Christmas At The Paden's

We celebrated Christmas many days this year. 

Since I would be at Nothing Lost Outreach on Christmas Day, my husband and I decided to have our Christmas Dinner on Christmas Eve Day.

Dad came over from Tallahassee, Ron and Michelle were here, Jon and Angie, Memaw joined us, and of course, my mom.  We had a wonderful feast!  I love family get-to-gethers and don't think we have nearly enough of them!

During the last few weeks, my oldest, Kayla, has been preparing for a move to California to marry her fiance' that is stationed out there.

We had a farewell dinner, but with the holiday's, not all the family was able to join us; so we had a "second" Christmas feast/farewell dinner for Kayla this past Wednesday evening.  It was very special to my heart.

I took over 1,041 pictures over a three day period, and then more on Wednesday night! . . . Yes, I have a problem!

I am still working on all those pictures and will post them eventually; but I wanted to share the link to some pictures from Nothing Lost Outreach's first Christmas.  While all the family events were wonderful, serving at NLO made my Christmas!

The link to the pictures is, www.nothinglostoutreach.blogspot.com. 

I trust you spent savoring moments with the Savior this Christmas Season, and for 2012, I wish you peace and closeness with the Father.

Stacey

The Winner is . . . .Christmas Skin Care AND Scarf Give-A-Way!

Ann Ferguson is the winner of my skin care and scarf give-a-way!  Congratulations Ann F!

I also have a SECOND scarf  (without the skin care) to give away and the winner of that is Melissa S!

Thank you for all that entered! 

I pray you all have a wonderful Christmas and spend time being thankful for the birth of our Savior!

Blessings,

Stacey

I haven't hosted a give-a-way in a YEAR!  I can't believe it! 

Genics is not just a great product, but it's one that I use daily!

I have very sensitive eyes.  I've tried the other products, and while they work GREAT; they make my eyes water.

This product does not and I like that!

I initially intended to give-a-way the scarf that comes with this purchase, but decided to give a way the skin care AND the scarf together!

To enter, simply leave your name and email address in the comment section. 

If you do not have a google account, you can leave a comment by clicking "anonymous" and then putting your name and email in the comment section.

The deadline to enter the give-a-way is Friday at 11:00 a.m. central time.  You may enter as long as your are in the United States. 

I will announce the winner on this blog and on my facebook page (Stacey Bruntlett Paden).  I will also email the winner (as long as an email address is left in the comment section.)

Thank you for entering, and Merry Christmas!

Stacey

Hearing From The Father . . . .

Several months ago I dropped my AVON customer load by half; keeping very few individual customers and mainly busyness's and the two churches I participated in.

I kept the customer's then because I have a special relationship with each of them; and honestly, I lived in fear of the "what if's," if I had stopped selling AVON.

I rationalized that "God would not be telling me to stop selling AVON when it is the only income coming in.  He just wouldn't do that!"  So I continued. . . . . 

I continued to do what I thought others expected me to do.

In the last few months, we have had to make multiple, major car repairs on our only car.  We are putting in over $80 a week in gas alone; not including the wear and tear. 

I do not make enough selling AVON to even put gas in my car anymore.

As my work and homeschooling at home has increased and my place of service has been made known among the homeless, the once enjoyable time of selling AVON decreases.

A friend stated to me the other day, "Jesus was called many things, but He was never called busy." 

Those words have changed my life!

They have radiated deep into the depths of my soul.

Have I continued selling AVON in direct disobedience? 

Have I been doing this in fear of what others would think if I stopped? 

Is me continuing to sell AVON the reason the heaviness lies over me?

These are the questions I have been running through my heart and mind for days and even months.

I am asking God to give me a confirmation that would be ever so evident.  I am asking God to give me a peace about what I believe He is showing me and that there would be no guilt.

Please join me in praying for the clarity and peace that can only come from The Father.

Thank you for interceding for a weary heart!

Stacey

Consider Trials Joy?! AAGH!

Update!  After speaking with the mechanic that did $425 worth of work on our car this past Monday; he agreed work was done on the car that was not asked!  I picked up a refund of $99.97! 



This morning, my reading from the Jesus Calling devotional was on trials.

Ironic?

Not at all; but, instead a divine appointment to encourage through a rough day.

It reads:

MAKE THE FOCAL POINT of your search for security. In your private thoughts, you are still trying to order your world so that it is predictable and feels safe. Not only is this an impossible goal, but it is also counterproductive to spiritual growth. When your private world feels unsteady and you grip My hand for support, you are living in conscious dependence on Me.

Instead of yearning for a problem-free life, rejoice that trouble can highlight your awareness of My Presence. In the darkness of adversity, you are able to see more clearly the radiance of My Face. Accept the value of problems in this life, considering them pure joy. Remember that you have an eternity of trouble-free living awaiting you in heaven.

Isaiah 41:10, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Psalm 139:10, "even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast."

James 1:2, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,. . . "

How perfect is that?  The bold words are the ones that spoke to me personally.

I've known trials were coming. 

When one is listening and doing what the Lord tells them to do, satan gets mad. 

"Prepare for the fiery darts" is what Eddie Echarri always told me.

The scriptures tell us that in this world we will have trouble.

If one has been a Christian for any length of time, then you'd know that statement is all too true.

For our family, it is always, and I mean always, financial and medical. 

At times I feel like a broken record player; not that I am doubting that the Lord will provide (because I know He will; He has always shown Himself faithful); but from being weary of the attacks over and over and over. 

Is it a means of keeping me humble?  Is it a lack of faith?  Is it that we are not truly hearing from the Lord and are off track? 

These are the questions that play in my mind day in and day out. 

Will we EVER get a break?  Why do some never seem to struggle?

Why?

We had to have $425 worth of work done on our car this last week.

Today the car broke down, again; leaving me stranded and trying to get from one basketball game to another.

My soul is weary.  Tears have fallen all day.  I know the Lord will provide; He has time and time again; it just gets old sometimes.

The repair needed to the car is another $400, if it's done correctly.  Or, as the mechanic kindly put it, he can rig it and bypass the problem and "make it work."  That cost, $100. 

Now, if you read yesterday's post, you will know that a woman I don't even know (had only met her one time), gave us a Christmas gift yesterday.  It was a Visa Gift Card of $100. 

While my heart is rejoicing that God met another need that I didn't even  know was coming at us, my mind, body, and soul remains weary. 

I find myself wishing for an escape from reality these days.  I guess, OK, I know the Lord knew that because He sent a brother in Christ this morning to encourage me.  Quoting the same scriptures from my devotional this morning, James 1:2.

I quoted a scripture earlier that said, "In this world you will have trials."  But I didn't quote the entire scripture. 

It reads: 

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart (FEAR NOT)! I have overcome the world."  John 16:33

On weary days like today, I rest in knowing My Father in Heaven has a divine plan.  In Him, and only Him, I can have peace.

Pray for us please.  Pray that we would hear from Heaven.  I don't want to be out of the Lord's will, and if that is what all these attacks are about, then I need to hear from Him.  IF they are because we ARE doing what the Lord wants us to do, then we need the peace that only He can give. 

Blessings to you,

Stacey

What Does A Florida Fan, An Alabama Fan, AND a DAWG Fan Have In Common?

I have had several ladies at my house this week to help in the NEVER-ending endeavor to sort clothing donated.

While the response to help clothe the homeless has been phenomenal, it has also become overwhelming.  Overwhelming to the point where I have had to put a hold on all the donations until I can finish separating what has already been donated.

My front porch is covered,  my living room, my kitchen, and my dining room are filled with bags and boxes to sort. 

In one of my anxiety filled moments, I cried out to God, "I can't do this, Lord!  There is so much and ONE person can't make a difference; are you crazy?  Especially NOT me!  I can't live like this!" 

After my rantings, God said, "What I have called you to do, I will equip you to do.  Ask for help."

With that, I put out a plea for help. 

This week, I have had help every day but Thursday!

On Monday, a friend of mine, Sheri, came over with another lady, Gracie, to help.  They knocked out much!  (I forgot to take a picture . . . . sorry!)

Tuesday, a friend of a friend, Christi, came.

Wednesday, Sheri came again.

Today, Friday, Sheri and Gracie came again!

When Gracie walked in, she handed me a Christmas card!  I was so excited, my first one!  I haven't even bought cards this year and doubt that I do.  Not a bah-hum-bug, but just not practical for this season in our lives.

As I opened the card, another card fell out. 

It was a gift card!

The tears started immediately as in my journal just this morning I wrote, "God, I know I am not supposed to worry, and I know you have taken care of the kids Christmas gifts, but I need stocking stuffers, my water bill is past due and due for disconnect; we only have enough money for January's mortgage and I haven't EVEN thought about the property taxes!  I am exhausted from just givin them back over and over again." 

Am I the only one that struggles with this?  Is it a lack of faith to have to keep giving "things" continuously back to the Lord?  Anyway . . . .

Christopher was there with me when I opened the card.

I have the sweetest little boy ;)    God indeed made him special!

I love being able to show my children how God has provided for us time and time again.  It is even more special to this momma's heart when I had just poured my heart out to God Almighty.  The fact is, the gift card was purchased even before my plea to the Father . . . He knew the need before I even had to ask!

How comforting and reassuring that God is in control and that He has a plan.  Makes me smile :)

In the midst of the ladies working, Sheri hollared, "Hey, you've got a lot of clothing good for keeping people warm.  All you'd have to do is gather all the shirts that look like THIS and catch them on fire!" 

As I turned to look, she was holding up an Alabama shirt!! 

Now, anybody that knows me, knows I do not like Alabama. 

I do not like Florida.

I am a GEORGIA FAN!

But what is so cool, is that between an Alabama fan that donated their clothing items to clothe the homeless, a Florida fan that is donating her time so the homeless can get some clothing, and a Georgia fan that is just putting out the word for needs that the homeless have, that lives are being touched in the name of Jesus! 

So what do we have in common?  Jesus.  King Jesus!  The One that defeated death.  The One that is living now, making intercession on His children's behalf!  The One that is coming again!

Hallelujah!

Hebrews 13:20 & 21, "Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen."

Christmas Day Serving Opportunity

I need help on Christmas Day to serve and clean the kitchen at Nothing Lost Outreach.
We will be serving a meal that has been prepared by Waterfront Mission beginning at 2:30.

If you are available to serve, I need you there at 1:30. The food will arrive at 2:00; so there might be some standing around time but I need hands available for me to delegate so I can be with our guests. From 2 to 2:30 we will be scrambling to keep the food warm and serve.

We need food servers and meal servers. At NLO we have servants that serve our guests their meal. They do not go through the line.

The clean up should be minimal which brings me to the next need, clean up crew!

IF you are available, please respond so I can see where the needs lie.

There will be NO showers, haircuts or clothing distribution on Christmas Day. We will have a worship and devotion time beginning at 3:30.

I will have minimal clothing for emergency situations, ie blankets, sleeping bags, shoes, and jackets. Please begin praying the Lord would quicken my spirit for particular needs as He did on Thanksgiving!

Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus.

Please email me at thepadens@cox.net if you are interested in serving. 

Thank you!

Christmas Crafts & Baking; Family Style!

I had been watching and waiting for many months for a particular cup cake pan to go on sale through AVON.  Well, it finally did!  With my discount, I would get a great price, AND the Lord allowed for some extras sales, so I got it!  It is a cup cake pan that has a wire lid type that allows for holes to be made in the cupcakes so one could stuff it with filling! 

With that, I came up with an idea to make Christmas cupcakes (cause my cookies NEVER turn out good)!

My sister and her children, along with my mom came over Saturday to make Christmas cupcakes, cookies and Pine Cone Christmas Trees!

Since we are all so busy and we see each other so very little; when we DO have moments together, I take LOTS of pictures!

We started off walking down the street to see if we could see Santa riding on the back of the fire truck!  He was on the street and apartment complex that sits almost directly behind our house, so after waiting and waiting for him to come down our street; we set out to find him! While we never did see Santa, we did find fun!  And yes, I took lots of pictures of the kids . . . . being kids!


      































When we got back home, the kids each painted a mini clay pot to use as the base for their Christmas Tree.  Each child picked their color(s).

Christmas Crafts! VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

While we were painting, Mom was putting cookies in the oven.

Once they all got through painting their pots, we decorated cupcakes!  This gave the pots some drying time and got the kids off their seats!
















































































Yes, they were DELICIOUS!


After the cupcakes we decorated Sugar Cookies with Mom’s Mint Icing (YUM!)

Cookie Time! VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

SEVERAL hours later we got to finish our Pine Tree Christmas Trees!

Pine Cone Christmas Tree Craft! VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

I know there are many photos on here; but each one tells a story and I just couldn’t choose between them. 

This Christmas season, slow down enough to spend time with the family God has given you.
 
Make memories, and take a few pictures!