UpWard Basketball Gold Star Award

Yes, if we are on "friends" on facebook, then you know what this blog post is about . . . . my boy!

UpWard Sports is a fantastic organization!  It takes the opportunity to teach Christ through sports.  Bottom line, every child is a winner.  Green stars are given out weekly at practice to teach the importance of scripture and devotional time.  Each week, after the game, various stars are given out to each player.  They consist of the blue star which represents best effort ; the red star best defense; gray star is best offense; gold start is best sportsmanship, and white star is most Christ-like. 

After the basketball season, we have an awards ceremony (which was tonight).  During the ceremony one child from every division is picked to receive a Gold Start Trophy.  This year, my Christopher was picked from the 1st/2nd grade division!!!!  I know, RIGHT!?!  I was caught so off guard I didn't even have my camera ready, and I had TWO cameras I was taking pictures with! lol!  BUT, I got this one of Christopher with Coach Harry (directly behind) and Coach Sean (left) after the ceremony!

Last year, Coach Harry won the Gold Star out of all the coaches in the 1st/2nd grade division and THIS year, Coach Sean won it! 

Both of these men love the Lord with all their hearts.  Each year, God gives them special children to love on.  

With every sport Christopher plays, we are reminded of the challenges he faces and the challenges we were told he would never succeed in.

We were told by Christopher's occupational therapist that because he has a "mid-line" problem (this was in 2009) . . his right brain and left rain were not talking together; he would write with his left hand on the left side of the paper, to the middle of the page, switch hands,and then finish the paper from the middle to the right . . . they said he would never be able to play sports because he would not (in his mind) be able to cross that mid-line of the field. Chris looked at her and said, "Well he's playing soccer (UpWard) NOW and loves it!"

 God has a plan for my boy and I can not wait to see Him get the glory!

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

Christopher, My Brother . . . . .

For two years Christopher has been asking questions about Jesus.

With more and more questions and asking to be baptized, I made arrangements to meet with Jon Dubois, Minister of Pastoral Ministries at Olive Baptist Church.

On September 23, 2011, my son, with the guidance of "Pastor Jon," asked Jesus into his heart!

Now, I have to confess; I was worried.  (I know, right . . . . I worry too much!)  I just wasn't sure that Christopher REALLY understood, hence the reason nothing was said.

With mounting concerns, Jon made arrangements for me and Christopher to meet with his mom today. 

Why his mom you ask?! 

His mom, for 25 years taught a class for children that wanted to be Baptized.  She taught what salvation and believing in Jesus meant and why being Baptized is important and what it symbolizes.  Jon thought she might could explain things to Christopher and answer some of my questions and ease my "worries." 

She did just that.

(No wonder satan has been working so hard to discourage us!)

In answering one of my questions about Christopher's understanding, she asked, "Christopher, do you know what 2 + 2 equals." He said, "yes." She then said to me, "See, he knows the basics in math because he has been taught the basics in math. You wouldn't expect him to know x + y ='s z. He shouldn't be expected to know everything about Jesus because he has to be taught."   She then asked, "Did you know everything you know overnight?  Of course not, it's a process." 

That's when the light bulb came on! It was a "duh" moment for me, that made me smile and thank the Lord for revealing Himself to my son.

I also realized just because my son has many disorders, does not mean he is not capable of understanding.  I was struggling with "melt downs" and how a child with these anger issues could have Jesus in their hearts.  I just couldn't "figure it out."  The fact is, I don't have to.

At the end of the conversation, I walked away, today, knowing on September 23, 2011, my son asked Jesus into his heart. 

THAT makes this momma's heart



I Just LOVE The Word, "But!"

I entered a writing contest recently.  My hopes were high as the winner would receive a complete book publishing offer and I so want my book published.

To make a long, story short, I didn't win.  In fact, I didn't even place.  I know, so discouraging.

One thing is for sure, the story I submitted was 'my story.'  The one the Lord gave me.  IF He wants my book published, it will happen in His timing, and not mine, and I am definitely OK with that! 

I'm thankful for the days I spent reflecting and remembering what the Lord first did for me some thirteen years ago.

Most of you know where I come from.  My hope is that maybe someone will read it that doesn't know Jesus as Lord, and maybe, just maybe, the words I wrote will be used to plant a seed; a seed that will grow and grow and take root into the powerful name of King Jesus.

This, is my story . . . . . . .

For 28 years I was foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. I lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.  BUT, when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved me, not because of any righteous things I had done, but because of his mercy. He saved me through the washing of rebirth and the renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on me generously through Jesus Christ my Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, I might become heir having the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:3-7).

I was a drunk, an adulterer, a manipulator, a thief, a liar, and a mother of a 4 year old child.  I lost everything and had nowhere to go.

At the age of 28, On July 7th, 1998, after a series of events that brought me to desperation, I quit drinking, smoking and doing drugs.

I was sick and tired of being sick and tired.  I had made a mess of my life.  I was tired of living a life of lies.  I was ready for a change.

I ended up at a place called Olive Baptist, on the corner of “Hurt and Hope.”  It was then I was introduced to The Most Excellent Way Ministry (a Christ-centered Drug and Alcohol Support Group).

During these meetings I began realizing the need for Jesus in my heart.  For months, I kept trying to “fix” myself.  I kept telling God, “Let ME ‘fix’ this and then I will come to you.”

On October 19th, 1998, in my 1970’s gold chair, in my 640 square foot apartment, I read a piece of paper my friend had given me with the plan of salvation on it. 

It read:

Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

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

Lord I am a sinner.  I believe you sent Jesus to die on the cross for my sins.  I believe in His death and His resurrection.  I believe that through Him I may have eternal life.  I ask you to forgive me of my sins and come into my heart.   Amen.

When I first read through the scriptures and prayer, I read for understanding to see what this really meant, what was REALLY going to be required of me.

I remember thinking, “reading this does not ‘save’ me.”

I re-read Romans 10:9&10;, “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.”

I said to God, “I can’t do this on my own.  I don’t want to be one of those people that live one way during the week and be somebody else at church.  I want to be real.  My family is going to think I have gone off the deep end, Lord.  I can’t do it without you.  It’s all or nothing.”

It was then, the third time I read the scriptures and the prayer, that I believed in my heart that Jesus was Lord.  What was required of me, nothing but believing.  Jesus had already made the sacrifice.

My life has never been the same.  Perfect, oh gracious no; without trials and hardships, no way. But with Him and through Him, He has given me victory and taught me lessons through each one.

In addition to the restoration of my family in the last thirteen years, I’ve witnessed rededication to the Lord by my mom and aunt.  My daughter and brother have also come to know the Lord as their Savior.  I have also been given a husband and two additional children.

My hope and prayer this day, this very moment, is that if you do not know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, that you will know Him today.

He will change your life forever.

Continuing, To Walk In Victory,

Stacey

In case you didn't get the reason for the title of this post, it is because of the word, 'but' in Titus 3: 3-7.   "I once as foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. I lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. BUT  . . . . God. 

Wow.  Pretty cool, hugh!  Guess what!  HE can do the same for you!  

Where Were You, When the World Stopped Turning . . . .

I was the Administrative Assistant to Dave Corson at Olive Baptist Church.

I was socializing with Ms. Marjorie at the front desk before our staff meeting. 

Kurt Detzler came on the radio telling Ms. Marjorie to turn on the television. 

Moments later, I knocked on Pastor's door, "Pastor, turn on your t.v.  An airplane has hit one of the twin towers." 

I was grief stricken.  I called my family.  I remember the urgency to make sure they knew how much I loved them.  I remember watching the sky the rest of the day.  "Were there more to come?" I wondered.  I remember asking God, "What is going on?!"

Fear.  Grief.  Confusion.  Heartache.  Devastation.  That, is what I remember.

Today, my church honored the men and women who serve our country, the first responders to the horrific scene, and those retired from active duty as well.

We reflected.  We remembered.  We honored.

I remember the night of that Tuesday on 9-11.  The church was filled.  People were crying, looking for answers.

As I type these words I am covered in goosebumps. 

I remember nothing of the service, except for two things.  People were flooding in in droves, and Ms. Liz.

**Please scroll down and turn off the music player to listen to the following songs.**

Ms. Liz was beginning to sing, God Bless America.  She will filled with so much heartache after a few words and a crackle in her voice that she said, "I just don't think I can on do this.  Ya'll are just gonna have to help me."  It was then we all stood, and sang this beautiful song, together.

This morning, Pastor encouraged us to not only remember the events of 9-11; but to remember "The One."

His name, is Jesus. 

He came to save the world from sin so that we might have eternal life.  He wasn't surprised by any of the events of 9-11.  He is, the Great I Am.  He is the Past.  He is the Present.  He is the Future. 

Our closing song from service this morning is one of my many favorites.  Music is the passion of my soul.  This one . . . oh my!  BUT, it will only ignite a passion within you if you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior.   Take a minute to listen to this amazing song and REMEMBER His Faithfulness! 

We Will Remember  (This is not our choir, but the closest rendition to what ours did this morning.) 

Do you remember the day . . . . the day He saved you?  If you don't know Him, you can do so today. 

Remembering ALL He has done for me,

Stacey

**As I was editing this, I remembered a song written by Alan Jackson.  When I first heard the song I remember how much it defined the wonders I had after the tragedy.  I haven't cried over the last few days, I wouldn't allow it as I felt it would leave me vulnerable.  Hearing these words though, brought the emotion back, the realness.  Just thought I'd share it.

Where Were You . . When the World Stopped Turning?

"Father I pray for the men and women, boys and girls, mommy's and daddy's, aunts and uncles,  . . . grandparents and friends affected by this day.  Comfort them in ways only You can.  Reveal yourself to them.  Put people in their path that know You and can share the gospel with them.  Lord, use me where you see fit.  Forgive me for doubting.  Forgive me for questioning.  Use me today in fullness of you.  So be it.  Amen."

Krispy Kreme Donuts Fundraiser!

My children are selling Krispy Kreme Donuts to support UpWard Soccer at Olive Baptist ChurchThe profit is used to help individuals who can not afford to pay the fees. Last year $600 was raised!

You can help make this year a success!

When you purchase one dozen donuts, you get one dozen FREE! You purchase a $12 coupon card. With that coupon card you can purchase up to 10 dozen donuts (3 dozen at one time) and receive a total of 10 dozen free donuts. When you place the order through me, I turn in your money and pick up your coupon card. Checks are to be paid to Olive Baptist Church.

You can email me your order. The sale runs through October 10th, so there is plenty of time to throw a couple donut parties for friends, family and co-workers!

Thanks for helping to support a great program! PLEASE share this with others. IF you work in an office please share this with your co-workers!

Also, you don't have to live in Pensacola to support this great program! These coupons are good for ANY location and have NO expiration date! So. . . . my Mississippi, Tallahassee, Georgia, and South Carolina friends/family/bloggy friends can join in!

Sincerely,

Stacey Paden (Parent of a scholarship recipient!)

(850) 292-3010

www.treasuresfromlifesgarden.blogspot.com

Independence ='s God-Dependence

I love celebrating the 4th of July.  For me, though, it is more than the celebration of our Nation's Birthday, it's also a celebration from the release from the bondange I lived in for many years involving drugs and alcohol and other self destructive behavoirs.


July 7th I will celebrate 13 years of sobriety.  The first 90 days were horrible as I tried to do it on my own.  I kept trying to "fix" myself and regularly kept telling the Lord (which I knew he was wooing me), "just let me get this 'fixed' and I'll surrender Lord."  Over and over I continued on an upward battle going nowhere. 

I found myself in a place of desperation one day and ended up at "A Place Called Olive."    It was there I met a young lady named Paige who introduced me the Most Excellent Way Meeting.  It was then I had the privlege of meeting Eddie Echarri.  

After realizing I couldn't do this thing called life on my own, in a gold 1970's chair I had in my one bedroom apartment, on October 19, 1998, I surrendered my will and my life to Jesus Christ.

When I look at the last 13 years and the people the Lord has brought into my life I stand amazed at how He orchestrated it all.  Then I look at my own life and the many events He has brought me through in those 13 years. 

In recent months specifically, He has continued to bring Isaiah 43:18 & 19 to the forefront of my Bible Studies.  It reads, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."  What promise for a future of provions, prosperity and nurishment!  He has used that scripture to show me He is taking me on a new journey; that as I am growing in my walk with the Lord, so is the testimony He is giving me.  How cool is that!

Then, more recently on June 22, the Lord used a friend to share with me  Joshua 3:3-5.  "3~When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God and the priests, who are Levites, carrying it, you are to move from your positions and follow it.  4~Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before.  . . . . . "  5~Joshua told the people, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you."  This scripture has confirmed, once again, in my personal walk that new journey's are coming my way, I will have a choice, follow in obedience and know He is guiding me, or walk in disobedience and walk in the consequences.  (I'm not saying He won't be with me should I choose the latter, I'm simply stating there is a choice and both have consequences.)

I stand amazed as He has taken a heart that has been cold and hardened for the last two years and has begun to soften it and woo it all over again.  Over the last few months of rereading journal entries, seeing how my prayers were, "change/fix it" and now resonate, "Oh God, forgive me and change me, teach me and show me, help me God."  I see now more than ever the spiritual warfare that exists, especially in my own home, and see the importance of reading scripture, memorizing it, claiming it and walking in that victory. 

Wow!  Now that makes me smile!

Father I thank you and praise you for newness of life.  I thank you for bringing me through the valley's and thank you for  mountaintop experiences that bring hope and encouragement.  I pray for those struggling with addictions right now; for the parents, or children or spouses having to live through it.  Bring them to know you, and Lord if they know you, I pray you reveal yourself to them in such a way they experience victory over bondage!  I bring my family to you today, heal us all.  Diminish my pride I pray.  Thank your for 13 years of sobriety and for giving me the strength to make it this far.  Thank you for the new journey's that are yet to come.  Thank you for pulling me out of the pit of filth.  Thank you for friends that have become family and love and encourage.  Use me this day I pray and believe.  So be it, Amen.

Psalm 91:4

 

Ministry Village Fund Raiser

TREASURE, TREASURE, TREASURE! Please get the word out about the Bargain Bizarre at Olive Baptist Thursday 5-8, Friday 8-7, Saturday 8-2. Proceeds to benefit the Ministry Village.

Olive Baptist Church Children's Choir (W.A.M.M.)

My kids sang with the children's choir at church last Sunday night. Chris has been slammed and hasn't been able to download it. He worked on it in stages; and it really isn't doing very good on the youtube clip, so he is going to try something else tomorrow; nonetheless, I had to post it and brag on my kids.

The clip is about 9 minutes long. It includes singing two songs in rehearsal and then singing two songs in "Big Church."

The practice is funny, but if you can get through and watch the actual performance, I think you will get a good laugh. My poor Christopher, I just adore him. He is so nervous that his tics started showing; but then....he saw his sweet, sweet friend Nicholas! THEN Kaitlyn saw Nicholas! They both were going nuts!

During the actual performance, Kayla then decides to start showing off her moves and dancing on the stage. Sigh.... what's a mom to do? She loves to sing and she loves to dance! She walks around singing all day... instead of talking to me, she sings to me. She gets her microphone out and sings all over the place. There is no shame. She sings in Sam's. She sings in Wal-Mart, FoodWorld, to the check out lady's.... anybody that will listen. She is definitely my free spirited child. I knew that at birth. Funny how that stuck with her.

Kayla is at an audition tonight for a couple plays. When she met with IZON last week, they were really surprised she wasn't interested in acting as her cold read was really, really good! I'm glad, thanks to the encouragement of a friend, that she is trying.

I do hope you will watch the clip of the kids. You will need to scroll down, pause the music I have playing, then scroll back up under video clips. There are several clips on there, the one you will be looking for is the one with the kids holding their hands over their heads.

Enjoy:)

Christmas is not ABOUT Jesus, but IS Jesus!

The title of this blog post is a quote from my Pastor, Ted Traylor. This mornings sermon was right on; every aspect of it, yet those words continue ringing through my mind and right to my heart.

Please set aside some time to listen to this mornings sermon, entitled "The Virgin Birth of Jesus," from scripture passages Matthew 1: 18 - 25. It's unlike any Christmas sermon I have ever heard preached. I guarantee it will put things in perspective.

http://www.oliveonline.org/Audio/

www.olivebaptist.org

www.tedtraylor.com

Check Out This Blog Post

Please take a moment to read my Pastor's blog post from today. There will be a sink in the foyer this Sunday for members to contribute to an outrageous water bill the tenants were stuck with because of a lame landlord. Please read here to find out more information. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN HELPING, please send your donations to Olive Baptist Church. You might think you don't have extra, and I respect that, but why not give the coins that are found in your washer & dryer, under the couch cushions, in your top drawer. You've been living with it any way, so why not bless someone else?

http://www.tedtraylor.com/blog/friday-items-to-note

Just Life.....

Today I am so struggling with worry. I am torn between two people that I love with all my heart, that just can't seem to get along. Neither one can do anything right in the other's eye. I didn't sleep much last night because of it. What to do, what to do?

Chris is recovering from sinus surgery. He worked for 3 hours on Thursday and 4 1/2 hours on Friday. He gets really tired easily, which is to be expected after major surgery. His tummy is still causing some serious problems. He drank some chocolate milk last night and literally thought he was dying. He has a three hour gall bladder test on Monday. We hope to find out if that is what is causing him all the problems.

Kayla is enrolled in the Home School Co-Op Program for her Senior year that meets at Olive. She's not thrilled, but I am just not able to do her justice with all the health issues and life issues going on. I'm excited for her as she will have involvement in other kids. I'm also signing up for the home school support group...WFHESL so she will have field trips, meet other kids, take part in a graduation ceremony and prom. That's probably more important for me for her to have than it is to her, but something that I believe is necessary.

We are under a heat wave warning this weekend. Tomorrow's high is 99 degrees! It's been miserable. Dread that heat index....

We haven't figured out what we are going to do for Father's Day for Chris. He is so limited to what he can eat, so we'll just play it by ear.

We actually have no where at all to be today, first time in I don't know how long. I have a few pies/casseroles to make for a lady at church, oh and one AVON delivery..... so I do have stuff to do, but nothing that is pressed and rushing. Nice.

I still have many, many pictures to post from Mammow's visit to Pensacola, the kids playing in their kiddie pool and just some odds and end pictures.... it just takes so long to upload them. I will work on them some this evening though.

Time for "AskAida" on food network! We have like the most basic of cable, so how we get the Food Network is beyond me, but I'm thankful. She's really good and teaches much information!

Gotta get my chickens roasting for my pies. Oh, I have almost 7 days of "Give-A-Way's" lined up for the week of July 25th marking six months to Christmas! Make sure you check back for the schedule.

Have a great Saturday wherever you are!

Redirecting My Course

I've been praying about my book a lot lately. I am being bombarded by friends and family about when I will have it finished and if I am even working on it. I have sensed the Lord taking my book in a new direction. I am not at liberty to share my life as a child, which is why I went the route of a devotional book; however, daily, several times a day, I have sensed the Lord telling me to share my life story. So, I am working on my book, telling my story as a young adult, making stupid decisions involving drugs, alcohol, affairs, ..... and what brought me to the point of coming to know the Lord, and some of the journey's He has taken me on since giving my life to Him on October 19, 1998. I again, ask your prayers for this. I struggle with thinking about the millions of people who have given their life to the Lord, so why would someone want to read about my struggles and life.... what's so different about my life.... anyway, that's what I'm struggling with. I just want to share the hope that there is in Christ. That's the goal I believe that has been set before me.

Proverbs 16:9 tells me a man's heart plans his way, BUT the Lord directs his steps. I want my plans to be in sync with the Lord's plans and I want His desires for my life to be my desires.

Taking the kids to the Summer Movies at the Rave this morning. Thankful the Rave offers these FREE movies every week! Give the kids a nice outing, and again, IT'S FREE! Woohoo!

I am so enjoying selling AVON. I am learning more and more every day. I even find myself watching other advertisements about other products to compare, research and question. This is so not me. I have never cared about what moisturizer works with what skin.... or what color goes with what skin type. I am having a blast with it. You can sign into my AVON site and do a free beauty profile.

Also, I am lining up some GREAT give-a-ways for a WEEK of GIVE-A-WAYS in July to celebrate "Christmas In July!" My Pastor, Ted Traylor is donating a couple of his CD sets, I've contacted several others music CD's, some Mary Kay products, and, of course, AVON products! I'll give you the dates once I have everything lined up. I hope you will keep checking back with me. I have had several people contact me saying they couldn't leave comments on my blog because of the "security code" problems. IF you have problems leaving comments on my blog, please email me at thepadens@cox.net so I can address this problem BEFORE the give-a-way!

Gotta get ready for our FREE MOVIE at the RAVE! Woohoo!

A New Site To Visit....

Huey Pearson is Olive's Director of Lay Ministries. He recently posted a picture on facebook that just took my breath away. The picture instantly reminded me of a Psalm the Lord gave me some years ago, that I was to praise Him from the rising to the setting of the sun (Psalm 113:3). If you click on the link below, you will be directed to Huey's web site. In this site he shares his passion for wellness, along with pictures of the beautiful creation our God has entrusted us with. I've spent the evening reading almost all of them. I hope you will not only read them, and look at the pictures, but be impacted by his knowledge and passion, enough so to make a change. I know I have.


http://hrpearson.googlepages.com/

Passing On A Challenge

I have struggled in my quiet time this morning. Everything I was reading was just not touching the depths of my heart. I decided to pick up and review my notes from church yesterday, when it struck me.....

Yesterday, our Pastor challenged, well, he dared us..."double dog dared us" in fact, to stop whining and belly achin' over our President and pray for the man over the next 40 days! He also challenged us to carry a tract with us and share Jesus with one person in the next 40 days. I've been saved for a little over 10 years; I have never carried nor desired to carry a tract on me. I just simply like to share my story with people. I've always been uncomfortable when someone just walks up, hands me a tract and walks away... how impersonal can you get?! Now, I will get one, but instead of just "giving" it to someone half-hearted, I am praying for a person to give it to. I am going to pray that I would be able to share Jesus with someone that is hurting. I believe that is why the Lord has brought me through drugs, alcohol, sex, and now working on obesity....to share hope with the hurting. The scripture that helped me through my first few years of sobriety and growing and healing, Genesis 50:20, "What others (and sometimes that was myself) meant evil towards you, God meant for good, to bring about this present day...." Then in verse 21 the Bible says, "I will provide for you and your little ones." How comforting; how reassuring.

So, here is my personal challenge to you....

Stop moaning and groanin' and belly achin' over our President, and PRAY for the man! For me, personally, my thoughts... my God is bigger than President Obama. He's bigger than satan... so why should anyone be worried about our President? We don't have much...the downfall in the economy hasn't affected us terribly. Sure, my husband retirement has dropped bunches, but my thought, the Lord gave us that money, and I know that "NO GOOD THING WILL BE WITH HELD FROM US." I also know, that the only place in the Bible that God Himself tells us to challenge Him is in regards to money! I pray every time I tithe, and/or give an offering above our tithe, "Lord, this is my challenge. Meet the needs at hand." He does and I know He will continue to. The scripture that keeps coming to my mind this morning is 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If my people, WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." Woo hoo, hallelujah!!!!

Now, my second challenge to you is to share your testimony with someone. Not every testimony is the same. Some have been born and raised in church, never drank, drugged, or even thought about smoking a cigarette; but guess what... YOU STILL HAVE A TESTIMONY! The day Jesus Christ pulled you out of the fiery pit of hell is your testimony. Share it. Psalm 145. Go get your Bible right now and read it. I use the Hollman Christian Standard Bible. Throughout Psalm 145, over and over again we are told to "testify, testify, testify!" Pray that the Lord will put someone in your path over the next 40 days to share your story.

So, today, stop and pray for our, your, President. Pray that he would fall to his knees and cry out to Jesus. If he does that, and he truly seeks Him, I believe everything else will fall back into place. Besides, shouldn't our first response have been when he said we were not a "Christian" nation, to fall to our knees in repentance over our own lack of faith, our own lifestyles, and start praying and living as Christ calls us to live?!

Sigh...."Thank you Father for quickening my spirit to refresh the word You gave our Pastor yesterday. I pray for President Obama today, I pray for his wife and children today. Father I pray that You and You alone will become Lord of his life. I pray that our President will fall to his knees, to his face and cry out for mercy. Father, I pray You will show him that mercy, that you will intervene in his life that the transformation would be astounding! Now, Father, I pray that you will put someone in my path that needs Jesus today. I pray that You will give me the words to share, and the smile or a gentle touch on ones arm. Quicken my spirit Lord that I would be sensitive to what or who You would have me speak to. I thank you Jesus for pulling me out of the pit of despair. I thank you for the people you brought into my life that I watched and learned from. I love You Jesus, I give You all the praise and glory for what I know will be happening in the next 40 days! Hallelujah and Amen."

Wednesday's Are For....

Well, yesterday it was so nice to not have to worry about food orders and menu's for the following month. Today, it's nice to know Kayla and I have a day for school work; my husband is off on Wednesday's since he has to work on Sunday's with Olive's Online Streaming and the Media stuff. We are going to lunch today for the first time in months and months. I am looking forward to it.

The last few months I have been pretty ill; we've eaten out a lot, so much we are all sick of it. I have not done my family justice; however, I believe I am on my way up the road of healing. I was thinking about Christopher, worrying about Christopher and praying for Christopher when I felt the Lord reveal to me how bad, not only his eating has been, but all of ours. Christopher was taking a gummie bear, two a day, two times a day (supposed to be three, but it's a battle we choose to not fight). The gummies are from Juice Plus. Have you ever heard of them? Please check out the web site. They are the fruit and veggie servings each child needs daily. They also have stuff for adults, which I started taking....actually, I was so desperate to feel better physically, that I started taking Christopher's. Juice Plus, in my opinion, is expensive. However, if you can find a person that sells it (I started to say deals it...ha-ha); then they might can work with you. I have a friend that sells it and she sold me a partial packages, and I am taking a half dose, in order to stretch it out. Now, I cannot attribute me feeling better to just Juice Plus, because I started a few things the same day; BUT, what I can tell you is I am not sleeping 18 hours a day anymore. While I am struggling with fatigue, I'm not fighting to keep my eyes open. I say all that for two reasons, we started Christopher back on the gummies today. My hopes are it will work as well with the Strattera as it was before October. If that doesn't happen, then we will have to take him off all meds to clean out his system and start somthing new. I am believing that will not happen and we will find the answer lies between the Juice Plus giving him the fruits and veggies he needs, and the change in our diets.

The other reason I shared about Juice Plus was because I ran into a friend of mine who is the Women's Recovery Director at Olive. She works directly with the ladies of the Charis House. Awesome lady. Anyway, I was sharing with her all that had occurred and then the Bible Study from last Friday night (was on healing and that healing is painful, but that the end result is a reflection of Christ in our lives... sorry, got side tracked again..), but was sharing about a devotional book I am working through that works on more than one are of your life, told her about the Juice Plus gummies I was taking and then a partial dose of the adults and she said, "Stacey, I have a drawer full!" She said they just didn't work for her and that I could have them! Helloo.... did you read that... "have them...!" I offered to buy them, and she insisted not. She sent them home through my husband yesterday. I got two confirmations' from this, one is I need the extra boost the Juice Plus is giving me, and two, He is going to meet my needs in ways I just can not imagine! Who would have thought carrying on a normal conversation about something I had no plans of sharing would result in the Lord meeting my personal needs. Know what else that tells me, He cares about what I care about. Now, that is what I call special.

Now, just like my friend, Juice Plus is not for everyone. I have heard many good reviews about it. Check it out for yourself, see what your doctor has to say. Don't just take my word for it. If you are interested, I can connect you with my friend that sells it, so you can deal with a person and get information from instead of someone on the other side of a computer:)

I know I have rambled, but had a lot of thoughts. I hope it makes since. I was supposed to grade Kayla's papers last night and fell asleep. I had the onset of a migraine and just couldn't bring myself to doing anything, so I have much to do this morning.

Excited to see what happens next, until then...

Continuing to trust in Him.

Changes On The Homefront

I have turned in my two week notice at Pine Summit. I have missed many Wednesday's since the Christmas Holiday's due to sickness, knee surgery, tooth extractions...one thing after another. I have struggled with this decision for several months, when we were first forced out of our home because of black mold, but I stayed. I stayed for a couple of reasons, one..I absolutely LOVE the people at Pine Summit Baptist Church. The first day I was there I was welcomed with open arms. They embraced me during the mold days, loved on me and my family and prayed for us. I feel a sort of dedication to them...that's different than obligation. Another reason though, that I put of resigning is because of fear. I know, I know, I can't have fear and reflect a faithful life...for where there is fear, there is no faith. My fear has been lead by money. We live on a very tight budget. We struggle just like the next person does, I'm sure, but we seem to just never get a break. My working one day a week brought home $138 which paid for groceries. I learned how to shop on a budget, shop on sale and clip coupons after I quit working after two back to back pregnancies several years ago. Our income was cut more than half because at the time, I was the Kitchen Coordinator at Olive Baptist. I was responsible for all the spending... accounts, paper goods, food purchases, scheduling and staff of seven at the time. We took a huge cut, but it was one we felt was important. I wanted and needed to be home with two small babies. When I was approached about the position at Pine Summit it was a huge answer to prayer and the scheduling was perfect as Chris was off on Wednesday's and could manage the kids while I worked. This routine has worked well for over a year and half. With Kayla's homeschooling requiring more of my time, her volunteering in the Social Ministries at Olive on Monday's, and the all around craziness of my life, a son who is not responding well to medications for ADHD/OCD and a precious little girl that gets left out a lot, and me personally struggling with my depression and continued weight gain, I feel I need to be home. Chris has been supportive of me working, but told me months ago when things started piling up on me that he would be OK if I decided to stay home. Again...fear crept in...how will we make ends meet? What else can I cut out that we haven't already cut out....well, I;m sure I will come up with a few things, trust me! In all my years as a single mother, I saw the Lord's hand over mine and Kayla's life over and over and over. The Lord has continued His faithfulness, even when I was faithless...especially when I was faithless. So, with that, I am stepping out in faith, to try and make myself well, and to take care of the home front.

Schooling is calling and papers are mounting. Until next time...

2 Timothy 2:13 "if we are faithless, he will remain faithful....."

Robin Roberts to Speak at Olive Baptist Church

I've been sleeping most of the last two days, thanks for pain meds I am feeling almost nothing. Dr. Morris said I gave him a good work out. I was expecting to be put to sleep during the extractions... nope. I was given Valium about 40 minutes before they called me in, then was given some laughing gas, but it sure didn't make me laugh! As my three year old say, "owie, owie, owie!" Seriously, I didn't feel the pain, but hearing teeth cracking and having my head rotate was enough for me! Dr. Morris is a great man. He and his wife are my Sunday School teachers at Olive.

Robin Roberts from Good Morning America is coming to Pensacola on Friday, March 27th at 7:00 PM with The Women's Board of Baptist Care Foundation. She is speaking at my home church, Olive Baptist. My husband already got me a ticket and I'm thrilled.

I'm heading out to cook, so will be without pain med's for the rest of the day. Good ole' Tylenol and Ibuprofen will be my friends today!

Continuing to trust in Him....