Stamp out the devil!

My Very First Card Tutorial... Tri-fold Square Card!

2009-06-06T21:52:00.052-04:00

Hey Family, Friends & Fellow Stampers!

Well I've finally accomplished the task of creating & designing a card, and taking photos along the way, so that I can do my very first card tutorial. YAY!

Here is the completed card...

Easy-peasy Directions:

1. Assemble pieces needed. (I stamped and pre-cut the paper in the picture below).
* 6" x 12" piece of neutral (or colour of choice) Cardstock.

* 6" x 6" piece of patterned paper.

* 1&1/8" x 3" piece of patterned paper (x4)

* Embosser of choice (Big Shot, Cutterbug, Sizzix, Paper Crimper, etc)

* 26" of Ribbon of choice

* Ink: I used 'Versafine Onyx Black' & 'Stampin' Up - Soft Sky'

* Stamp sets: Stamp sets I used; On Your Birthday, Seeing Spots,

* Card Embellishments - Brads, eyelets, etc. I used 'Colorbok Card Embellishments - Bright Metal Dots'

* Punch-out Paper Embellishments, or stickers of choice that match theme of card.

* Adhesive: Tape or Glue (whatever you choose - I'm a tape girl)

* Pop-dots (or whatever brand of pop-up adhesive you use)

* Sponge Dauber

* Stampin' Up Markers (or markers of choice)

* Paper Cutter of choice, and Scor-Pal (or score tool of some kind)

2. Cut a 12" x 12" piece of neutral (or colour of choice) Cardstock in 1/2. (Leaving you two pieces that are 6" x 12"). Take one, and run it through an Embosser of choice (IE. Big Shot, Cutterbug, Sizzix, etc), I used a 'Marvy Paper Crimper/Embosser'.

3. Take one of the CS pieces, and score at 3" and 9". (or 3" at both sides). Fold in like a gate-fold card. I guess it's more of a gate-fold card than a tri-fold card... but either way it's cute.

4. Take the 4 pieces of 1&1/8" x 3" patterned paper, and attach them to the tops and bottoms of the gate-folds as shown in the pic below.

5. Attach other embellishments, stamped CS to the front of card as desired. I sponged/distressed the edges of my stamped CS with Soft Sky before attaching.

6. Open the card. Attach the 26" piece of ribbon to the inside of card (only in the 6" x 6" square - not on the folds). (Step I forgot in my putting together of the card - but it was in the plans. My card still worked as you will see in the pics later, as I added another piece of the patterned paper on top of the ribbon. But you can skip this step if desired, if you want the ribbon showing when they open the card.)

7. Attach the 6" x 6" piece of patterned paper to the centre of the card. (between the score lines basically). (If I did the 6th step above, the ribbon would be hanging out from under the patterned paper in the pic below. OOPS.)

8. I used the sponge dauber again to distress the stamped piece of white CS, and then I attached it to the centre of the patterned paper.

Here's the proper shot after these steps... ribbon is under the patterned paper. I just cut a small piece of the left-over patterned paper to fit under the stamped CS image, and taped it over top of the ribbon. (You can't tell from the pic below.) Make sure the ribbon is out long enough on the sides for it to tie equally.
Close-up view...
9. Make a small slit where the arrow is on the pic below, and slide the ribbon through it to the other side. Make a slit on both sides of the 6" x 6" patterned paper, where the ribbon is to go through.

Here's my pic of before the extra piece of patterned paper was attached, so you can see the ribbon going through the CS. (pic below)

Here's the correct pic, where the patterned paper is over top of the ribbon, and the ribbon is going through the CS.

10. Attach more embellishments, like punch-out paper embellishments, or stickers of your choice on top of the stamped image.

11. You are almost done! YAY! You can leave the card like this if desired... but I like to add a little sparkle or shine...
Close-up view to see the paper embellishments are popped-up... and to show the ribbon tyed.

12. I added alphabet & number stickers for the birthday boy... can't believe my honey is 38!

13. I added some 'Colorbok Card Embellishments - Bright Metal Dots' to the outside of the card for some shine... (but you could add brads, or eyelets, or whatever embellishment you choose.)

YAY! That's it! You are done, and have a beautiful card. But obviously a 6" x 6" card is not a normal sized card. I made this one, because I found many large square envelopes in my envelope drawer.

So here's a BONUS item for you... the ENVELOPE! Many people just write the name of the person receiving the card on the outside (if you are just handing it to the person, and not mailing of course)... but the envelope is always an important piece of the card for me! You can decorate it to match the card, or with matching ink.

Here's my fun envelope for my honey... His initials are M.W.H., so I used my sponge dauber, and the Soft Sky ink (which I used on my card) with an alphabet stencil, and stenciled his initials on the envelope. I overlapped them a bit to make it unique.

I used the dotted circle stamp from 'Stampin' Up - Seeing Spots' and Soft Sky and stamped all over the envelope.

I used a stamp (not used in my card) from the same set (On Your Birthday) and added it to the bottom of the envelope. I used a Stampin' Up marker, 'Certainly Celery' I think, and doodled lines around the M.W.H.

HAVE FUN! Remember to STAMP OUT THE DEVIL!

I BELIEVE THAT YOU'RE MY HEALER!

2009-05-03T16:38:00.004-04:00

Heal: –verb (used with object)
1. to make healthy, whole, or sound; restore to health; free from ailment.
2. to bring to an end or conclusion, as conflicts between people or groups, usually with the strong implication of restoring former amity; settle; reconcile: They tried to heal the rift between them but were unsuccessful.
3.to free from evil; cleanse; purify: to heal the soul.
–verb (used without object)
4. to effect a cure.
5. (of a wound, broken bone, etc.) to become whole or sound; mend; get well (often fol. by up or over).

Dictionary.com UnabridgedBased on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009

A person who needs to be healed, is in sometimes desperate thoughts and actions. They dwell on what the doctor says, or what the media says, but they don't seek the Word of God. In the Bible, God did many healings, deliverances, and all-around miracles. He made the lame walk, the dumb talk, and He opened blinded eyes. He brought the dead to life, and delivered many from demonic powers. PRAISE THE LORD! But those things can still happen today... God is still in the miracle business! Don't ever think your problem, or your doctor's diagnosis is bigger than God! God says in His Word that He is the God that heals us. (paraphrased into plain English) I for one can speak from experience.

For those of you who don't know me, or know what has gone on in the past month (and in 2 times previous) I had been diagnosed with FACIAL CELLULITIS. It is a painful bacterial infection that flares up on the face. (Cellulitis iteself can flare up anywhere on the body, usually for adults it comes on the legs or the arms). The first time I got this bacterial infection, I was told by the doctor that it is a low percentage of people in the world that contract this infection, and an even lower percentage of people that it will reoccur with, so I wasn't to worry about it coming back. (Kind of like Chicken Pox, you may get it, but you usually only get it once) I was hospitalized, and put on IV antibiotics, and taken care of, and within a week I was sent home, and it healed. (Through antibiotics and prayer of course). However, five years later, it began to flare it's ugly self up again, and attack my face, and I was again hospitalized and put on IV antibiotics. (The medical staff and some of the University students used my infection for their medical studies, and a medical journal as they had never really dealt with Cellulitis before, and it shouldn't have re-occured.) Again, through lots of prayer by my family, my church, and others I was healed thoroughly, and went on living life normal again. Thinking it will never return again, I put it behind me, and prayed against the infection returning. However, again about five years later (which would put it to 2009), I contracted the Facial Cellulitis again! I was preparing for a "TWEENS" conference that I was a part of, and knew that I had to do stuff, and help get organized for the tweens that were coming to seek more of God. That is my heart, so I prayed, and didn't let the Cellulitis bother me. We went to the hospital, and I self-diagnosed that it was facial cellulitis, whereas the doctors and nurses on staff were thinking it was an allergic reaction or something. Once I told the doctor that I knew it was facial cellulitis, because I have had it twice before, he checked out the signs and symptoms, and diagnosed me with facial cellulitis. I was given IV antibiotics, and oral pills as well, and I returned to the church to be a part of the Conference. I had to return to the hospital the next three mornings for an IV dose. (As they now have a Cellulitis Clinic set up --- gee I wonder if I may have had a part in that.) Again, through much prayer I was healed. However, again just the end of April, I had a flare-up again on my nose, and I prayed against it, and used God's Word to curse the infection, and went to the hospital yet again, and was diagnosed again for the 4th time with Facial Cellulitis. The medical staff still cannot determine what is causing the flare-ups, and cannot determine why it is re-occuring. According to their study of Cellulitis, it happens most in those that are Homeless, live in a Shelter, or have poor living conditions. According to the internet, facial cellulitis happens mos to Children or Men over the age of 45. Neither one of these findings helps me out... I am neither a child, or a man, and I do not, nor never have lived in a shelter or on the street. We are believing in prayer that "NOTHING EVIL SHALL COME NIGH MY DWELLING PLACE" (Psalms 91:10) We are praying against the root cause of this infectious disease, and declaring that I am healed, I am whole, and I am restored in the name of JESUS! AMEN & AMEN!

For those of you who may not be believers in the HEALING POWER of God... try it for yourself. Look at your situation or circumstance (just briefly of course), call it out by it's name, and claim the following scriptures over your life. Do this for a month... and see what happens. If you do, and you would like to give a testimony, please comment as I would love to read how God is working in your lives. If you do this, and nothing changes, then you have not lost a thing. However, I know that my God can do anything, and through Him I can do anything by His strength! (Philippians 4:13)

Psalm 91
Safety of Abiding in the Presence of God

1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” 3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler[a] And from the perilous pestilence. 4 He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. 5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, 6 Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you. 8 Only with your eyes shall you look, And see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, 10 No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; 11 For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. 12 In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone. 13 You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot. 14 “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. 15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My salvation.” (New King James Version - The Holy Bible)

MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU!

2009-02-26T22:38:00.003-05:00

Thanks to my friend, and a devoted pastor Jason, for teaching us this message, and sharing the DVD "Christianity Seduced" with us. (Thanks Donna for sharing it with him...) It totally opened my eyes to the deception in the Christian world. WOW! (I copied the below message from another blog, who posted it from Jack Van Impe's website.) Read it, then pray, and act upon it. DO NOT BE DECEIVED... GOD IS NOT TO BE MOCKED. WHATEVER YOU MAY SOW, YOU'RE GONNA REAP THAT CROP! (from a DC Talk song & the Bible!)

Christianity Seduced

Beloved in Christ Jesus our Lord, July 12th - 17th, I presented a televised message to the entire world reporting on the Pew Research Institute's investigation of tens of thousands of evangelicals who now believe that there are many other roads to heaven besides Jesus.I am not talking about liberals and apostates within Christendom, but the original and former cream of the crop believers, who just a few years ago would have laid down their lives by "earnestly contending for the faith," especially about Jesus being the only way of salvation.The next week following the program, I was inundated with letters and emails from listeners throughout America and Canada thanking me for castigating and correcting 57% of the present-day evangelicals, yes almost 6 out of 10, who no longer believe the 400 biblical texts that say Jesus is the only way. Their plea and request was for immediate help and information.Within days I began to "pray without ceasing" and to investigate "the seeker-friendly churches" to see what was behind this pathetic "falling away" from the faith. During this spiritually important moment in my life, God burdened me to produce “Christianity Seduced” in which I answer the questions - Who? What? Where? When? Why?Well, as I always knew, the seducer was and is Satan and his demonic beings, the fallen angels of Revelation 12:4. I Timothy 4:1 states: "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils." 2 Timothy 3:13 adds: "But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived." God forgive the pastors who never preach doctrine. This is why God gave us the Bible.In 2 Timothy 3:16 ministers are commanded to preach doctrine. 2 Timothy 4:2-4 says, "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."In my early days of ministry some 60 years ago, biblical pulpiters bombarded their audiences with the Word of God, and the old hymns of the faith backed the sermons. What has happened? Let's see.The Wall Street Journal on July 3, 2008, carried the following shocking report: "In the Protestant community, traditionalists object about the new wave of seeker-friendly churches: the permissive dress code - not only jeans, but shorts and flip-flops are often OK. The 'messages' (never sermons) are jazzed up with video clips and hard-rocking nine-piece 'praise bands.' The Starbucks cart often sits in the lobby (and worshippers can take their nonfat lattes into the pews.) Their bigger concern, however, is with the spiritual teaching ... The sermons tend to be buoyant, hip, and dedicated to self-help themes rather than theology".The tragic result is that we have multiplied members of our "seeker-friendly" churches who are totally ignorant of what God's Word teaches.Dr. Vance Havner warned that such a day would come within Christendom. More than 30 years ago, Vance Havner, in his book "Playing Marbles with Diamonds" offered the following insightful warning. “The devil is not fighting religion; he is too smart for that. He is producing a counterfeit Christianity so much like the real one that good Christians are afraid to speak out against it... We are plainly told in the Scriptures that in the last days men will not endure sound doctrine and will depart from the truth and heap to themselves teachers to tickle their ears. We live in an epidemic of this itch, and popular preachers have developed ear-tickling to a fine art. Today, the angle is to avoid ‘negative’ preaching and accentuate only the positive."What happens to those who change the gospel message and preach, teach, propagate, and believe there are many roads to heaven? Hear the great apostle Paul in Galatians 1:7-9: "There be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed."Now look up the word "accursed" plus its synonyms in Webster's dictionary. It means "doomed", "damned", and "to fry in fire" - which means Hell. Wow! That's plain enough for intelligent people to understand.But during that July 12th - 17th program, I also shared reports from religious periodicals including Dr. Tim LaHaye's prophetical paper, World magazine, Christianity Today, and Charisma magazine, all warning believers about the deception being promoted by the "Queen of Media" - Oprah Winfrey.My video reports the numerous and shocking releases concerning her. The Los Angeles papers carried a report entitled "Signs of Dissatisfaction in Oprahland." It mentioned that "Oprah's crown as Queen of Media is becoming tarnished. Her ratings have fallen three years in a row because she has strayed into New Age spiritualism." I call it spiritism based on the seducing spirits mentioned at the outset of this article. A few of the books she is now promoting are basic New Age teachings about becoming gods.One of these blasphemous doctrines of demons is promoted by John Randolph Price, a New Age leader. Listen to his terminology as he uses the "I am" name of God from Exodus 3:14, and also the "I am" name of our Lord Jesus Christ from John 8:56-58. Price states, "Say to yourself silently: 'I am God' in expression. God is as me now. I am God. Be me." He states this nonsense again, "I am God ... I dismiss all thoughts of right and wrong ... I no longer hold any un-forgiveness toward MYSELF. I rise above all feelings of guilt, and I am free to love myself as never before ... My love for ME, MYSELF, and I am that I am, knows no bounds."This is the same hue and cry of all the New Age members. That's why Shirley McClain cried out, "I am God" as she stood on Malibu Beach in a TV movie and why Oprah, in the fourth hour of her series featuring Eckhart Tolle's book The New Earth said, "I am that I am and that's all that I am."Dr. James A. Smith, Sr. warns in an article entitled "Oprah's 'Jesus'" dated April 3, 2008, "in America's celebrity-driven culture, perhaps the most harmful 'Pied Piper' of heresies leading millions astray is Oprah Winfrey. Her adoption of anti-biblical doctrine is on display every day this year through her satellite radio network channel 'Oprah & Friends.' It's time for Christians to 'just say no' to the big 'O.'"Why? It's your duty Christian, as commanded by God in Romans 16:17, to "...mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them." And also in 2 John 1:9-11, "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds."In our video study we show how Eckhart Tolle, in his book The New Earth, promoted by Oprah Winfrey, asserts that "the Bible is corrupted and filled with errors. Scripture, he says, has become 'distorted and misinterpreted,' and 'many things' have been added 'that had nothing to do with the original teachings.'" Clearly, we have some rather bold anti-Christian sentiments being propagated by Tolle and Oprah in her world classroom.But Tolle's book is mild compared to “A Course in Miracles”, which at 1249 pages, is one of the most blasphemous volumes ever penned under the inner voice of a demonic Jesus impersonator who spoke through Helen Schucman from 1965-73 and degraded the true Jesus of Scripture.In our video, we deal with the most heinous and shockingly evil statements I have ever read. Rexella reads the abominable remarks about our precious Jesus and presents each page number where the blasphemies are mentioned. I then answer every point with scores of verses.In this one-hour, twenty-minute video study we delve into the most abhorrent, detestable, and loathsome statements about Christ and His sacrifice at Calvary ever made. This irreligious trash is being taught by Marianne Williamson, another Oprah-promoted celebrity, who teaches this irreligious course with Oprah's help and blessing throughout 2008.This is the most important study Rexella and I have ever released because it is Oprah Winfrey who is propagating the many roads to heaven and 57% of the present-day evangelicals do not have enough Bible knowledge to refute this malarkey.Furthermore, we deal with pastors who mock or reject the message of Christ's return found in 10,385 verses of God's holy Word. If ever you needed a video study including what I have just shared, plus scores of other facts - it's now.I want you and your family to have this critical information, so you can protect the ones you love and sound the alarm in your church as well. This New Age spirit of the Antichrist is so overwhelming throughout American media; it reveals that the return of the Lord is close at hand. If we want to bring as many lost souls with us when we hear that beautiful "come up hither" of Revelation 4:1, we must get this information out to the people who most desperately need it.Please send for it today. You need this for yourself, for your family, for your pastor, and especially for any friends who are in danger of being deceived and destroyed by the false gospel of Oprah and those like her!Your gift will help Rexella and me keep sharing the truth and letting the lost world know that Jesus is coming soon.

Yours in world evangelism,
Jack Van Impe
http://jvim.com

BE BLESSED TODAY AND ALWAYS!

2008-12-26T12:24:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Love & Prayers, Mark & Mitzi

xoxoxox

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2008-12-26T12:21:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone!

Just wishing you all a MERRY CHRISTMAS, and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

JESUS is the REASON for the SEASON! You can try to take "CHRIST" out of Christmas, but then you're left with a "MAS" --- a BIG 'MESS'!!!! LOL!

* I take the time right now to thank God for His many blessings this year. It's been a year of CHANGE and I am excited to see what 2009 has in store. I thank God for the SALVATIONS and PRODIGALS returning this year! WOW! Thank you Lord for all our changed hearts. We will never be the same again!*

Be blessed this BOXING DAY, and see you in the NEW YEAR!

2008-12-07T16:47:00.001-05:00

Jesus is Better than Santa
Santa lives at the North Pole.
JESUS is everywhere.
Santa rides in a sleigh
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.
Santa comes but once a year
JESUS is an ever present help.
Santa fills your stockings with goodies
JESUS supplies all your needs.
Santa comes down your chimney uninvited
JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart.
You have to stand in line to see Santa
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.
Santa lets you sit on his lap
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.
Santa doesn't know your name,

all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?"
JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.
Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly
JESUS has a heart full of love.
All Santa can offer is HO HO HO
JESUS offers health, help and hope.
Santa says "You better not cry"
JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you".
Santa's little helpers make toys
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts,

repairs broken homes and builds mansions.
Santa may make you chuckle but
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.
While Santa puts gifts under your tree
JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.
It's obvious there is really no comparison.
We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.
We need to put Christ back in Christmas.
Jesus is still the reason for the season.

May the Lord Bless and Watch over you and your loved ones this Christmas 2008
And may He prosper and bless the work of your hands in the New Year 2009.

(Taken from an e-mail I received - author not noted)

2008-11-22T17:45:00.003-05:00

I've read it many times before, but I received it in an e-mail from a friend, and at the end it asked me to share it... to not be ashamed of the Father. I don't believe in chain letters, but the story is worth sharing. Open up your heart as you read the story...

"A young man had been to Wednesday Night Bible Study. The Pastor had shared about listening to God and obeying the Lord's voice. The young man couldn't help but wonder, 'Does God still speak to people?'

After service, he went out with some friends for coffee and pie and they discussed the message. Several different ones talked about how God had led them in different ways. It was about ten o'clock when the young man started driving home. Sitting in his car, he just began to pray, 'God...If you still speak to people, speak to me. I will listen. I will do my best to obey.'

As he drove down the main street of his town, he had the strangest thought to stop and buy a gallon of milk. He shook his head and said out loud, 'God is that you?' He didn't get a reply and started on toward home. But again, he thought, buy a gallon of milk.

The young man thought about Samuel and how he didn't recognize the voice of God, and how little Samuel ran to Eli. 'Okay, God, in case that is you, I will buy the milk.' It didn't seem like too hard a test of obedience. He could always use the milk. He stopped and purchased the gallon of milk and started off toward home.

As he passed Seventh Street, he again felt the urge, 'Turn Down that street.' This is crazy he thought,and drove on past the intersection. Again, he felt that he should turn down Seventh Street . At the next intersection, he turned back and headed down Seventh. Half jokingly, he said out loud, 'Okay, God, I will.' He drove several blocks, when suddenly, he felt like he should stop He pulled over to the curb and looked around. He was in a semi-commercial area of town. It wasn't the best but it wasn't the worst of neighborhoods either. The businesses were closed and most of the houses looked dark like the people were already in bed. Again, he sensed something, 'Go and give the milk to the people in the house across the street.' The young man looked at the house. It was dark and it looked like the people were either gone or theywere already asleep. He started to open the door and then sat back in the car seat. 'Lord, this is insane. Those people are asleep and if I wake them up, they are going to be mad and I will look stupid.' Again, he felt like he should go and give the milk. Finally, he opened the door, 'Okay God, if this is you, I will go to the door and I will give them the milk. If you want me to look like a crazy person, okay. I want to be obedient. I guess that will count for some thing, but if they don't answer right away, I am out of here.' He walked across the street and rang the bell. He could hear some noise inside.

A man's voice yelled out, 'Who is it? What do you want?' Then the door opened before the young mancould get away. The man was standing there in his jeans and T-shirt. He looked like he just got out of bed. He had a strange look on his face and he didn't seem too happy to have some stranger standing on his doorstep. 'What is it?' The young man thrust out the gallon of milk, 'Here, I brought this to you.'

The man took the milk and rushed down a hallway. Then from down the hall came a woman carrying the milk toward the kitchen. The man was following her holding a baby. The baby was crying. The man had tears streaming down his face.The man began speaking and half crying, 'We were just praying. We had some big bills this month and we ran out of money. We didn't have any milk for our baby. I was just praying and asking God to show me how to get some milk.' His wife in the kitchen yelled out, 'I ask him to send an Angel with some. Are you an Angel?' The young man reached into his wallet and pulled out all the money he had on him andput in the man's hand. He turned and walked back toward his car and the tears were streaming down his face. He knew that God still answers prayers."

So if there is something in your life right now, maybe you are like the couple, and in these times of a world-pronounced coming recession, you are needing a miracle. KEEP PRAYING! Keep the FAITH alive and strong. It may not be a financial need, it may just be a small thing. It may be a physical, emotional, social, mental need for you or for a friend or family member. BUT KEEP ON BELIEVING! Maybe you are like the young man, maybe you need to stop in life to hear the voice of God, and not only to hear it, but to act upon it! WOW! We are the hands and feet of Jesus, we need to reach out into our community and help our fellow man the only way we know how.... again, it may not be only financially... (as we all have our struggles - but if God is asking you to give, then expect Him to give back to you in great abundance!). Look around, and see the people that you associate with, that you come in contact with. Some may even just need a hug, or a reassurance that they are special and worth something!

GOD STILL LISTENS, GOD STILL ANSWERS, GOD STILL SPEAKS, GOD STILL WORKS MIRACLES!!!

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door

will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds;

and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

Matthew 7:7-8

WOW! (yes I am cleaning my email folder and posting another great one - this one is true though!)

2008-09-20T22:41:00.003-04:00

Kindly read this, I'm sure your life will not remain the same... this story happened sometime last year:

A Muslim man in Egypt killed his wife because she was reading the Bible and then buried her with their infant baby and an 8-year old daughter. The girls were buried alive! He then reported to the police that an uncle killed the kids. 15 days later, another family member died. When they went to bury him,they found the 2 little girls under the sand - ALIVE!

The country is outraged over the incident, and the man will be executed. The older girl was asked how she had survived and she says:- 'A man wearing shiny white clothes, with bleeding wounds in his hands, came every day to feed us. He woke up my mom so she could nurse my sister, she said.

She was interviewed on Egyptian national TV, by a veiled Muslim woman news anchor. She said on public TV, 'This was none other than Jesus, because nobody else does things like this!'

Muslims believe Isa (Jesus) would do this, but the wounds mean He really was crucified, and it's clear also that He is alive! But, it's also clear that the child could not make up a story like this, and there is no way these children could have survived without a true miracle.

Muslim leaders are going to have a hard time to figure out what to do with this, and the popularity of the Passion movie doesn't help! With Egypt at the center of the media and education in the Middle East, you can be sure this story will spread. Christ is still turning the world upside down!

Please let this story be shared.

The Lord says, 'I will bless the person who puts his trust in me. Jeremiah 17

Please forward to all on your list.
Grace and peace unto you!
Lakram Govinda.

Church Gossip... JOKE!

2008-09-20T22:32:00.003-04:00

Mildred, the church gossip, and self-appointed monitor of the church's morals, kept sticking her nose into other people's business.

Several members did not approve of her activities, but feared her enough to maintain their silence. She made a mistake, however, when she accused George , a new church member, of being an alcoholic after she saw his old pickup parked in front of the town's only bar one afternoon. She emphatically told George (and several others) that everyone seeing it there would know what he was doing.

George , a man of few words, stared at her for a moment and then just turned and walked away. He didn't explain, defend, or deny. He said nothing.

Later that evening, George quietly parked his pickup in front of Mildred's house. Walked home and left it there all night.

You gotta love George!!

Cute Church Signs...

2008-09-20T21:57:00.011-04:00

Hey everyone... Thought I'd post these pics here. I received them in an e-mail... and since I am in cleaning mode still, I am erasing old e-mails, but before I erased this one, I copied the pics and decided to share them with my bloggin buddies! Love you... Be blessed! My favourite one below... "TRY JESUS! If you don't like Him, the devil will always take you back!"

* ANOTHER GREAT ONE THAT GOES ALONG WITH THE ONE ABOVE IS... "CAN'T SLEEP? DON'T COUNT SHEEP, TALK TO THE SHEPHERD!"

COMING SOON...

2008-09-17T01:45:00.003-04:00

MITTER'S CRITTERS, CRAFTS & MORE...

New blog showcasing my creations... Cards, Stamping, Scrapbooking...

* HOMEMADE STUFF FOR SALE

* FUNDRAISERS

* WORKSHOPS/CROPS/ETC...

Join me for some fun. Do you love Scrapbooking, Card-making, Stamping... or just crafts in general? You will want to keep in touch with me!

THANKS!

Web blog will be up and running soon...

http://mitterscritters.blogspot.com/

Be blessed & HAPPY STAMPIN'!

THANK YOU.... GOD & EVERYONE ELSE!

2008-09-04T16:31:00.005-04:00

Well, GIANT or KING #1, is falling... LOL!

We are taking the territory back again..... 2 steps forward, one minor step back, and now we are taking 2 steps forward again.... so we are still ahead. LOL!

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. God again proved faithful, as I proved faithful! YAY! I continued to worship and thank God in the tough times. I am so glad he made me who I am, and that he gave me friends and family like the ones I have. Thanks so much for caring and sharing!

Be blessed today and always...

** I wish to pray a blessing over the life of the ones involved, over the ones who tried to help the "KING" or the "GIANT" succeed in this matter. (You know who you are) I want them to know that I still love and respect them, and I have learned a life-lesson in all this too. I took captive all the negative thoughts that wandered into my head, and I am praying a prayer of blessing instead of cursing. Thank you God that you reminded me to "Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." Colossians 3:13**

Thank you for the refining fire and testing, to which I proved faithful, and I am very excited about that. WOW! I have also spiritually grown again, of which I am very excited. I cannot wait to start a NEW BEGINNING soon... Our last official Sunday is next Sunday, the 7th of September... and from then on, it's taking the step of faith to where God is leading us next. Keep us in your prayers for this new ADVENTURE! Wehoo...

In His Love & Service,

ROMANS 12: 4-21 taken from THE MESSAGE Bible...

2008-09-03T01:43:00.007-04:00

"In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we're talking about is Christ's body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn't amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body, let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't. If you preach, just preach God's Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don't take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don't get bossy; if you're put in charge, don't manipulate; if you're called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don't let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face. Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle. Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality. Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody. Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. 'I'll do the judging,' says God. 'I'll take care of it.' Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good."

I am going to print this out and hang it up, to remind myself... I love the wording in the MESSAGE! So true, so true... for Christians and non-Christians alike... for personal life, for church life, for work life... for life in general! Please read again, and take the words to heart like I did! Be blessed today and always, as you try to live the life God has called you into! USE YOUR GIFTINGS! If you don't use em, you lose em!

Don't know JESUS??

Heres a little pic to help you understand more about what He did for YOU!

Just say a little prayer... following the ABC's...

A- Admit to God you are a sinner, and repent and turn away from your sin.

B - Believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and that He gave His life for you and me.

C - Confess your faith in Jesus as your Saviour and your Lord

Thank Jesus for what He's done in your life!

FACING THE GIANTS... or KING'S.... or TRIALS... in the DESERT of life!

2008-09-03T00:23:00.007-04:00

WOW! Mark & I were blessed to attend HILLSONG UNITED CONFERENCE in Toronto, ON on Saturday August 30th, 2008. (Our 5th Wedding Anniversary!) We were in awe of HILLSONG and the worship and the presence of God with tons of Christians worshipping along with them. Beyond words and comprehension...

Anyway, it was a Conference as well as the Concert at the end of the night. Pastor Brian Houston and Joel Houston were the Main speakers, and they shared their passion and their heart. WOW! Pastor Brian taught us about "TAKING THE TERRITORY" on Saturday Morning. He spoke on the KING'S that Joshua had to face in taking the territory to get to the Promised Land. There were 31 Kings that Joshua came against. He reminded us that there will always be opposition and pain. The Bible says, "Every place you put the sole of your foot, I will give to you", which was a promise from God to Joshua, but also to us. He also stated that "If you gain territory, someone is losing it. (satan)" There were many "KINGS" he has faced in his life and in his ministry with his wife Bobbie. (for more info on Pastor Brian and Bobbie see Wikipedia -http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Houston_(pastor) ). He stated that the generation is coming who will stand firm. We need to stand against the Kings in our lives... Example KINGS are; King over demonic activity; King over stress & anxiety; King over lonliness; King over temptation; King over disillusionment; King over discouragement; etc... There are 3 things that are Crucial to us taking the territory, to fight against the KINGS that we may come up against: 1 - HUMILITY (1 Peter 5: 5-6) 2 - HONESTY (James 5:16) and 3 - HOLY SPIRIT (Acts 10:38) --- God has great things in store.

WOW.... so true! We have faced a few KINGS in our ministry these 5 years together, and I didn't know how quickly I would face KINGS again in my life.

We have been in a DESERT for a while... and now we are trusting in God for a release, and a new change and beginning for us, to flow in the area of ministry that God is calling us towards. For those of you that do not know, Mark and I resigned from our Pastoral position at King Street Community Church. We are not moving on to another Pastoral position as of yet, but we will be making a home at another church, which we will obviously assist in the ways they need us, according to our giftings and talents. We are excited about this NEW BEGINNING... and we know that we are following the Will of God for us, by taking this step of faith. We have to WALK the TALK now... we always said that God is our Healer and Provider, but now we have to stand in the faith and believe that to be true, as resigning from the paid position will be taking money away from our monthly income towards rent. But we know that "all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28), and we are trusting God to provide what we need.

More recently we have come against another KING, who will indeed bow to the name of Jesus. We are claiming the victory that God has given us in this situation. At the conference, we also heard one of the new songs on the new Hillsong CD, "This is Our God", called "THE DESERT SONG". The words of the song are amazing, and oh so true, and just what I needed for this situation that I am involved in.

The Desert Song

Brooke Fraser (Ligertwood)

Verse 1:

This is my prayer in the desert

When all that's within me feels dry

This is my prayer in my hunger & need

My God is the God who provides

Verse 2:

This is my prayer in the fire

In weakness or trial or pain

There is a faith proved

Of more worth than gold

So refine me Lord through the flame

Chorus:

I will bring praise

No weapon formed against me shall remain

I will rejoice

I will declare

God is my victory and He is here

Verse 3:

This is my prayer in the battle

When triumph is still on it's way

I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ

So firm on His promise I'll stand

Bridge:

All of my life

In every season

You are still God

I have a reason to sing

I have a reason to worship

Verse 4:

This is my prayer in the harvest

When favor and providence flow

I know I'm filled to be emptied again

The seed I've received I will sow

Written by Brooke Fraser (Ligertwood)

Sung by Brooke Fraser/Ligertwood & Jill McCloghry

"All of my life, in every season, YOU ARE STILL GOD, and I have a reason to sing, and I have a reason to worship. I will bring praise, NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST ME SHALL REMAIN!" Those words I sang over and over, while I prayed to God for deliverance from this situation, and for His peace to flow over me. WOW! God does answer prayer, and I know that this is an attack from the devil, 'cause we are taking the territory, and he's mad that he is losing ground. I know that God will prove faithful, when I prove faithful. In James there is a verse regarding facing trials and tests... "When your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow." James 1:3

So I will continue to trust in God, and WALK the WALK and TALK the TALK... and WALK the TALK, so that my life will prove faithful in the test, and I will be an example to the world of the faithfulness of God. I know that I am not alone in this struggle... because NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD!

Some Bible verses that are helping me (and will help you when you face TRIALS, or GIANTS, or KINGS) are:

- "We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going." 2 Corinthians 4:9 (NLT)

- "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. " James 1:2-8 (NIV)

- "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12 (NIV)

- "God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way." Matthew 5:10-12 (NLT)

- "Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit." 1 Peter 3:13-18 (NLT)

- "Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:28-31

- "Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." 1 Peter 3:4

- Romans 12 (see next blog regarding this one)

- Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

- "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

- "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." Psalm 121:3-8

- "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea." Psalm 46:1-2

- "Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world." 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NLT)

- "This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

- All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

- "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." Proverbs 3:5-6

- "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." Philippians 4:8

- "Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." Colossians 3:13

- "Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32

So in the end, I am thankful for my trials, giants and Kings... because they allow me to show that God is real, and that He is in control. However things may turn out, I know that I will trust in the Lord forever and ever. Just like JOB, who was a faithful man of God, when times of trials came, I stand firm and say, "BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD!" To God be the glory in all of this, is my prayer!

Please keep Mark and I in your thoughts and prayers, in our new adventure... and for this situation as well. For wisdom, truth, and discernment to be shown, and God's love to be poured out on all involved.

THANKS!

"May the Lord keep watch between you and me while we are away from each other"

It's my Anniversary on Saturday!! <3 .

2008-08-29T21:32:00.003-04:00

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to you MARK!

I love you baby!

These 5 years have been amazing!

WOW - Time sure does fly when you are having fun!

xoxoxo

~Mitz

Are YOU called into MINISTRY?

2008-08-24T16:29:00.004-04:00

... why of course you are!!

You don't have to go to BIBLE COLLEGE or SEMINARY or have a Biblical degree to be in ministry. A pastor friend of mine, and I were just discussing this fact. He is trying to instill in his people that everyone is called into Ministry. Ministry by definition is,

The act of serving; ministration.
One that serves as a means; an instrumentality.
The profession, duties, and services of a minister.
The Christian clergy.
The period of service of a minister.
A governmental department presided over by a minister.
The building in which such a department is housed.
The duties, functions, or term of a governmental minister.
often Ministry Governmental ministers considered as a group.
The profession, duties, and services of a minister.
The Christian clergy.
The period of service of a minister.
A governmental department presided over by a minister.
The building in which such a department is housed.
The duties, functions, or term of a governmental minister.
often Ministry Governmental ministers considered as a group.
A governmental department presided over by a minister.
The building in which such a department is housed.
The duties, functions, or term of a governmental minister.
often Ministry Governmental ministers considered as a group.

"ministry." The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. 24 Aug. 2008. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/ministry>.

In all its basics, as the first definition above points out, ministry is "the act of serving". Everyone is called to serve. Just as Jesus was sent to serve, "Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." ~ Mark 10:43-45

Mark bought me a cool book at Kingdom Bound, called "SHINE" by the Newsboys, and it talks about them not as performers, but as Christians. I have yet to read it all, but I browsed through it, and found this cool quote which is about this topic of ministry.

"No matter what your occupation or calling in life -- whether you're a pastor, a missionary, or someone who checks water meters all day -- it's people that count. God has you where you are to touch the lives of those who cross your path. God has you where you are to hold your light high, like a city on a hill" - Ron Mehl (pg 261, Shine!c 2002 by the Newsboys.)

So be blessed as you go out and SERVE others in Jesus' name.
SHINE your light for all to see... "make em wonder what you got!"

Love & prayers,
Mitz

I AM "KINGDOM BOUND"!!

2008-08-07T16:08:00.007-04:00

WEHOO! Mark and I (and a couple of our Young Adults/friends) just returned from DARIEN LAKE in New York where we attended KINGDOM BOUND!! WOW! It was my very first time attending KINGDOM BOUND and I was amazed! The park itself is amazing, all the rides, and games... and yummy food, and friendly people! But adding to the park was all the amazing concerts, speakers, merchandise, Enemy Opposition Bike/Skateboard tricks, and more!! I am soooo glad that we had 4 days to do it all in, 'cause my body is sooooooo tired. But I would so go through it all over again if I had to! WOW!

Of course my favourite CONCERT performance was .....(drum roll) the NEWSBOYS!!!! Oh my word!!! They surpassed the excitement that I had for their concert at the BIG TICKET. I was ready this time for Duncan and his DRUM FUN....(for lack of a better term), and Peter and his drum solo, but I wasn't ready for the two of them to be on raised platforms. WOW! It was so amazing! I had the batteries in the camera this time, and I got to see the entire spinning of Duncan and his drumset.... and I got lots of pictures of course! THE NEWSBOYS are amazing!! I even felt like a true CANADIAN 'cause I bought and wore a NEWSBOYS touque, and everyone looked at me weird cause it was soooooooooo hot!!

My favourite SPEAKER was CAROL McLEOD (from Just Joy Ministries) - I also enjoyed the Worship as well lead by Kelly, Kerri and Amanda! WOW!!! God is sooo amazing! Carol taught more than 400 ladies (and some men & children) on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Her theme this year was "Minding your Thought, Holding/Guarding your Heart & Taming your Tongue!" This was an amazing time in God's presence. The KIDZ tent was filled with the annointing of God each and every day. The JOY of the Lord is our strength, and we already have defeated the enemy, but we need to remind ourselves of that when he tries to deceive us with his lies. We must attack him with the WORD OF GOD! If we don't, then it is just like we are "throwing water balloons at Sadaam Hussein". (HA HA, one of my favourite quotes of hers). I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the tent with Carol and the other ladies from Just Joy Ministries. Check out more about her and the Just Joy Ministry at http://www.justjoyministries.com/ . I bought her book "DEFIANT JOY" and the CD set "HEALING SCRIPTURES" and also the Devotional "Signposts, .... and I forget the rest of the title". She just exudes with the JOY of the LORD! WOW!!!! =)

My favourite THRILL RIDE..............HMMM..... that is a thought... all of the rides were cool in their own way. Some rides were of course much better than the others... but each of them gave you a different sensation. I really enjoyed the MIND ERASER, the RANGER, GRIZZLY RUN and of course the TORNADO. Whoa..... it was crazy, but it was fun to see all that God had to offer. Knowing that we were in the hands of God as we rode each and every ride was also amazing. Seeing the glorious sunsets each evening... and even on Tuesday when it POURED, it was sooo much fun. There were so many people hiding under canopies, etc trying to stay out of the rain. But nope, not me, I was splashing in the puddles, and enjoying the RAIN of GOD! I even sat down in a puddle... =)

My favourite RANDOM "star" MEETING... We stayed in a hotel in Buffalo which was about 25 minutes from Darien Lake.... but it was also the hotel where most of the other radio stations, and some musicians and speakers stayed. So at breakfast we would get the honour of eating with ROBIN MARK and his band, and the crew from GOD ROCKS! I even talked to "CHIP" (his real name is Todd). hee hee! We even got a picture with Robin Mark at breakfast... (Yes, I asked first!) There were also random speakers there too like Brett Ullman and his family and Bob Lenz. We swam at the same time as Bob Lenz on night... and then we swam with Ilia (well they were in the hot tub when we were in the pool, and then they were in the pool when we were in the hot tub. LOL!) Funny thing was Thursday AM when we were getting ready to head to Breakfast, there was a Tour Bus in the parking lot.... we were hoping it was NEWSBOYS... but we still don't really know who's bus it was. It was pretty cool overall!!

My favourite PARK FOOD.... hmmm.... it would be the CURLY FRIES & CORNDOG. Yum! The funnel cake wasn't as good as I was anticipating... it was a little greasy, and it didn't have as much icing sugar as CANADIAN ones! LOL!

One of my favourite MISCELLANEOUS MEMORIES was getting our Caricature done by ROB DUMO. (http://www.robdumoart.com/) Mark and I were Spiderman and MaryJane... LOL! It was a lot of fun! Check out his work at his website. He is pretty cool!! =) Another MEMORY is that Tammy won a spot to play on the new game "AND THE ANSWER IS"... and she got to pick a member of the audience to come draw a pic for people to guess, and Mark and I made it just in time to see her, and she "randomly" picked me!! I had to draw WISHBONE... and so the audience guessed it, Tammy got 4 points and I won a Darien Lake glass. Too cool! Tammy went on to win the game too, and she won a couple cool things.

PICTURES to come.... I took 542 pictures!! So it will be a bit to download them all!! I have to check some of them out too... they look fine on the camera, but who knows what they look like once they are online, or printed. Plus, I took a few extra pics at the BIG concerts of THIRD DAY, DELIRIOUS and NEWSBOYS... so we shall see how many pics are relatively the same!! =)

** I WISH TO THANK "GRACE FM - 105.9 - LONDON'S POSITIVE MUSIC STATION" AND CAPTAIN DALE, AND SANDRA FOR MAKING THIS TRIP POSSIBLE! MARK WON THE TRIP PASSES/ACCOMODATION AS PART OF THE PACKAGE FOR WINNING THE "ULTIMATE SUMMER TICKET". SO THANKS AGAIN GUYS, SO SORRY THAT YOU COULDN'T HAVE SHARED THE EXCITEMENT WITH US.... MAYBE NEXT YEAR!! **

(http://www.gracefm.ca/) Check 'em out... you can even STREAM music ~~ Christian Canadian music that you might no hear elsewhere!!! =)

I pray that we will be able to attend next year, if not for the entire thing, at least for one day! WOW! If you are a Christian and you enjoy music, and speakers and fun... then I totally recommend KINGDOM BOUND to you and your family. It is totally family friendly!! =) I am soooo glad to know that I am truly KINGDOM BOUND!! HALLELUJAH! =)

WEEDS.... of life!

2008-07-12T01:43:00.014-04:00

Hey everyone...

I don't know how many of you have seen the VEGGIE TALES movie about the RUMOUR WEED, but you don't really think how bad weeds are until you watch it. Most people kill or wee-whack their weeds before they get to far.... but sometimes, a little weed or a little "rumour" can grow quite quickly into a BIG PLANT or mess. So, little to our knowledge, we had a BACKYARD full of weeds growing in leaps and bounds, now that the sunshine can shine into our backyard. Basically, Mark and I had a JUNGLE in our back yard full of weeds. LOL! Had, being the operative word, as we attacked it on Wednesday night. So here are some BEFORE and AFTER pics for you to see.....

BEFORE...

THE "BURR" tree.... plant... whatever!

DURING TAKE-DOWN, and AFTER....

Anyway, I guess this has a spiritual message too... not just about rumours. Don't let the devil plant seeds of problems into your life... or the fruit of God will not grow properly. SOW SEEDS that will produce good fruit. Some weeds may seem pretty, or really neat, but underneath its actually just a BURR plant, which will stick to you, and tear you down. You need to tear down the WEEDS in your life... and you need to get right down to the ROOT. Some roots are actually thicker in size, and need more than a little tug. You need to get the SAW of LIFE (the Holy Spirit) to cut it away right from under the ground. Here is a picture of the BURR "tree" root, that we still need to SAW away.... the underlying ROOT of all our problems is found in satan's deception.... it can only be taken down with the POWER of GOD! And, as you see by the above picture, it takes a lot of time to get rid of them, once they take-over your life. But bit by bit, through the power of God, they will be destroyed.

THE ROOT of the "BURR" tree...

Claim your promises in Jesus, and live the life that God has called you to.

LIVE WEED-FREE! Literally, connotatively, spiritually, etc....

Be blessed!

Mitzer....

BE a BIG BLESSING to someone today... it feels great!

2008-06-26T19:31:00.002-04:00

Well, since I just told our story today on the radio, I thought I'd share it here with all of you...

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDESS are something that we all should do, at least once in your lifetime, as it is such a blessing back on you too.

According to Wikipedia, (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Random_act_of_kindness) A random act of kindness is a purportedly selfless act performed by a person or persons wishing to either assist or cheer up an individual or in some cases even an animal. There will generally be no reason other than to make people smile, or be happier. Either spontaneous or planned in advance, random acts of kindness are encouraged by various communities. An oft-cited example of a random act of kindness is, when paying the toll at a toll booth on a highway, to pay the toll for the vehicle behind you as well.

My husband and I have always thought it would be cool to "bless" someone with a RAK or an ARK (as in the movie Evan Almighty). It would be really neat to be in a Drive-thru like Tim Horton's or a fast food place, and pay for the person's meal behind us in line. But we haven't done it yet. So, since we ourselves have been blessed by MARK being the "ULTIMATE SUMMER TICKET" winner from our local (and most awesomest) Christian Radio station.... which is like a REALLY REALLY BIG RAK on behalf of the radio station (We love you Capt D and Sandra B), we have the opportunity to bless others. We cannot go to all of the concerts, etc, that are planned. We had the opportunity to bless two of our friends, by inviting them to come along with us to the BIG TICKET FESTIVAL that just happened last weekend in Gaylord (pronounced Gay-lerd) Michigan. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, they could not attend, so since we won 4 passes, and it was late the night before we were to leave EARLY the next morning, we couldn't invite anyone else. So, we decided to BLESS someone at the BIG TICKET. It was soooo exciting....

When we got into the gates of the BIG TICKET, we saw the line of people waiting to pay for tickets (which is really silly cause the price of tickets was crazy the day of...) but anyway, we had to decide who to give the tickets to... so Mark saw that there was a lady in line who already had a BIG TICKET bracelet, and she was with a couple others who didn't. So we went up to them, but they only needed one ticket, and they were only staying the 1 day, instead of the two that we had the passes for. So I apologized to them, and said I would find someone else. There was a young couple behind them in line, and they caught my eye as I was talking to the others in line, so I went up to them, and asked them if it was just the two of them, she said yes, and that they overheard us talking about 1 day, but that they were hoping to come for two days. So I took the bracelets/tickets and handed them to them, and said WELL GOD BLESS YOU THEN... and they really didn't know what to do. They asked if I wanted money for them, and I told them NO. They were given to us, and our friends couldn't come, so we had to give them away. The lady hugged me, and cried... so of course I cried, as I am doing now again as I write this. The man kind of stood there shocked, and he shook my hand I think. Mark smiled at them, and I think shook their hands too? I don't really remember the moment totally, cause I was sooo touched that I could bless someone like that. =)

After we got home, I checked the BIG TICKET website (http://www.bigticketfestival.com/) and saw that the prices for tickets the day of were $75. So our RAK was for like $150 which would be totally amazing to me. WOW! It was amazing for me, cause we were basically just blessed with the same thing from the radio station (GRACE FM - http://www.gracefm.ca/), but I'm sure they paid a little less, as it was probably group tickets, and they were bought earlier... but still, it's amazing to me!

I thank God for this blessing daily... and I know Mark does too. It sometimes sounds like we are boasting, or winning too much stuff... which I feel is not good, but it was all done fair and square, and we are fans of GRACE FM and love them either way. It's good to win prizes, but its even better to share the LOVE of JESUS with the world. THE MESSAGE IS IN THE MUSIC~ You can listen to Grace FM Streaming audio online... to hear CANADIAN Christian bands too... you won't hear on the American stations. (http://www.gracefm.ca/)

Anyway, no matter about money, you can do FREE things for people too.... get out there and do ACTS OF KINDNESS for people.... whether you get praise for it or not. =) Your reward is in Heaven!

Be blessed!

*Here's a pic of me with BOB and LARRY from the BIG TICKET*

Love and Prayers,

MITZI xoxo

DO YOU HAVE JESUS KNOCKING??

2008-05-27T20:51:00.003-04:00

Hey everybody... I received this in an OLD e-mail and thought I would share it. It's CUTE!

Hopefully, you have JESUS inside too!!

A nurse on the pediatric ward, before
listening to the little ones chests,
would plug the stethoscope into their
ears and let them listen to their own hearts.
Their eyes would always light up with
awe, but she never got a response equal to
four-year old David's comment.
Gently she tucked the stethoscope
into his ears and placed the disk over his heart.
'Listen', she said...........'What do you suppose
that is?' He drew his eyebrows
together in a puzzled line and looked up
as if lost in the mystery of the strange
tap - tap - tapping deep in his chest.
Then his face broke out in a wondrous grin
and he asked, 'Is that Jesus knocking?'

Memory Loss........... now what was I saying?

2008-05-25T21:18:00.005-04:00

** POSSIBLE KLEENEX ALERT!**

Hey, who are you? Do I know you??
(Most likely not if you are just browsing... so it's okay!)

MEMORY LOSS is a sad thing. I know it sucks when you forget little things throughout the day, like "where's my keys?" or "Why did I come in this room?" or "What's his name again?"... but there are two major forms of memory loss...

LONG TERM MEMORY LOSS & SHORT TERM MEMORY LOSS

Short Term Memory Loss would SUCK, and be really sad.... although you wouldn't remember you had it, so maybe not? Waking up one morning and it's for example SUNDAY and then waking up each morning there after, and you still think it's Sunday because you can't remember anything short term. It would even suck if you couldn't remember things past 10 seconds....

Why am I saying this, what does this all mean?

Where is this random topic of conversation coming from???

Mark and I finally watched 50 FIRST DATES with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. Now the story is cute, and really stinking funny (especially the part where Drew's character Lucy gets to beat up Rob Schneider's character Ula on the side of the road).... but the emotional side of me took hold hard of the thought of someone seriously having Short Term Memory Loss. Could you imagine going through your life not knowing who people are, or knowing anything other than what you normally do? WOW! It makes you NOT take your life for granted.

For those of you who haven't seen the movie yet, I won't ruin it for you... so I won't tell details. But seriously, if you haven't watched it you should. It's a great movie!!

Each day is a GIFT from God, and use it accordingly. WOW!! I remember back to when my maternal Grandma had her strokes and aneurysms and lost her memory of even who we were. It was a sad time for my family, and those who were her children, and she couldn't even remember who they were, or even that they were her children. I remember that my name was one of the first ones she re-learned, and then she would call everyone that name, because I used to visit her, and she used to visit me quite frequently. She didn't know any better, but it would frustrate other family members to no end, especially when she called them by my name. She is in Heaven now, and has full capabilities now as she walks on the streets of Gold... and one day I will see her again, and she will remember me!

I personally would hate to have MEMORY LOSS, as I have so many good memories... and would love to make more! THANK YOU LORD FOR MY MEMORY!! =)

Take time to cherish with your family, and your friends. Sorry if this blog made you cry.... Crying is good every now and then. It is a GOOD release!!

Be blessed and have a great week!

~Mitzi

SPRING CLEANING........

2008-05-19T14:45:00.004-04:00

Hey! WOW, another holiday is here, and well, almost gone.... My honey and I decided to do some SPRING CLEANING in our home. We--- I guess I should say "I" am the PILE QUEEN. I get things, or bring them home from work, or from my mommy and I just set them "here for now". Well, we are attacking some of those piles today. I move some, clear some, and slowly our room is looking a little more normal. Whew.... I am taking a little break to write.

CLEANING house is good... and the BIBLE also reminds us to clean HOUSE too! Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and they need to be cleansed DAILY. Hopefully my spirit is not as full of PILES as my material house is... eek!!

On the bright side, I guess we can have a really BIG Spring Cleaning GARAGE SALE when we are done... (which certainly won't be today!! LOL!) ... and make some MONEY for "one man's junk is another man's treasure. I know for sure there will be a lot of shoes in that sale. (If you are a size 7, and may be interested in some. Let me know. HA HA!)

Take time to clean YOUR house! (material & spiritual)

BE BLESSED today and always.

Enjoy the rest of the VICTORIA DAY Holiday! =)

(for those of you who are celebrating it! LOL~)

Just for fun........

2008-05-15T19:50:00.002-04:00

http://therealmitz.blogspot.com

Check out my other blog for a fun new questionnaire. It's like SCATTERGORIES! I love that game!

Thanks!
~ Mitzi

"No, NOT THE COBRA"

2008-05-06T21:48:00.004-04:00

LOL!!!

Inside joke... (the title line)

Well, its official.... IRON MAN ROCKS! Mark & I had a date tonight to see IRON MAN, and it was amazing. I was of course not really an IRON MAN fan, as I only knew what Mark, and one of my friends--who of course is a MAJOR IronMan fan --- who was supposed to come with us to see it... =( Anywho, I totally recommend this movie.... for everyone, not just comic book or superhero fans. It was a great movie from start to finish.... and I mean "finish". **HINT HINT!!! **

Be blessed and have a rockin' day!

~ Mitzi

DAY 41.... Where are you??

2008-04-29T22:50:00.003-04:00

HA HA! Time to reflect.....

I attended an amazing conference called OUTPOUR... and was reminded that DAY 41 is coming!! How exciting....

I will write more... but wanted to touch base, and remind myself about DAY 41, and what a great Blog that will be!! An even better day that will be too!!!

According to my blog, "day 41" (for the "desert" of Change) would have been in the same week and the day of our FUN night out at work.... what an encouragement that was!! Growth as a team is important to me too!

We shall see....

As always, be blessed and Happy Stampin'......... stamp that devil under your feet. We have the authority!!! AMEN!