Wednesday, October 28, 2009

My Little Man and Life

My little man failed his school vision test; had him seen today for a full eye exam; he is getting glasses.  Also, the doctor that saw him said his two eyes are not working together, possibly having a double vision effect.  This confirms what the specialist have said about his right brain and left brain not working together.  The doctor is hoping the glasses will help.  It is possible that one eye is trying to shut down, hence why the therapist are saying his right eye is his strong eye.  If after two months the glasses do not help, we will be sent to UAB for vision therapy.  There is only one doctor in Pensacola Blue Cross Blue Shield will not pay for it, and the doctor won't bill Medicaid, which is his secondary.  The thought is it would be cheaper to drive to Birmingham than to see this particular doctor and have to pay cash.  The more we find out that is wrong with my little man, the more I love him.  While this breaks our hearts, I know the Great Physician, I know He makes no mistakes at all and there is a great purpose for his little life.  He is so special.

My heart is hurting for my Mammow and Pappow, I miss them and need to see them; emotions are high already because of this.  My Pappow is in the final stages of life it seems.  While I know he does not know me, it is very important for me to just see him and hug him, tell him that I love him, just one more time.  But… then I feel like that is selfish because in order for me to do that, I will be taking away from my own family financially, and time wise.  I don’t want my Pappow dying without saying those three words, “I love you.” 

I “feel” like my life is a whirl wind right now; no longer is the tornado being held at bay.  I’m trying to rest more in Him, having to tell myself over and over that “it’s not about me” and that this too shall pass.  I’m not sure why there have been so many obstacles put in our life this few months, heck years; but I pray, I believe, when we come through each of them, we, as a family will be closer, stronger and more united with the Lord than we have ever been.  For that, woohoo, I’m excited for!

Oh, on a very positive note, got GREAT news on my little man this morning from Dr. Hagerott, the Pediatric Neuro-Physciatrist he has been seeing and who tested his I.Q.  In vocabulary and use of words, even with his 15 month delay speech impairment, he scored at 114!  Normal is 90 to 104.  In every other category, he scored in the normal range!  She wants him to continue with the Occupational therapy that works with his fine motor skills, the OCD, and sensory disorder; BUT because he is so smart, she believes he needs to be in a NORMAL Kindergarten class next year!  No more ESE (developmentally delayed) classes after this year!  She thinks the reason he talks so much is because his little brain is not being stimulated enough!  She is referring him to a pediatric neurologist to do some testing to find out why and what is causing his right brain and left brain not work together.  That will take a few months to get in, so I am praying for an appointment before Christmas. 

So, lots of information today; little on overload, so gonna ice my foot and rest for a few minutes.

I can not wait to see what the Lord does with my little man’s life.  I’ve already been taught sooo much from his life of five years, just blows my mind!

Have a good one.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Jehova Jireh and October Winner

I mentioned yesterday on my facebook status that when I pulled my kids winter clothes out that none of them fit!  I couldn’t believe how much they had grown. 

I was a little overwhelmed with the thought of buying new clothes for them, until the phone rang.  My mom was on the other end of the line and she said apparently one of the doctor’s she works for dropped off some clothes are her door step for Kaitlyn!  There were three bags of clothes ya’ll, pants, shirts, summer clothes and shoes.  I couldn’t believe it.  Immediately I thought, “He knows my needs before I even do.”  Mom doesn’t know when the clothes were put there, and I don’t need to know.  What I know is I didn’t know I had a need , BUT HE DID!!!  While many of the clothes given to Kaitlyn are short sleeved, the fact that there were several pair of pants and a couple dresses she can wear to church, I was just thrilled! 

So, with that said, you can imagine the surprise when I get a call today from a friend that had a bag of clothes for not only Kaitlyn, but for Christopher too!  There were several long pants, shorts, t-shirts, socks, I couldn’t believe it.  Then I thought, “Why do I get so surprised every time the Lord meets a need?”  Shame on me.  The fact is, I didn’t even ask Him to meet the need, I complained about it, and He still met the need!  Amazing.

My husband drove me all over Pensacola today making AVON deliveries.  He made as many of them for me that he could; but we still have more to do tomorrow.  I’m thankful he has taken time off to help me for the next few weeks.  

Soooo, without further adieu …..(is that the correct spelling?!)

The winner of October’s Christmas Give-A-Way is……

JUDY LLOYD!!!!  Woohoo!!!

Thank you to everyone that entered!  I will have another Give-A-Way on November 25th, so please put it on your calendar to check back!

Be blessed as you continue to trust in Him!

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Where Did October Go???/October Give-A-Way

All I can say is I totally dropped the ball! It is 6:11 on Sunday night, and it literally just dawned on me that it was the 25th of October. I don’t know where October went, but what I do know is that I was SUPPOSED to host a Give-A-Way today counting down Christmas!

Can you believe it is only 60 days until Christmas?!

That means TWO months!

When did we leave January?!

I used to think time passed by so slow and I wanted it to hurry up all the time! Oh to go back in time and give that extra hug, to smell the roses, to cherish every moment with grandparents and great-grandparents, and even parents.

I heard it stated once that the “highway to hell was paved with good intentions.” I’ve always liked that stated until time became so precious that I don’t seem to have enough of it.

I think of my time schedule and how quickly time passes, and I wonder, “What exactly is God’s timeline?”

The Bible tells us that He knows no time, so how is that supposed to affect me? In my thoughts it means taking every opportunity to live with no regrets; that if today I took my last breath, that my husband, my kids, my parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends and even some acquaintances, would know I loved them, that they are special, not only to me, but to Jesus. That I would have no bitterness in my heart for anyone, that I had a pure heart.

In life’s craziness, and especially with the Christmas Season quickly approaching; don’t forget the reason we celebrate Christmas… it’s about a man, that was born of a virgin named Mary. He was born in a lowly place and lived a short life of only 33 years. He was born to die. He died, carrying the weight of the world on His shoulder’s. He died for you, He died for me, and now, He reigns as King!

Oh I hope and pray that if you don’t know Him today, that you will take the time to ask Him into your heart this very moment. The Bible tells us that when one lost soul comes to know Him, that angels are rejoicing in Heaven. Wow. Isn’t that just awesome!

Oh friend, know why you celebrate what you do.

Now, for October’s Give-A-Way, I thought of feet. Since Jesus came in order to serve and He washed feet, I thought about a foot give-a-way!

I have a 3 piece Foot Works Set and a cute pink show foot file!




Berry Mint Moisturizing Foot Cream




Berry Mint Foot Soak
Berry Mint Foot Scrub





1 Pink Shoe Foot File


To enter today’s give-a-way, all you have to do is leave your name and email address in the comment section. To double your chances to win you can post a link to my blog on your facebook wall. Just email me to let me know.

Also since it’s 7:00 on Sunday night, I will not draw names until after 7:00 P.M. Monday night.

Good luck and enjoy!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Impurities... Gotta Love 'Em

Our family has experienced many “stresses,” “heartaches,” “trials,” whatever word you choose to use, during the last many months. We lived in a pop up camper for three weeks while home was treated for black mold, we’ve been to numerous doctors for our son to find out what is going on in his precious little mind, we’ve had home school issues with our oldest and our son, teenage difficulties, parenting difficulties, marriage obstacles, health problems, we were without a vehicle for over three months, I could go on. Each trial, testing our faith, sometimes our faith would waiver, but in the end; well, the end would be death, so in our present circumstances, our faith has been strengthened.

There is something the Lord showed me recently that I would like to share with you. I turned 38 recently. In 38 years I have never taken care of my skin. My face was washed with soap and water or sometimes just water. I never moisturized; nothing. I started taking care of my skin a few months ago. Once I started the cleansing process, I started breaking out! You would have thought I hit puberty!!! It was ridiculous. At first I thought I was having an allergic reaction to the cleansers, but was advised to give it a few more days and see what happens. I did just that. Sure enough, after a few more days, there weren't as many pimples on my face, a few more days later, MORE came up! Then it started clearing up again. During one of my facial cleansing moments, the Lord gave me a beautiful visual. He said to me, "Stacey, all these years you've had all these impurities in your skin and you never knew it because you couldn't see them. Just as it takes time to get all these little impurities out, so it is with the Christian walk." He then said, "If I showed you all you shouldn’t be doing at one time, or even blessed you with all I want to bless you with, you would give up. It would be too overwhelming. As you grow in Christ, I am able to show you things, the hidden sins of your heart."

I was reminded of that visual a few Sunday's past in Sunday School. We were learning more about Psalm 51. One of my favorites. I found myself wondering if at first David was just going through motions of his prayer of forgiveness; but then, the more He prayed, the more the Holy Spirit convicted, the more the Holy Spirit showed David the err of his ways.

That particular Sunday the teacher also had us read aloud another translation of Psalm 51. It reminded me of a Prayer that I wrote that I took straight from Psalm 51.

I am thankful today for my Jesus. I sure don't know how I would be surviving these last few months without Him!

John 15: 12 – 15

Psalm 51




Prayer of Restoration
Taken from Psalm 51

Oh Father be gracious and merciful to me according to your faithfulness and compassion. Forgive me Lord where I fall short and fail you. Thank You for cleansing me Lord from my sin, thank You for remembering them no more, for throwing them as far as the east is to the west and unto the depths of the sea. I know what I did was wrong Lord, I am filled with remorse. I know I have hurt You Lord, I know I have sinned against You and only You. I know I deserve Your wrath and condemnation, but Your word tells me of your grace and mercy, that you are a loving God, a forgiving God and that in You I can have inner peace that only comes from You. Father search my heart and cleanse me, teach me wisdom Lord. Cleanse me so that I might be whiter than snow so that I can rejoice in Your healing. Create a clean heart for me Lord and renew my spirit. Don’t banish me from your presence Lord. Restore the Joy of Your salvation Lord, remind me of the joy that I had as a new creation, remind me of the miracles You have performed in my life, remind me of the freshness that comes from only You Lord! Take this guilt away from me Lord, I don’t want it, I want freedom Lord. Thank you Father for your forgiveness, I will testify to others what you have done if my life, I will praise you Father. Keep me humble and pure I pray, rejoicing in You Lord until your return, Amen (so be it).

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Reese Witherspoon In Bloom

I am hard to sell on fragrance. Being an AVON Representative, that's tough. The new Bond Girl 007 Forever, I liked because of the longevity of the scent; it was a little strong at first, but as the day went on, the nicer it smelled. The scent stayed on through an entire day of running errands and going non-stop! I have found the same to be true with In Bloom. The scent is much softer and prettier, if that makes any sense at all. In case you haven't seen it, here is the latest commercial. I hope you will take the next 31 seconds and watch it.

The scent is available in a shower gel, body lotion and spray (and includes a beautiful gift bag) for under $40! Try it today. With AVON, and all its products, we have a 100% money back guarantee. If for ANY reason you are not satisfied, you get your money back. What do you have to lose?!

I'd love to place your order today or you can shop at my online store 24/7:

http://www.youravon.com/spaden

Reese Witherspoon In Bloom

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

The Wicker Basket

My cousin sent this out this morning.  I had not seen this one before; but needed this gentle reminder.  There are times in my life that it seems my prayers have just bounced off the ceilings, and that nothing is coming through His word to me; but this example tells otherwise.  I hope it blesses your heart as it did mine.

The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning, Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading from his old worn-out Bible. His grandson who wanted to be just like him tried to imitate him in any way he could.
One day the grandson asked, "Papa, I try to read the Bible just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bible do?" The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and said, "Here, take this old wicker coal basket down to the river for me, and bring back a basket of water."
The boy did as he was told, even though all the water leaked out before he could get back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, "You will have to move a little faster next time," and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again. This time the boy ran faster, but again the old wicker basket was empty before he returned home out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was "impossible to carry water in a basket," and he went to get a bucket instead. The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You can do this. You're just not trying hard enough," and he went out the door to watch the boy try again.
At this point, the boy knew it was virtually impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got very far at all. The boy scooped the water and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather, the basket was empty once again... Out of breath, he said, "See Papa, it's useless!"

"So you think it is useless?" His grandfather said, "Look at the basket.."  So the boy looked at the basket and for the first time he realized that the basket looked different. Instead of a dirty old wicker coal basket, it was clean inside and out.

"Son, that's what happens when you read the Bible. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, it will change you from the inside out."

Moral of the wicker basket story: Take time to read a portion of God's word each day; it will affect you for good even if you don't retain but a few drops.  Step into the water - get wet! Trust God with the changes.

Monday, October 12, 2009

A Very L-O-N-G Read….. Sorry.

It was confirmed, FINALLY, I have a stress fracture.  I am in a boot and being referred to seeing an Orthopedic doctor. I have been told to stay off it as much as possible until I see the Orthopedic doctor.  Chris and I are working on my schedule to see when he can take off to help me deliver the remainder of this weeks AVON orders.  I can not drive as it is my right foot that is injured.

Two weeks ago, my seventeen year old daughter was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.  Finally we know what is and has been going on with her for about three years now.  Seems hard to believe a seventeen year old could suffer like this, but she does.  She’s just glad to have a name too it and know there really is something wrong and that it’s not all in her head!

During the exam, the doctor asked who in our family has it.  I told her, "I've been complaining of these symptoms for nearly 10 years;" but was told I was 'depressed' and prescribed an anti-depressant.  She asked me to come in and see her, which I did last week.  She said I not only have Fibromyalgia, but she ran 8 vials of blood work to rule out many other things.  One in particular she was concerned with is Rheumatoid Arthritis.  I'm believing these results will be negative and I will learn how to handle what I have to handle.  Just knowing that there is something wrong is half the battle.  All these years I've thought I was really crazy.... of course, that would depend on who you asked though! 

One big challenge is my obvious weight problem.  I've struggled with it for years.  Honestly, I have so much on my plate with tending to family member appointments, finances, Christopher's Occupational Therapy and the list could go on and on, that I don't and haven't wanted to do anything about it.  I am praying that the Lord would make me want to make a change, that He would change my heart and that His desire would be my desire to get healthy.  This also, while Kayla is skin and bone, would help her tremendously..... all of us.

Christopher has just completed his I.Q. testing.  We get those results in just a few weeks.  Christopher has been diagnosed with a Sensory Disorder, ADHD, OCD and possibly Tourettes Syndrome; however, further testing will be done on the Tourettes to make sure it is not a side effect of his medications.  Christopher is sleeping much better on a night time medication also!  Huge Praise as he was up till 10 and 11 each night and then up and down all night long! 

Christopher is also playing UpWard Soccer at Olive.  I'll post pictures in a few days.  Kaitlyn tried, but she was under the age requirements and since Chris was the coach, he was hoping she would do OK.  Instead, we bought her a cheap $2 pair of pom-poms and she is now cheering for the team! 

Kayla, other than the Fibromyalgia and some reoccurring headaches, is doing OK.  With all that is on my plate, she is going to either be going to PJC Adult High or Pine Forrest High School for her senior year.  Actually, she will be tested to find out where she will be placed.  Our hopes are that she has learned what should have been learned in earlier years and that once she starts testing everything will just fall in place.  She has to have an outside life outside of home.  She just has to.

Through all these past few months, I know I haven't blogged and I know I have lost a lot of readers.  While that makes my heart sad, I also know I had to take care of me, of my family.  If I can't take care of the home-front, then I'm not doing anybody else any good. 

There is something, though, that the Lord showed me recently that I would like to share with you.  I turned 38 recently.  In 38 years I have never taken care of my skin.  My face was washed with soap and water or sometimes just water.  I never moisturized, nothing.  I started taking care of my skin a few months back.  Once I started the cleansing process, I started breaking out!  You would have thought I hit puberty!!!  It was ridiculous.  At first I thought I was having an allergic reaction to the cleansers, but was advised to give it a few more days and see what happens.  I did just that.  Sure enough, after a few more days, there weren't as many pimples on my face, a few more days later, MORE came up!  Then it started clearing up again.  During one of my cleansing moments, the Lord gave me a beautiful visual.  He said to me, "Stacey, all these years you've had all these impurities in your skin an you never knew it because you couldn't see them.  Just as it takes time to get all these little impurities out, so it is with the Christian walk."  He then said, "If I showed you all you shouldn’t be doing at one time, or even blessed you with all I want to bless you with, you would give up.  As you grow in Christ, I am able to show you things, the hidden sins of your heart." 

Wow.  Isn't that something.  I was reminded of that visual just this past Sunday in Sunday School.  We were learning more about Psalm 51.  One of my favorites.  I found myself wondering if at first David was just going through the motions of his prayer of forgiveness; but then, the more He prayed, the more the Holy Spirit convicted, the more the Holy Spirit showed David of the err of his ways.

This past Sunday the teacher also had us read aloud another translation of Psalm 51.  It reminded me of a Prayer that I wrote (when I was in the middle of writing my book that I still haven’t done anything with) that I took straight from Psalm 51. 

I know this has been a long read, but just had it on my heart to finally let ya'll know what has been going on in the home front.  I am thankful today for my Jesus.  I sure don't know how I would be surviving these last few months with out Him! 

Prayer of Restoration

Taken from Psalm 51

Oh Father be gracious and merciful to me according to your faithfulness and compassion. Forgive me Lord where I fall short and fail you. Thank You for cleansing me Lord from my sin, thank You for remembering them no more, for throwing them as far as the east is to the west and unto the depths of the sea. I know what I did was wrong Lord, I am filled with remorse. I know I have hurt You Lord, I know I have sinned against You and only You. I know I deserve Your wrath and condemnation, but Your word tells me of your grace and mercy, that you are a loving God, a forgiving God and that in You I can have inner peace that only comes from You. Father search my heart and cleanse me, teach me wisdom Lord. Cleanse me so that I might be whiter than snow so that I can rejoice in Your healing. Create a clean heart for me Lord and renew my spirit. Don’t banish me from your presence Lord. Restore the Joy of Your salvation Lord, remind me of the joy that I had as a new creation, remind me of the miracles You have performed in my life, remind me of the freshness that comes from only You Lord! Take this guilt away from me Lord, I don’t want it, I want freedom Lord. Thank you Father for your forgiveness, I will testify to others what you have done if my life, I will praise you Father. Keep me humble and pure I pray, rejoicing in You Lord until your return, Amen (so be it).

Friday, October 2, 2009

Oops…What Did I Do?!

Well, I guess I have officially lost my mind.  I clearly remember posting the winner of September’s Christmas Give-A-Way, but it is not here.  HHHHMMMMM……. I have no clue what happened.

Gail Powell won the Skin So Soft Winter Hand Treatment!

I will have another post on October 25th!

Also, I have MANY updates…on Christopher and Kayla.  Have just been overwhelmed with my schedule. 

Congrats to Gail!