Arch "John" Bruntlett Obituary: View Arch Bruntlett's Obituary by Clarion Ledger

My Pappow .... a true American hero!



Arch "John" Bruntlett Obituary: View Arch Bruntlett's Obituary by Clarion Ledger

Weight Watchers Weigh In, Week 2

With the emotions running high from the final approval for a Habitat for Humanity home, and then the heart breaking news of my Pappow passing away, I forgot to check in for my weekly weigh in.

If you recall, I was devastated to only lose four pounds last week. I had worked so hard. My prayer and hopes for this weigh in was, "Lord, please let me lose two pounds, that's all I ask."

He was faithful, He allowed me to lose four more pounds last week! I felt a huge sigh of relief. I have come to realize that any number losing is better than an ounce of gaining!

I am not expecting a loss this week as I am dealing with the emotions of loss from both my grandparents this summer; however, I am still trying to make the right choices. If I can maintain or even lose a pound at week three weigh in, I will tickled.

We leave in just a few hours for Jackson to bury my Pappow. I haven't even started to pack and have two AVON deliveries that absolutely have to be made before I leave town.

I don't know why I am having such a hard time getting started.

I also have give-a-way winnings yet to mail. My Canadian friend, I haven't forgotten you and Becca, I haven't forgotten you either. I will do my best to get things in the mail next week.

Blessings on each of you this day,

Stacey

My Pappow

Alzheimer’s is a cruel disease. 

We received an email from dad a few days ago informing us that Pappow was in the final stages of this cruel disease.  He had forgotten how to swallow.

This morning, at 2 a.m., my Pappow, my hero that could do no wrong, took his last breath.

Over the last year I only got to see him a few times; but the times I had were and will always be cherished deep within my heart.

Please be praying for my dad and uncle as they prepare to bury their second parent in less than 60 days.

Pray for us, myself, brother and sister, as we lose a second grandparent in less than 60 days.

My husband too; he said, “He’s the only grandfather I have ever known cause all of mine were dead when I came along.”  I’ve been selfish and didn’t think about him or how he could be affected.

This picture is one of my all time favorites of my Pappow.  I had taken Chris to Jackson to meet my grandparents.  We were doing yard work when I snapped this picture of him.  The look on his face tells me exactly what he was thinking.

I love you Pappow, and oh how I miss you.  I’ve missed you for years.  I’m thankful for the grace given during each of our visits and the love I saw in your eyes.  I wasn’t ready for you to go.  You gave me the umph I needed to get off my backside and change my life.  Thank you for loving me.  Thank you for carrying me, thank you for teaching me to speak up for what is right, thank you for teaching me to love MY country, to honor the flag and to honor Veterans, thank you, that even when you were mad as hell at me, you loved me.  Thank you.  I love you.

Stacey

Habitat for Humanity …. WE HAVE BEEN APPROVED!

We’ve been going through the process of approval for a house since February.  There are several stages of the process.  The final process was yesterday when the Selection Committee presented our family before the Board of Trustees.  I thought the meeting was last night, so you can imagine my surprise when I received a phone call mid afternoon informing us that we have been approved!!

*Sigh*  It has been a long process, but very easy.  I have been researching Habitat and their ministry.  I had no idea this organization was Christ centered!

It will take several months, up to 18 months to find a lot big enough for a 5 bedroom house. 

I am praying the Lord will make a way for us to be able to stay on the property we are in.

I have much to do today. 

Please continue praying for us as we travel through the process of finding a lot and building a home!

Thanks!

Stacey

Inventory Sale!

If you see anything you are interested in, just email me at thepadens@cox.net and I will send you the size and prices and how many there are in my inventory. These prices are less than the prices on my web store! Please don't go to my web store and try ordering them unless you want to pay full price for them.

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Expecting Miracles …..

Yesterday was day 7 of Weight Watchers.  I have worked hard on watching EVERYTHING I put in my mouth.  I even bought some scales from Wal-Mart to weigh my portions.  I couldn’t see spending $40 on a scale that was stamped Weight Watchers when I could get one for $16 at Wally-World.  It serves the purpose and I am proud of my savings.

However, I am not proud of my weigh in yesterday.  After all the water I drank, all the points I counted, all the food measurements I made, I only lost 4lbs!  I thought I’d cry .  I thought for sure I’d hit AT LEAST the 5lbs mark, but i didn’t. 

This week, week 2, I am supposed to add exercise.  Hmph.  Right.  With the disc degeneration in my lower back and carrying all this weight, it causes excruciation pain for me to walk.  Our church has a wonderful gym facility that members can use for FREE and I LOVE the elliptical machines that are in there; I just don’t know when I can get there… or maybe that is my excuse.  I’m not sure.  I just know after working hard all week, with little results, makes me mad. 

With all that said, and I am sorry for being negative, I was just hoping for a GREAT jump start.  I guess I set my standards too high. 

I sure would appreciate your prayers this week.  I am making better choices; I did try something new, a Mango.  It was good.  Weight Watchers encourages us to try something new each week.  I also set a personal goal to not have any cokes this week; I succeeded in that area too.  I did sip on a Sprite Zero a couple times; but I can live with that.

Again, sorry for being negative.  I guess any step in the right direction is better than no step at all?

Time for my breakfast, to get the bed made and clean up after being gone all day Wednesday.

Have a FABULOUS Thursday!

Stacey

Day 6

It’s Tuesday, July 20, 2010.  I am on day six of Weight Watchers.  I confessed the dread of not wanting to do this last Thursday; was down right mad to be honest. I had a horrible headache the first three days.  Every time my tummy growled I got madder; until, Saturday, my tummy didn’t growl quite so much.  I have bought fruit and put in a bowl on the table, some in the fridge too, so I won’t be so quick to put junk in my mouth.  Even with my favorite ice cream in the freezer, cookies and Doritos, I’ve been OK.  There’s even been Coca Cola in the house and I haven’t had any!  That is huge in itself, in fact my goal for this week was to not drink any coke or sweet tea.  So far, so good!  Another thing weight watchers encourages, is to try something new every week.  I never did that before.  I’ve had my first experience with a Mango.  I like it.  I tried peeling it the way the direction on the box said to, man I butchered it!  

This is a picture from Easter, 2010.  I have actually gained more weight sense this picture was taken; I have another set of pictures I am looking for and will post it once I find it.  I am a visual person, seeing numbers doesn’t do me as much good as seeing the proof visually.

I weigh in tomorrow.  I have to have lost weight for as little as I am eating.  The only thing I don’t like about the meeting on Wednesday’s is that it is in the middle of the day.

I’ll update tomorrow.

Stacey

CUTCO, The World’s Finest Cutlery

I’m sold. 

A friend of mine is selling knives.  He came and did his demonstration.  I made it very clear to him that I could not buy anything nor

did I have the desire to, I was just “letting him have practice.” 

Yeah, right.

Half way through, I was salivating.

THEN, when I had to cut through a rope with one of my knives …. THE KNIVE BROKE!  It was brand new! 

I ordered one measly knife.  I would have bought an entire set if I could have.

Instead, I bought one.

My only request was that I needed a knife that would slice a tomato!  After cutting a 1” ripe like it was butter, I knew which knife I needed to start with.

I plan on adding one knife each year.  Maybe in 20 years I’ll have a full set, until then, I LOVE MY KNIFE!

You can not purchase the knives online; but you can visit the web site, www.cutco.com.

If you are interested in purchasing a set of knives, my salesman is Justin Brock.  His phone number is 850-686-0227.

If you decide to try a set of knives, I’d love to hear from you.

Blessings,

Stacey

Christmas in July Winner .......

....IS......

KARLA FINLAY!!!!!

Congratulations Karla!

ANEW Emulsions!

ANEW Emulsions

Check out Avon’s latest anti-aging breakthrough!!

ANEW Emulsion! Take the 14-day ANEW Emulsions challenge—look up to 5 years younger in just 14 days! YOU DON’T PAY FOR IT UNLESS YOU KEEP IT! You have NOTHING to lose!

Q: What separates ANEW Emulsions from current ANEW creams?
A: ANEW Rejuvenate Night Sapphire Emulsion, Reversalist Night Sterling Emulsion and Ultimate Night Gold Emulsion are intensive, time-transcending, extra-nourishing night moisturizers. These gel formulas are fortified with a powerful polypeptide complex and visibly repair early, moderate or advanced signs of aging.

Q: What is the difference between each of the Emulsions?
A: As with many of our ANEW products, we have tailored certain formulas for specific signs of aging. Rejuvenate Night Sapphire Emulsion goes hand-in-hand with other Rejuvenate products for women with early signs of aging. Similarly, Reversalist Night Sterling Emulsion is for those with moderate signs of aging, and Ultimate Night Gold Emulsion works for the advanced signs of aging.

Q: What can Customers expect ANEW Emulsions to do?
A: When Customers take the 14-day ANEW Emulsions challenge, they can expect to see results on the first day of use. And, by day 14, skin looks up to 5 years younger.

Q: What other ANEW products can Customers use with Emulsions?
A: IF you to take advantage of the dual-purchase opportunity available in the C-16 Brochure. With any purchase of Night Sapphire Emulsion, Night Sterling Emulsion or Night Gold Emulsion, Customers will receive the corresponding day cream FREE!

Q: How do ANEW Emulsions differ from night creams?
A: When Customers use Emulsions instead of their usual night creams, they’ll receive an extra boost of moisture due to the unique formula featured in each one. That boost is especially great for the summer months, when skin is extra dry due to overexposure to the sun.

I have some of the Emulsions on hand! Call or email me if you are interested in trying this product! You can also order online at my store: www.youravon.com/spaden.

Stacey Paden
850-292-3010
thepadens@cox.net

July 15, 2010

I know we are all going to die; but I have been filled with fear of death.  I’m afraid I am going to die of a heart attack.  I have tried half a dozen times to lose weight and failed every time. 

During the last twelve years of my sobriety, I have seen many people walk into a Most Excellent Way meeting, talk the talk and in a few months they are gone.  Some make it years and yet still throw it away.  I always thought, “If you just had some more faith, then you could beat this addiction you have.”  I don’t know if I was shallow, ignorant, or arrogant; or maybe a combination of all three?!  Or maybe it really is a faith issue?  I don’t know.

What I do know is that every time I have failed in my attempts to lose weight, I think, “If I could just have enough faith then I could do this;” but I can’t.

I don’t want to me; but I’m afraid.

So, with fear in my heart, and dread, I went and signed back up for Weight Watchers yesterday.  It’s the only tool I’ve used that has helped me to lose weight at all in the last five years, unfortunately, I just didn’t stick with it.

I don’t want to stick with it this time; I eat for comfort.  Instead of drinking the last twelve years, I’ve eaten.  When I am anxious, I eat; when I am sad, I eat; when I am “happy,” I eat; I love to cook; I like good food and I love to feed people.  I just don’t know when to stop, … same to when I would drink.  I did it all the way to the max and took it to the extreme.

The word that keeps coming to my mind is balance. 

Growing up I loved sports.  I loved working out with my dad in the gym as a young adult.  Loved it.  I miss that. 

I have been hungry all day and have had a horrible headache all day.  More than likely it’s from no cokes today or sweet tea.  I drank above and beyond the amount of water I am supposed to drink, so that is a good thing.

I actually ate my number of points I am allowed to have.  Dinner though, was a nightmare.  Dried out bland chicken …. it didn’t get eaten.  My salad left me hungry and tired, so hungry I asked my husband to go to Chic-fil-A for me and get me a Char Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Fruit Cup and an Un-Sweet tea.  For the first time all day I am satisfied.

I would appreciate your prayers as I attempt to lose this weight that is “weighing” me down.  Please pray that I would have the desire to do this and reach the goals at hand.

Thanks.

Christmas In July, 2010 GIVE-A-WAY!!!!!

There are only 165 days till Christmas! I LOVE to give stuff away, so ..... here is my Christmas in July give-a-way! I'll post this on my facebook page (Stacey Paden Avon), so if you enter here and on my fb, you will double your chances to win. Leave your name and phone number or email in the comment section. I'll announce the winner Friday morning at 10:00. Good Luck and Merry Christmas (in July!).

THE WINNER IS.....

Becca of Becca's Dirt!!!!!

Becca email me your address so I can put your winnings in the mail next week!

Congratulations and thanks for entering!

Peer Pressure …

I don’t have to deal with peer pressure, I’m an adult, right?!  Wrong.  In my life I struggle day in and day out to just be myself.  The perfect Stacey would be 148lbs, playing softball with the church league, running and playing with my kids in the yard.  I have my own expectations and yes, my own disappointments regarding myself, as I am sure we all do. 

Over the last few weeks, I’ve come to realize it is not just my physical appearance I wish I could change, in fact, recently found myself wishing I could be something I wasn’t just to keep peace and to make everybody “happy.”  That’s a tough place to be, regardless of age.  So here I am, 38 years old, wishing I could be something I’m not, and not for the material gain, not for the physical aspects, but to be “accepted”  for something I’m not.

So, how do I, as an adult, deal with this.  Anger, hurt and lashing out was my first instinct; but thankfully, I have a Lord that loves me enough to stop me in my tracks and put me in check.

Through the night I tossed and turned and thought.

This morning, instead of reading my Bible in the living room, I sat in my room, on my bed, and picked up my “teen” Bible.  I had been yearning for a different perspective on things, and wanted to learn the basics of the Old Testament, so “The Explorer’s Study Bible” was an answer to prayer for me.

Since I don’t read out of this Bible every day, I opened it searching for comfort.

Comfort is what I found; comfort is what one will always find when one searches the Word of God! 

This is what I read:

“PEER PRESSURE

What do you think of when you hear the words “peer pressure”?

Peer pressure is simply temptation.  “Temptation” is the word the Bible uses to describe our struggle to obey God’s Word and the desire to give in to the pressure of sin, whether is comes from our friends, our family, or our own desires.

One of the major lessons I have learned from observing people in my own life and the lives of those in the Bible is this:  OBEYING GOD IS ALWAYS SMART.  DISOBEYING GOD TO PLEASE OTHERS IS ALWAYS STUPID!

A good example of what this kind of temptation or peer pressure looks like is found in the life of a young teenager named Josep.  Genesis 39 says that Joseph faced peer pressure from a woman that he saw every day.  This woman tempted Joseph to disobey God and to sin with her – but Joseph refused to listen to her and obeyed God instead.

YOU CAN LEARN SIX PRINCPLES FROM JOSEPH ON HOW TO AVOID PEER PRESSURE:

1.  Joseph stayed as far from the cliff of sin as possible (Genesis 39:10).

2.  Joseph learned to say know to his peers (Genesis 39:8; Romans 13:14).

3.  Joseph considered the consequences ahead of time (Genesis 39: 8 & 9; Galatians 6: 7 & 8).

4.  Joseph hated sin because he knew it to be “great wickedness (Genesis 39:9; Romans 12:9).

5.  Joseph’s love for God was greater than the enjoyment of sin (Genesis 39:9; Revelation 2: 4 & 5).

6.  Joseph ran from sin (2 Timothy 2:22).

You too will face peer pressure and the temptation from others to sin, but you can overcome temptation by keeping close to Jesus.  Ask Him to help you, and by His power, you will defeat peer pressure just like Joseph did.”

My desire would be, is, to one day be able to write my name in each place where Joseph’s name is. 

Today, I am thankful for how the Lord made me, for my strengths, my weaknesses’, … for who I am.

Today, I am able to pray and ask the Lord to change me where changes are needed in order to be more Christ like.

Today, I am able to eat crow and do what I have to do, even when misunderstood.

Today … today, July 7, 2010, marks a milestone in my life.  Today marks 12 years of sobriety for me.

Today, I will make every effort … no, I ask the Lord to empty me of self, and fill me with His Spirit, so He can use me for His desire, not my own desire.

Technorati Tags: Peer Pressure,The Explorer's Study Bible,temptation,forgiveness,pride

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A Celebration Give-A-Way!

OK! I am hosting ANOTHER Give-A-Way!

I am hosting this give-a-way as a celebration though!

Tomorrow, July 7th marks 12 years of sobriety for me.

When I first started this journey, I never thought I'd make it. The Lord has been faithful. He has not only changed my life, but the lives of those around me. For that, I am thankful.

I hope, oh I pray, IF you do not know Him as Lord of your life, that you'd know Him today! I'd love to share with you how. You can email me at thepadens@cox.net.

My give-a-way is the Skin So Soft, "Soft & Sensual" Shower Gels, Lotions, and Hand Lotions. You can leave your name with phone number or email address so I can contact you if you are the winner. I also have this posted on my facebook page if you'd wish to enter that way.  By entering in both places it will double your chances to win!

Thanks for entering the give-a-way and for letting me bless you.

It truly is better to give than receive!

 
I can't wait to see who wins!

Special Memories

Made Spanish Delight this morning to have one for lunch today and put one in the freezer for another meal later; did the same thing for Chicken Pot Pies.  Thought of Mammow all morning and yesterday.  I miss her.  I miss her smell.  I am so thankful I have the love to cook and feed people and have friends/family together.  I can't wait to start making the Lemon Pecan Cakes and other goodies.  I'm glad I saved all the tin cans she would send goodies in.

I miss her. 

She would have called me yesterday. 

She always knew when I needed her. 

Happy Birthday America

My husband was sharing with me last night that he has this pledge from Red Skelton playing on 91.7 sometime today. I had never heard it; so was intrigued. You will need to scroll down and mute the music I have playing order to hear his this. The words are also written out.

Red Skelton's, Pledge of Allegiance

I grew up with pride for America. My father retired from the USMC, my grandfather served in the USMC through WWII. Anybody that is raised in a military family has a deep love and devotion that just isn't easily explained by words.

As a Christ-following American now, my love of my country has changed. The word freedom has taken an entire new meaning. As an American, I have a right to speak my mind. As a Christ-follower, I not only have a right, but the privilege to speak openly about my love for my Lord and Savoir, Jesus Christ.

As "bad" as things are in our country right now, they aren't as bad as they could be. For me, today, the 4th of July is much more than burgers, beans an beer .... it's about freedom/liberty .... justice ..... honor ..... pride for my country ..... and the big word today is thankfulness, that I can stand on a street corner and shout the name of Jesus, even if I don’t believe it is the way to win others to Christ, I can still do it. I can fold my hands, bow my head and publicly bless a meal that is before me. I can attend worship service this morning without fear of being walls being broken down and people being gunned down.

We are truly a blessed country.

Today, I am thankful.

Happy 4th of July.

Happy Birthday America!

This great country we live in is 234 years old today.