A Child's Faith

I asked the Lord today (after Christopher's Lakeview appointment), "Lord, please let me see things through Christopher's eyes."

A few minutes later, we pulled into the prayer garden area for t-ball practice. Christopher has been there many times, but for some reason didn't recognize it and asked what it was. I told him it was the prayer garden. He said, "I want to go there and pray."

My heart sank. I hem-haad around and said, "why don't we just pray in the car." He said, "never mind."  Quickly I apologized to my son and said, "let's go Christopher." My son then led me to the prayer garden, in the spot he wanted to pray, bowed his head and prayed.

Life doesn't get any better than that.

Yes, Jesus Loves Me . . .

When I came to know the Lord as my personal Savior at the age of 28, I didn't know any 'church' songs and I surely didn't know to claim scriptures over my life.  The only thing I did know was a song . . .  "Jesus Loves Me."  During the first few months of my sobriety and new life, I would wake up from night mare after night mare.  There was a literal battle over my soul and I would wake up terrified.  Not knowing what to do, I would sing the only song I knew, and that was "Jesus Loves Me."  I would eventually fall back to sleep. 

I've taught my children, all three of them, that when they get scared at night, to sing that song.  I've experienced the sweetness of hearing Kayla and Christopher both singing the song through their fears.  Makes me smile and brings a little bit of comfort to a momma's heart.

This morning, for the first time in a long time, my soul is rested.  This song came to my mind so I found it on youtube.  If you would like to listen to it, you must first scroll down to the bottom of this page and mute the music box that is playing, then click here to listen.

There are several renditions of this song, but this morning, the sweet child like faith of this song caught my attention.  It doesn't matter how old you are, or where you are in this walk of life, Jesus wants us to come to Him with that sweet, child-like faith.

Matthew 19:14, Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

I pray, if you are reading this and you don't know Him, that you would know Him today. 

Jesus loves you. 

The Bible says in Romans 3:23 that we are all sinners.  No one can do good enough to enter the presence of Jesus.

Ephesians 2:8 says "by grace you have been saved, through faith."

Jesus died on a cross and burdened our sins.  Three days later He beat death.  He did it for you.  He did it for me. 

The Bible says in Romans 10:9-10 "that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation."

"Father I pray for the ones reading this right now that don't know you, that you would prick their hearts to have more than just a head knowledge, but a heart knowledge.  This is my prayer in the name of Jesus who reigns above all, Amen."

AVON's Bubble Bath Uses:

AVON's


BUBBLE BATH

USES

1.Zillions of bubbles that leave NO bath tub ring.

2.Does a beautiful job on washing cars, mobile homes, RVs, and boats.

3.Great as a laundry detergent, no fabric softener needed.

4.Better than "Woolite" for hand washing delicates.

5.Heavily soiled laundry? Pre-soak in bubble bath for a few minutes. Can even remove ring around the collar and get the grease out of work clothes.

6.Wash windows.

7.Give pets a bath.

8.Wash no wax floors.

9.Wash dishes.

10.Wash walls and ceilings.

11.Clean bathroom fixtures and mirrors.

12.Wash appliances.

13.Use to shampoo carpets (whole room or a spot).

14.Cleans chandeliers and light fixtures.

15.Use bubbles and sponge to shampoo furniture or vehicle interiors.

16.Cleans china, windows, etc. (all glass).

17.Wash your plant leaves, they will shine. Then pour into soil as a fertilizer.

18.Upholstery stains come out by rubbing with a damp cloth dipped in full strength bubble bath. Do not wet the sponge with water. Water may leave a stain, the bubble bath won't.

19.Clean your jewelry - even costume jewelry.

20.Splatter grease (butter too) on a good blouse? Put straight bubble bath on the spot, let sit a few minutes and wash. No spots!

21.Wash Venetian blinds.

22.Wash paneling - no rinsing, no streaks.

23.Clean your eye glasses.

24.Put some bubble bath and a bit of water in your potpourri burner.

25.Clean your painted or real wood cupboards.

26.Fill your pump "hand cleaner" in the bathroom and kitchen, as well. It's not antibacterial, but it sure works good and smells great!

Best of all, you can pick the scent you enjoy smelling, not the scent the makers of other products want you to smell !

What Does Burnt Skin and Coca Cola Have In Common????

MY SON! 

While driving home from my son's appointment with his doctor this morning, I hear a piercing, gut curling scream from the back seat.  I turn my head to see my six year old's finger smoldering and smoke rising.  I panic and turn into the first parking lot I came to.  I have no idea how many lanes I crossed over nor who I cut off, so if it was you, so sorry.  The screaming is getting louder and louder.  I stopped in the middle of the parking lot, flung open the car door, grab my son and put my hand over the smoldering finger to try putting it out. 

It was horrible and the smell of burnt skin made me sick to my stomach.  I reach for my cup hoping there is ice in it.  None;  only the remnants of melted ice mixed with a flat coke from the morning drive to his previous doctor appointment.  So what do I, the only thing any mother would do, I grab the cup stick his hand in it! 

Aaaahhhh, the screaming subsides until I look down at his finger and said, "Oh Christopher, you burnt the meat of your finger!"  The crying gets worse and he screams, "I have HAM in my FINGER??!!" LOL!  I laughed; hugged my son while balling myself and thanking God for my precious son.

Christopher keeps his finger in the cup of coke until we get to the doctor's office.  The top of his finger is blistered and the flesh on the very top is split and oozing.  It was nasty, but could have been much worse. 

We are keeping the tylenol and motrin in him every 3 hours to help with the discomfort.  I wish it would help with the patience and frustration levels we are all experiencing, but it doesn't.  I can assure you though, I will be purchasing caps to put over the cigarette lighter's in my car! 

It is nice to know that my son doesn't, well, didn't know what that was for.  There was a time I used my cigarette lighters constantly.  It's nice to say I am free from that addiction ;)

See What The Stars Are Wearing . . . .

WHAT ARE THE STARS WEARING THIS SPRING???!!!!

PERFECT WEAR

BEYOND COLOR

IDEAL SHADE

SMOOTH MINERALS

MAGIX

 

HEALTHY MAKE-UP

FIND IT ALL HERE

www.youravon.com/spaden



Jillian Dempsey's Spring Color Forecast!

JILLIAN DEMPSEY...SPRING COLOR FORECAST

HER ADVISE:

      DON'T SHRINK FROM VIOLETS

      DO FLIRT WITH FUCHSIAS 

      REVEL IN THE GORGEOUS GREENERY 

LET YOUR BEAUTY BLOOM IN BOLD BRILLANT COLOR THIS SPRING!!

EYE COMPACTS, LIPSTICKS, LIP LINERS, MASCARA AND MORE!

STARTING AT $1.99 . . .  Look for 2 for $5.99" and "3 FOR $7.99

Order online at www.youravon.com/spaden or email me at thepadens@cox.net!

Campaign 7 . . . . FABULOUS SKIN CARE PRICES!

ANEW PLATINUM EYE AND LIP CREAM

EYES AND LIPS REDEFINED ~ YOUTH REGAINED!

ONLY $36.00

ANEW PLATINUM DAY CREAM

92% AGREE THIS PRODUCT BRINGS YOUTHFUL COLOR AND RADIANCE TO SKIN

$38.00

OR

BOTH EYE/LIP CREAM AND FACE MOISTURIZER FOR ONLY $55

**ADD "SERUM" WITH THE BEST PRICE EVER $59.00**

To order any of these products, you can shop my online store at www.youravon.com/spaden, or you can email me at thepadens@cox.net.

I look forward to helping with your skin care needs!

Your AVON Lady,

Stacey

Molecular Structure

I was so wowed by this morning's devotion that I had to research it a little more.  I am copying word for word today's devotional out of Sheila Walsh's devotional "Good morning, Lord!"  I am adding links of the further study I did for the sermon and laminin. Please take a few minutes and read this; and listen to the teaching of Louie Giglio.  I've added the links in order for you to follow. 

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN AND PAUSE THE MUSIC SO YOU WILL BE ABLE TO HEAR "The Greatness of God."

Today I will slow down enough to notice your fingerprints on your amazing creation.

The YouTube sermon by Louie Giglio was amazing.  His subject was "The Greatness of God" and the information Louie shared does indeed point to God's greatness.  Louie had met a molecular biologist who asked him if he were aware of the existence of a protein molecule in the human body called laminin.  (Google it and learn - and see pictures!) Laminin is a cell-adhesive protein molecule that literally holds our human bodies together.  The shape of this tiny protein molecule is . . . the shape of a cross.  Isn't that amazing?  And this tiny form is multiplied many thousands of times over inside our bodies.  It can't help but remind us that God is ever-present in our lives - even in the very marrow of bones!

(This imagine is not in the devotional.)

As if that scientific fact isn't mind-boggling enough, Lana Bateman, our prayer intercessor at Women of Faith, told me about an article by a molecular biologist who is also a brilliant pianist.  He wrote that if you take the unique DNA strand that defines each human being and turn it on its side so that it resembles a piano keyboard, every human being has his or her own individual melody.  Just think:  God has written a song in your very soul.  That is as great a mystery to me as the fact that the cross is built into our DNA, and both facts are an overwhelming comfort and remind of our Creator's love.  Yes, He loves you.  It is written into your very DNA!

I have researched this morning to find information regarding the DNA strand that resembles a piano.  I found these images:

This hanging sculpture is from an old, English birdcage-action piano.

It is 14lbs. Keys made by Sergeant and signed B. Maldy.

Change Is Good

I have had the same blog layout for about six years now; so I have changed it up a bit.  Hope you like ;)

ANEW Clinical Lift & Firm Serum . . . Customer Review!

A customer of mine wrote this review for the ANEW Clinical Lift & Firm Serum.

"Ladies – have you tried Avon’s ANEW Clinical Lift & Firm Serum? If not, it’s never too soon to start taking care of the inevitable….wrinkling, sagging skin. Yes, it’s not something we like to think about, but sooner or later all of us will have the results of gravity, our environment and family genes affecting our skin. This new Serum from Avon feels wonderful on your skin. Apply it every night to your clean face and neck and watch the results begin to happen in just a week. The Clinical Lift & Firm Serum has no odor, is non-greasy and feels like silk on your skin. It does work and a great advantage is that it costs less than the major brand cosmetics in department stores. Order yours today!"

You can click the link below to orders yours today, or email me at thepadens@cox.net!
 
ANEW Clinical Lift & Firm Serum
 

 
AVON guarantees 100% customer satisfaction.  You have nothing to lose. 
 
;)

How Clean REALLY Is Your Skin?!

I love when my customer's send me reviews of the products they use!  This review is on Solutions Ageless Cleanser.  Please take a moment and see if you skin care cleanser measures up!

"I have used many cleansers from cleansing bars, cleansing gels, creams – you name it. I have used products from Lancome’, Este’ Lauder, to Clinique. I have also used many eye makeup removers. The one I have found best by far has been Solutions Ageless Cleanser by Avon. It is a cleanser and makeup remover all in one. I recently received a gift with purchase from Clinique with a sample of their cleanser which you need just a little cleanser and a lots of water. The cleanser smells great, has great foaming action and feels good on your skin. However, it doesn’t remove my eye makeup, and when I use an astringent afterward there is still a lot of makeup left on my skin which was revealed on my cotton ball. After using Avon’s Solutions Ageless Cleanser and then using my astringent, my cotton ball was clean. I love, love, love this product. I also have very sensitive skin so must be careful what I use. This product is fabulous!"

This product sells for $9.00.  The current campaign special also gives you the eye cream for .99 (which is a $14.50 savings)!  I can also back order this product from campaign 4 at buy1 get, get 1 for $1.99.  To order this product at that price, I must have your order by Friday, March 11th.  That special will not be available after that date; however, other sales/specials will follow.

COMPARE to Cliniques Liquid Face Cleansers that Kathy tried.  The least expensive liquid cleanser is $15.00.  Cliniques eye creams also start out at $24.

Please email me at thepadens@cox.net or message me on fb to order this product for you.  You may also shop my web store at www.youravon.com/spaden.

Thanks!

Divalicious Eyes!

Got this email from a friend and customer. 

"Hey darling, Let me tell you the new precision glimmer eye liner, it is wonderful!  I used it with the big color eye pencil. First I used the blue smoke all over then I used the silver eye liner.  WOW! You girls can have as much or as little sparkle as you want!  This product would be perfect for the teens who maybe want to wear it on their friday night skating or us older gals going out with or husbands or boyfriends.  Just a little will do you. I even tried the celadon green pencil with the plum liner and it was gorgeous. Anyway just wanted to tell you.  Thank you for such a wonderful product!  I have enjoyed it and had fun using it. love diva"

AVON's Precision Liner sells for $6.00.  It is on sale for $3.99 in camaign 5.  Lancome's Precision Liner sells for $29.00 on HSN.  I'd say that's a savings ANYONE can live with!

Thirsty and Dry Land

My readings over the last week or so has been based on Grace.  Today's scripture reference was in Isaiah 43:18 & 19.  It reads,

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."

When I read those scriptures, my heart was immediately comforted; and as if that wasn't enough of a touch from Heaven, I caught the highlights and scribble on the next page in Isaiah 44, verses 3 & 4, "For I will pour out water on the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring, And My blessing on your descendants; And they will spring up among the grass Like poplars (trees) by streams of water."

I hate to admit it, but, I HAVE BEEN THE DRY, THIRSY, DEAD LAND YA'LL!  I haven't been able to (or wanted to), or tried to forget those former things; some things I was responsible for, and some things I was not responsible for.  I have continued to justify my hurt, my anger, an made every excuse there is to not let go and forgive.  REGARDLESS, I have to choose forgiveness and let, let go of the anger, the hurt, the guilt, . . all of it.  And once I let go of the "former things," He can do something new in my life  . . . . it is so sweet (the new thing) . . . that He is already asking me, "DO YOU NOT PERCEIVE IT Stacey?!"  Even as I relish in those words, an excitement I haven't known in years fills my heart ;)

He is indeed doing a new thing in my heart.  He has paved a way . . through the wilderness and streams, and thirsty, dry land, His path is made for me. 

So I have a choice, do I stay on the path He has made, or do I make my own?  I hope and pray my words and actions show you the choice I have made.

Continuing to trust in Him,

Stacey

The Simple, Soul Satisfying Truth . . . that God is Enough.

I am thankful when I learn something new, but usually embarrassed at how it came about.  The same is true today. 

Today I learned a little more about Grace.  Amazing Grace.

I'm not sure if I am the only one out there that does this, and I didn't really realize I was doing it until yesterday, and then today it was put together.

The question presented in my devotional was:

"When, if ever, have you experienced for yourself the simple and soul-satisfying truth that God is enough?  Why don't we believers experience that more regularly?" 

My answer, which after reading really didn't completely answer the question was:

"Shamefully, I forget.  Doubt comes in because I know I have not done what I should do, or be.  Then I don't think I should even ask for help, guidance, counsel . . . because I have no right to."

THEN, in the middle of writing that statement, as if the Lord was speaking directly to me, He asked:

"So does that mean you have a right to ask "IF" you do good enough, or do everything right?"

My obvious answer, "No," as that would take away from grace.  So why do I allow myself to fall into the lies from satan? 

All I know is the Bible tells me my righteousness is like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6) so I can do nothing to stay in His good graces.  He also keeps telling me "I am faithful when you are faithless," II Timothy 2:13.

So, today, I begin walking in the Grace and forgiveness He so graciously died for . . .the simple and soul-satisfying truth that God is enough.