My Kaitlyn

Would you please be praying for my Kaitlyn?

She has been telling me for a couple of weeks that she just doesn't feel good. 

She complains of her tummy hurting, her mouth hurting and her hands and feet are still itching and peeling (her feet are not bad; but her hands are really bad).  She has eczema on her hands and feet. Her feet are not that bad, but her hand are.  I'm attaching a picture of what her hands look like (this is NOT her hand; but her hands are in the same condition).   They itch really bad and hurt.

She is crying a lot; and just not herself. 

We try very hard to make sure we spend one on one time with her as Christopher does monopolize a lot of our time; but we just can't figure this out.  

Thank you for praying.

Stacey

New Blog To Check Out

I've started a new blog in order to keep up with all the lives being changed through Nothing Lost Outreach.  We are challenged every week by various pastors; their challenges will be posted, new decisions for Christ, re-dedications, and Baptisms.  Ministry needs will also be posted on that page.

Please take a minute and check out a poem one our guests wrote.  I guarantee it will touch your heart.

Nothing Lost Outreach

A Different Kind of Footprints in the Sand . . . .

When I saw the kids foot prints, I thought of my walk with the Lord. While Christopher and Kayla were walking and talking, they had drifted apart; one of them took their focus off of their togetherness, someone's own agenda came in to play. This particularly spoke to me in regards to my weight loss struggles. ........ love those visuals!



Watching Life Unfold

I left this morning in a foul mood. 

The kids are singing in "big church" tomorrow night.  The only type pants Christopher wears are pants with elastic in them.  I hadn't been able to find ANY pants with elastic except for jogging suits; so that is what his wardrobe consists of; and shorts (with elastic) of course.  Kaitlyn's shoes are stained and wearing thin and with her sensory problems increasing; finding shoes and socks she can wear without an emotional break down is a miracle!  She's needed shoes desperately but I was hoping to stretch them out till Christmas . . . no such luck.

After running into Target and finding no pants or shoes in our price range; we made the dreaded run to Wal-Mart.  My frustration was mounting and the "Why's" and "Woe is me's" began to fill my mind.  Discontentment set it.

But . . . . God.

It was then, as I was driving west on Nine Mile Road, heading to Wal-Mart on Hwy 29 that I thought, "Why am I going to Wal-Mart on Hwy 29?  I always go to the Wal-Mart on Creighton?"  Instantly and out of the blue, the Lord reminded me of my prayer in my journal this morning.  It read, "Lord, please let me see Paula today.  It's cold, and you told me to give her (a particular coat that had been donated to Nothing Lost Outreach through a friend) that coat.  Please let me see her.  Please." 

I told Kayla (she was with me) about it and said, "Kayla, I have to find her today.  I don't know where she is and I've only seen her outside of NLO one time.  Lord, please let me see her." 

As you can imagine, my heart leapt with joy as I pulled into the turning lane on Nine Mile Road to turn left on Old Palafox as the thin, frail woman I know as Paula, began walking towards my car wearing only a thin coat with a beanie hat.

Once again, God had nailed it.  He had Paula on my heart this morning, strong enough to journal about it; then used my running around (in the flesh) to bring me back to the Cross . . . to show His mighty hand!  He provided for Paula, through a friend that gave in obedience.  Hallelujah! 

God showed me I was getting all worked up about something that doesn't matter.  ". . . . . . stop trying to be what everyone else wants you to be.  Those children are singing to Me and they could care less what they are wearing; so you shouldn't either." 

I am reminded of my reading this morning in Sarah Young's, "Jesus Calling" devotional.  It reads:

LINGER IN MY PRESENCE A WHILE.  Rein in your impulses to plunge into the day's activities.  Beginning your day along with Me is essential preparation for success.  A great athlete takes time to prepare himself mentally for the feat ahead of him before he moves a muscle.  Similarly, your time of being still in My Presence equips you for the day ahead of you.  Only I know what will happen to you this day.  I have arranged the events you will encounter as you go along your way.  If you are not adequately equipped for the journey, you will grow weary and lose heart.  Relax with Me while I ready you for action.

Ephesians 2:30, "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Hebrews 12:3, "Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

Lord forgive me of my jealous heart and "do right" attitude.  Thank you for showing yourself to me today; thank you for my friend that was obedient to what YOU put on her heart in order to provide for Paula.  Thank you for allowing me to be on the sidelines and watch it all unfold.  Lord, I thank you for opening my eyes and bringing me back to the cross.  I love you, Lord.  I trust you.  Amen.

Paula told me she'd definitely be at NLO tomorrow because it is her birthday (Sunday, October 30th).  We will be celebrating at NLO with a birthday cake (no, she has no clue).  I wonder how long it has been since her birthday was celebrated?  She will be 48.  Please pray for Paula today.

Psalm 118:24, "This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it."

Friday's Weigh In . . . Blah, Blah, Blah . . . .

I have so struggled with my eating since my surgery.  It's been just over two months and I just can't get my focus back!

I thought I had only lost half a pound, but when I put my weight in on myfitnesspal.com; it showed one pound loss. I don't know how because I sure haven't tried.  It's been horrible.

My heart just isn't in it.  Still doing my quiet time, still doing my scripture references; so what has changed? Not sure exactly.  Laziness has kicked in I guess, as I am not journaling my food entries anymore. 

We implemented a schedule in our home this week. 

The Lord had been putting it on my heart; then it was confirmed through Mom2Mom on Sunday night.  (He has also put it on my heart to plan a monthly menu.  I will be working on that next!)

My Monday morning prayer time was mostly praying and asking God to give me a schedule for the kids.  Immediately He gave it to me.  I am still in awe.  With all the appointments we have for speech and therapy for Christopher; getting Chris and Kayla to PSC and Kaitlyn to school, we had to have SOME flexibility; so I simply explained, "this is the schedule God has given me."  It is NOT written in stone; but is a guide.  (If I told Christopher it was to be followed exactly "like this," he would have melt down after melt down from changes.)

We have been waking him up at 6:15 every morning when we get Kaitlyn up.  My mornings have started at 5 a.m. (and the occasional 5:15 when I JUST. CAN'T. GET. OUT. OF. THE. BED!) so I can have my time with the Lord.

Since day one of implementing the schedule, Christopher has been asleep BEFORE 8:00!  We have turned the television off by 7 P.M. and withing 30 to 45 minutes he (and Kaitlyn) are out.  It has been amazing.  Still having troubles with the melt downs and aggression; but not as bad as it has been.  Christopher LOVES to watch the cooking channel.  We have the most basic of basic cable; but still get the Food Network!  I told him Friday night's would be the night's he can watch cooking.  He is glad; but emotional (he is very tired).

Over the last few weeks I have sensed the Lord is preparing us for a change.  I would appreciate your prayers as we seek Him to see what He has in store for our family.  And please pray I can get my cravings under control!

Trusting in Him as He grows my faith,

Stacey

Immediate Needs For Nothing Lost Outreach

I have been asked by many people over the last few weeks what needs there are at Nothing Lost Outreach. This is a lot of information; BUT, many have asked for it.

 

View this video if you are wondering what Nothing Lost Outreach is all about.

Please print this off, put it on your refrigerator or in your Bible. If you aren’t able (or if God hasn’t put this ministry on your heart to provide), then please pray for NLO. Lives are being touched and changed for eternity. I have “awe-bumps” just thinking about it!

The following are several lists of needs; from weekly, special needs, food items, paper good items . . .etc.

The following are the items used each week in the toiletry kits:
1) Wet wipes or soap
2) Toothbrush
3) Toothpaste
4) Q-tips
5) Deodorant
6) Travel size OR large shampoos & body washes
7) Razors
8) Shaving cream
9) Quart size plastic bags

Special needs (given upon request by our NLO guests):
1) Insect repellant
2) Chap stick
3) Sunscreen
4) Feminine hygiene products (pads, liners, etc.)
5) Socks
6) Underwear
7) Mouthwash
8) Toilet paper
9) Athlete’s foot spray
10) Antibiotic ointment
11) Band-aids

Items needed for Winter:
1) Blankets
2) Coats
3) Tarps
4) Tents
5) Hats
6) Gloves

Other items needed (for the shower trailer):
1) Towels (used or new)
2) Wash cloths (used or new)
3) Laundry detergent

Meals:
Food Donations
Heavy Divided Paper Plates
12 oz paper cups
Utensil Packets
Tea
Sugar
Coffee
Little Debbie Snack Cakes
Individuals Fruit Cups (Cans)
Brown Paper Bags for their 2nd meal
Sandwich Bags

Clothing Donations:ALL SIZES . . . . CHILDREN’S AND UP!
Socks
NEW Underwear for children and up!


The temps are beginning to drop. Every Sunday, our guests are putting in orders for sweat shirts and sweat pants and jackets.

ALSO, we will be serving on Thanksgiving Day! The meal will be served at 11:00. We need servers! Please let me know if you are going to help as we need to be able to plan!

God might not be calling you to come pray with our guests, or even serve; but maybe He is calling you to donate or maybe, He is calling you to the biggest honor of all . . . . to intercede in prayer!

I challenge you to be obedient in the areas in which you have been called (regardless of the ministry or outreach).

 

When you provide, you become the hands and feet of Jesus! 

 

Stacey

Sometimes, It Just Stinks!

We have a sick cat.

Even on medications he isn't better.

Tough decisions to make; and while this seems selfish, I wish he would just die in his sleep so we don't have to do it. 

Our hearts are breaking, but we can't justify spending more money on him when utilities are past due. 

There are days I think I have this thing called "contentment" down; and then there are days like today that anger and hurt dwells within the deepest part of my belly, that one more thing is being taken away. 

Please pray for the kids in preparation of what is to come.

Tough days ahead.  

My Jesus

Heard this song for the first time today and have played it three or four times already. 

Todd Agnew's voice is gripping.  It just draws one in and ignites a fire.

Please take a few and listen to this powerful, powerful song.

My Jesus, Todd Agnew

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made . . . .

While Escambia County has no school today; "The School of Hard Knocks" (Christopher's homeschooling) does.

Christopher hates to have to write or repeat work that he has already done (and if he already knows the work, forget it). 

While trying to be creative this morning (as I struggle with thinking outside the box) and "change things up" for him, I said, "Christopher, you don't have to write the same word back to back, make one list and then another." 

To that suggestion, his eye balls got huge, his finger goes in the air, and he says. . . . . .

"I HAVE AN IDEA!

Give me another pencil!" 


(Yes, he writes with both his hands!)  He wanted to write the list once, with both hands so he gets both writings done quicker!  

How he comes up with these things is beyond me. BUT what I do know is my God made him so special; and with a brain that thinks "outside the box."

Christopher's new psychiatrist has diagnosed him with a form of "brain damage."  While I and others do not agree with this diagnosis; it is what it is. 

When Christopher was 3 years old and started occupational therapy, his therapist noticed that Christopher had a "mid-line" problem.  What that means is, he would start writing with his left hand, reach the middle of page, switch to his right hand and continue writing with his right hand to finish to line of work. 

Because of this, an MRI was done in 2009.  In the MRI, it was found that the Corpus Callosum part of the brain (the part of the brain that connects the right and left brain functions), was under developed.

We were told that people with this under-development would never play sports.  Well, if you know me or my son, then you know that Christopher is a VERY active little boy that plays EVERY sport we can get him in!  He plays soccer, basketball, and t-ball! 

What man says is impossible, God makes possible!

The Bible tells me that I, (all of us) am (are) fearfully and wonderfully made. 

In fact, the scriptures say that "I am to praise God because I am fearfully and wonderfully made!"   Psalm 139:14

When I question Him, and criticize Him for how He made me, or question why He made Christopher with so many problems; I insult my Father in Heaven.  I never realized that before today.

Precious time and thought went in to how He made me.  How He made Christopher.  How He made each of us.  Who am I to argue with that?

"Father forgive me when I complain of how you made me, nit-picking about parts and not thankful for how you designed me.  Use me for your glory.  May I never be ungrateful or complain again.  I love you, Lord.  I praise you.  I trust you and I trust your plan.  So be it, Jesus.  Amen!"

Basking in His goodness,

Stacey

Struggling with Anger

We had very little traffic today; thankful for what we did have; but struggling with anger. 

Someone changed the price tag on something; I knew it was wrong when he brought the item to pay for it; I looked around to see if I could find the ticket he swapped it out with, but I couldn't find it and I couldn't prove it. 

Hours later, I found the price tag he had swapped. 

We were having this yard sale to help with living expenses and to keep us from NOT having to sell our home.  A friend was here and prayed with me about this; but I have to be honest; I am ticked. 

It was only a dollar difference; (I know, I know) but I just can't get over it.

Why steal?

Why lie?

WHY take from someone who is already struggling to just get by? 

I don't get it.

I am angry about it. 

I'm frustrated we only made $60 (which I know is more than we had) today.

I'm frustrated what we DID make was spent on a VET bill for a CAT that is busting out the screens of my house to get out!

I guess I am just having an unthankful, ungrateful kind of day.

Sorry, just needed to vent.

I know the Lord has a plan.  I know He is in control of all things.  I know people have free will and I know I failed this test miserably of turning the other cheek.

I try to find good in all things but  OBVIOUSLY I am struggling with this today . .  as I am typing this the Lord is telling me to be thankful.  So I am going to make a list . . . .

~I am thankful for my friends that have contributed for the yard sale so graciously to help us.  I have felt an abundance of love while going through the last few weeks.

~I am thankful for a friend that gave our family a Wii Game System!  My children played for hours on it last night and as I type this Chris is setting it up and they are making us all have characters for the Wii Fit.

~I'm thankful I have pets that I have to take to the vet.  While we can't afford them; God has provided in meeting the needs of feeding them and taking care of vet bills.  Pets are sometimes the only comfort we can use to bring Christopher out of a melt down.  Pets love us unconditionally (even cats . . . . for the most part).

~I'm thankful I have SO MUCH STUFF LEFT I get to have a SECOND yard sale!!! 

~I'm thankful the Lord met the needs for the vet bill we didn't see coming.

~I'm thankful for a friend that stopped by and was here to pray for me while I was fuming.

~I'm thankful God loves me.

~I'm thankful for the new board games a friend gave us for the kids to play.

~I'm am thankful, that when I am unlovable, He loves me anyway.

~I'm thankful that the Lord has provided above and beyond for all our needs and even our wants.

I guess I really shouldn't complain.  Life could always be worse!

:)

Garage Sale, Pensacola, FL

If you live in the Pensacola area, we are having a garage sale on Friday, October 21st (8 a.m. to noon) and Saturday, October 22nd (7 a.m. to noon). 

MOST clothing is .10 an item (I know, right!?!)  Sizes range from women's plus size; boys size 6, 7, and 8; girls size 6, 7, and 8; and Juniors assorted sizes.

Items for sale:

~29 gallon aquarium, filter AND stand (along with many misc items)

~wooden roll top desk ($40.00)

~entertainment center ($20.00)

~manual elliptical machine ($20.00)

~books (hard back, $1.00 and soft back .50)

~CD's ($1.00)

~DVD's ($1.00)

~VHS Tapes (.50)

~COMIC BOOKS (you'll have to talk to my husband about these!)

~Stuffed animals

~AVON products starting at $1.00

And more! 

Our address is 2302 Lacey Circle. 

Thanks!

Stacey

Surreal

It's really been an odd week; a good week, a bad week (I am referring to my Friday food week),and an odd week. Kinda surreal; yet solemn. Like I'm disconnected and without emotion; but everything is fine . . . so why?

I don't know.  What I do know is I have eaten, gorged, eaten, gorged, celebrated (by eating) . . need I go on?  NOT been a good week on discipline and focus.

Maybe it is just exhaustion from sharing my testimony at Nothing Lost Outreach on Sunday and knowing full well the spiritual battle that took place that day. It was amazing but freaky . . . but so cool to see the Hand of God!  During the middle of my testimony, one of the men started shouting and causing a distraction.  There was noone around him, so I don't know what happened . . . yes, I do.  It was satan.  He was trying to get my gander!  BUT IT DIDN'T WORK!  As the man was being escorted out, I looked at a friend that was there, we both whispered, "it's ok" to each other simultaneously.  Moments later the room broke out in applause and we glorified God!  Whew!  Covered in awe-bumps right now!

Maybe it is the joy of seeing my daughter happy and in a good, solid relationship . . . and now engaged!   ENGAGED!  I've been praying for her spouse since she was twelve years old when I learned the importance of praying for our children.  My prayer was that God would bring the best the best that He had for her.  He did good.  Her FIANCE' is currently serving in the United States Marine Corps.  He is being stationed to California.  Please pray for him.  Pray for Kayla too.  Schooling is so important; but with her heart torn in the separation; she is just having a tough time.

Maybe it was the news that Christopher's psychiatrist has diagnosed him with encephalopathy with mood disorder and while he does have Asperger's, OCD/Sensory, Anxiety Disorders, based on the DSM manual, if a person/child has a diagnosis of encephalopathy, then it takes precedence over all other diagnosis'. How does this affect Christopher, I have no clue. The psychiatrist described it at a form of brain damage.  How did he get it?  Have no clue.  The thought is it's a birth defect, maybe heredity, who knows.  It would explain; however, why the medications we have tried and changed over and over don't work for long, or at all. But,what I do know, as I have said before, is I don't know God's plan, but I trust it. He created Christopher, and as much as I love him, He loves him even more.

Maybe it is the fact my youngest daughter is so nervous she chews on her hands and has pulled all the skin off her hands.

Maybe it's the fact that God showed Himself faithful yet again not only giving me confirmation in an area, BUT, He also provided! 

Let me explain in that He may be glorified! 

After receiving the diagnosis for Christopher, and being told there is no treatment; I began praying.  I began praying that if God wanted me to have Christopher seen an alternative medicine specialist, that He would confirm it..  I have been praying about a person I heard about named Dr. Jimmie Hill in Pace, FL.  He does Iridology.  I know what you are thinking; but here is the deal.  Nothing else is really working.  So why not?  What else do we have to lose?  (It has also worked out to have Christopher seen by a friend that do biofeedback studies of the brain; not based on the blood pressure and breathing, but reading the brain!  That is another story . . . so I'll move on.)  Well, what has kept me from pursuing it is money.  Alternative Medicine Specialist are not covered by insurance. Now follow me here . . .   Out of the blue, I received an email from a friend that new about Christopher's change in diagnosis and issues.  She told how her daughter had been ill and the doctor's couldn't figure out what was going on, so she went to see "Dr. Hill"in Pace to have her daughter's eyes read!  She was my confirmation to take Christopher!  BUT!  Here is the even COOLER thing!  That same morning, before even getting the email about Dr. Hill from a friend; I received a notification that we had made a mistake on our FAFSA Pell Grant paperwork for Chris and Kayla's schooling.  Even though their school tuition was covered, and because of our unfortunate poverty level, the extra money was put in to our spending account.  No kidding!  Go ahead, SHOUT AND REJOICE!  Guess what else!?!  (YES; there is MORE!)  It is enough to pay the mortgage of the house through Christmas (keeping us in our home through the holiday's ~ hello!  What a blessing THAT is!), pay the property taxes that will be due AND pay for a visit to see Dr. Hill!  Can you say "ONLY GOD CAN GET THE GLORY!"  I even hesitated in sharing this because it's one of those, "what if something breaks and we have to spend that money to fix something; but you know what I know; "My God will supply ALL our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus!"  Philippians 4:19. 

I am just in awe.

It's surreal.

Its majestic.

All I can do is sigh and bask in His faithfulness.

Glorifying Him . . . . . because I have not walked in victory over my eating :(

Stacey

He Knows My Name . . .

First of all, I have taken off the music player on my blog.  I post too much music on here to have it playing; so it's off. 

Have had a strange week . .  struggled with anger, jealously, envy, anger (yes, that is on here twice for a reason), bad attitude . .  fear, anxiety . . . . . its all been here. 

Through it all, what keeps coming to my mind and the only thing giving comfort to my heart is knowing, "He Knows My Name." 

He knows every hair on my head (Luke 12:7). 

He knew me before the womb (Psalm 139).

He knows my thoughts before I even speak them (Psalm 139).

He knows . . .  it all!

I've been praying all week and preparing for sharing my testimony on Sunday at Nothing Lost Outreach.  While my heart seems to be at peace,  my mind is a fog.  Scriptures are racing and my thoughts are jumping from one to another . . .

My prayer, as well as many others for me this week, have been that I would speak only the words the Lord would have me to speak and that He alone would be glorified!

I have only lost one pound the last two weigh ins.  Really struggling with commitment.  While even one pound loss in nothing gained, it just seems like it should be more.  I have incorporated exercising more; not the six days a week like my doctor would like, but working up towards that.  I was able to put on my grandmother's wedding band that she gave to Chris to propose with.  I haven't been able to wear it in two years.  It is still tighter than I like my rings to be, but getting close, and that excites me!  Just a few more pounds and I'll be at the halfway mark!

On a side note, I sure am missing my Kayla. She is visiting her boyfriend's family in Georgia this weekend. Please pray for her. She will be home on Monday and then has class Monday night.  I know she is 19; but she is still my baby (I know, I'm a sap).  She is struggling with College Chemistry right now and College Algebra.  She has to have majors in both of these fields if she wants to major in Meteorology. 

Christopher has had a horrible cough and green for one week now.  When Christopher doesn't feel good, it makes everything else worse; his emotions, the melt downs, the anger . . . . just exhausting.  BUT, as a sweet friend reminded me, God chose us to raise this special, special young boy!  I can't wait to see what God does through his life!

Kaitlyn has been chewing the skin off the tips of her fingers and thumbs.  The speculation is the Ritalin she was started on for the ADHD has increased her anxiety and heightened her sensory issues; which would explain the fight we are having with tags, clothing, shoes and socks again.  She is constantly digging on her finger nails and toe nails as well.  She stays nervous, not knowing when Christopher will react next.  Breaks my heart.

Thanks for stopping by today.  I have to get off here so I can finish my scripture references. 

Continuing, to Walk in Victory,

Stacey

Psalm 139:13

October 13, 2011

Today has been a good day. 

We got to meet Kayla's boyfriend. 

My dad found out yesterday he would be able to come for lunch today, but not for a late dinner; so we kept it a secret and she got the surprise of her life.  Dad parked two doors down so she wouldn't see his Suburban.  What made it even more special was my brother sent me a text, literally thirty minutes before Kayla got home, saying he was coming! 

Having my brother and sister here, with my dad just made my day! 

I was really surprised it came together like it did!  The least amount of planning and WOW!

Kayla was sooo surprised!  She came in, started down the hallway to her room; then dropped her bags and came back with the BIGGEST grin!  (I know, the pictures are very blurry, but she was moving so fast I just couldn't do anything about it!  BUT the look on her face when she saw her Pappow was PRICELESS! 

My baby girl :)

She loves her Pappow!

Pappow with Christopher and Kaitlyn

 

 Michelle adores her big brother ;)

 

"Get your education, Kayla . . . Listen to an old man whose been there and done that!" (lol; just kidding on the "old man" part, dad!   

Can you see the look on her face and tell me what she's thinking?!  Hmmmmmm.

 

I laughed at this picture . . . "The Stand-off!" 

Christopher, "Now that's my sister in there . . . " 

Jacob, "Yeah, and that's my girlfriend in there . . . "

 

 

Pappow with his grand kids:)

Kayla with Jacob

We also went to eat at LaHacienda for dinner, in order for the rest of the family to meet Jacob.  I do have pictures from there, but will add those later.  I am having to add each picture one at a time and my computer keeps freezing.

Please pray for Jacob and Kayla as they drive to his home to meet his folks tomorrow.

While today has been very nice and we have enjoyed Jacob's company; my mind has shifted over and over to the date.

October 13, 2011.

Today, is my step-brother, Jack D. Crabtree's birthday.  While he is no longer my "step-brother," he is still a valued part of my heart.  I haven't had any contact from him in 27 years.  Just remembering brings tears to my eyes.

The last time my dad (Major John Bruntlett, USMC, Weapons Battalion) saw Jack, was when he was in boot camp at Paris Island.  Jack was in week eight or nine of training when his unit started weapons training.  When dad did get a chance to speak, Jack's response (and any body that has been in boot camp will understand this) was "SIR, YES SIR!" or "SIR, NO SIR!"  No communication further than that.  Dad would never interfere with the training of a Marine.

I think of Jack often, as does dad.

Happy Birthday, Jack!  I pray your day is blessed and touched by the hands of God.

Stacey

Remake America Casting

Three years ago, before we really new what was going on with Christopher, we applied for SuperNanny. 

Last week I received an email that they were recasting for the show using a new nanny.

Then, today, I received this email:

From the Producers of NBC's hit show The Biggest Loser:  We are looking for people from across the country struggling with current issues so many Americans are facing -- unemployment, uninsured, losing a house, military deployment, or feeling the squeeze financially, etc.  This show will help people solve these issues via a team of experts and community support systems.  If you or someone you know is intersted in learning more, please apply only here:  http://www.remakeamericacasting.com/. 

Good luck!

Stacey

Nothing Lost Outreach Video

Several weeks ago I blogged about a ministry that gives hope to the homeless.  The name of the ministry is called Nothing Lost Outreach.

While words on paper may be fine, seeing it on video will send you a shoutin'! 

Please take a few minutes and watch this clip.  You will need to scroll down and mute the music player!   Nothing Lost Outreach

The woman interviewed at the end of the piece came to know Jesus through NLO.  She told me, "I would never go into a church if not for NLO." 

I remember the first time I ever held the hand of a homeless man.  As tears ran down his face, we prayed for restoration of his family that he hadn't seen or spoken to in two years.

The most glorious sound I've ever heard is during worship service, when the voices of the men and women in the room rise above the instruments! 

The men and women at NLO are not perfect.  They are homeless or in extreme poverty.  They are being introduced to Jesus every Sunday and being accepted where they are.  Many come drunk or high; but the scriptures tell us that His word will not return void!  Amen!  Amen!

Please bring this ministry before the Father as He brings it to your mind.  IF you feel led to serve, please come!  IF you feel led to give, please give.  God will honor your obedience and bless the fruits of your labor and/or offering.

Turning 40 And Fat Cells

I became curious during this weight loss journey of mine and started doing a little research.  Because the explanation of fat cells and their terminology was a little; well, OK; a lot, out of my educational/understanding range, I had to have someone educated in the field explain it to me, that could then explain it on my level.

In simple terms, she told me that we are actually born with the number of fat cells we will have in our lifetime.  She then went on to tell me that what we feed our bodies determinies if those fat cells grow or not.  Hmmm.  Simple enough, right?! 

We truly are what we eat! 

As I was typing I thought of the Biblical aspects of that as well.  Our Pastor puts it best, "Garbage in, garbage out."  My spiritual heart will only grow when it is fed.  One feeds the spiritual heart by spending time in the word, surrounding oneself with men and women that love the Lord and will encourage and challenge us. 

  

Something I just thought of that makes me smile is the Grinch that Stole Christmas.  Let me explain.

During the first few years of my sobriety, the Lord worked on many of my hurts; some, we are still working on. 

One of the first Most Excellent Way meetings I attended was on the topic of "Forgiveness."  I became so upset that "I had to forgive" this woman or I wouldn't be forgiven! I said, "I would rather die and go to hell that to forgive her for what she did."  Obviously, I had no clue what I was really saying; but, at the time; I meant it (I did not know the Lord at this time).

  This is what my heart looked like  . . . .

 

Then, a sweet, dear, dear lady approched me after that meeting and told me she would be praying for me.  Her name was Cora.  It's been 13 years and I can still see the hurt and pain in her eyes as she spoke to me.  The following week she approached me with pages of scriptures and handwritten prayers she had been praying over me.  The prayers of that precious woman began the healing process of my heart.

Shortly after, the Lord gave me a scripture that would show me exactly what He can do. 

The Bible says, in Ezekiel 36:26, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." 

THAT is what He did for me!!  I had begun feeding my spiritual soul  by getting in The Word, was growing as a young Christian and surrounding myself with people that would grow and challenge me! 

He took a cold, hard heart out, and gave me one of flesh . . . a new heart! 

My heart had grown; MORE than three sizes!

While only God can perform miracles and heal the heart; we, as believers in Christ, must do our part, to study; pray and be willing to ask God to do the unthinkable, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts." (Psalm 139:23)

I'm not sure where all that came from and obviously there were some rabits chased, cause all I wanted to do was post some before weight loss and turning 40 pictures!  The point that is on my heart is "Good in, Good out; Bad in, Bad out."  That goes for the physical as well as the spiritual.  I don't know why I couldn't have said it that short to begin with!

The following picture was taken on May 23, 2011.

 

This picture was taken today, October 9, 2011 after losing 51 pounds!  My goal was to lose 40 by the time I turned 40 (October 7th).  God shined favor on me to do this.  My next goal was 20 more pounds to lose before the end of the year.  I have 9 more to go to reach that; and will then be just over half-way through this journey.

It's strange; I really had no idea the difference.  I had to purchase new hose to wear!  Last week when I got home from church they had fallen all the way down!  OH!  And my feet are shrinking!  MY FEET!  I was actually able to get my foot into an 8 1/2 shoe!   Where does it all go?  I still don't get it?  I guess I don't have to get it and don't really care as long as it keeps coming off. 

Two days ago I started my 30 minute exercise program.  My doctor wants me doing cardio for 30 minutes a day, six days a week.  He believes the reason for the continued headaches is Fibromyalgia related.  The best way to deal with Fibromyalgia is to have ones weight under control and exercise; so I'm doing what I gotta do!   

Thanks for praying for me on this journey.

Please keep Christopher in your prayers.  Will update soon on him.

Continuing, to Walk in Victory,

Stacey

Community Public Safety Day

The Pensacola Fire Department in conjunction with Escambia County Fire Rescue is planning a Community Public Safety Day October 8^th from 10:00am-2:00pm at Pensacola State College main campus. 

The goal is to showcase the equipment and services provided by all the public safety agencies in the area. 

The agencies to be represented include: PFD, PPD, ECFR, ECSO, ECEMS, ECEOC, SFM, Div. of Forestry, FWC, Midway Fire, Navy Fire, Life Flight, Red Cross and more. 

This is not for profit and there is no admission fee. 

This is a way for parents to see what their tax dollars purchase and for the kids to have fun. 

Some of the activities planned are:            

            Demonstrations

                        Live firefighting

                        Vehicle extrication

                        Patient care

                        Aerial apparatus operation

                        Special Ops repelling

                        Canine searches

                        Helicopter Ops

            Information

                        Bike safety tips

                        Finger Printing

                        Car seat installation

            Fun

                        Safe House fire drills

                        Bucket brigade game

                        Small fire hose game

                        Burgers and Hotdogs sold with all proceeds going to a local charity.

I Don't Have To Be!

My kids have an amazing pediatrician.  God did good when He put her in our path.  She has been taking care of my children's medical needs since they were two weeks old.  When the babies were born, we then started taking Kayla there as well.

She has become a trusted friend and confidant in regards to my children and counseled me in many areas of parenting, and just been an overall encourager to me. 

I say all that because of a song she posted on my facebook wall months and months ago (see . . . . she is much more than a doctor) while dealing with the struggles of raising a child with Aspergers.

Since the first time I heard the song, I have loved it.  What's amazing is hearing the song right when I need it most!

I cried while listening to the words . . . the same words I have uttered over and over to the Lord, "I'm not strong enough for this, Lord.  I can't do this . . . "  Please scroll down and mute my music player to hear this song.  I pray you will make it your hearts prayer unto the Lord.

As you will hear through the words of this song (and as scripture tells us), we don't have to be . . . "Strong Enough"  for any of life's challenge . . . . 

Not sure what it is you are experiencing right now, but what I do know, is He is strong enough!

Continuing, to Walk in Victory,

Stacey