Sunday, December 27, 2009

Where My Heart Has Been…through songs

Mandisa, Only the World! 

Mandisa, True Beauty

Mary Mary....Shackles!

More Beautiful You,  Johnny Diaz

Casting Crowns, Slow Fade (I had never seen this video before; broke my heart.  Regardless what the video speaks of, it’s all about compromise.  When we compromise with what the Bible speaks about, when we shuffle something under the rug thinking, “oh noone will know, it’s just this one time…” that’s when the devil steps in and the bondage begins.  It’s a slow fade…. one day you are on fire for Jesus, then one day, you turn around and wonder how you got to where you are now…. It’s a slow fade….)

Casting Crowns, East to West (With this song, I am free.  My friend Eddie Echarri would have loved this song.  He might have.  I can’t remember if it was out when he was still with us.  Eddie believed and taught the freedom we can have only through Christ.  I miss you Eddie.)

Song Of The Year

I currently have “Breathe” as my song of the year on my blog.  The song reflects on desperation for the Lord.  That’s the point I was at this time last year as I was praying “God, make me desperate for you.”  I can  honestly say in our times of trials, we seek Him more, pray more, and read His word more.  Oh I wish I could be to the point where I didn’t have to be put through trials to always seek Him first.  I guess I will continue to be put through that test until I pass it.

Many people pray and seek for a verse of the year to to reflect on.  While I love scripture, music holds a very special place in my heart with worship, prayer, ministering and healing.  I’ve been praying for a song to focus on throughout the coming year.  He seems to be leading me in a direction that is tough for me.  I’ll continue praying over the next few days for confirmation on the song.

I hope you were truly blessed through the Christmas season and that it will continue through the new year.

Blessings to you and your family.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Christmas is not ABOUT Jesus, but IS Jesus!

The title of this blog post is a quote from my Pastor, Ted Traylor. This mornings sermon was right on; every aspect of it, yet those words continue ringing through my mind and right to my heart.

Please set aside some time to listen to this mornings sermon, entitled "The Virgin Birth of Jesus," from scripture passages Matthew 1: 18 - 25. It's unlike any Christmas sermon I have ever heard preached. I guarantee it will put things in perspective.

http://www.oliveonline.org/Audio/

www.olivebaptist.org

www.tedtraylor.com

Thursday, December 17, 2009

CHRISTmas VS "X-Mas"

I learned something new just a few minutes ago.

Please take a minute to learn something new too....

http://karenehman.com/home/2009/12/17/crossing-out-christ-and-a-last-minute-shopping-tip/

For all the times I have ranted and raved over somebody writing "x-mas," I am sorry.

With that said, I still prefer seeing "Christ" in my "Chrstmas."

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

It’s a sad day in the Paden’s household

I love animals.  My Kayla has that same love and passion for animals.  That’s one of the many things I love about her. 

We had to take one of our hamsters to the vet yesterday.  I know, I know…. but it was evident that something was wrong to the point of being scared. 

Hamsters pack their little cheeks so full it’s crazy!  One of the little rascals put a 2” piece of cedar in its mouth.  Unfortunately, like the rest of the Paden household children, our Waffles has put something in there and swallowed it.  Her little tummy was knotted yesterday, prompting the visit to the vet.  The vet, who is more concerned for the animal than the bill, gave us some food to feed her by a dropper.  She said we have a three day period to know if she is going to make it or not.

Even with all our efforts and love… yes, even for a hamster, it seems Waffles is dying.  She can’t even walk right now and is refusing all liquids.

It’s amazing how attached we become to things. 

Sunday, December 13, 2009

A Mother’s Heart

Tonight, this mom’s heart is heavy. My son has a new tic. I thought it was his Tenex, but even after not giving it to him tonight, he started breathing heavy. I sat and watched my little man, deep breath in, deep breath out, clear throat, push glasses back. That’s the routine. His teacher commented on the breathing, I thought nothing of it, until Kayla mentioned it, then I saw, heard it.

My heart is broken. I have such a special little boy; I’m afraid for him though. I’m afraid I’ve put medication in his body that is making him this way. I’m afraid it is my fault that this is happening. I’m afraid for him, and what his life is going to be like.

While I was watching Christopher tonight, the thought crossed my mind about the love that I have for him. I thought, “If my heart hurts this much over my little boy, how much did God the Father’s heart hurt over seeing His son being beaten to death.” I can not fathom the pain He must have felt.

As we celebrate Christmas, may we remember the reason we celebrate. He came, in order to die, so that we may live with Him in eternity. Because of that, I have hope.

2010 Census Cautions from the Better Business Bureau

Please forward/copy and share this!

WARNING: 2010 Census Cautions from the Better Business Bureau
Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers

by Susan Johns

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people

to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft.

The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers
have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country.
Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person
in the United States and will gather information about every person living
at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.

The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S.
Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:

**If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a
handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask
to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions.
However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.

**Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information.

Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even
if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census.

REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU REALLY ONLY NEED TO TELL
THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS.

While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range,

YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL
SITUATION.

The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers,
nor will employees solicit donations. Any one asking for that information is NOT with the Census Bureau.


AND REMEMBER, THE CENSUS BUREAU HAS DECIDED NOT TO WORK WITH ACORN
ON GATHERING THIS INFORMATION.

No Acorn worker should approach you saying he/she is with the Census Bureau.
Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home.

However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census.

Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from
the U.S. Census Bureau.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Oh Christmas Tree.....

This morning I was reading "Turning Points" by David Jeremiah. I learned something that I had often wondered.....

"What is the purpose of a Christmas tree and what's the big deal about putting it up?" Maybe you are reading this post and are thinking, "how can she NOT know...duh!" Well, I didn't. So, for those of you who don't know, and have never sought to find out the purpose.... here goes.

The Christmas Tree is an evergreen. Evergreens, unlike deciduous trees, do not lose their leaves. They never die. So, the Christmas Tree represents our eternal life with Jesus Christ! I never knew that!

I also never knew the symbolic purpose of a Holly Tree! My husband can't stand the things, I have never really had an opinion about them, but I do now! Do you know those little red berries on the Holly Tree represent the blood of Christ?! Do you know the prickly green leaves represent the Crown of Thorns? I never even knew Holly Trees/bushes had any kind of Christmas meaning behind them at all.

So, this year, and every year after, we have something new to discuss when putting up our Christmas Tree!!

Thank you, Lord, that no matter how old, or young, you continue to teach me/us.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

The Big Deal

I had to let you know of our BIG SAVE bundles in campaign 26! Usually we have one, but not this campaign! AVON knows the struggles we are all having with the economy and how tight our budgets are.

The following are GREAT gift ideas that are very practical and will be easy of the pocket!




Mesmerize for Men








Moisture Therapy Intensive




Sweet Honesty


Remember, I need your orders THURSDAY!!!! When I get up Friday morning, I am turning in the orders. Please don't miss this important deadline.

Blessings to each of you,

Stacey L. Paden

AVON Independent Sales Rep.
Pensacola, FL
850-292-3010
www.youravon.com/spaden
thepadens@cox.net


Are you interested in earning an extra income to help make ends meet?
I'd love to share my AVON experience with you!
I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

CHRISTMAS Orders DUE THURSDAY!!

Yeap, that's right folks. I goofed. Campaign 26, the final campaign before Christmas, it DUE THIS THURSDAY!

Here's a run down on what is on sale.... lots of GREAT GIFTS for UNDER $5.00!!

Gifts UNDER $10.00!

Gifts UNDER $20!!

Looking for something specific? Click HERE to shop by category!

Need Christmas Accessories? We've got that covered also!

Christmas Necklaces, Watches, Slippers (UNDER $10!)

Christmas Earrings (UNDER $3.00!)


Still looking for gift ideas??

Jewelry Gift Sets starting as LOW as $9.99!

Sterling Silver Jewelry starting at $14.99!

Handbags!! Including the BUTLER BAG ON SALE FOR $34.99!!! Lowest price EVER!

I don't know a lady that doesn't LOVE SHOES!!

Assorted Jewelry Sales!

Need a makeover? Do it online, FREE by clicking here!

Children's Gift Ideas

Bathy and Body

Fragrance

ANEW Products

Men's Gift Ideas

I know this is a LOT of information. We just have soo many GREAT sales that I can't help but share them all!

It has been an HONOR and PLEASURE serving you these past few months.

I pray you have a blessed Christmas this year! If you have a family need, I'm here; not as "Your AVON lady," but as your friend.

God Bless,

Stacey Paden
Your AVON Independent Sales Rep.
Pensacola, FL
850-292-3010
www.youravon.com/spaden
thepadens@cox.net

Are you interested in earning an extra income to help make ends meet?
I'd love to share my AVON experience with you!
I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Labor And Wages

Matthew 20:1-16

Have you read this scripture before?  You might have, but it might not be that familiar to you.  It was familiar to me.  My thoughts were, “too bad, so sad.”  This particular scripture never applied to my life, until recently.  Actually, it has applied for a little over a year now, I just didn’t realize it, or maybe the Lord waited until the last day or so to reveal it to me.  I have had to remind myself of this scripture over and over in order to keep me from getting angry.  Have you figured out what the scripture says?  Well just in case you haven’t, let me type it up for you,

The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
1"For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire men to work in his vineyard. 2He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.

3"About the third hour he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. 4He told them, 'You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.' 5So they went.

   "He went out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour and did the same thing. 6About the eleventh hour he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, 'Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?'

7" 'Because no one has hired us,' they answered.
      "He said to them, 'You also go and work in my vineyard.'

8"When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.'

9"The workers who were hired about the eleventh hour came and each received a denarius. 10So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. 11When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. 12'These men who were hired last worked only one hour,' they said, 'and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.'

13"But he answered one of them, 'Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn't you agree to work for a denarius? 14Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. 15Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?'

16"So the last will be first, and the first will be last."

 

How this has applied to me is, I might not like what is happening, but I agreed to what I agreed with, and I have to do what I agreed with and IF I do, I know the Lord will honor it.  It doesn’t matter if it is fair or not.  Bottom line.

A Story Of Love and Hope

I know every marriage struggles.  I have struggled with too great of expectations and disappointment; yet my love for Jesus, has helped me to love when I didn’t want to.

When I read this blog post by,

Lysa Terkeurst of Proverbs 31 Ministry,

emotions filled my heart as I thought of my Mammow and my Pappow.  My hear hurts so bad for my Mammow that I just want to love her even more. 

This past February my grandparents celebrated 63 years of marriage.  I admire them and love them, but most of all I have watched them….  I am trying to find the article that was written about Mammow and Pappow, if I can’t find it, I’ll get it scanned in so I can share it with you.  I know you will be touched as I was.

Love the one you have been given and cherish every moment.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

November Christmas Give-A-Way Winner!

I’m slacking, sorry.  I was supposed to announce the winner to the give-a-way yesterday after twelve… better late than never, though, right?!

The winner for November's Give-A-Way is……

ANGELA KARALEKAS!!!  Woohoo!! 

Angela, I’ll be shooting you an email to find out where I can deliver your winnings to you.

Congratulations!

Not sure if I will be doing any more give-a-way’s before Christmas; however, if you follow the Proverbs 31 Ministry, Karen Ehman is hosting a 12 days of Christmas Give-A-way!  She is on day two (Tuesday, December 1) today.  You will be blessed getting to know each of the ladies that are affiliated with this ministry.

Something I’ve been thinking about, praying about, and sharing with my younger children is Jesus.  I try every day to tell them that one day they will have to make a choice to have a relationship with Him.  Christopher seems to really know all the answers… he knows we celebrate Christmas in honor of Christ’s birthday, he knows we celebrate Easter because Jesus was “killed” and came back to life and he knows that Jesus died for our sins.  I wish I had that “knowledge” at five years of age!  Kaitlyn, she keeps telling us, “I don’t want to die in order to meet Jesus.”  She’s just turned 4 the beginning of November.  It’s obvious there are still many questions that will asked; however, today, she threw me for a loop.  She told me, “Mommy, I want to cut off this toe (pointing to one of her toes) so I can die and meet Jesus.”  At first I was horrified, but then I thought, while I know she is thinking of a physical death, we really do have to die to meet Jesus.  We have to die to self.  I am continuing to pray for wisdom with raising my children and sharing Christ with them.  It is so important for us, me and Chris, to be real before our kids.  Oh I pray I don’t let them down.

More another day.  It’s almost 8:00 and I am ready for bed.  Haven’t been sleeping well lately.

Night.