Ted Traylor, SBC President Nominee

I am truly blessed to sit under the preachings of Dr. Ted Traylor, Pastor of Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida.



God has changed my heart toward this man that I used to not like. That's right. I admit it, couldn't stand him.



Why you ask? Because I was lost and didn't like the truth he preached.



As I have grown in my faith, in my walk with the Lord, I cling more and more to the teachings from our Pastor.... because of who he is, absolutely not, but because of who he is, through Jesus Christ.



The following link will lead you to his blog post regarding a nomination of the SBC. Please take a moment, pray for him, for that God would have His way.



The Paden family loves you Pastor, we love your precious wife, and your children. May God bless you and continue to stretch you in your faith.



http://www.tedtraylor.com/blog/nomination-announcement

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

Countdown To Christmas Give-A-Way!

Today’s Christmas give-a-way includes a 3 piece jewelry set and travel case from AVON AND a CD 4 disc sermon series from Pastor Ted Traylor, “Equipping Young People to Stand for Jesus.”

Leave your name and email address in the comment section to be entered in today’s Christmas Give-A-Way! You can enter on the blog site anonymously if you don’t have a google account, JUST MAKE SURE TO LEAVE YOUR NAME AND EMAIL IN THE COMMENT SECTION!

You can also enter on facebook! Put my blog link on YOUR WALL to enter to win.

Entering time cuts off at 7:30 A.M. Wednesday August 26th. I’ll announce the winner Wednesday.

I am trying to find a picture of the CD series. As soon as I find it, I will post it!

Psalm 51:10, “Oh God, Create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within in.”

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

Christmas In July, Part 2

OK, here is the rundown for give-a-ways!

I will have a different give-a-way each day, starting on Saturday, July 18th and ending on Sunday, July 25th (YES, marking the 6 month count down to Christmas! woohoo!!!)

Here is a tentative break down on give-a-ways:

Saturday, July 18th: AVON'S Liiv Botanacle's: Vitalizing eye cream with SPF 15, moistur boosting hand cream, vital body moisturizer, and an assorted bath set. www.youravon.com/spaden

Sunday, July 19th: Mary Kay's OIL FREE Eye Make-up Remover (Leigh Pickering donated ...thank you Leigh!) Leigh's Mary Kay Web Site is: http://www.blogger.com/www.marykay.com/Lpickering3

Monday, July 20th: Potpourri of Practical Psalms, a Bible Study by Liz Traylor

Tuesday, July 21st: AVON Foot Works: Overnight Renewing Foot Cream, Foot and Leg Reviving Lotion, and Pedi-Peel Pads www.youravon.com/spaden

Wednesday, July 22nd: God's Calling to Spiritual Maturity, 8 sermon series by Dr. Ted Traylor (this is my all time favorite!)...thanks Pastor!

Thursday, July 23rd: a beautiful hand made hair bow by Bowzart (check out her web site at http://www.bowzart.net/) .... click here to see a picture of the Christmas Bow!

Friday, July 24th: A guy kind of give-a-way! Either men's cologne or something for the grill. (This is still up in the air! I'll know before Friday the 24th. The vegetable grill I ordered is on backorder, so just am not sure what I will do.)

Saturday, July 25th: (woohoo!!!)... AVON's naturals Strawberry and Guava Shower Gel (2) and (1) Strawberry and Gauva Body Spray www.youravon.com/spaden

I will have pictures posted at the beginning of next week with more detail of each give-a-way. Please pass this information to all your friends. I am praying for the winners already that the Lord will allow the person to win that needs to be blessed that particular day! Just think what great Christmas gifts these items will make, or even birthday's, anniversary's.... or just to keep for yourself!!!

Here is how you will be able to enter; simply leave a comment with your name and email address in the comment section for EACH DAY that you want to enter. If you want to double your chance of winning (have your name in the "pot" two times), add my blog link to a post on your blog. (You will have to email me or comment that you have added it so I can verify.) You can also add a link to your facebook page! Go to your facebook page, under your links type in http://www.treasuresfromlifesgarden.blogspot.com/. Send me a message to let me know you have added it so I can verify.

I will announce the winners on Monday morning, the 26th of July. You can enter every day if you would like.

OH, one more thing. Check back on the 25th of each month as I will be having a monthly give-a-way until Christmas!

Thanks for entering and for sharing this with your friends!

Good luck!

Christmas In July!

Today starts many goodies on sale to celebrate Christmas in July! Check out my web site at www.youravon.com/spaden. Also, from July 19th through July 25th, I'll be having a daily give-a-way! There have been many great items donated; my Pastor, Ted Traylor has given us several of his sermon series, we have several of his wife's, Mrs. Liz Traylor's speaking/teaching series, we have some of Leo Day's CD's, some Mary Kay products, some Bowzart products and of course, some AVON products! Make sure to check back for a list and description of each item and enter daily to win!

Merry Christmas!

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!

Pace High School VS Satan

Please take a minute to pray for Frank Lay, Principal of Pace High School in Santa Rosa County, along with the student body. You can red about current events on my Pastor's blog (Ted Traylor,) my husband's blog (http://musingsofanunquietmind.blogspot.com/), and Pensacola News Journal.

My Pastor has also been asked to "fill in" for tomorrow's Baccalaureate for Tate High School. I don't believe it was a last minute "fill in," I believe it was the Lord's plan all along.

Please pray for our nation, continue praying for our President, pray for our school boards, pray for our teachers, principals, for our students.

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."

Counting It So, Though It Is Not, So It Will Be!

The title of this post is a quote from my Pastor, Ted Traylor. I am posting it on index cards and placing it through out my house today.

Last year, on January 7th, I awoke knowing the Lord was going to change my life, but in order for Him to do that, I had to surrender an area of my life I had been holding on to...my eating. I started making a change that very day and on January 9th I signed up for Weight Watchers. In four short months I had lost 35 pounds! I was so proud. In May, I started to not deal with "life" very well. In June I was diagnosed with Depression. I began eating and gorging all over again. As of today, I have gained the 35 pounds I lost and an additional 5. I've had a headache for four days now and my feet have been swollen since Sunday. I imagine my blood pressure is high. Diabetes, Heart Disease, High Cholesterol and Obesity all run in my family. I don't want that. For me, food is just as much of an addiction as is the alcohol I used to consume. Gorging and making bad food choices is just as toxic as consuming alcohol. Now, just because I know the facts does not make this easy for me. While I don't want to die an early death because of me making bad choices in eating habits, I have no will power, self control, or desire to do this. Say what you want, but eating healthy cost more, takes more time to plan, and requires dedication. For this task, I just don't have it in me.... I know, I know, the Holy Spirit that resides in me can do it... I know all the scriptures, I know what He can do, because He has done it for me for nearly 11 years of sobriety... so, here is where I am this very moment. I already started drinking more water a few weeks back. I'm breaking out my 64 oz jug I got from Weight Watchers, I'm digging out my 12 or 14 weeks of pamphlets and my journal guide, and I am going to start making better choices. This is where the title of my post comes in... COUNTING IT SO, THOUGH IT IS NOT, SO IT WILL BE! I have to make a change, I don't want to hate my pictures being taken like at family gatherings this past weekend. I want to be able to go for walks with my kids and not feel like I'm gonna croke! I wanna be able to ride rides at the fair this year with my kids.

So, the big picture, I am ... (holding my breath)...100 pounds over weight. Yikes. My doctor's notes said I was "morbidly obese." (sigh...) I was in such a hurry last year and lost great amounts...3 - 6 pounds a week. I'm scared to lose that much now because I put it all back on so quickly. I know I'm being redundant, I just know I need to make a change... We cannot afford for me to attend the weekly meetings; so I am holding myself accountable first to the Lord, but also to you. Once I have lost my weight goal, I will share my weight with you. However, I will weigh in every Thursday. I will be real, I will be honest. My short term goal is 5 pounds a month. I know that sounds silly, but I am having to put my mind in gear here.

Now that I've not only been real with you, but with myself for the first time in months, I have something cool that Lord gave me this morning...just a few minutes ago actually. I was sitting here, when this bright light caught my attention. (I had opened the outside door in our room to let some fresh air in earlier this a.m.) The piercing light was a sun ray shining through that door, our room, kitchen and reflecting off the computer screen... blinding me. I got up and took a picture. It's not the greatest picture as the trees from my neighbors yard is filtering the light... but it's the same tree filters that allowed me the reflection this morning....

Lamentations 3:22 & 23 says, "Because of the Lord's faithful love, we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!" That's the verse He gave me this morning, that every day is a new day, therefore, every day gives me a new HOPE. For me, that's my Father in Heaven, ushering me into His presence, to show me that He is here, that this is the time for me to get well, spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Kind of cool...huh?!

I am still enjoying my sister being home. She is such a great mommy. Hudson is absolutely beautiful.

One of Chris' new medications he takes for diabetes has had a weird affect on him, he is in bed. He never calls in sick to work, but it's making him loo-loo!

I have over 60 pies to make today...so I have to get started.