"Trey Tuesday" - December 27, 2016

Christmas Carols

"Wait, a minute," you say, "Christmas carols?  Christmas is over.  Let's get on with New Years."

Yes and no.  Yes, Christmas Day has passed, but no, the sentiments are faaaaaar from over!

Joy to the world

Peace on earth

Born that man no more may die

O come all ye faithful

A thrill of hope

Dashing through the snow

Laughing all the way (Sorry - just had to throw those in there!)  :)

God and sinners reconcile

Sleep in heavenly peace

Nice sentiments year round - don't you think?  Children, like Trey, enjoy the thoughts and dreams and hope of Christmas 12 months a year.  I think we could learn something from them...

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!”
Luke 2:14

"Trey Tuesday" - December 20, 2016

Controlling Christmas (or trying to!)

If you could hit the reset button on Christmas, starting over from scratch, what would it look like?  What would it sound like?  What would it feel like?

Well, today is December 20.  Yes the Christmas season is upon us, but it's not over yet.  It's not too late to make this "the Christmas" you have always wanted.  No, we can't change some commitments, and no, we can't change budgets, and no, we can't bring back loved ones who will not be with us this Christmas.  But...there is much we can control! 

Our perspectives

Our attitudes

Our mindsets

Our priorities

What if Santa were to bring you a set of rose colored glasses this Christmas so everything would look better from your perspective?  Nice, right?  More importantly though, what if God gave you the gift of a Filter that would protect you and guide you?

Good News!  The Gift has been given!  To you!  :)

Merry CHRISTmas!!
"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 13, 2016

Traditions!

Wow!  What a rich time of year for traditions!  From Christmas trees, to silly elves, to routine habits like the precise place to hang stockings - Christmas time is surrounded by traditions.  Did you ever stop and question why/where your traditions originated?

One Christmas when our children were little, I started a tradition of not putting "Baby Jesus" in the Nativity scene until Christmas Eve.  (Somewhere in our hallways, Santa and Baby Jesus must have crossed paths!)  I was thinking that this visual would help the children (and us!) to understand the feelings of the people of the Old Testament longing for a Savior.  The prophets foretold this coming King, but they had to wait.  I wanted my children to long for the arrival of Baby Jesus!

The loss of a loved one carries its own traditions.  Laying your hands on a treasured ornament or a special stocking can send your head and heart spinning!  A silly song, Grandma's secret recipe, candlelight services - the list is endless!

Let's love and support each other this CHRISTmas!  What is a unique tradition you celebrate?  Give us a sneak peek in to your heart this holiday!

"The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."  John 1:14

"Trey Tuesday" - December 6, 2016

I Call You Out!

Remember that silly phrase from days gone by?  For those of you new on the scene, those words were an invitation to a fight!

So....do you want to fight?  "No," you say?!  "Fighting is bad!"  Well, God gives us many scenarios of fighting in the Bible.  Some are bad, but some are good!

Our dad is currently in the hospital (again) fighting one complication after another.  His 96 year old aunt confidently reminds us, "Your dad just needs to keep fighting."  Hmmm....no, not arguing, not bullying, not whining, and not belittling anyone.  But yes, he needs to fight infection, fear, blood pressure, oxygen levels, etc.

Trey was a fighter - but he never knew it!  He was the silliest, happiest, most carefree "sick" child you could ever meet!  Yet he fought.

God tells us to "fight the good fight." I Timothy 6:12  When life gets hard, or messy, or scary, or overwhelming....fight.  Whether the struggle comes from inside or outside...fight.  Fight the good fight of faith that declares that God's purpose, provision, and power are greater and longer lasting than anything this world can offer.

"Trey Tuesday" - November 29, 2016

Heinz Ketchup

Do you remember the commercial?  The one with the ketchup taking forrrrrreverrrrrrr to drip out of the bottle?  Do you remember the catchy little song "Anticipa-aaaaaaation, is keeping me wa-aaaaaaaaiting."

Does summer vacation make you feel like that?  The anticipation is part of the trip!

And now at Christmastime....the anticipation of the lights, the snow, the shopping, and the music extend the celebration of Christmas well beyond one 24-hour period.

Imagine the anticipation through the eyes of your child/grandchild/etc.  The December days drag on and on and on and on....all the while you have strategically seized and stashed away a Hatchimal/Troll/Robot/Lego/etc.  There is so much trust and joy in anticipation!  Trey began the Christmas season with endless parade watching and Toys R Us catalog surfing....day after day after day.  We still preserve our catalogs in honor of Trey!  :)

Then why do we complain when God makes us wait for something!?!?  Can we count it ALL joy when we have to wait longer than Amazon Prime promises?  When the weight isn't as quick to get lost?  When the new job is slow in coming?  When healing doesn't feel like it's happening?

During the Old Testament Bible times, the world was a mess.  The people longed for a Savior to rescue them.  It was taking a long, long time, "But when the right time came, God sent His Son."  Galatians 4:4  God is always right on time.  He was then, and He is now. 

"This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham:

Abraham was the father of Isaac,

Isaac the father of Jacob,

Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers,

Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar,

Perez the father of Hezron,

Hezron the father of Ram,

Ram the father of Amminadab,

Amminadab the father of Nahshon,

Nahshon the father of Salmon,

Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab,

Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth,

Obed the father of Jesse,

and Jesse the father of King David.

David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife,

Solomon the father of Rehoboam,

Rehoboam the father of Abijah,

Abijah the father of Asa,

Asa the father of Jehoshaphat,

Jehoshaphat the father of Jehoram,

Jehoram the father of Uzziah,

Uzziah the father of Jotham,

Jotham the father of Ahaz,

Ahaz the father of Hezekiah,

Hezekiah the father of Manasseh,

Manasseh the father of Amon,

Amon the father of Josiah,

and Josiah the father of Jeconiah^c and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon.

After the exile to Babylon:

Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel,

Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,

Zerubbabel the father of Abihud,

Abihud the father of Eliakim,

Eliakim the father of Azor,

Azor the father of Zadok,

Zadok the father of Akim,

Akim the father of Elihud,

Elihud the father of Eleazar,

Eleazar the father of Matthan,

Matthan the father of Jacob,

and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.

Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah."  Matthew 1:1-17

"Trey Tuesday" - November 22, 2016

Power Supply

How are you going to make it through this "Happy" Thanksgiving week?  Will you be able to paste on a smile and go through with family traditions even though your heart is breaking? Will you be able to answer the great inquisition in light of the loss of your job?  Will you be able to set your differences aside and love the one you sit across from at dinner? Especially if it is a family member you rarely see? (Or maybe one you see too often!!!?) 

The human side of each one of us must answer with a resounding, "No way!!! That is an impossibility for me!  I cannot do it!"

Last week we talked about Joe and Bella being shining stars.  They have lost a brother at such a young, incomprehensible age.  Where do they get their shining power?  "this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us."  2 Corinthians 4:7  Jay and Rachel have taught Joe and Bella of God's love.  They have walked beside them through their deep valleys.  They keep directing them to the infallible love and absolute truths of God.  Sometimes their lights flicker and dim, but that is exactly when God's light shines the brightest.

You can't do this thing called, "Life" alone.  Rely on God to provide for you this week - and every day of your life!  THAT is something to be thankful for!  :)

"But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." 
2 Corinthians 12:9

"Trey Tuesday" - November 15, 2016

Shining Stars

This week's Super Moon is so close and so bright!  Have you seen it!?!

These crisp, clear nights offer such a contrasting view!  It takes the dark to shine the light the brightest.

Well, Joe and Bella are shining stars in my book!  :)

I had the opportunity to be at church with Joe this Sunday.  He listened and responded to the sermon like an adult!  Such a smart, kind, hysterically funny, TALL, soooo sweet to his grandma kind of kid!  :)


And my Bella....my heart leaps as I think of her super smiling face as she performed her baton twirling routine on stage this weekend!  She beamed!  Such confidence!  Such pride!  Her eyes, reflecting her joy coming from deep down inside her, matched her sparkly uniform!  :)

Joe and Bella have endured some very dark "nights" in their young lives, and yet they continue to laugh, smile, share, love, hug, and most importantly, live!  :)

"Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever."  Daniel 12:3

"Trey Tuesday" - November 8, 2016! :)

Hilarious!

So.....today is Election Day!  Finally!  The day we have all been dreading/looking forward to/looking forward to being over!

Today's date was also the date of the first day of our precious Trey's viewing, a day of sharing our heartbreaking loss with family and friends.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand today is my birthday!  :)

What a roller coaster of emotions all surrounding November 8.  I used to treasure that date.  As a child I would beam with pride when election day fell on November 8.  Everywhere people drove, they passed by signs that had MY birthday printed on them!  :)

As the calendar years flew by, I gave that "thrill" up.  I still enjoyed celebrating my birthday, though!  :)

And then came the BIG decade birthday years.  Yep!  Still enjoying my party!  :)

Birthday 2014 - the loss of Trey just days before....acknowledging that his viewing will begin on my birthday.  Believe it or not, it was a precious gift to/from Trey.  I "got" to share my birthday with Trey!  We gave each other that gift that day.

God asks us to be givers....cheerful givers!  :)
This Election Day, November 8, 2016, I put my trust and joy in the Lord.

I give my birthday - and every day - to God as a hilariously cheerful giver!  :)

Will you join me in my party?

"God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7

"Trey Tuesday" - November 1, 2016

Outlive Yourself

Time is valuable: Have you ever paid to hire an attorney?  Do you remember how quickly your newborn baby grew in to a teenager?

Memories are precious: All these Halloween photos are snapshots of happy, silly times together!

But a legacy lasts a long, long time - perhaps in to eternity!

Some of you may be wondering what this "Trey Tuesday" post is all about each week.  Well, it's the remembrance of a little boy (my nephew) who lived and loved on this earth waaaaaaaaaaaaay too short a time.  "Trey Tuesday" is an opportunity to pause to remember, reflect and grow from the influence of our sweet Young Warrior.  His story keeps going....it now includes you!  :)  His life was not just well lived....God is still using Trey's journey to share life, love and hope because of the love and power of Jesus!

What can you do this week/month/year that will pass on your legacy and help you outlive yourself?

"Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal."  Matthew 6:20

"Trey Tuesday" - October 25, 2016

Seasons

Most of us are feeling the chill in the air tonight....well, OK...let's call it like it is - it's freezing cold out there!!!  It was 85 degrees last week and now this!?!?  But...the fall season also ushers in memories of bonfires, apple cider, and overflowing Halloween candy bags!  :)

Despite the calendar, what other season(s) are you in?  Pregnancy, new job, divorce, college, moving, new team, caring for a loved one, busy-ness, loneliness, overwhelmed, underwhelmed, boiled, fried or well done....seasonal change is hard.  We want to stay comfortable right where we are, right where we know the routine...

Back in Old Testament days, after Moses rescued his people and led them away from slavery through the miraculously parted Red Sea, can you believe that the people complained about the new season they were in?  They wanted to go back to the old miserable abuse and torture!  But once again, God performed miracles to show them how much He loved them and cared for them in the new season.

How's that working for you?  Are you grumbling in the desert?  Or can you remember how God has blessed you and provided for you in previous seasons? 

"The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of His bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands."  Deuteronomy 28:12

"Trey Tuesday" - October 18, 2016

Mole Hills and Mountains

Do a quick Google image search.  Look at a picture of a mole hill - a rinky dink little pile of dirt.

Then look at a picture of a mountain - majestic, enormous, immovable rock solid structure.

We face both each day.  The mountains of faith and hope, trust and love, patience and joy loom far off in the distance - ever present, ever necessary, ever totally attainable.  And then we trip over the mole hills - laundry, deadlines, drinking your 8 glasses of water, flossing, filling the gas tank, etc!  Mole hills are slippery slopes we must deal with as we strive toward God's mountains.

Our busy schedules make these mole hills seem like mountains, though.  An empty refrigerator can feel like a mountain to a hungry teenager.  Technology can distract you from remembering the mountain!  A minivan loaded down with snack remnants, overdue library books and a whole lot of everything else prevents you from being able to even see the mountain!

And then there are some mole hills that are like mountains - illness, loneliness, poverty, abuse, etc.  We must keep God and His huge mountain before our eyes. His mountain reigns supreme!  Always!  In all ways!

We don't know the mole hills in each other's lives, but God does.  His Word speaks directly to each one of us, personally, compassionately, and with great love, overflowing with strength, grace, and mercy for the mole hills AND the mountains in our lives. 

Psalm 121:
"I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—He who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm—He will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."

"Trey THURSday" - October 13, 2016

Weary?

Are you weary tonight?  Worn out?  Beat down?  Fed up?

It's America 2016 - we're all tired and exhausted, right?  This week, though, has been an exceptionally exhausting one for me....thus, the Trey THURSday!  :)  My dad has been hospitalized for a myriad of symptoms which doctors are trying to diagnose and cure.  It's sort of a cross between an obnoxious algebra problem and an episode of Monk!   Tomorrow is a big day for my dad, facing 3 procedures if God, his body and the surgeons allow.  We're weary.

And then I think of Trey.  Chemo, scans, meds, ports, surgeries, pain.  Never tiring. 

Never ever.  (except maybe when he was bored at home with his parents and siblings!)  :)

But over all that I lean on God's loving advice to us:

"The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary.He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."  Isaiah 40:28, 29

The everlasting God....the One who stays awake with us during the wee hours of the dark night

Does not grow weary....He constantly and forever is present and powered on - especially when we throw our hands up and our heads down in exhausted surrender!

Batteries, energy drinks, and yes, even coffee will run out, but God will renew our strength for the road ahead.  Are you weary tonight?  You are not alone.  And you are not without Power to press on!  :)

"Trey Tuesday" - October 4, 2016

Feeling Salty?

Salt and light.

God calls us to be both in this world.  People of many walks, beliefs, faiths, and practices often refer to the light.  Light points to the right way, the good way, the bright side. This one is easy to imagine, practice and sort of easy to do.

And then there is salt.  What does it mean to be salt?

"You are the salt of the earth."  Matthew 5:13

Salt?  The coarse white stuff that tastes weird and melts ice?  That's what we are supposed to BE?

Light is easy - you just glow wherever you are and people have to turn their own heads to notice your shiny self.

Salt is different.  You have to get close to salt to notice it.  You have to rub it in.  You have to get reaaaaaaaal close to feel the effects of salt.

Your young child doesn't understand that the ocean isn't like your swimming pool, until he/she gets knocked under a wave and tastes the difference!  :)

What kind of an influence are you in your world?

A far off light?

Or salt up close and personal?

Be forewarned - salt burns.  Tears are salty.  Sweat is salty.  Loving deeply can hurt.

During Trey's funeral week I think I cried enough tears to supply salt to every chip and pretzel factory!

"Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other."  Mark 9:50

p.s.  Here's a bonus Bible verse about salt that just cracks me up:  "Can something tasteless be eaten without salt, Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?"  Job 6:6

I love that the Holy Spirit would include a question like that in God's Word to us!  :)

"Trey Tuesday" - September 27, 2016

The Giant Puzzle

There are many cute sayings to express the Truth that Jesus began when He prayed for all believers:  "I pray also ...that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You."  John 17:20, 21 

Yes, it takes a village!

Yes, we're all in this together!

Yes, one for all and all for one!

Yes, we'd all like to be a pepper, too!

We have so much in common, yet we are each unique.  God has a perfect masterpiece in mind when He creates each one of us.  Piece by piece, each image, skill, talent, gift, personality, ability, and intellect is critical in His masterpiece!  Why do we spend so much time fighting over differences and judging each other when each one of us is priceless!?

Trey had crystal blue eyes, I have brown eyes.  Could I love him any less?

Bella has blond hair, you might have red hair.  Does that change her beauty?

Joe is very tall, you might be...not so tall!  :)  Isn't he still so charming?

Look around you this week.  Find some people different than than you are.  Thank God and thank them for God's perfect design!

"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

"Trey Tuesday" - September 20, 2016

Dig Deep

"Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs."  Proverbs 10:12

I read this verse this week and its simplicity struck me!

Don't hate; LOVE!  :)

Let's dig a little deeper...

Hatred stirs up, uncovers, creates, digs up trouble...

Love covers over, hides, conceals, forgives...

The shovel can destroy a garden or dig a deep foundation.

Your life, your personality, your job, your choices have the same potential.

Do you dig up?

Or do you smooth things over?

Do you stir up trouble?

Or do you seek to forgive?

Trey stirred up trouble in a different kind of way (especially with his parents!)  :)

The rest of the time he loved, loved, loved!
How will you use the precious gift of your life?

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."  I Peter 4:8

"Trey Tuesday" - September 13, 2016

My Cup Runneth Over

Another Pittsburgh weekend leaves me with a full tank of sweet memories!  :)


​

Yes, my cup runneth over.  But let's take a look at that concept and that verse:
"You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."  Psalm 23:5

Where does all that oil come from that fills my cup to overflowing?

Olive oil is produced from olives being crushed.

Wine is made from smashed grapes.

And coffee beans must be ground in order to make the delicious brew.

It is in the crushing, the sacrificial peril, that God provides an abundance of blessing.

Trey is missing from our family photos now.  It hurts all the time.  God, however, is able to use the memories of Trey's short life to remind us to treasure each other, despite the painful cost of loving so deeply.

Many of my dear friends are fighting excruciating battles tonight.  Battles that are crushing them.  You are being crushed in one way or another, too.  Please trust that one day, some day, God will take that pain and fill your cup to overflowing!

"The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing."  Psalm 23:1

"Trey Tuesday" - September 6, 2016

Rest

Our long awaited trip to the beach was finally arriving....so was Hurricane Hermine!  Ugh!  Our vacation, our time of rest and relaxation was going to be ruined!

Did you ever feel like that?  Recognition long overdue at work....an improved health report....your car to pass inspection one more time please oh please oh please...etc.
The ever elusive carrot of "rest" dangles in front of you, juuuuuuuuuuuuuuuust out of reach.

Jay and Rachel have great faith in trusting God's plan for Trey's short life.  They "rest" in God's promises.

Early on the morning of our beach trip the daily Bible verse on my app read:
"Jesus said, 'Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."  Matthew 11:28

Jesus didn't promise me sunny skies and warm temperatures this weekend.  He didn't promise good fishing or long naps.
HE promised to be my refuge, my refreshment....my rest.

Accept no substitutes - God, as Rest, is enough for you today....

" Tuesday" - August 30, 2016

Anyone...

Willy Wonka dies and newsfeeds are buzzing.

Thousands of men and women, boys and girls, silently pass away every day without news headlines. What's the difference?  There should be no difference.
Thousands of tiny babies are born each day.  To each set of parents and grandparents, that child is rockstar famous, special, extraordinary, a miracle.  But then what happens?  At some point a switch is flipped and we grow discontent with just "being" and we start striving for achievement, notoriety, fame, fortune, etc.

Yes, Trey was a sweet and charming little boy, but that doesn't make him more important than anyone else who is struggling, worrying, striving, living, dying.  And so this "Trey Tuesday"

we honor YOU!  :) We pray for YOU!  :)  We ask the Lord to bless you and encourage you; protect you and guide you; clearly and personally speak to you.
You are important!  You are loved!  You are cherished!

"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.

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, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...
Since you are precious and honored in My sight, and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.
Do not be afraid, for I am with you"  Isaiah 43:1-5

"Trey Tuesday" - August 23, 2016

Day is Done?

You know the old campfire song, "Day is Done."  I think that's how most of us view each day:

Work?  Check.

School?  Check.

Family?  Check.

Meals?  Check.

Pets?  Check.

Sports?  Check.

Facebook?  Check.

Bed?  Check (eventually.)

Whew!  Day, indeed, is done!

...Until you meet a precious little girl named Molly, who is a new victim of the dreaded

diagnosis of stage 4 cancer.  Like Trey, Molly is a peaceful, faithful fighter.  God's protective shield is all over Molly as her family prays for a miracle.

Molly's mom recently wrote after a long day of doctor appointments and treatment:
"Another day is....gone."  No checklist.  No to-do list accomplished.  Another day with Molly is gone.  As we all know too well, days with Trey were precious!  We treasured them!  We still cling to the memories of them as gifts directly from God!

God gives us right here, right now.  What will you do with it?
Look at your calendar with a new perspective this week....before today is gone....

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."  John 10:10

"Trey Tuesday" - August 16, 2016

Team Time!

Where do you spend your time and energy?  What clubs or groups are you in?  A popular saying goes something like this:  You become who you hang out with.

Do a quick scan of your Facebook groups.  Who are you?
Starbucks or DD?
Steelers or...never mind!  :)
Microbrewery or traditional beer?
Organic or fast food?
Republican or...never mind!  :)
Runner or walker?
Beach bum or mountain man?
Kindle or paperback?
Team Mitlo One?

It was true "then" and it is still true now:  We are so very thankful to have you in the lives of the Mitlo family!  :) The Mitlos aren't the only ones who need your love and prayers, though.  Look around.  Listen to those close to you.  Find a cause and join the team. You will be a blessing, and you will be blessed!

"do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others."  Philippians 2:4

"Trey Tuesday" - August 9, 2016

Crayons

Back to school shopping time brings the beautiful sights and scents of unsharpened pencils, crisp, clean notebooks and crayons.  Ahhhh, the glorious artistic potential encased in that yellow/orange/dandelion (what color is that anyway?) box.  Take one crayon out and while it has great potential on its own, combined together with an array of complementing and contrasting colors they create a masterpiece!

Trey lived in a town filled with a variety of people.  Trey loved them all!  And they all loved Trey!  :)  Literally.  Trey knew no boundaries of race or color or lifestyle...although...Trey was partial to the girls!  Every young lady was his girlfriend!  :)

What about you?
Can you get along with/appreciate your:
neighbor?
coworker?
sibling?
roommate?

Imagine opening a brand new box of crayons and seeing 64 manatee (who knew?) colored crayons.  Pretty dull, right?.  God, the artist, has better plans!  :)

"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."  Psalm 139:13,14

"Trey Tuesday" - August 2, 2016

Multiplication

What do you do with the lessons you learn?  The gifts that you have?  The skills that you master?  Even the (clean!) jokes that you hear?  Are you a hoarder?  Or do you share?

Trey's journey continues to bless and encourage people.  We know that because Jay and Rachel share their story.  And friends, family and strangers share their stories. As Jay always says, "Everybody has a story."

We need to multiply this one life that God has given to each of us.  Share the lessons.  Give the gifts.  Teach the skills.  And yes, tell the (clean!) jokes!  :)

"You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God."  2 Corinthians 9:11

"Trey Tuesday" - July 26, 2016

Treasures

Have you been to the beach and found that perfect shell?

Have you savored the indulgence of a huge ice cream cone?

Have you been to an amusement park or boardwalk and won that coveted prize?

Have you held a little kitten and marveled at its softness?

Have you captured a photo of a miraculously beautiful rainbow or sunset?

Have you secured tickets to the best game/event/trip ever?
Have you received the most perfect note or text at the most perfect time?

Have you felt the hug of a friend?

Treasures come in all shapes and sizes.

God knows no limit to the many ways He wants to show you how much He loves you!  :)

Trey is a treasure I will always cherish.

Will you take a moment to consider your treasures?

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  Luke 12:34

"Trey Tuesday" - July 19, 2016

His Legacy Lives On!  :)

There is nothing quite like a Mitlo birthday party.

Let alone 2 days of parties back to back like we had this week!  :)
Food, family, friends, and fun - what more could you ask for?

Well, maybe presents for the guests of honor!  :)

And cake!

And the birthday song...well, songs!  :)

Of course we would sing the traditional birthday song, but then with a resounding,

1-2-3-4!!!" Trey would loudly drive the family in to the second version of the song! Trey would sing and dance and jump and clap with great glee in order to genuinely love and celebrate the special birthday person!  Oh, how we thank God we have these precious memories of Trey!  :)

Trey's little (well, BIG!) voice wasn't here this week, but his spirit, his joy, and his song were....his legacy lives on.....

"How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?"  I Thessalonians 3:9

"Trey Tuesday" - July 12, 2016

Goooooood Medicine!  :)

Wading through a sea of adults and children dressed in black and white spots, sitting elbow to elbow to enjoy waffle fries, the best iced tea ever and FREE entrees, we laughed, celebrated and caught up on the not so lazy days of our summers.  Cow Appreciation Day was celebrated at Chick-fil-A!

At the public pools and at beaches everywhere families lug bags with sunscreen, towels, snacks, nose plugs, goggles and much, much more just to enjoy some fun in the sun!

And we can't overlook the millions who are walking miles on end, hunting and collecting the elusive Pokemon in every nook and cranny of our globe!

You know, in this world filled with sooooo much hurt, let's remember to choose joy.  To have fun.  To celebrate the little things.  Trey was an expert at making simple things in to a party!  I found this post that Rachel had written in 2012 after a day with Trey going through chemo:

Today went very smoothly and as we left Trey said "The hospital is SO much FUN!" Bless his sweet soul.

There are lots of ways to have fun, to choose joy.  What's your favorite?

"A joyful heart is good medicine"  Proverbs 17:22

"Trey Tuesday" - July 5, 2016

Pray for....Yourself!

Many people keep a prayer list, lifting the burdens and concerns of loved ones. 

Parents are experts at praying for their children.

Those who are unemployed or underemployed pray for jobs every day.

And this whole group is bound together by our love and prayers for our Trey!  :)

Each of those purposes is wonderful!  Keep up the good work!

But, when was the last time you prayed for yourself, about yourself?  Have you had a little chat with God lately about Him changing you, molding you, refining you?  Have you asked Him to open His flood gates not on an answer to your decision, but for you to know Him better?

Don't wait for a crisis to draw you closer to God.  He is ready and waiting to hear from you, to help you and to love you up close and personal!  :)

"You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart."  Jeremiah 29:13

"Trey Tuesday" - June 28, 2016

You are Loved

Recently I received an email with the following salutation:  You are loved.

Wow!  What an impactful statement!  It wasn't the traditional, "I love you" wording.  The focus wasn't on the sender, but on the receiver!  I felt really blessed by those simple words.

God sends a love letter to us every day through His Word, prayer, His people, and life's circumstances: You. Are. Loved!  You, yes, YOU!  :)

Today, that message of love came through Jay's website post, appropriately named, "Live to Love." Read Jay's powerful words here:  http://jaymitlo.com/live-to-love/

I love how God brought the simple, yet very strong, message of love to both of our hearts and minds to share with you this, "Trey Tuesday!"  :)

"As for us, we can't help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord."
2 Thessalonians 2:13

"Trey Tuesday" - June 21, 2016

Panic Mode!

We all know it well....that moment when there are no words, no thoughts, just panic.

It could be from a lost cell phone, a bounced check or a word spoken at the wrong place or time.  Or it could be from something much bigger....a diagnosis, a fractured relationship, or a life changing decision.

What do you say in panic mode?

A four letter word?

The silent treatment?

A scream?

Today's prayer lesson is short and sweet.  Call on the Lord.  Softly or loudly.  He hears you.

He loves you.  He will set you free.

"In my distress I called to the LORD; I called out to my God. He heard my voice; my cry came to His ears."  Psalm 18:6

"Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free."  Psalm 118:5

"Trey Tuesday" - June 14, 2016

Opposite Day

How has your world seemed lately?

Right side up?  Or up side down? 

We live in a sad and confusing world, where the pain and confusion may never seem to stop.

Where is common sense?

And right and wrong?
And good and bad?
How do we know how to discern these things?

Where is God in this world when it seems like Opposite Day every day?

He is here.

He is near.

He is nearer than we can ever imagine!  :)

He wants to be even more near to you....

Find God's answers in His Word.

In a noisy world, listen for His quiet voice:

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."  John 14:27

"Trey Tuesday" - June 7, 2016

Summer Vacation!

How sweet are those words to students (and teachers!) everywhere!?!

And for our dear Bella the sweetness just kept coming.  Her antibiotics kicked in quickly last week and she started to feel better just in time to return to school for the end of year festivities!

Thank you for praying for Bella and her family!

And now, Team Mitlo One, let's pray for each other.  As you read this, please pray for the rest of Trey's fan club to find God's joy and celebrate today, just because!  :)  Just like Trey would!  Go ahead - jump up and down like it's the last day of school!  :)

"Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”
The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy."  Psalm 126:2,3

"Trey Tuesday" - May 31, 2016

Unsung Heroes

The mice in Cinderella...

The creator and designer of our Sunday coupons...

The program maker at a hockey game...

The time keeper on Wall Street...

Where would we be without these unsung heroes?  We rely on their steadfast presence, yet underestimate their perseverance to perform under pressure.

Today's "Trey Tuesday" is about much more than coupons and mice.

It's about Joe and Bella.

Yes, Trey was our Young Warrior, but Joe and Bella are our Mighty Warriors - best siblings and most patient children ever!  And now one of our Mighty Warriors is facing a battle of her own.

Bella has Lyme Disease.

And she's scared.

I'm sure Joe is scared, too.

Bella went to the Emergency Room at Children's Hospital yesterday for her mysterious fever and discoloration/bruise.  Can you imagine the butterflies/bats/eagle's wings flapping around in her stomach as she realized she was going to the hospital that treated Trey?  Can you imagine Joe waiting to hear the fate of his sibling...again?

Joe and Bella are my heroes.  They have endured MUCH more than I have in my life.  And yet they still live and love, laugh and play, trust and hope and pray to our loving God.

Will you please follow in their footsteps of faith?  Will you please ask God for Bella to be healed from this disease?  And will you please pray for Joe and Bella (and Jay and Rachel) to be comforted during this frightening time of sickness?

We are so blessed to have you, Team Mitlo One, to stand in the gap for Trey's family.

Really blessed.

"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."  Colossians 3:12-14

"Trey Tuesday" - May 24, 2016

Don't Do It!

OK....take a deep breath...Spring is about to spring us in to Summer!  Yes, it will be hot.  Yes, it will be humid.  Yes, you may need to turn on the car air conditioner.  Yes, you may even sweat!  But please, oh please, do not complain!  :)  We have waited a long time for May to arrive in its grand style!  Let's embrace it!  Enjoy it!  Savor it! :)

How fickle we can be, so particular and conditional in every aspect....even when it doesn't make sense!  Trey struggled with stabilizing his body temperature for a while, as a result of...something no one could figure out.  Trey had every right to complain.

What brings out the whine in you?  Time, money, weight, health, busyness, relationships, chores, weather, etc..?  Yes, Scripture reminds us not to complain (Philippians 2:14-15), but the Bible also offers some hope!  :)  Take your concerns to God and let Him be your help.

       "As for me, I shall call upon God,

            And the LORD will save me.

      Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and murmur,

      And He will hear my voice.

      He will redeem my soul in peace"

Psalm 55:16-18

"Trey Tuesday" - May 17, 2016

I Don't Need to Be a Mom

Since I was 4 years old, I've been a "mom," taking care of tiny children wherever, whenever I could!  All I wanted to do when I grew up was to be a Mom.  (and a teacher until I had my own children!)  Fast forward many years, and I indeed did become a teacher and a Mom!  :)

Is my life a success?  Is God finished with me?  No way!

Let's look at this from a different angle.  Trey only lived a very few years.  He never became a carpenter/accountant/comedian/pastor/etc.  Was his life a failure because he never "became" anything?
 Absolutely not!  Trey was!  He lived!  He loved!  He took advantage of his "right now" - not waiting for his "when."  Trey didn't need to "be" anything.  He lived out God's perfect plan.  That is a HUGE success!  :)

What are you waiting for?  When is enough, enough?  What conditions have to be met before you are happy/fulfilled/successful/enough?  Are they God, your Creator's conditions?  Or yours?  Or society's?

"God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."  2 Corinthians 9:8

"Trey Tuesday" - May 10, 2016

Stop Looking at Your Schedule!

I was recently advised to stop planning ahead.  Wait!  What?!?  Stop being organized and efficient?!?  Let my bills go unpaid, my laundry undone and meals unplanned?  Sounds like Mother's Day all year round!  :)

Actually the advice was not intended that way at all.  The point was to not live tomorrow today.  Don't dwell on what is coming while you are missing out on what you already have.  Case in point - let's paint a picture....nice warm bed...soft blankets...fluffy pillows....and you have 7 hours before the alarm goes off.  What is going through my/your mind?  Bills?  Laundry?  Meals?  Work?  Email?  Social Media?  Relationships?  Homework?  Finals?  Fears?  We are sacrificing our long awaited slumber on worrying about what is to come!  

Or maybe you rehearse your children's very busy schedule for the day to come.  You are being responsible, right?  Or are you obsessing over controlling everything everywhere all the time?

Believe me, I know this isn't an easy topic.  How do you think I came up with all those relevant examples?!?!  Trey lived everyday to its very fullest.  He rejoiced.  He was glad.  Very glad.

 Let's memorize this verse together, and recite it out loud!

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

"Trey Tuesday" - May 3, 2016

Let's Go Team!

Pirates!
Penguins!
Little League!
Softball!
Army!
Navy!
Choir!
Dance!
(Dare I say Republican/Democrat/Other?!)

Bella's Odyssey of the Mind team is gearing up for their big international competition.  They are spending lots of time together brainstorming and working.
Rachel's CrossFit team is constantly cheering each other on to work out more, faster, bigger, better!
Joe has belonged to a team of dedicated trainers with his Jiu Jitsu team for many years.

And Jay coaches volleyball - teaching lessons that last much longer than any game!  :)

While in Pittsburgh recently I caught glimpses of Team Mitlo One bracelets worn by our team of loved ones bonding together to pray for Trey and his family.  Friends, friends of friends and complete strangers continue to pray, support and love the Mitlos!  Thank you!  :)

Who are your teammates?  Where do you belong?  Who can/do you coach/train/cheer on in this game of life?

"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"  Hebrews 12:1

"Trey Tuesday" - April 26, 2016

Joy!

"Count it all joy when you meet trials of various kinds"  James 1:2

This photo was Trey at one of his countless hospital appointments, Strawberry Shortcake tea set by side, computer game capturing his attention, colorful Fibber nose confidently in place....awaiting chemo, or a test or the results of one of his many scans.  Did Trey look worried?  Um, not one bit.  Why?  Why could he count it all joy?!?  (Well, almost all joy - he did have a few small fits here and there!)  :)

Trey could live a life of joy because he always had at least one of his parents by his side.  He trusted them.  He believed in their love and devotion.  He loved the attention of the doting staff.  He loved the love he gave and received wherever he went.  Trey looked for and expected joy.  How are you doing with that?

God's love, attention, and provision should enable us to "count it all joy" also, but as adults it is a lot more difficult to remember and process that concept.  Try and take one tiny little baby step today.  Look for the silver lining that God may be providing for you in your dismal circumstances.  Through prayer or time spent with a dear friend, crawl up in to your Heavenly Daddy's lap and tell Him all about your terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.  Sing a song of praise - out loud!  Go for a walk and thank God for this beautiful springtime.  And maybe, just maybe, for that brief moment, you may think like Trey and his colorful nose....and find joy!  :)

"Trey Tuesday" - April 19, 2016

1,000 Words are Worth a Picture?

If a picture is worth a thousand words, are a thousand words worth a picture?

It has been almost 18 months since we last saw Trey.  We still have photos to remind us of his silly, sweet, and sometimes sassy self.  These photos are worth a thousand thoughts, emotions and words!

But let's look at life a different way.  A thousand words....the many words we say and the way we treat others, leave a lasting impression.  When we move neighborhoods, switch jobs or graduate, or even leave the house or office for the day, we leave behind a picture.

What picture did your life paint today?

"Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

Ephesians 5:1,2

"Trey Tuesday" - April 12, 2016

The Rest

Typically my posts are about our sweet Trey.  Today I would like to highlight Jay and Rachel and their journey as Trey's parents.

Rest - ahhhhh what a refreshing concept, invoking images of a vacation to Cancun, a dreamy nap, or a peaceful walk in the summertime.  Not exactly the picture of surviving the loss of your son to cancer.  But I can see Rest all over Jay and Rachel:

Remain - Jesus said, "Remain in Me...No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine."  John 15:4

Endure - "If we endure, we will also reign with Him."  2 Timothy 2:12

Surrender - "Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me.  Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done."  Luke 22:42

Tell - "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."  Galatians 6:2

Thank you, God, for showing us that it is possible to R.E.S.T. in the face of trauma, trial and every heartache!

"Trey Tuesday" - April 5, 2016

Branded

Are you a brand snob?  Let's check!

iPhone or Droid?

Starbucks or Dunkin?

Qtips or store brand?

It seems like the advertising and marketing worlds have learned exactly how to brand something, so much so that we don't even actively process what we are thinking about when we see certain images!

Take the pineapple.

My mom (Trey's sweet Grandma) just told me that Trey used to love when she bought a fresh pineapple.  He would beg and plead with her to cut (and serve!) the pineapple, regardless of the degree of ripeness.  My mom bought a pineapple yesterday.  She said that (more!) memories of Trey are now flooding her kitchen as she awaits the (appropriate!) day of cutting.  Images of Trey seem more vivid, simply because of that silly piece of fruit!

My walk through the produce aisle will never be the same.....

"Thus says The Lord:  'I will not forget you!

See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands"

Isaiah 49:15-16

"Trey Tuesday" - March 29, 2016

Sin

Wait!  Please don't keep scrolling!

May I have your attention for one minute, please?

Did you just celebrate Easter?

With enough chocolate to avoid the scale for a few weeks?

There is MUCH more to Easter than chocolate.  Yes, MORE than chocolate!!!

Jesus, that precious baby we remember at Christmastime, took the blame for the ugliest side of each and every one of us for all time!  He received the punishment from God for our sins.
He became sin.  Yes, Jesus, the Teacher, Healer, Shepherd, became ugly sin.

For you.

There's more than meets the eye to each one of us.  Would any of you ever believe that Trey was a stinker at times?!?  :)  Would you ever believe that Jesus Christ, the holiest one of all, loves you so much that He would die for you?  Believe it!  :)

"God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God."  2 Corinthians 5:21

"Trey Tuesday" - March 15, 2016

A Nap

Yes, another name for Jesus is, "Our Nap!"  :)

OK, OK, perhaps you may know the more Biblical terms of Selah or Sabbath, but....the concept is the same.  Just imagine:

A quick cat nap in the middle of a full day....

A long winter's nap on a Sunday afternoon...

A power nap moments before a big meeting...

A long blink while cuddling with your toddler...

Each of these delicious images evoke feelings of comfort, refreshment, refuge or relief.  Pretty good synonyms for what Jesus has to offer us, too! (except to the young and immature who may not appreciate the essence of "nap.")  :)

 God wants us to take time away from our every day race to abide in Him, spend time with Him, rest.  Even if you have to write it on your schedule, find time to rest with, "Our Nap!"

"Jesus said, 'Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."  Matthew 11:28

"Trey Tuesday" - March 8, 2016

Timeless

Wait a minute!

Just a second!

I'll be right back!

Quick, come here!

How many times a day do you say/hear these words?  In our fast paced world it seems that we are pressed for every precious second and minute!  But what about the not so precious time?  Mindless scrolling through posts, endless stacks of mail, miles of longgggg commutes.  Where does all the time go?!?

Here's a fun perspective:  Look back 1 year.  Consider your age/stage/phase of life.  Now fast forward 1 year.  Fascinating, isn't it?  Now do it looking back 10 years!  And ahead 10 years!  Today's minor annoyances seem to pale over time.

Grieving is a different story, though.  The death of a loved one, a shattered relationship, a lost job, a lengthy illness, addiction, a cross country move, mental illness, selling a home, etc. are painful and devastating day after day after day, year after year after year.  Time does not heal those wounds.  The cost of love that deep is huge!

God sent us His Son, Jesus, to eternally, forever, be with us to comfort us, guide us, and love us!  Every day!  Every hour!  Every minute!  Every second!  Every mood! :) He is Timeless! 

"Do you not know?  Have you not heard?  The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary"  Isaiah 40:28

"Trey Tuesday" - March 1, 2016

Scented Candle

If you were a candle scent, what would you be!?!?  Vanilla Chai?  Sunset?  Birthday cake?  Bacon?  Or Home for the Holidays? 

Now let's leave the literal aroma out of this next part, but just like the delicious aroma of our candles, join me in the distinctive qualities of:

The precious memories of Trey.

The sweet smile of a loved one who has passed away.

Remembering a warm hug.

A strong shoulder to cry on.

The unconditional love of family.

Cheerleading from a team member.

The grace and peace found in forgiveness.

What aroma/lasting impression do you leave in your walk?

God cares very deeply about what we smell like.  We should smell like Jesus!:  "For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing."  2 Corinthians 2:15

"Trey Tuesday" - February 23, 2016

Maestro

Violins, trombones, flutes and cymbals - a good orchestra has them all!

Precious friends of mine are enduring one huge trial after another lately.  One unbelievable major event follows another, after another, after another.  Just when the cymbals are done crashing, the trumpets blast, the clarinet squeaks, and the bass violin announces its presence.  Where is the rest in this music called life?!?!

Jesus, the Conductor, has it all under control.  He knows what is necessary from us in order to create His beautiful music.  And He gives us help.

Prayer warriors, like Team Mitlo One, are the stage crew of life.  Wearing the headsets, supporting the musicians through their prayers, they communicate the needs and struggles of the players to the Conductor.  Jesus, our Maestro, hears the cries of our prayers and exchanges them for His beautiful music.  Keep your eyes on Him.

"I have set the Lord always before me;because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken."  Psalm 16:8

"Trey Tuesday" - February 16, 2016

Baby Jesus

Just a few weeks ago we celebrated Christmas.  Most people realize that Christmas is the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the babe, wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in the manger.  But then we tend to leave Him in the manger....until Good Friday or Easter Sunday.  What happened to Him in between?  A person's life tells a lot about Him.

Trey was born a cute little babe, too. Wrapped in swaddling receiving blankets. Lying in a bassinet. But boy, oh boy, Trey didn't stay that little or helpless! :) Silent Night?  Probably not! :)  Trey lived his life out loud!  Son, Brother, Grandson, Nephew, Butter Dancer, Stinker, Sweetheart, Young Warrior...Trey's names are endless!

Let's spend these few weeks before Easter reflecting on some of the names of Jesus as He intimately loves and cares for us.

Jesus is our "All and in All." Colossians 3:11

He is everything we need.

We don't need to impress Him with our busy-ness, our political party or the car that we drive.

We are complete in Him.

What can you let go of today, and release to our "All?"

"Trey Tuesday" - February 9, 2016

Want to Trade?

Donut Day is one extreme, Ash Wednesday is quite the other.  A few weeks from now we remember Jesus' death on Good Friday and then we celebrate His glorious resurrection on Easter Sunday!  These are wonderful trades!

Maybe your mind is now strolling back a few years as you remember some good - and bad - trades you made as a child: a snake for a bike, PB+J for ham and cheese, a sister for a puppy, etc! :)

God is the Master Tradesman.  With Him, we can trade in our very worst thoughts and deeds and He will give us overflowing grace and mercy and love!

Beauty from ashes,
Joy from mourning,
Freedom for captives,
Praise from despair.
Isaiah 61:1-3

Illogical? Yes!
Supernatural? Absolutely!  :)
Call it a Valentine's Day gift of love that lasts forever!

"Trey Tuesday" - February 2, 2016

I'm Dizzy!

No, not from a vertigo virus.

No, I haven't been on that spinny thing at the playground (for many, many years!)  :)

It's the news!

First, we learn that the Canadian groundhog died on Friday.

Then, the New Jersey groundhog died on Monday.

Who knew there were that many significant groundhogs?

Then, good old Punxsutawney Phil made his appearance and the announcement was made:

"There is no shadow to be cast! An early spring is my forecast!"

Early?  Really?  How early?  Haven't we already seen trees blossoming and bulbs sprouting?

And then we had a blizzard?

Which end is up anymore?!?!

Hillary, Donald, Ted, and Bernie - who is winning at the present moment!??

Broncos, Panthers, Doritos or Budweiser - what's the most important part of the game?!?

Can you feel the "just got off the tea cups and saucers" feeling?

Yes, I have given silly examples.  The intense examples don't need to be explained....the times when injustice crushes, illness destroys and violence kills.

In any and every storm, we must turn to our only Rock Solid, Never Changing Anchor:
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging...He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.  The Lord Almighty is with us” Psalm 46:1-3,10-11

"Trey Tuesday" - January 26, 2016

That Hug!

Have you experienced that one hug that you will remember for the rest of your life?!

I know one of mine.  It was from Trey.  I had just given Trey a present.  Nothing big.  Nothing fancy. (Honestly, nothing even that very special - just a little token of love.) Trey's reaction, however, was worth waaaaaaaaay more than that gift!  He hugged me so hard, squeezing the breath out of me, thanking me over and over again for his present! "That hug" will be treasured forever!
​
​Another memorable hug was received at a very, very large church I visited in Brooklyn, NY.  Instead of the typical handshake greeting, we were encouraged to, you guessed it, HUG!!!! (The promise of fewer germs being passed was the reason given!)  I received some serious hugging that day!

Do you have a special moment in time when you received a hug like that?  Can you conjure up the sheer love and support you received in that hug?
The security?
The acceptance?
The support?
The understanding?

Go ahead....find someone in need....give, receive, and remember "that hug!"
It's germ-free!
And if a picture is worth a thousand words, then a hug is worth a million! :)

"comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you."  2 Corinthians 13:11

"Trey Tuesday" - January 19, 2016

Bear With Me, Please

I can't wait to see the snow!  :)  There.  I said it!  :)

Yes, I understand the nuisance!

Yes, I realize all the heavy labor involved!

Yes, I know it is cold!

Yes, I know it can be dangerous!

But.....It. Is. Beautiful!  Peaceful!  Tranquil!  Clean!

You must admit it!  :)

In the Bible we read a beautiful analogy I'd like you to consider if/when the snow starts falling this weekend:  "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow"  Isaiah 1:18

After the snow, the mid-winter drab colors and mud we see outside our windows are miraculously transformed in to a bucolic blanket of bliss.  God can do the same transformation with your heart and life.  Bliss from your mess - that's a good deal!  :)

Allow God to change your opinion of snow this winter, if but for a moment.....

"wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow."  Psalm 51:7

"Trey Tuesday" - January 12, 2016

David Bowie

Let's make a list of those a little closer to home:

Trey
TJ

Ellen

Doris

Jim

Pop Pop

Allan

Nancy and Bill

and many, many others - even more added to the list just today!

The list of loved ones who have passed away is endless...

The feelings of loss and grief are endless...

The cost of love is great!

Each and every person's life is so very valuable!  (Yes, even that annoying person you just thought of!)  So, drop the baggage and the laundry list of offenses and let's just appreciate each other while we still have each other!

Let's love deeply...now.  Today.

"you are precious in My eyes, and honored, and I love you"  Isiah 43:4

"Trey Tuesday" - January 5, 2015

Un- or De-?

It's that time of the year!  Time to put the Christmas decorations away!
Do you un-decorate? Or de-decorate?  The task is the same regardless of the label.
(Just for the record, auto correct didn't recognize either word!)
Doesn't really matter anyway, right?

What if we raise the stakes and debate something controversial like, say, gun control?
Or organic food?  Cross Fit or Planet Fitness?  Vehicle manufacturers, coffee establishments or
dare I ask, football teams?!

Today's message is a simple one, "A friend loves at all times."  Proverbs 17:17
We were watching some videos of Trey today.  Oh, the love and  energy that little boy had, and shared!   The room was filled with excitement whenever Trey was around! :)

Let's not take ourselves too seriously.

Choose your (very few) battles wisely.

"Above all, clothe yourselves with love"

Colossians 3:14