When Jesus Makes Me Smile THROUGH Caprisuns

There are many times that He makes me smile, but today, He blessed in such a way that my face and heart were beaming.

Our church, Pine Summit Baptist has been planning a food distribution for the 32526 area for today, Saturday the 29th.

I never thought anything about it because we don't live in the 32526 zip code area.

Until Thursday, when I received a call from one of the ladies that works in the church office.  She wanted to make sure I knew even though we don't live in the 26 zip code, since we are church members, we are more than welcome to come.

At first I was thrilled!

Then it sank in.

Pride.

I know, I know!  You'd think I wouldn't have any pride left!  But somehow, it reared its UGLY head.

These are MY people.

MY friends.

MY acquaintances . . . . and they are going to SEE ME in the LINE for FOOD distribution!

What are THEY going to think!?

My pride took my thoughts to, "That's all I need is for someone to feel sorry or show pity.  I just won't go.  The Lord will meet the need another way."  (Yes, that is what I was REALLY thinkin' y'all!)

Well, can I tell ya, that was just plane ole stinkin' thinkin!

With a knot in my stomach I drove to Pine Summit Baptist this morning.

I stood in line.

I got hugs from people that I know love me and my family and have missed us (we have missed about 6 weeks in a row . . . . I know, I know!)

I swallowed my pride and in my heart, thanked God for meeting our needs.

And then it happened.

The juice section.

Caprisuns.

Eight left.

Strawberry Kiwi.

Now while that means absolutely nothing to you, to me, a momma of a child with sensory issues that is VERY picky about what is eaten or drank, it was the touch of the Master saying, "I'm here, Stacey.  I know what you need, even the things you haven't asked for."

You see, Thursday, Kaitlyn took the last Strawberry Kiwi Caprisun to school in her lunch.


Kaitlyn only drinks one kind of juice.

Strawberry Kiwi Caprisun.

(And before you criticize and say, "let her go thirsty and she will drink what you have."  She does go without.  She will drink water or thirst because her sensory issues are pretty severe.)

We were out.

But today.

God gave us enough to get through next week for Kaitlyn's lunch.

Wanna know why?

Cause He loves me.

He loves my children, EVEN more than I do!

He loves you too.

He knows your needs.

He knows your wants.

He know your dreams/hearts desires.

He know the number of hairs on your head.

He knows your heart.

He made you.

When He died on the cross, YOU were on His mind!

Oh How HE Loves YOU and ME!

NOW!  If that doesn't make you smile . . . . 

What IF My People Pray?!

Hey ya'll.

As most of you on fb know, I started a new page.  It is entitled, Romans 8:28.

The page is intended to be used as a prayer page.  Please feel free to leave your prayer requests and/or prayers on the page.

The page will not be used for political gain or to smash political parties.

The page will not be used as grounds for gossip.

Foul language will not be tolerated on the page.

Please use the page to pray for our nation.  Our President and all those in leadership rolls over our country.

Please use the page to pray for the men in our homes to be leaders.

Please use the page to pray for your children.

Please use the page to pray for your pastor's and their family's.

Please use the page to pray for yourself.

When two or more are gathered in His name, He is there with us!

Thanks for sharing the page to your fellow bloggers and friends.

Stacey

What Do Bullies In The First Grade Have To Do With David And Goliath?

My baby girl told me this morning (as she was leaving for school) that she has two enemies.

The look in her eyes said fear.

Here is what I know.

After lunch time, the students are taken out to recess.  It is then two little girls continue to chase her and scare her.  Yesterday as she was leaving school, one of the girls tapped her on her shoulder and said, "That's her!"

She has spoken to her teacher about it, and the teacher made a joke about it, asking, "if they had horns?"  Hmmmmm.  (I will most definitely be following up with that one.)

I immediately sat and prayed with her, telling her the Bible tells us to to pray for our enemies.

The scriptures say in Matthew 5:44, "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."

The scriptures also say in Proverbs 25:21-22 that in being kind to our enemies is like pouring heaps of coal on their head.

After our prayer time, I told her she is going to have to confront them, or they will continue to chase her.

Fear was evident in her eyes as the words, "I can't.  I'm scared of them!" came out of her mouth.

It was then, my most gracious and loving Heavenly Father began to speak through me.

"Do you remember the story of David & Goliath (I Samuel 17)?  He was this VERY small boy, and yet he faced AND conquered a GIANT!  You have that same power within you!  You can face them."

Kaitlyn then asked if she could take her Bible to school with her, and of course I said, "Absolutely!"

She marked the story of David & Goliath for quick reference.

School and some teachers do not allow the Bible in their classrooms.  I do not know her current teacher's view on this; however, I did ask Kaitlyn if she is allowed to have free time to read and she said yes.

My instructions were that then and only then could she take out her Bible to read it in class.

Then she left . . . . . to conquer her fear.

Pray for Kaitlyn today.  Specifically between the time of 11:00 a.m. and 11:50 a.m.

Pray for her teacher that she would allow Kaitlyn to read her Bible in free time reading.  I have no desire to cause a problem, but free time reading is free time reading and Kaitlyn has rights.

Pray for the two girls.  I only know the name of one, but that doesn't even matter.  Pray for them.

Pray for me; that this momma will walk in grace.

Chicken Cordon Bleu

This is my rendition of Chicken Cordon Bleu.  I kind of, well, OK.  I made this up, so bear with me.

Here are the ingredients I used:

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
Ham
Mozzarella
Cream of Mushroom Soup

If the breast are large, fillet them.  If not, you can layer the ham and mozzarella on top of the breasts (heck, even if they are large breasts and you just don't want to stuff them, then layer them!).

I used "skinny  meat" ham.  I know, you have probably never heard of it, and this is OK; just go to the deli and get your favorite kind of ham and have it sliced thin.

I used the soft, good Mozzarella, not that hard block stuff that doesn't melt smoothly :)  Is that a nice way of putting it?  But just buy whatever kind of Mozzarella you like, but I'm telling you, this was oh my gosh good!

Place 1 to 2 slices of ham inside the breast and place a slice of the Mozzarella inside the breast, fold breast over.

Pour Cream of Mushroom Soup over top.  For more than 4 breasts, you will need an additional can of soup.

For the smaller chicken breasts, I just layered the ham on top of the breast, then the cheese and then the Cream of Mushroom Soup.

I personally preferred the layering of the ingredients on top because the Mozzarella had a beautiful golden brown color to it.

I served the chicken over a bed of egg noodles.  I personally did not care for the texture of the egg noodles with it, but my husband loved loved loved it!  The next time I fix this, I will use either a Penne pasta or something with a little firmer texture.

Also, I baked this in the oven at 375 degrees for 45 minutes.  I plan on preparing this in the crock pot next time though.

Neither myself nor my husband had to add any salt to this.

It really was good!

Week Old Kitten

A friend called today; she had a friend . . . . .  who had a friend . . . . . that found a week old kitten under her car.

Yes.

The one week old kitten is now at my house.

I am indeed . . . . .  crazy.

But what can I say?

My daughter walked in tonight and said, "Mom!  We have EIGHT dogs, FOUR cats and now a BABY KITTEN!  That's THIRTEEN ANIMALS in our house!"

I said, "Oh my gosh!  What is WRONG with me?"  (Not ever taking the time to add them up, I was seriously shocked and then realized why it is I am actually picking up soooo much poop every day!)

She then looks at me with the most beautiful hazel eyes that God gave her and smiled her beautiful smile, and said, "I. LOVE. IT!"

*Sigh*

I wish I could have taken a picture of the look on her face.

Priceless.

Valentine heard the kitten crying and instantly took to him/her.  She has made my heart smile time and time again today by cleaning the baby and stimulating him/her so it will go potty.

I just love my "V-V!"

Below are some pics of the two together.  I have tried all night to upload a video of her cleaning the kitten; but blogger keeps freezing.   Will reattempt at a later time.

The kitten went about 24 hours without any real food.  She seems weaker than when she first arrived earlier in the day.  Please pray for the baby kitty that she makes it the night.

 I love this picture because of Valentine's ears :)  

 This picture isn't about the kitten.  

Or the dog.

But look at the face of the precious baby in the background.

*Sigh*

 Cleaning the baby.

 And more cleaning.

 Nose to nose :)  

(Jenny, do you notice the container next to the basket.  Dog food bowl!  You should be proud :)

 More cleaning (Is this normal for a non pregnant and never has been PUPPY of 8 months old to do this?)  She has been AMAZING!)

Now I laughed out loud on this one.  After all the sweet loving ones of V-V cleaning the kitten, 

it looks like she is licking her chops and ready to chow down!  

On a serious note, several of the animals here this week will be leaving soon for Maine.  

What a joy it has been to have them.  

Each has their own personality and each shows love differently . . . . sorta like people.  

The honorable trait about dogs/puppies, they seem to have this thing called unconditional love down.  

Limiting God

As many of you know, for weeks I have been looking for a washing machine.  In fact, some of you have been helping me and have grown just as frustrated with one dead end after after.

Yesterday, God showed me why He didn't want me to have another used washing machine!

He wanted me to have a brand spankin' new one!

Which got me thinkin' . . . . . how often do I limit God?

• by putting limits on my prayers, "Lord please help me find a washer on craigs list!"  (Isaiah 55:8, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways." declares the Lord.  My prayers should have been, "Lord, please provide a washing machine, in your time and in your way."
• by doubting.  James 1:6 says, "But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like the wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind."
• by being angry.  Ephesians 4:26 says, "In your anger, do not sin."  Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.
• 
  

Those are just a few off the top of my head but there are so many more, but honestly, that is not where this is going.  At least I don't think it is.

Since I was washing the clothes in the tub, it was taking double the time to dry the clothes in the dryer and my heart was in panic mode for the power bill.  I had Chris put me up a few clothes lines so I could dry the clothes outside then finish up in the dryer if necessary.

Yes.  You can "red neck."  :)

This was actually taken after taking all the puppy sheets/blankets to the laundry mat;

but you get the picture, right?

Anyway, even though the Lord provided us with a washing machine, my heart was still tender towards the power bill.  It's getting harder and harder to make ends meet, so I have continued to use the clothes line.

This morning was no different.  

As I went to take a clip off the line, I saw this.

Anyone that knows me or has followed my blog for a while knows the Lord uses feathers to speak to me, encourage me, love on me, and to confirm the direction I'm walking in.

He did that this morning by sticking that feather in the exact spot that He knew I would see it . . . . reaching for a clothes pin to hang up the clothes.

Yeap.  One more confirmation that He has it covered and I'm doing the right thing.

Psalm 91:4, "He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge . . . . . . "

I just love Him!

"If God is your partner, have a bigger plan!"  D.L. Moody

Praise Him!

The Lord gave me this scripture at 5:30 a.m.; the morning of July 28, 2000 as I was driving across the 3 mile bridge heading to Gulf Breeze Hospital to say goodbye to my Granny. The sun had just started to peek, when He spoke, "Praise me." By the time I arrived, my Granny had already been ushered by angels into the presence of Jesus. 

Yet, He is to be praised. 

This morning, the Lord reminds 

me, "Praise Me."

Because He has shown Himself to me time and time again, trusting Him has become easier and easier. Taking Him for granted, oh no; but His faithfulness has proven His mightiness.

I am not sure what is bringing you down this morning my friend, but God has a plan.

He will never leave you nor forsake you.

I pray you will trust Him.

Thankful For Good Days

Several, several months ago, Christopher's psychiatrist wanted him hospitalized.  He refused to make any adjustments on his ADHD medication, even after several months of concern that his impulsion was once again, out of control.  He was endangering himself, and his sister, or anyone else he was around when his medication didn't work.

The side effect of two of the medications Christopher was taking (Abilify and Focalin) was aggression.  He said the only way we could know if the child, my child, was being aggressive because of his behavior, was to take him completely off one, and then the other.  Gradually.

Since I did not want my son hospitalized where I would not be able to be with him, I chose the long road of decreasing meds, using my oils when I could; but trying to make them last because we just could not afford to replenish them.

While Christopher is home schooled, because he was in the gifted program in Kindergarten, he was allowed to continue to be a part of the PATS program in 1st grade through Escambia County School District.  I just took him each week instead of him riding the bus.  No big deal.

By the last three months of school, his writing had become so poor it was no longer legible.  I could not get him to sit still and keeping his attention on the subjects was impossible.  Our daily schooling consisted of repetition . . . . mainly focusing on how we respond to people, emotions, how to process, "What do we do when we get angry, Christopher?"  etc.

Out of desperation I spoke to his therapist.  They were not working on his writing and abilities at the time, so she was shocked when I showed her this.

I then spoke with his PATS teacher, and yes, she was concerned as well as Christopher had been unable to complete ANY work in the last several weeks.

We suffered through the rest of the year and most of the summer.

A few months ago we had to put Christopher back on medications because we simply could not continue buying the oils and the impulsion was absolutely exhausting me and taking its toll on the rest of the family.

While one medication was working well, his ADHD medication was not working and the horrible side effect was not sleeping, up and down all night and hallucinations.  It was a rough few months of trial and error.  The hallucinations seem to be under control and I believe were medication related; however, he is now regularly having full body tics.  While we haven't "gotten there yet," and probably never will the way the body changes and metabolizes, it seems we are making progress in the attention and impulsion area.

We started back our 2012/2013 school year a few weeks ago, just a couple days a week to start getting in a routine.

We have had good and bad days since we started back; but today, my son thrived!

We worked from 9 a.m. to noon; broke for lunch and finished up lose ends from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.  Last year we used a computer program and he loved it, but would HATE to write and fought me all day on it; and while he still does not like to write, he is doing so much better using things printed straight off the computer!  

Christopher has only written on the THICK lined Pre-K and Kindergarten writing paper.  His writing is HUGE and he often runs out of space.

Today, for writing, we talked about how to write dates correctly, margins, and proper spacing between words.  Yes, this is something he was taught in Kindergarten, but, as his home-school evaluator explained to me, Christopher will always be ahead in areas because of how smart he is, but he will also be behind in areas because of his disabilities.  It is my job to push him along and encourage him in the slow areas (reading, writing, and spelling) and challenge his brain in mechanical, mathematical, cultural, scientific areas.  (Yes, pray for me.  I hated school and passed by unknowns reasons.  Seriously.  Pray hard!)

My son will be 8 this month. With the months of regression he had earlier in the year, he couldn't take what was in his brain and put it on paper, couldn't complete a thought verbally without getting confused where he was or what he was even talking about, and writing his own name was impossible.

Today, for the first time EVER, he wrote on wide rule paper and writing WELL!  It takes him a LONG TIME to get the information from his brain to the paper, BUT HE IS DOING IT! 

He had one spelling error.  I wrote, "When I grow up . . . . . "  He traced that, but everything else he wrote himself. 

Very proud!

Our Three Day Old Fosters Go To Maine

We started out with six precious babies, and ended up with two.  

Nurturing and caring for newborns is so hard, but so rewarding.  From their first scoots across the floors on their bellies, to their whimpering whining for food or to be cuddled, to trying to walk with their little booties in the air rocking back and forth to their first steps . . . . . and watching their little ears unfold and ear canals develop, and their eyes . . . . oh I can't forget their precious eyes.  Each day a little more, and a little more and a little more, till finally; there they are.  Beautiful eyeballs! 

Then when you realize the recognize you by your smell and kiss you all over, then your voice, and then the sound of your walk and they come running out of a sleep just because they know it is you . . . . . the only mommy (or daddy) they have ever known. 

*Sigh*

Anyway, our precious babies have been picked by a Lab Puppy Rescue in Maine!

They are six weeks this Wednesday the 5th of September.  When they turn eight weeks old, they will begin their journey to Maine.

These are just a handful of pictures.  I have jumped from 3/4 days to 4 weeks to 6 weeks, mainly because each one is so similar.

 The puppy on the right is Chewie.  She was 3 days old.

Chewie after eating :) 

 This is Kitty.  We got the babies at 10:00 on a Friday night, so Kaitlyn had no idea we had them until she woke up Saturday morning.  This was her first time seeing them and loving on them.  Precious.  She has a gift with animals and says she wants to be a vet when she grows up!  We will see what God has in store for her!

 Kitty, nursing on her bottle!

 This is a friend of mine that came over to help.  She is feeding Chewie :)

I have several pictures in between 3 days old and this picture of 4 weeks, but they all look the same!  This is a picture of Kitty (black front) and Chewie (brown back) eating "mush" for the first time. 

 Chewie at 5 weeks old!

 Kitty at 5 weeks old chewing on my arm!  Maybe we named the wrong one the wrong name!  lol!  For the record, we started calling her Kitty because when she was tiny, she would cry like a baby kitten!  When we call her, "Kitty, Kitty, Kitty!"  all the cats come running as well as her!  Very funny!

 As Kitty has grown, she has developed a little white streak under her chin, very tiny!  Also, just above her paw, you will see a little discoloration, that is a TINY patch, OK, more like STRANDS of white hair that has grown in the last week!

 And this is an awful picture of me, but it is of my precious Kitty chewing on my finger and I just love it!  So, ignore the no make up, just woke up look and ooooh and aaaaaaw over that precious puppy!  lol

 Chewie at 5 weeks old.  Not sure if her eyes will stay blue or not.  Her sisters are a dark bluish black color.  I have no clue at what age puppies eye color become their permanent eyes color.

 Kitty, chewing and tugging on the camera!  

She is DEFINITELY much more active than Chewie!

 Chewie and Kitty pulled out the leashes from the "dog basket."  When Chewie got board with them, she started on my socks and toes.

 Kitty @ 5 weeks

 This is my husband with the two babies!  He has stayed up and gotten up countless nights to let me sleep and has tended to these angels!  You will notice that Kitty is chewing his finger and Chewie, is behaving like she does . . . and yes, we named her after Chewbacca!  She she shakes all over and fluffs her hair on the top of her head she looks JUST.  LIKE.  HIM!

 The dogs on the left are FireTrain (our dog, well, puppy.  He is only 8 months old :) and the one next to him is his sister Valentine.  Valentine will also be leaving for a rescue in Maine this month, but that is for another blog post!  Our friend Leah came over for a visit.  Valentine has been around the baby's lots, but this was FireTrain's first time getting to smell them.  This is Kitty they are loving on :)

 Precious Valentine (we sometimes call her V-V!) loving on Chewie!

 This is Nala.  Nala is one of ten that survived from a litter of babies.  We received nine of them when they were VERY sick with distemper.  Nala is the sole survivor and is a hoss of a puppy!  She is approximately 4 months old and already tips the scale at OVER 35lbs!  She is getting to meet Chewie for the fist time also.

 V-V giving kisses to Chewie!

 FireTrain and Valentine are the best two dogs I have ever been around in my life.  Breaks my heart to separate them.  Pray for them, as for us, as we have had them since they were 9 weeks old.

 More sniff sniff sniffin'!

 My baby girl gettin some lovin' from Kitty!

6 weeks old 9.5.2012

 Poor Christopher is having a bad morning of tics and none of the pictures with him turned out; BUT, this is a good one showing both puppies with both my babies!

 Squirmin to get down!

And then they cuddle!  

We have had the best time with these babies and will take more in the days to come before they leave.  

Please check out the puppy rescue link above and pray about your part in helping with the transport of these miracle babies!