Jesus Loves Me

At Christopher's therapy appointment today, his therapist asked him, "Christopher, who loves you?"

He said, "My mom and dad."

She then asked him, "Who loves you the most Christopher?"

To that he answered, "Jesus."

I experienced a comfort, a peace, a thrill, in knowng my son, a chld with so many "issues," gets it. 

So I ask you, "Who loves you?" 

If you can't say, "Jesus," then I pray, today, you will know and receive these words.

You are valuable.  You were made with a purpose.  You are loved.  He knows not only your  name, but the number of hairs on your head (Luke 12:7)!

When I first came to have a one on one relationship with the Lord, I was an adult. 

I didn't know the songs, didn't know the Bible, nothing.

But the one thing I did know, was the song, "Jesus Loves Me."  That song has gotten me through nightmares, fear, questions . . . when I didn't know anything else, the one thing I did know, was a man named Jesus, and that He loved me. 

You can know Him today.

For God so loved the world (that's you), that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him, will not perish, but will have eternal life.  John 3:16.

Pure Sweetness

If you didn't read yesterday's post, then this will not make sense to you; so you might want to check it out before reading on.

God has always amazed me in His impeccable timing.  Not a "caught me by surprise" amazement, but an aweness amazement.

Last week, a friend of mine gave me the One Year Women's Devotional.  I had wanted to purchase this book, but God clearly told me, "No."  Receiving it from such a special friend, that had no idea I even desired the book, was a sweet nugget from my Heavenly Father.  Later that evening, when I opened to the first devotional, my mouth dropped.  Just days before I had shared how God revealed to me that I was not loving unconditionally.  He showed me that I have not been loving through disappointment.  So I put out a plea from readers and friends through facebook, to share with me how they (you) have learned to love through disappointment.  I am still putting together a lot of facts, opinions, and personal revelations in regards to loving unconditionally and can not wait to share it all with you.  (You may click here to read that post if you'd like.)

I share that detail because when I opened the book, the first devotional was titled, "Hope Does Not Disappoint."  HOW COOL IS THAT!?!  I immediately emailed my friend to ask if she knew (thinking maybe that is why she gave it to me).  Her response came back in all caps, "OH MY WORD, NO!"  I noticed the devotional begins on a Monday, so I waited to start it so I would not have to keep up with what day I read yesterday! 

God is confirming day after day that I am indeed hearing from Him.

In fact, He did it again this very morning.

After sharing with you the struggles I am facing with depression, this mornings scriptures were right on target.

In the Jesus Calling devotional I use daily, I read, "Don't fall into the trap of being constantly on the go.  Many, many things people do in My Name have no value in My Kingdom.  To avoid doing meaningless works, stay in continual communication with Me." 

God sweetly whispered, "You are on the right track, Stacey."

Then I read the reading from the One Year devotional.  The scriptures come from Psalm 42:5 & 11 (but I would like to encourage you to read all of Psalm 42).  (I use the Holman Christian Standard Bible for my daily readings.)

Psalm 42:5, "Why am I so depressed?  Why this turmoil within me?  Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God.^"

Psalm 42:11, "Why am I so depressed?  Why this turmoil within me?  Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God.^"

Again, God's timing!  If I had started the devotional in the middle of the week; none of this would have impacted this heart like it did this day. 

The timing was God's timing. 

The devotional was given, when God wanted me to have it. 

I started it when God wanted me to start it, so the devotionals could be read that needed to be read to encourage a weary heart.

As I am typing, the words, "Oh How He Loves You And Me," comes to mind.

Pure sweetness.

Heaven

Kaitlyn and I were talking about Romans 3:23 last night.

As we were discussing it, she asked, "Is heaven REALLY REALLY big?!"

I answered honestly, that I have no idea just how BIG heaven is, but then proceeded to tell her about streets of gold and gates of pearls.

I then told her how we will be healed when we get to heaven.

The example I used was how Mammow couldn't see well when she was alive; but NOW that she is in heaven, she has her eyes again!   Kayla's eyes got big, "You mean Mammow that ALWAYS painted my fingernails couldn't see?!"  I said, "No, she could see VERY little." 

With that, Kaitlyn looked at me and asked, "Everyone is healed when they get to heaven?"

I said, "Yes."  She then said in the most innocent, sweetest voice, "Even my itching will go away?" And with a lump in my throat, I said, "Yes, Kaitlyn, even your itching will go away." 

Kaitlyn has a pretty severe sensory disorder. 

In 2009 approximately 1 in 20 children were diagnosed with SPD. 

She also has eczema; and with the temperature changes (low humidity) the itching and sensory is intensified. 

Others have said, "all this stuff is in her head." 

I can assure you, this precious 6 year old little girl lives it every single day.

It's real.

May I encourage you, if you know of a child with a sensory disorder, make it a point to encourage his/her momma and daddy.  It is an exhausting task to work through these issues day in and day.

We are fortunate.  We have friends that are always looking for ways to make our little girls' life better . . . and often encourage us!  It will change their outlook, I promise!

Loving Through Disappointment

Putting this plea out there and would like your input from as many of you as possible.

 

How do you, or have you, learned (or relearned) to loved through disappointment?

 

What scriptures have helped you?

 

Did you fake it till you could love again?

 

Or maybe you gave up?

 

When did it, if ever, become "OK" again?

 

This morning, in my journal/quiet time, the Lord told me to pray about learning to love through disappointment. 

 

You know, that thing called, "unconditional love."

 

I think it is something we all experience in one way or another; be it with a spouse, or child(ren), a family member, or a close friend; whethere we were the one disappointed or even did the disappointing.

 

While I am studying this, I would really like your input!

 

IF this is too personal of a question to answer, please feel free to email me at thepadenfamily@gmail.com. 

 

Thank you :)

 

Stacey

Small Potatoes!

Yesterday when I read my Jesus Calling devotional, I read one of yesterday's scriptures and the other ones were for today's.  Of course, I didn't notice that until this morning.

I did noticed they didn't seem to go directly hand in hand like they usually do, but nonetheless they spoke volumes. 

Today, as I am writing out the scriptures in my journal, I thought, "OK Lord, you MUST really be trying to tell me something . . . didn't we just do this one?"  After checking, I noticed the error. 

I re-wrote the scriptures that were meant for today and THEN was prompted by the Holy Spirit to read and write out yesterday's scriptures . . . . .

SO appropriate for a woman that was filled with anxiety and worrisome thoughts until the wee hours of the morning!

Philippians 4:19, "And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4: 6- 7, "Do not worry about anything, but in everything through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Today's scriptures that was read yesterday and today . . . . . (I read  this is many translations, but then read it in the message . . . . loved the way it was put!)

2 Corinthians 4: 16 - 18,  "So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever."

ISN'T THAT JUST GOOD YA'LL!?!

Habakkuk 3:19, "Yahweh my Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like those of a deer and enables me to walk on mountain heights."

Not sure what you are struggling with today, whether it's worrisome thoughts, or tired and weary, but I pray you will be filled with a peace given only by the Father.

Give me feet like a deer, Lord, as you take me to  new heights!  Amen!

"Lord, Turn My Fear, Into Faith . . . "

Our only car broke down Friday afternoon on my way to a cleaning job. 

The intake manifold has a hole in it; either that or there is a blown head gasket.  Estimated repairs ran from $550 to $1200; more if it's the head gasket.  We were without a vehicle indefinitely. 

I went to bed last night unsure.  Was taking it all in; trying to not be faithless, but living in reality.

When I awoke this morning, the heaviness I carried had transformed into a peace that I knew everything was going to be OK.  Not OK with the car; but OK with the circumstances we faced. 

We can learn bus routes.

We can change schedules.

We can walk.

It was going to be OK.

This was my morning's journal notes:

"Well, Lord, where do I begin?  All I know to do is make a list of my fears and give them to you, so here goes:

With no vehicle,

1. Chris' classes at night -- how will he get home?  9:40 at night in the cold and rain, plus it is so far away to ride a bike
2. Kaitlyn to school and home
3. Christopher to PATS and home
4. Appointments with Christopher's therapist and psychiatrist
5. Appointments with Christopher's occupational therapist
6. Appointments with Christopher's speech
7. The thought of not getting to Pine Summit Baptist Church breaks our (mine and Chris') hearts
8. Prescriptions for kids
9. How do I get to the houses I need to clean?
10. How will Chris get to his side job?
11. How do I get clothing to Nothing Lost Outreach for the homeless?

I am sure there are more than that underneath the yuck and frustrations.  I don't know your reasons for allowing us to lose our only car, but I give you this list of worries. 

Turn my fears into faith and opportunities to glorify You, Lord.  I'll do it time and time again.

I trust Your provisions to either have the car repaired or replaced; or money to ride the bus and a peace while working out schedules. 

While I am fighting emotions, I need You to know I trust You.

I reiterate again, what I have said before, I'll take poor with You than riches on earth any day.

Take my fears, answer them as praises - be glorified."

Then my "Jesus Calling" devotional (which I always read AFTER journaling) read,

"LET ME BLESS YOU with My grace and Peace.  Open your heart and mind to receive all that I have for you.  Do not be ashamed of your emptiness.  Instead, view it as the optimal condition for being filled with My Peace.

It is easy to touch up your outward appearance, to look as if you have it all together.  Your attempts to look good can fool most people.  But I see straight through you, into the depths of your being.  There is no place for pretense in your relationship with Me.  Rejoice in the relief of being fully understood.  Talk with Me about your struggles and feelings of inadequacy.  Little by little, I will transform your weakness (the fear I journaled about) into strengths (the faith I desire).  Remember that your relationship with Me is saturated in grace.  Therefore, nothing that you do or don't do can separate you from My presence."

I Samuel 16:7, But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

Romans 8:38 - 39, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

That quickly, He confirmed my hearts desire to trust Him more!

We had  UpWard Basketball games this morning at Olive Baptist. 

My sister picked us up and took us home.  I am thankful for her husband in coordinating transportation for his family, so my family could get there. 

On the way home I had a message from the mechanic.  Our last conversation last night was for him to not do anything as we only had $200 to our name and that was for the power bill; that I would call him today and let him know what we would do with the car.

His message stated that he had a mechanic that does side work.  The mechanic had a used manifold thing (the part that has a hole in it). The cost (including the used part and his labor), $140.  If he can not reuse my car's oil gasket's, then it would be $40 more.  If I was interested, to give him a call.

Yes.

I CALLED HIM BACK QUICKLY!

Our car  now sits in our driveway.  It was ready before 4:00 p.m. today.

The total was $160.  The extra $20 had to cover new spark plus as the ones that were in it were destroyed from gasoline flooding the engine.

There is no warranty; but we have a car.  I'm not worried though, who needs a warranty when I have a Savior.

A Savior that tells me "my ways are not His ways."

A Savior that tells me, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"

A Savior that tells me, to "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. "

I could go on with all the scripture references of His provisions, of His merciful and gracious hand, but I will leave you with an encouraging word and scripture that I received from a dear sweet friend . . . . she wrote,

"Had you on my mind and God breathed this verse (though I don't usually quote the last sentence, you need it!): 

"There is none like the God of Israel who rides the heavens to your help (MY rescuer) and through the skies in His majesty.  The eternal God is a dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.  And He drove out the enemy from before you, and said, 'DESTROY!' "  Deut. 33:26-27

As I am covered in goosebumps from that scripture, THIS SONG came to my mind! 

BE READY FRIENDS!  HE IS COMING! 

"Father, I pray you will find me faithful in glorifying You, in all things.  Forgive me when my faith is little.  I praise You for Your provisions.  Thank you for the way you met the needs of our family.  I praise You Father!  Amen!"

Fibromyalgia, Baptizing, Grace AND Forgiveness!

Several years ago I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.  FINALLY, there was a "name" to all these "feelings of insanity!"

In recent months a friend of mine, Ann Ferguson, started a blog, Restoring My Soul.  She is also on facebook; you can find her here at: Restoring My Soul FB.

I have also added a link to her blog under "My Blog List," located on the left side of this page.

IF you live with and struggle with Fibromyalgia (or any other disorders that leave you drained and exhausted), then I encourage you to check out her sites!    I promise, you will find helpful tips and encouraging scriptures!

I also added the Pine Summit Baptist web site under, "My Links."  Several weeks ago, we sensed the Lord moving in our lives and He confirmed over and over the move; making Pine Summit our home church.

With that said, Christopher will be Baptized on Sunday night at Olive, by Jon Dubois.  Jon led Christopher to the Lord on September 23, 2011. 

We received an answer to prayer regarding Kaitlyn yesterday.  Will share a post about that in the coming days.  The answer to prayer gave us a glimmer of hope.  We are thankful, but also feel horrible for thinking what she was doing was for attention. 

Thank God for grace and forgiveness!  They sure go hand in hand!

Blessings my friends,

Stacey

Worshipping Idols

This morning, a friends facebook status read, ""Avoid comparing yourself to someone else. You are on your own journey, and only you (and God) can define the path you're going to take."

Reminded me of something Pastor Donnie said Sunday, "Who are you modeling yourself after and trying to be like?  If it is anyone other than God, then you have just worshipped an idol." 

WHOA! 

Instantly, I knew I was guilty as charged.

Why do we do it?

Why do we want so desperately what others have? 

Why at 40 years old would a person still secretly yearn to be a part of the "in crowd?" 

Why does that matter?

Is it not being content in all things?

Is it seeing special treatment and yearning for that acceptance?

Is it that twang of jealousy that you thought was dealt with?

I don't know the answers to those questions, but what I do know is that my personal walk is being challenged, and purified . . . . refined as silver.

Over the last three months I have gorged daily.

I have gained 10 pounds of the 54 I lost.

I had already struggled eating since my surgery; and then as the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday's approached, and baking crept in, and snack foods appeared; and toss in to that the emotions of having my oldest daughter "fly the coop," I was one big blubbering mess.

Every morning for three months I popped chocolate while drinking my coffee.

Every time I walked in or through the kitchen I reached for something to put in my mouth.

Every night before bed, I had cookies and milk or pop tart loaded with butter with a glass of ice cold milk.

Every morning, I cried out to God, "WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?! 

As each day has continued in this vicious cycle for three months, I have found more and more reason to have conflict with my husband.  Evey little thing he has done has driven me NUTS! 

Each day that continued I felt more sorry for myself and beat myself up more and more.  My journaling turned to whining instead of praising. 

"Why couldn't I get my focus back?  What is wrong with me?" were daily questions, asked multiple times a day.

My heart was yearning, but my head was telling myself I couldn't do and it was just a waste of time to even try. 

God has given me the most remarkable woman to be my accountability partner.  Just days ago, she called to check in on me, and when she asked how I was doing I said, "Well, I have a bag of Cheetos (the crunchy ones, not those filled with air) in front of me I've been eating and now I am on to popcorn and milk duds; what does that tell you?"

She said, "Stacey, I heard in your voice something just wasn't right.  You know you can tell me anything." 

Yes.  I was able to unload burden after burden.  I knew that because of Whose she is.  She has invested time in me and I knew  she would be praying and making intercession on my behalf. 

Yesterday morning, I cut through the crap and journaled, "I am miserable.  I am gorging.  Please help." 

God spoke, "It is time."

With that, I went to the kitchen to prepare the first healthy breakfast I have had in months; 2.5 oz of lean ham, an egg, and an apple. 

Feeling a sense of, "Ok, I can do this;" I messaged my mentor of this accomplishment.

To my amazement, she responded, "You were sooo on my heart when I was getting ready this morning. The phrase, "Don't undo the work I have done in you" came from God. And it was intercession for you, my friend! It's all good. Love you much!"

Just reading those words again, taking in a deep breath and getting fresh oxygen to the brain and lungs rejuvenates me!

As women, we (I) must stop comparing ourselves (myself) to other women; to their size, to their house, to their cars, to the number of friends they have, to their wallets, to their activities, . . . no wonder plastic surgery is so popular and the world is in debt. 

We are worshipping idols!  (Ok, maybe none of you reading this are guilty of it, but I am.)

"Lord forgive me I pray.  Take my walk deeper than ever.  Keep me ground and ever so dependent on You and You alone.  Amen."

The Hand of God

I am in awe. 

Chris went out to get the cat in; there were about eight bags of groceries on our front porch! My mind is blown! God met some secret needs and used someone that wished to remain anonymous to do it. We've been home all night; didn't hear a thing . . . . of course, if one of the kids was a hollarin' we wouldn't have heard anyone if they banged and banged! But that's another story! 

Thank you, whoever was used to provide. 

I pray you are blessed beyond your thoughts, and that God awe's you in a way that you did us tonight!

Shalom!

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!