GRADUATION SPEECH and SLIDESHOW

Thanksgiving

Today is Thanksgiving. I have many reasons to be thankful! God gave me parents who love Him, each other and me. He's blessed me with godly friends who encourage me, love me and pray for me. I attend an awesome Bible college where the professors' main concern is the spiritual growth of their students. I attend my local community college where God has given me opportunities to share His love with others. Truth is taught from the pulpit of my church. And its ministries are focused on eternal things not programs. There are so many other things I could put on this list. But the thing I am most thankful for is the work that Jesus did on the cross. I am so glad that He is worthy and was willing to die.

This video clip is from a couple years ago. It seems a fitting song for today. Hallelujah!
Worthy is The Lamb!!
Our Lord God Almighty reigns!!!

Give thanks.

My Cup Runneth Over!!!

I've been meeting and praying at the AVC flagpole on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The week before I left for camp, four of us were praying when I sensed someone standing behind us. I released the hand of the girl next to me and motioned for this older gentleman to come into the circle. He did. We rejoined hands and continued to pray. He dropped to his knees, sobbing. We continued to pray. I could feel the Holy Spirit so strongly that is was like another person was in our midst. We continued to pray. After about a half-hour, we finished. The man (Bobby) told us he had heard us praying and felt drawn to come over and listen. Right there, he got right with the Lord. It wasn't anything we did. We never spoke to him until we finished praying. That day I witnessed a miracle and I didn't have to travel to some remote place to see it. I saw the power of God...here in Lancaster!

Today, only Bobby showed up to pray. We spent all our prayer time thanking God for who He is. By the time we finished, both of us were crying tears of gratefulness for the sacrifice He made for us on the cross. I can't explain how overwhelmed I felt. It was like my heart was about to burst out of my body. I walked home, thanking God for the privilege of prayer. Mary Bartlett, a small speck on this earth can talk to the ONE true God, Creator of the universe anytime and He's listening! So can you!

It's Not About Me!

Last week at camp I had lots of time alone with God. He showed me that all those little things I choose to do or NOT choose to do, either bring Him... or rob Him of glory. One example is I've never been a big fan of pink anything. But God created the color. So, I will stop being immature about it and wear it with a cheerful attitude and a grateful heart. Because it is not about if I like it or not. It's all about my King and His glory. Another is my hair. He created me with curly hair that I've been told time and time again looks good down. Strangers have come up and paid me compliments on it when it's down. One even said that GOD created a thing of beauty when He made my hair. That was the last thing I wanted to hear! But, I heard God loud and clear last week!!! From now on I'm wearing my hair for HIS glory...not mine. It won't always be down, I'll still wear it in a ponytail or up at times, but not because I resent how God designed it.

And just in case I missed the point. God reminded me again. On Saturday, Pastor Chris said in his sermon, "It's not about you." That same night in Crossroads we talked about our "rights." I've been pondering that and have come to the conclusion that my only "right" is to die to myself in order to bring God glory.

As I go through each day, I've keep reminding myself that "it's not about me". It's already made a big difference in how I see, respond and react to things.




This has been a favorite hat of mine for years.
I pray God continues to show me what it means
to live a life that's not about me.

Happy 80th birthday, Bill Rorick!

Tonight, I had the privilege of attending Bill's 80th birthday dinner. When I walked in his face lit up and he came right over and hugged me really tight. He said if everyone invited had shown up and I didn't he would have been very upset. I wanted to cry, but thankfully I didn't break down. He and Linda had me sit with them at their table. I was so proud as I listened to person after person stand up and testify how God used him in their lives. Then Bill got up and talked about how many times in his life doctors have told him or his parents that he wouldn't live. He shared that God had a purpose for his life and it was to share the Gospel. Someone stood up and said that it was strange to be with Bill at Greenhouse Cafe because if you want to find him you go to Starbucks or Barnes and Noble. There he'll be, deep in conversation with someone...sharing the Lord. Everyone in the banquet room nodded and laughed.

Bill looked tired, but was doing well tonight. He plans to cycle to Solvang at the end of the month. I don't know how long God will let him live, but I do know that Bill will be sharing Christ until his dying breath. I'm so thankful to have him in my life. I will be heartbroken when he dies, but the real heartbreak would be to never have known him. Besides, how can I not want for him to be in the presence of Jesus? That will be a day of celebration!

I know there are many difficult days ahead. To all who are praying, thank you so much and keep praying! God is good even when circumstances are not.

TRUE Love

It's not how good you make me feel. It's denying myself and putting your needs above mine. Love is NOT a feeling. It's a choice. Our hearts are deceitfully wicked. Don't follow your heart...lead it. Those truths, a great story line, good actors and intense fire scenes make Fireproof an AWESOME movie. As Christians we need to support this type of movie. Please go see it. Take lots of people with you!

I came out of this movie more committed than ever to only marry a man who is broken before God, clinging to Him and not too proud to get down on his knees and pray. A servant who loves God more than his own life or than he loves me. I also long for God to mold me into that kind of woman. I want to be a godly wife and have a marriage that brings Him glory.

Here's a trailer for the movie:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K23hSajG2K8

To all you guys who have/ do fight fires and rescue people (Pete, Mr. Parsons, Mr. Smith, Josh, Daniel, Woody and others). This movie gave me a glimpse into some of the stress you guys work under. Thank you!

Legacy

Bill starting chemo again caused me to think about his life and what he's meant to me. He lives to share Christ and encourages me to do the same. He always wants to know who I've talked to, how he can pray, what I'm learning from the Word, my classes, and what's happening in my life. Whenever I picture him I can see him sitting in a coffee shop or Barnes and Nobles striking up conversations with the people around him, praying with them and telling them about Jesus. People open up to him because they can sense his genuine love for them and that he really believes what he's sharing. No, I don't have him on a pedestal. Only God belongs there and Bill wouldn't want to take His place. But, I am trying to model the way he has intentionally lived his life... being a blessing for God's glory.

Only God knows how long Bill will remain on this earth. All our days are numbered. Not one of us knows if we will be here tomorrow. I know that in the scope of eternity I'm only going to be here a short time. Am I living with an eternal perspective? My heart breaks when I walk around AVC. I see souls everywhere who need a Savior. I've started being more deliberate in how I spend my time. I'm getting to class early, so I have the possibility of sharing Christ. Last night, I had a conversation with a girl and found out she has a passion for special needs children. Since I worked for a couple years in the Creatively Created SS class, I was able to relate to her and how she loves those kids. Next week I'm hoping to ask about her spiritual beliefs and share mine.

I want to leave a legacy like Bill and others like him who didn't waste their lives.

A Candle Loses Nothing by Lighting Another Candle

This quote was on my calendar and the Lord used it to remind me of a couple things.

First, I need to be sharing the light of Jesus that is within me to a lost world. This weekend Kevin preached a message on The Lost World. He read a quote by Charles Spurgeon that always breaks my heart, " Oh, my brothers and sisters in Christ, if sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies; and if they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay, and not madly to destroy themselves. If hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned and unprayed for." People are headed to an eternity without God. I MUST speak up and warn them.

The other thing that came to my mind was that I need to look for ways to lighten the lives of my brothers and sisters in Christ. One way I can do this is to encourage them and build them up. Words have a big impact on others. I want mine to bless and not tear down. It encourages me when someone says they are praying for me or that they see Christ working in my life.

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

I want to use my candle to bring light to the lost and to help the found keep burning brightly.

Summer is in full swing. It's nice to have a break from classes, although I am looking forward to them starting up again. I'm especially excited about taking Hebrew! I'll be commuting to that class with a dear sister in Christ. It will be great to have time together every week.

Although I'm not taking any classes this summer, I am learning so much! I am interning in Neenach where I am serving with an amazing team. They love God and reflect Him in their lives. It's inspiring to work along side them. I'm being challenged in my walk, having loads of fun and getting college credit!

I'm trying to be wise in how I spend my time. Yes, I'm having fun but I don't want my summer to fly by and then realize I wasted it. I'm trying to be intentional by memorizing Scripture; reading books that cause me to think; leading a small Bible study with a few friends; and trying to look for ways to bless others, so Christ looks good. It's His glory that matters.

The end of August I start back at Eternity Bible College as a sophomore where I'm working towards an Associates in Biblical studies. After that I may continue on and get a Bachelors in Biblical studies. Whatever God wants. My future is in His hands. All my plans, hopes, dreams and heart's desires. I just want to follow Him. I covet your prayers as I seek His will for my life.

Content in Christ,
Mary

Graduation Day Pictures

My graduation day was great! I was surrounded by family and friends who love me, encourage and pray for me.

Thanks mom for also being my teacher.


Bill and Linda Rorick

Missy DeVore

Michelle and Kristin Parsons

Josh DeVore played and sang a song he wrote.

After the graduation ceremony, we had lunch at the Greenhouse Cafe.



My Dad
asking God to bless and guide me.

Senior Pictures

To view the album click below:
http://picasaweb.google.com/mary.bzwriting.bartlett/GraduationPics

Central Mexico Trip Spring 2008

Mexico an amazing trip! What a blessing it was to spend time with Cliff and Mary Huffmire. They both love the Lord and it shows in how they live. Mary poured herself out for Him and faithfully served the team in every way she could. Cliff was an encouragement and example to us all. I miss them both. I was also blessed to meet some the dear people from the church in Jiquilpan. You should hear them sing! I loved worshipping with them. Their passion for God and excitement is infectious. I am already looking forward to the next trip!!!

I enjoyed getting to know the members of the team. They were all hard workers with great attitudes. The guys were very patient in showing me the proper way to use the tools. I did a lot of chiseling, hammering and sawing. I even put got to put some pipes together. It was a lot of fun. After working at the site, Jeanny and I would try to help Mary in the kitchen. Those of you who know my lack of skill in that area realize it was easier for me to sling the hammer! I didn’t actually do any of the cooking, but I did help with prep and clean-up.

Obviously, I’m not as strong as the guys on our team. But I tried to work hard and not hinder them. I did lots of praying and listening to God during those hours. I felt Him asking me, “How much do you love me, Mary? Would you really do anything for me?” I said, “Yes.” But my real answer will be revealed in how I respond to disruptions in my plans. Will I view them as God changing my direction and humbly submit? Or will I resist Him and continue on my own path and try to do things my way?

God taught me many things this trip. Real humility is when I see myself simply as a tool designed to bring Him glory. How much I bring Him will depend on whose hands are using me. Tools in my hands on the worksite didn’t have the same result as tools in the guys’ hands. They were more skilled and it showed in their work. If my life is a tool in my own hands, it will never be as effective as a tool in God’s. I need to submit and let Him use me. God says blessed are the meek. Meekness doesn’t mean weakness, but gentleness. It’s controlling your strength and not overpowering someone with it. Proverbs 15:1 says, “A soft answer turns away wrath.” And sometimes the softest answer is silence.

I was blessed to experience many things on my trip. However, being there will not bring any change to my life. How I respond to what I learned will be what changes me. I pray I die to myself and apply what God has shown me. Thank you for all your prayers!

In His grip,

Mary

Want to see more pics? http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=15760&l=f8194&id=747394729

What Lies Ahead?

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you." Psalm 23:8

Although it wasn't a newsflash to me that God sees everything, this verse really spoke to me, especially the part "...with my eye upon you". When I read it I pictured a mother and her children. She is always watching and aware of where they are and what they are doing so she can keep them safe and out of trouble.

"Careful...the floor is wet. Don't touch that it will burn you. Stay out of the street. Time for bed. I can't let you do that because I love you. Don't run with that in your mouth. No more TV. Trust me, it's for your own good. Don't be afraid, I'll catch you. That wasn't kind. I'm making you do that because I love you. No more cookies, your body needs healthy food."

Just like a doting parent , God the perfect parent is saying,
"Mary, trust me. Don't go there. I'm watching you. My timing is perfect. Don't be afraid. Follow me. Be still. Go. Avoid that kind of talk. Don't worry. Look at me. RUN. Stay away from things that distract you. That's not for you. I know what you need. You can do it, I'll help you. Keep your thoughts on me. If you fall, I'll pick you up. I love you."

If it's beneficial for me to heed the advice of my earthly parents because they are wiser and have my best interests at heart, how much better is it for me to follow what the loving Father, Creator and all-knowing God of the universe instructs me to do?

Yes, I now have a blog.

In order to comment on some of your blogs, I needed to have one. Besides, I am always writing something...

Prayer

E. Stanley Jones described the effect of prayer on us like this:

"Prayer is not pulling God to my will, but the aligning of my will to the will of God. Aligned to God's redemptive will, anything, everything can happen in character, conduct, and creativeness. The whole person is heightened by that prayer contact. In that contact I find health for my body, illumination for my mind, and moral and spiritual reinforcement for my soul. "Prayer is a time exposure to God," so I expose myself to God for an hour and a half or two hours a day, asking less and less for things and more and more for Himself. For having Him, I have everything. He gives me what I need for character, conduct, and creativeness, so I'm rich with His riches, strong in His strength, pure in His purity, and able in His ability."

This challenged me to spend more time in prayer. Hmmm,...if prayer is a time exposure to God, I want to be overexposed!
~Mary
7-22-06

We've turned our blessings into our God.

Do we worship the God who blessed us and use His blessings to help others? No! Instead we've made those blessings our gods. Many people around the world die from lack of food or clean water while we think nothing of spending $4 at Starbucks or Jamba Juice. For about what we spend on fast food a month...TWO African high schoolers can receive an education. Thousands in Africa are dying from AIDS. Do we even care?

When Jesus walked this earth He had compassion on the sick and poor. How can we say we love Him while we ignore the sufferings of those made in His image?

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

Instead of building bigger and fancier churches, let's set aside the majority of our church budgets for missions. Instead of chasing the American dream and feathering our own nests, let's realize we have ENOUGH...more than enough and start giving to those who don't. Let's be a vessel that channels blessings from God to others.

Mary
3-13-07

Poems

God's been with me all of my life,
although my heart has often strayed.
I am forever grateful for His love and
for my debt His Son has paid!

He's worthy of all my praise and
I trust Him with all of my heart.
When I live like it's "not about me",
My song is 'How Great Thou Art'.

I want to follow only His path
because He knows what's best for me.
Many signs are along life's road
but it's His direction I long to see.

I know He'll never lead me
where He's not by my side.
I'm stubborn and headstrong,
yet He forgives my sinful pride.

-Mary
3-30-06

Lord,
When I'm sad, you gently wipe my tears away.
When I'm anxious, you calm my fears and forgive my distrust.
When I'm lonely, "I'll never leave you", I hear you say.
When I stumble, you never look at me in disgust.

When I'm scared, you hold me close to you.
When I'm stubborn, you show me how to obey.
When I'm discouraged, you always see me through.
When I'm bewildered, you gently lead the way.

Though I'm hopelessly flawed and unfaithful,
You still desire me as your friend.
Why do you love me so?
That, I will never fully comprehend.

Thank you, Jesus!
Mary
4-5-06

Everything I Need

When in darkness,
you are my light.

When I'm lost,
you are my compass.

When I'm weary,
you are my strength.

When I'm depressed,
you are my joy.

When I'm lonely,
you are with me.

When I want to talk,
you are listening.

When I’m cold,
you are a crackling fire.

When life's too loud,
you are my silence.

When nobody sees me,
your eyes are watching.

When I'm sad,
you are my happiness.

When everyone forgets me,
I'm on your mind.

When I’m confused,
you are my understanding.

You'll never leave me or forsake me.
Thank you for loving me, Lord!
~Mary 4-20-06

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is a day that many singles who aren’t “in a relationship” dread. They feel like everyone is celebrating something they don't have. Something they long for very much. They want to be special to someone. .. to be valued and loved. They watch others receiving attention and presents and they can't wait for the day to pass.

Even though I’ve never really had a “Valentine”, I’ve listed some of the most commonly exchanged Valentine gifts and guess what? My loving Savior has given me every one of them!

Flowers

They are beautiful and fragrant. There are so many kinds to choose from but can any of them compare to Jesus?

Song of Solomon 2:1, "I am a rose of Sharon and the lily of the valleys."

Candy

It's sweet but nothing like God's Word.

Psalm 119:103, "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"

A love song

Sure, there are some moving love songs with powerful words that are sung by great voices. But, there is no way they are better than God singing over me! Who could possibly write better music and lyrics or sing more beautifully than God?

Zephaniah 3:1, "The Lord God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will exult over you with loud singing."

Going out to dinner

There isn't a chef in any 5-star restaurant that can make a meal that will compare to the one I'll be sharing with Jesus some day.

Revelation 19:9, And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." And he said to me, "These are the true words of God."

True Love

The gift everyone wants if for somebody to always be there and to always love them.
God's love is for eternity and He will never leave me!!

Jeremiah 31:3, "I have loved you with an EVERLASTING love."

Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”

If you have put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior then you have all these gifts too! So, remember that when you are feeling left out or sad about Valentine’s Day. Be encouraged!

If you have a special someone in your life, make sure your focus is on God and not your special person. Don't put anyone on the throne of your heart except for HIM.