"A Little Change Will Do Ya Good!"

I pray every day, God, please let my outside be pretty like my inside. When I am praying that, I am referring to my heart.... my soul. There was a time I was filthy, nasty dirty on the inside, but was physically gorgeous. While I don't miss the dirtiness of my insides, I do miss the prettiness of the outside.

I am obese. Not just obese, but morbidly obese. I hate it, yet "feel" I have no control over it. My doctor wants to do blood work that is not covered by health insurance. How crazy is that?! She believes I have a disorder, I have every symptom but one, but it can't be verified without this blood work.

At this point, she informed me my liver probably looks worse now that it did when I was getting drunk every day. She is certain if I do not do something drastic, I will die prematurely. Now, I know this information. In fact, if I was reading this on someone elses blog, I'd say, "duh!" But knowing it and having to deal with it first hand, it's a tough one.

My health is bad. I am being treated for one of the three..... My Rheumatologist isn't sure which one one it is, if not a combination of all three.... Inflammatory Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and/or Lupus. While the blood work was only slightly elevated, and not enough for a diagnosis, with the symptoms and flare ups I am having, she felt it best to go ahead and "treat the symptoms." There's a word for that, but I can't remember the term she used.

My other doctor said I have to do something drastic. I just "feel" like I can't take one more thing on, more less D-I-E-T!

Here's the really hard part, she is planning on putting my body through a detox of foods, sugars, processed food products. Yeap. I think I'm gonna have a cow. A big one.

The doctor says it is obvious I have never dealt with how to deal with stress in my life, or I wouldn't have replaced the alcohol with food.

Ouch.

So, in a few weeks, my life will be turned up side down. I will go through very similar withdrawals as an alcoholic does, or a drug addict because my body is addicted to the cokes, the sugars, the cereals, the breads, the processed foods.....

The last thing my doctor wants to do is set me up for failure, or she would have started this last week.

I am numb to this right now, dreading it at the same time, kind of just not sure. It's like preparing for a hurricane, only you don't really ever know until it gets here just how traumatic and devastating it's going to be.

So, I mention this now because I've been chewing it on for just over a week now. Literally chewing on it. I have ulcers in my mouth, my stomach, headaches....

If any of you ready my blog or are friends, you know the amount of stress I am under. Quite frankly, I'm scared. One thing I know though, is I have to made a change. If I was going to destroy my body with food, then I should have just kept on drinking. Not really, but the damage part. Even typing hurts this morning as my fingers are swollen and stiff and I keep making mistakes.

Ironically the word "change" keeps coming to mind. Not a very good word in today's current situation. If you live in the Gulf Power/Southern Company area you are familiar with the tune, "a little change will do ya good!" I keep replaying that silly jingle in my head.

I'm rambling, my bed needs to be made, clothes folded, AVON delivered, and much more, so will get off.

Blogging is my way out and way of journaling. I will update my journey. Would love your encouragement and support, your prayers, but if you get sick of it, I understand too.

You know, I just want to play softball again. I want to help coach my kids. I want to ride the rides with my kids at the fair. It's been the same desire for years now, I just can't get it to flow from my heart to my brain to get the will power to close my stinkin' mouth! Ugh!

Thanks for the prayers.

Later.

Ted Traylor, SBC President Nominee

I am truly blessed to sit under the preachings of Dr. Ted Traylor, Pastor of Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida.



God has changed my heart toward this man that I used to not like. That's right. I admit it, couldn't stand him.



Why you ask? Because I was lost and didn't like the truth he preached.



As I have grown in my faith, in my walk with the Lord, I cling more and more to the teachings from our Pastor.... because of who he is, absolutely not, but because of who he is, through Jesus Christ.



The following link will lead you to his blog post regarding a nomination of the SBC. Please take a moment, pray for him, for that God would have His way.



The Paden family loves you Pastor, we love your precious wife, and your children. May God bless you and continue to stretch you in your faith.



http://www.tedtraylor.com/blog/nomination-announcement

Overwhelming Gratitude

Can you imagine giving your son to die for your friends?

How about just anybody? 

Or your enemies? 

That is what God the Father did for YOU, He sent His ONLY son, Jesus Christ, to be born of a virgin, to live a perfect life, to die, in order that He would be raised from that death, giving us the choice to live for eternity. 

“Oh Jesus, I praise you.  I praise you and am so thankful you did what you did for us, for me.... and that you didn't allow your feelings to stop you from sacrificing your son.  I love you.  Amen.”

Angels Rejoicing

Do you hear it? Listen .... it's the Angels in Heaven rejoicing of a lost soul coming to know Jesus!

My sweet, sweet friend Christina Ward just asked Christ into her heart!

Christina and I were HUGE drinking buddies. I found her on fb a few weeks ago. She asks that you pray for her and feel free to send ANY encouraging words/scriptures to her!

Please pray for her as we try finding her a church and a Christian Alternative Meeting! There is no MEW in Beaufort!

THANK YOU JESUS and thank you for sending the people in my life that have taught me and prepared me for sharing the Good News!

A Child’s Innocence

Christopher and I pray every morning before he gets on the bus for school.  He’s never questioned why, until this morning

I said, “Christopher, come quickly so we can do prayer, the bus will be here soon,”  Christopher, “Why do we  need to pray?”  I said, “Because Jesus loves you so much Christopher and praying is when we get to talk to Him.  Isn’t that special?!”  Christopher, “Why?”  Me, “Because God sent Jesus to die on a cross for you Christopher, so that one day, you can live with Him forever!  Isn’t that cool!”  Christopher, “Yeah!”

Oh I love the innocence of a child’s youth. 

“God I praise you for the day my Christopher comes to know you as his personal Lord and Savoir and thank you for the questions being asked by Christopher and Kaitlyn.  So be it and Amen.”

Winner From ANEW Serum Mascara Give-A-Way!

Mary Jo Turner!!!!

Congratulations Mary Jo! Send me your address at thepadens@cox.net and I'll get it in the mail next week!

Thanks for entering!

Walgreens Refills Ink Cartridges for $1.00...

THURSDAY, APRIL 22ND ONLY!

Walgreens is refilling ink cartridges for ONLY $1.00!

AND if you have a business, they will give you a 10% discount!

This is to recognize Earth Day!

Yeap, Another Give-A-Way!

"INTRODUCING Lash-Transforming Mascara + Serum* (not even being sold yet), BUT when it is, will sell for $15 introductory.

I'm giving ONE away. Leave your name in the comment section with your email address and I'll add your name to a drawing.

Winner will be announced FRIDAY! Good luck! (I just LOVE to give stuff away!) ;)"

Prime Time With God

Saturday morning’s devotional with Prime Time…. just wanted to share.  I hope and pray it touches you.

 

Today's Prayer
Dear God, I may not have excellent speech or be as educated or wise as some people, but this one thing I know, that Jesus Christ gave Himself as a sacrifice for my sin and has risen to sit at Your right hand, so that I may receive Your forgiveness, a new life, and eternal life with You. Though I may be weak and fearful at times, I can be strong through the power of Your Spirit. God, please speak through me and live through me that I might touch the lives and hearts of the people I come in contact with each day. May You be glorified. In Jesus' name, amen.

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Wanted: Dead or Alive!
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1, by Os Hillman
04-17-2010

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Eph 6:12).

In the old west it was common to see a poster on the wall of the town jail or post office with a man's picture below the words: Wanted: Dead or Alive! These were the most notorious criminals who posed the greatest danger to society.

Let me ask you a personal question. Is there a "Wanted: Dead or Alive" poster in hell with your name on it? Are you a real danger to hell? Do you cause problems for Satan's legion of demons? Are you pushing back Satan's agenda on planet earth?

Are the unsaved in danger of receiving salvation through you? Will someone receive healing because you dared to pray for them? Will someone's life be impacted because you chose to pray for them in your workplace during a difficult time? Will a city be impacted for Jesus Christ because of you?

Millions of believers sit on the sidelines everyday having no impact on the Kingdom of darkness. Their names will never appear on a Wanted poster in hell because Satan sees that they are no threat. However, God wants you to be a threat to Satan's kingdom.

What are some things you can do that will pose a threat to Satan's agenda? Perhaps you can begin praying for one of Satan's most notorious talk show personalities. Or maybe you are called to visit an elderly home to bring the love of Christ into a lonely place. There are many ways you can earn a reputation in hell.

Are you willing to be a force to be reckoned with by Satan's legions?

Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders.

Share Prime Time With A Friend

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Recommended Resource
Stretch your faith through this collection of intimate interviews with today's top worship songwriters. Join author and hymnologist Lindsay Terry as he sits down one-on-one with the writers of today's most inspiring and powerful worship songs including: "Here I Am to Worship" • "Open the Eyes of My Heart" • "Shout to the Lord" • "He is Exalted" •" I Can Only Imagine" and others. Book includes bonus CD of songwriters telling their own stories!
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AVON Delivery Schedule

Good morning my wonderful customers!!

A few months ago my mother-in-love moved in with us due to some health issues.  I am seeing it more and more that I am needed to be home with her on a regular basis.  In order to eliminate the pressure of needing to be home, but having to make deliveries, and after much prayer and guidance, I have decided I can only make deliveries on the days my husband is off.

He is off on Wednesday's and Saturday's.  Starting with campaign 9 deliveries (I am taking campaign 9 orders now), I will be able to deliver on Wednesday's and Saturday's only.  Of course, you are always welcome to come by my home to pick up your products if you need them sooner.

This schedule is also necessary because my son is in OT/Speech therapy two times a week, two different days.

If, for any reason, this is not convenient for you, I completely and respectfully understand and will gladly recommend another representative that can better serve you.

Also, I want to make sure you know,  you can shop my online store 24/7.  Once you get to my web store, click "shop now."  Then click "ebrochure" which is on the top right hand corner of the page.  This will give you the opportunity to shop the current campaign book online.  You can order online, and still have me deliver your products, OR you can have the products shipped directly to you, in many cases with no shipping charges.

I started selling AVON because I needed to help make ends meet, BUT, it quickly changed from customer's to relationships as I saw a way I could make a difference in people's lives.

Thank you for understanding, and again, if you need a representative that can deliver any time, please let me know and I can recommend many wonderful reps in our area.

Bless you and yours,

Stacey L. Paden
AVON Independent Sales Rep
850-292-3010
thepadens@cox.net

Shop online 24/7 at your convenience:  www.youravon.com/spaden

www.treasuresfromlifesgarden.blogspot.com

Give-A-Way Winner Is.....

My canuck friend, Jodi!!!!

Jodi, send me your address to thepadens@cox.net and I'll get it in the mail this week.

Thanks for entering!

Just Had To Share A Little Good News TODAY!

Missing girl found after 5 days in Fla. swamp - Life- msnbc.com

I Took Your Place

I received this email from my aunt this morning.  It is a sad, but truth that faces many of us in churches.  As a previous post stated, I too, struggled with parts of this very truth.

One  day, a man went  to visit a church. He got there early, parked his  car and  got  out. Another car pulled up near the driver  got out and said, 'I always park there! You took my place!' The visitor went  inside for Sunday school, found an empty seat and sat down. A young lady  from the church approached him and stated, 'That's my seat! You  took my  place!' The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude  welcome, but said  nothing.

After  Sunday school, the  visitor went into the sanctuary and sat down. Another  member  walked up to him and said, 'That's where I always sit! You took my  place!' The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still he said nothing.

Later as the congregation was praying for  Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood up, and his  appearance began to change.

Horrible scars became visible on his hands  and on his sandaled feet. Someone from the congregation noticed him  and called out, 'What happened to  you?'

The  visitor  replied, as his hat became a crown of thorns, and a tear fell from  his eye,

 'I took your place.’

Another Give-A-Way

OK, so I saw this watch that I just had to have. I waited for it to go on sale, and with my discount felt it was a great purchase. The strap is leather, nice heavy band and big face. I loved it! There is only one problem. My wrist is too fat for it. I can get it to the 2nd hole.

So, instead of sending it back, and pay for shipping, I decided to give it away!

The one I am giving away is the light brown one. The retail value is $29. This is a great gift idea for a birthday, Mother's Day, a "just because" gift or to just get for yourself.

The deadline to enter this give-a-way is Tuesday at 1:00 central time. To enter, simply leave your name and email address in the comment section so I can notify you of your winnings.

Good Luck!

Plant A Tree For $1.00!!!!

Check out my website for more information.

http://spaden.avonrepresentative.com/

Beauty Mistake That Add 10 Years

"Think you're hiding wrinkles by piling on the foundation? Excess makeup just exaggerates them. The fix: After applying your foundation with a brush, take a damp makeup sponge and gently press it all over your face. This removes any foundation that has settled into lines, and creates a soft finish."

MSN Health and Beauty Tips

Easter And Christmas

Been thinkin' today. 

I didn’t go to church for Easter for several years.  The reason I stopped going was because I would get aggravated with all the people cramming into church that never showed up any other time.  Christmas was a struggle for a long time too.  All these people would come in, take the seats of the faithful…(yes, I really thought this), put on their perfect face, their perfect clothes, and showed up with their perfect family…man I hated that.  I never could measure up.  I still can’t.  In fact, I stopped buying “Easter outfits” several years ago because I didn’t want to be associated with “those people.” 

Last year I went to our Saturday evening service.  While the music was great… preaching was fantastic, it didn’t seem like Easter. 

This year, I went to our 11 a.m. service, which is the normal hour my family usually attends.

I found myself falling into the same thinking as years past, but fortunately, I didn’t give in.

What I’ve learned is Easter is in celebration of a risen Savoir MY risen Savoir.  He died with me on His mind.  He rose again giving hope for the hopeless.  Through Him, I have eternal life. 

I even struggled today with taking pictures of the family for Easter.  I think of so many families that get dressed up once or twice a year and take those pictures… and I didn’t want to even be thought of someone that does that. 

It is in my opinion, my conviction, that if a person loves Jesus, then they will meet with other believers.  Every person that confesses Jesus as Lord needs to be sitting under a man of God, needs to be in a Sunday School class where they can get one on one discipleship and fellowship.  I know there are times a person just can’t be in church.  There are also times the Lord might direct a person to do an act of service, or even have a day of rest on a Sunday, or maybe one’s health keeps them from coming and they must watch by T.V or internet, or listen by radio, BUT, I do not believe it is the Lord’s will for one to miss week after week after week just because they want to lay out, or sleep in. 

With that said, I went through a season of six months where I missed church.  I was angry at God for allowing certain circumstances to come at us.  That is no excuse though.  I did not grow at all during that time frame and I had to come to terms with those circumstances and the anger I held within.  While I still might not understand, I do know that God can use any circumstance and bring it for His glory.

Today, I made a choice to not let the actions of others, impact my actions.

The Winner Of My 'Welcome Spring' Give-A-Way Is....

LIZ LANZA!!!!

Woohoo!

I've sent you an email Liz, so send me your mailing address so I can ship your winnings!

Congratulations!