 2020

1-2-3-4!

Today is Trey's birthday!  His Royal/Golden Birthday!  Twelve years old on the 12th!  :)

Nobody celebrates a birthday like Trey:

- We could have given him a rock and he would have jumped and shrieked and hugged and thanked and enjoyed that rock as the best gift he had ever received!

- Blowing out candles was more of a sport than a tradition!  Trey was always quick to the draw to blow out the candles before the singing was over - even if it wasn't HIS birthday cake!  :)

- And the Mitlo family doesn't sing just 1 birthday song, but 2 birthday songs, right in a row!  Once upon a time, a random time at that, the bridge between the songs was adopted by Trey.  Time was suspended as all eyes were on him with great expectation (and a little bit of impish control)...a loud, "One, Two, Three, Four!" and the second chorus could commence!  

Jay posted today:  Live life today. Live it hard. Trey would have.

And Rachel:  Is there a way you could extend some kindness or grace today?

Thank You, God, for the precious gift of our Baby Trey!  <3 

"Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven;"  Matthew 5:12

"Trey Tuesday" - May 5, 2020

Enough

Do you have enough?
Have you had enough?
How will we know when enough is enough!?!?

It's impossible to measure some things these days....so let's stop trying.
In Scripture and in our lives, God determines our, 'enough'.
Until then, let's focus on a God-sized quantity!  :)

"I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."  John 10:10

"And this is the promise that He Himself made to us: eternal life."  I John 2:25

"Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 
I Corinthians 13:7

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine"  Ephesians 3:20

"continue to walk in Him....overflowing with thankfulness."  Colossians 2:6,7

"Trey Tuesday" - April 28, 2020

Masks and Zoom

Interesting times these days...Hang out in your cozy clothes at home....with the same people....allllllll day.......every day....If you go out, slide a mask around your hair and over your face.....and THEN....show your face on Zoom and suddenly have the appearance of none of the above conditions?!?  LOL!  What a world!  

We've worn masks for many years, though.  Maybe all our lives.

Covering up pain and grief and fear and pride and envy.

Our inner selves neglected and our outer selves masked with a smile.

But Trey had a Broviac line which led right to his heart that needed the utmost care at all times. That mask served as vital protection!

What masks are you wearing?  Let's mark this season with a new opportunity to deal with what is hiding behind our self-imposed masks. Make time to grieve. Learn new Scripture to replace the fear our media supplies.  Spend time - lots of time - loving someone's mask off!  

"We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts."
I Thessalonians 2:4  

"Trey Tuesday" - April 21, 2020

Together!

A baby's life is at stake tonight.  An unborn baby.  Culture would say the circumstances are too much for the young mom to bear.  The road ahead is indeed steep and filled with many unknowns.

BUT a praying community can rally for this tiny baby's life!  Together!  Will you join me in praying for Baby N and mother?  For God's hedge of protection to surround him/her!  For the young mom to choose life for her baby!  May much redemption come for the entire family!

We got to know Trey.  We LOVED Trey.  God's hand of protection surrounded him all the days of his life. Please pray that Baby N be given the gift of earthly life and eternal life in Jesus!

"But you, Lord, are a shield around me,

my glory, the One who lifts my head high.

I call out to the Lord,

and He answers me from His holy mountain."  Psalm 3:3

"Trey Tuesday" - April 14, 2020

Of course!

Have you noticed?!  Have you experienced phenomenal coincidences these past 4 weeks? - - -- Devotionals that are spot on?
- Sermons, although planned long ago, that are perfect for today’s circumstances?
- Every time you open the Bible God's Word has relevancy to our time of isolation?

OF COURSE!  :)  "For the word of God is alive and active."  Hebrews 4:12

God has a message for each and every one of us - for all time - for each and every circumstance! Loss of job, fear, pain, loneliness, cancer, and yet also celebration, praise, hope, joy, and every emotion you can imagine or experience, God is alive and available!

"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope." Romans 15:4

"Trey Tuesday" - April 7, 2020

Dog Bones

Yes!  It takes Dog Bones for me to hear God's lesson!

Grocery shopping last week included shopping for Easter basket items.  I needed to stop myself in the Pet aisle as I reached for a fancy pack of Dog Bones.  "Should I get her these?  Or these?  Oh, wait!  Look at that cute little toy!"  And then came the screeching brakes sound in my head.  "I don't have brain cells for this right now!  Our dog doesn't even need anything for Easter!"  

We are living with a different set of rules these days and our time and energy are being invested in surviving, navigating, understanding, and helping others to do the same.  It's OK this Easter to change your traditions and expectations. 

Jesus is Alive!  And that Ancient Truth will never change!  :)

"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen."  I Timothy 1:17

"Trey Tuesday" - March 31, 2020

Signs of the Times

OPEN

CLOSED

OUT OF ORDER

GRAB AND GO

BACK OFF 

(OK - maybe the sign at the store really did say, "Please allow 6 feet for social distancing", but Back Off fit my illustration better!)  ha!

What is YOUR sign of the times?

Trey was WIIIIIIIIIDE OPEN!  He welcomed everyone in!  :) 

If you are First Reponder, Medical Team Member, or other Front Lines professional, go ahead...put your sign up when you can: OUT OF ORDER  - We thank God for you!

Are you OPEN to conversations and offering support these days?
CLOSED to sharing resources and time?

Are you only available for a Drive-Thru GRAB and GO, "I'm fine, how are you?"

Or is BACK OFF written all over you?

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds"  Hebrews 10:23, 24

"Trey Tuesday" - March 24, 2020

Trey Tuesday

Trey Tuesday was created to support my brother Jay and his family after their 2 year old son, Trey, had been diagnosed with cancer. Lots of love and prayers have been shared since December 2010. Even after Trey won the battle and arrived in heaven, “Trey Tuesday” continued as a reminder to trust in God.

COVID-19 is having a huge impact on each and every person. How are you reminding yourself of God's love and power these days?  There are hundreds of uses of the word, 'remember" in the Bible....times God remembers...and times He tells us to remember.

How will you remember God’s faithfulness from this time?

"Thus far the LORD has helped us."  I Samuel 7:12

"Trey Tuesday" - March 17, 2020

Survey Says....

We've all been force fed a LOT of information lately.  Even if you don't want to hear it or see it, it is nearly impossible to ignore the statistics and stories.

Where does this leave you?  Frustrated?  Afraid?  Suspicious?

Let's gather together under the guidance of Jay and the guys at Lunchtime in Rome.  Will you please complete our 1 question survey?  Your input will help them learn how to best meet our emotional needs in these uncertain days.

Survey: How are you feeling?

"He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together."  Colossians 1:17

"Trey Tuesday" - March 10, 2020

Hokey Pokey

For years we have sung about it.  We even do a little dance:  It's called the Hokey Pokey:

You put your right foot in
Your put your right foot out
You put your right foot in

Then you shake it all about

You do the hokey pokey
Turn yourself around
That's what it's all about  

Hmmmm....do you ever imagine that God has a bigger plan for your life? More significant than putting your hand out here and your foot over there?  Turning yourself around and around all day every day?

As Jesus traveled to the cross He set an example for us and a reminder of what this life really truly is ALLLLLLL ABOUT! <3

"I have brought You glory on earth by finishing the work You gave me to do."  John 17:4

"Trey Tuesday" - March 3, 2020

Name Tags

Ever go to a conference (or Starbucks!) and your name is spelled or pronounced incorrectly?  How does that make you feel?  It can feel like a wrong identity at times.  Or, spoken by a close friend, it can be an endearing nickname.

At Trey's funeral we wore name tags to help connect family and friends.  We still talk about a very special name tag worn by the man who cut Trey's hair.  No identity of his own....simply "Trey's Stylist."

Whose Name do you wear?

​

"But now, this is what the Lord says—

He who created you, Jacob,

He who formed you, Israel:

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

I have summoned you by name; you are Mine."  Isaiah 43:1

"Trey Tuesday" - February 25, 2020

Remember the Pain

My dad died 3 years ago this week.  Wow, the memories come flooding back.  The months before he died.  The months after he died.  The people.  The emotions.  The "stuff".  It was a lot to process.  But....we did it!  God provided what we needed when we needed it and now we remember in awe of God's plan!  :)

What about a renovation project?  Remember being displaced from your kitchen during painting or appliance update?  The picnic dinners on the living room floor, fast food...again, and using the grill more times in a month than you have in a year!  The hard work is a pain at the time, but looking back provides a deep sigh of relief at how God smooths everything out in the long run!  :)

God loves you so much He won't leave you alone!  He wants you to grow closer to Him!  Can you see His Hand as you flip through your photos?  Can you feel His love as you scroll through your social media journey?

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."  Hebrews 12:11

"Trey Tuesday" - February 18, 2020

When the Bottom Drops

Remember the Rotor at Kennywood?  Or the Gravitron at the shore?  This amusement park ride spun at high speeds and the bottom dropped out!  The riders were safe, however, stuck to the walls of the cylinder shaped ride due to centrifugal force.

Ever feel that way?  The bottom dropping out in life?  Leaving you with nothing left to stand on?

I remember Jay telling a story about being in the hospital with Trey and looking around at all the cancer victims receiving treatments.  To those who don't know Jesus, this ugly, pain-filled world will be the best that they ever know or experience....for all eternity!  BUTTT.....for those who know Jesus, this ugly, pain-filled world will be NOTHING compared to EVERYTHING that is promised by God - both in heaven and on earth - through Jesus now and forever!  :)

You may question your circumstances. Read the Psalms - you're not the first to wonder.  Check out the gospels - read how doubt and fear were answered by the hope of Jesus.  Consider God's plan from Creation to Revelation - He created you on purpose - for His purpose!

"Stand firm then," Ephesians 6:14

"Trey Tuesday" - February 11, 2020

Choices

Every choice you make does at least 2 things - it leads you toward one direction and it leads you away from another direction.  Having a snack while typing this leads me down one path - and that is NOT toward the treadmill!  :)

We make thousands of choices a day.....clothes, parking spots, money, menu, TV, sleep, etc.  Are you intentional in your choices?  Or have you let your life sliiiiiiiiide in to autopilot?  Do you stop the noise in your life long enough to think/ponder/choose your action/reaction/response?

Trey choose joy.  Always...well, as always as any 4 or 5 year old could!  :)  In the dreary days, the scary days, the "he shouldn't have lived through that" days, Trey ALWAYS amazed us, made us laugh, and helped us make it to the next step.

What are you choosing?  What is your goal?  Is the choice you are making right now leading you down your desired path?

"choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve,"  Joshua 24:15

"Trey Tuesday" - February 4, 2020

He is So Small!

Ever step on a small Lego?!?  Or get a small popcorn kernel stuck in your teeth?  Or forget one small letter of an email address?

Small things most definitely have a HUGE impact!

Think of the SMALL raindrops and the big flood!
The SMALL lie and Jonah's big fish!
The SMALL fruit and Adam and Eve's - and our - big consequence!

God gave us little Trey to teach us BIG lessons about how to live a faith-filled life!  Through sickness and pain, days at Disney and days at the hospital, delicious treats and yucky meds....Trey lived.  Even though he was small, for 4 years our Young Warrior lived God's story out loud! 

Maybe you only have a small amount of time. Or money. Or talent to share. Make it big!  Make it count!  Give it to God and watch Him work!

"One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much,"  Luke 16:10

"Trey Tuesday" - January 28, 2020

Kobe and You

You matter just as much as Kobe Bryant does.  Your spouse.  Your children.  Your family and loved ones matter!

Can we treat each other with the same esteem and respect and admiration as those in the public eye?  Can we pause to remember alllllll those who have an impact on our lives?

And not just when they have died.  Let's celebrate each other while we are living!  :)

Go ahead: Have that big birthday bash! Meet for lunch! Have coffee! Fist bump! Smile!
Whatever your level of comfort is....push a little further....love a little deeper.  Hey - let's even like each other a little better!  :)
"Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."  Romans 12:10

"Trey Tuesday" - January 21, 2020

Weighted Blankets

My mom gave me a weighted blanket today.  No, not a commercially produced therapy tool, but an old-fashioned, hand-crocheted heirloom afghan.  A heavy yarn coupled with an extra large size provides a blanket of comfort and warmth that will keep me comforted for a longggggg time!  (even if I want to get up - I might not be able to!)  :)

But it's not just the yarn that provides the comfort.  It's the journey.  My mom gave the blanket to me after many years of using it at her house.  My mom's friend originally gave it to her.  Her friend had made it many years before that.  We are woven together, supported, comforted.  Sharing.  Together.

Too many people today are desperate for comfort.

Many look in dangerous places.  Many never find it. 

Team Mitlo One was created to be a source of comfort for Trey and his family.  How/where do you find comfort?  How/where can you share the comfort God has provided to you with others still searching?

"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."  2 Corinthians 1:3,4

"Trey Tuesday" - January 14, 2020

Says Who?!

Falling temps!
Wind Warnings!
SNOW!!!!

The forecasters have our attention!  The kid in each one of us is giddy with excitement!  Or the grumpy old soul in us is bothered by the thought of the return of winter weather.

Whyyyyyy are we stilllll thinking, talking, and changing plans according to radar that has misled us time and time again!?  Whyyyyy do we put our faith (and hope!) in forecasters who make declarations of a coating to an inch or two....or so?

I laugh every time I read God's reply to our human tendencies. Our feeble attempts at controlling our lives simply reveal our human weakness and our need for God-sized power and unfailing reliability!

"Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding"  Job 38:4  "Does the clay say to the potter, 'What are you making?'
Does your work say, 'The potter has no hands'?"  Isaiah 45:9

Instead of staying glued to your weather app or channel at storm time, or any app or person at personal storm time, listen for God's voice so we may know HIS work!

"God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways;
He does great things beyond our understanding.
He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’
and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’
So that everyone He has made may know His work"  Job 37:5-7

"Trey Tuesday" - January 7, 2020

Delivery

The U.S. Postal Service expected to deliver nearly 15 billion pieces of mail and 900 million packages this December....On average, Amazon ships more than 1,600,000 packages a DAY!  Pizza, flowers, groceries....our delivery options are endless these days!  We take delivery for granted!  And how exciting is it to see the delivery arrive!?!

Imagine for a moment, those trapped in bondage....the bondage of oppression, loneliness, depression, injustice, fear, addiction, bitterness, sickness, sadness, etc.

People.  In need of Delivery.  FAR outweigh packages.

"The LORD is my Rock and my Fortress and my Deliverer, my God, my Rock, in Whom I take refuge, my Shield, and the Horn of my salvation, my Stronghold and my Refuge, my Savior;"

2 Samuel 22:1-3