"Trey Tuesday" - November 26, 2019

Thanksgiving Prep

Turkey thawed - check

Desserts baked - check

House cleaned - check - well, as check as it's going to get!  :)

Is that all there is to Thanksgiving Prep?

You know you are going to be asked.....let's prepare for it now.  What are you thankful for this year?  Not a canned answer.  Not a, "Phew, they skipped me!" kind of answer, but an honest and thoughtful reply to God's provision for you.

Assuming you are thankful for your family and your friends and your health....what else has God provided for you?  Consider the good, the bad, the ugly, and the beautiful....the expensive, the free, the treasured, and the plentiful.  The loss, the find, the sorrow, and the joy.  If you are struggling to come up with an answer, let me give you a hint.....God really, truly loves you and has a plan for your life.  He is in the midst of everything you are experiencing....the rain and the mud, the sunshine and the storms.

How can you prepare your heart to be thankful for God's plan for your life?

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."  Romans 8:28

"Trey Tuesday" - November 19. 2019

Hall of Fame

In the New Testament book of Hebrews, God reminds us of the many heroes who have remained faithful to God's promises through many trials and tragedies....we actually call it the Hall of Faith.  

Sometimes it is difficult to imagine what Noah and Moses and King David endured.  Thanks to personal relationships and social media we are well aware of people who still praise the Lord through their difficult journeys, long awaited prayer requests, and survival in the midst of absolute yuck.  

Can you add to the list of famous - and not so famous - faithful friends?
"By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born" Hebrews 11:23

"By faith the walls of Jericho fell" Hebrews 11:30 

By faith, Jay and Rachel confessed their trust and dependence on God's provision through Trey's life and death.

By faith, Joe and Bella remained open and honest with their feelings, trusting God's plan for their family.

By faith, Maggie's parents keep praying and praying and praying for a better solution.

By faith, Betty thanks God for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchild.

By faith.....

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."  Hebrews 11:1

"Trey Tuesday" - November 12, 2019

Plus Sized!

Trey would have lovedddddd the new Disney+ app which launched today - endless Disney and Pixar movies and much, much more!  Many people would know that Trey would love this app.  Trey lived out loud.  Jay and Rachel live and love out loud.

What's your story?  What Plus Sized app would be perfect for you?
Would your family guess it?
Does your neighbor know it?

Is there a bestest friend who may realize your Plus Sized need?

Whether it is fresh roasted coffee, a winning football game, fine herbs, designer clothes, exquisite chocolate, silly humor, luxurious spa treatments, a huge buck, endless sleep, or so much more....please make sure someone knows your story.  And make sure you know someone else's story. 

In the words of my friend on Facebook today:  It’s been a pretty rough week already for many of my friends. Stick together and reach out if you need anything ....

"Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."  Hebrews 10:24,25

"Trey Tuesday" - November 5, 2019

5 Years....

Five years ago today our lives changed forever.  

Jay and Rachel - We praise the Lord for your faith, your strength, your testimony!

Joe and Bella - We praise the Lord for your resilience, your joy, your trust!
Trey - We praise the Lord for you teaching us to fix our eyes on Jesus!

From Rachel:

Today marks 5 years (!!!) since our Young Warrior, sweet, baby Trey got to his forever Home! We love him, we miss him, we think of him often and laugh easily at all the memories.
Today, friends, as you go through your day, think if there is a way you can show kindness above and beyond the norm. Everyone we encounter has a story...
#cancerstillsucks #godisstillgood #allthetime  

From Jay:

So earlier today I began my day by going through my Facebook memories. Tears rolling down my face, some were from sadness, but most were from being overwhelmed by the love and support from that day 5 years ago. Please never forget how powerful it is to not let someone be alone in their pain. Thank you for being there (and here) for us.  

"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33

"Trey Tuesday" - October 29, 2019

Like Who?

Trey was silly and smart, gentle and resilient, musical and active, he loved Jesus and he loved EVERYBODY! (especially his girlfriends)  I wonder where he got those traits?  I wonder where he learned how to be Trey Douglas Mitlo?   Actually, I don't really wonder a bit!  :)

I know God crafted Trey to be uniquely Trey.

Anddddddddd I know Trey learned how to live and love by watching his family and friends around him.

What have you learned from those closest to you?

What are you passing on to those around you?

"Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers."  Acts 20:28

"Trey Tuesday" - October 22, 2019

Special Coffee

I had a coffee with a friend today.  You see, I drink coffee every day.  Each cup I drink is not "Special" because I have it often.  I call it "Another" cup of coffee!  :)  However, I call today's coffee, "Special" because this was a very rare opportunity to sit down together with this friend and talk about great things over coffee.  Very special indeed.

Trey had a very "Special" security blanket aka Taggie.  Believe you me, he would NOT have wanted "Another" blanket!

Have you gone out to eat lately?  Was it "Special"?  Or was it "Another"?

Do you have a "Special" pen?  Or shirt?  Or song?  Can you imagine wearing your "Special" cozy tshirt to a job interview!?  OR what would happen if you and your loved one heard your "Special" song while on a crowded elevator!?  :)

May I challenge you this week to differentiate between "Special" and "Another" in all aspects of your life?  Let's not confuse the two.

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  Matthew 6:21

"Trey Tuesday" - October 15, 2019

New Math

Our Father

Give Us This Day

Our Daily Bread

Forgive Us Our Debts

We Forgive Our Debtors

Lead Us Not Into Temptation

Deliver Us from Evil

Do you see what I see?  In the words of the familiar and comforting Lord's Prayer, I see a lot of togetherness.  That word 'together' just made some of you squirm!  Togetherness is messy!  And loud!  And unpredictable!  But it's true!  God designed us for togetherness!

If you are struggling....or celebrating....or wondering....or studying....or busy....or sad.....or happy.....or frustrated.....or lost.....or unsure...get together with a friend or a group of friends.  Find encouragement, direction, camaraderie, accountability, support, and joy by sharing life's journeys!

It's like the new math:  Division equals minus plus multiplication!

"Two are better than one,

because they have a good return for their labor:

If either of them falls down,

one can help the other up.

But pity anyone who falls

and has no one to help them up.

Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.

But how can one keep warm alone?

Though one may be overpowered,

two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12