My Surprise party from Gina....

So today I was to meet my friend Gina (see www.tellthemtuesday.blogspot.com ) for a play date. and don't you know that stinker had all my friends and family out for a party! It was a lot of fun. And Gina made me a cake, AND she made my favorite Shrimp Salad! So for everyone that came out today, thank you, thank you, thank you. For the gifts, the love, the FOOD! I love my cake Gina. Thank you Amanda, I heard Gina telling you how much you were a help. I am so blessed. So very blessed.

Tell them....

www.tellthemtuesday.blogspot.com
go tell someone!

Our Body hurts

Our Body, Four Oaks Church, is hurting this week. Can you lose a limb and not feel it, not notice? A sweet couple in our church went full term with their twins, and this week, at their birth, one went home to be with Jesus.

I served in nursery and did not get to hear my Pastors response to our "family". So I am sitting here and listening at http://www.fouroakschurch.com/ (click on sermons, April 26 edition) Of course, I am crying. Praying that our church is everything to this couple.

Answering the question to suffering will never be answered fully until we enter heaven. I can not imagine living this life, watching people I love hurt, and not knowing the answer is coming. My faith in a living God. A saving God. A Christ who knows my infirmaties and pains. This is what bears me up.

What is my foundation on? It is not on fairness. On perfection or a life without pain. But wholely on Jesus name. How will I react to life? The life ahead of me that I cannot plan for?

Lord Jesus make my foundatioin you....

Joshua is back in the hospital

Posted today by Joshua's mom:

Joshua Has Neutropenia and Jaundice
Posted 3 hours ago
Joshi's white blood cell count is down to just 45...the minimal they want it is over 500...please pray! He also has some spots that look like Jaundice. Please pray for this, his pain, and fever to go away and of course for a healing. We are so weary at this first leg of this journey. I pray that the Lord will send His angels to give us His strength to nurture Joshua back to health. Prayer Warriors it's time to get those knees dirty...PLEASE we beg of you to help us lift up our son in prayer to our Father God! We love you and thank you for whatever time that you can go to the throne of grace and approach the Father's High Priest, Jesus, and ask Him for mercy and grace on us and for healing on me and Joshua. Thanks again for any contribution!
Christ...The Cure All,

April 27 Update!!!

Joshua's white blood cells are zero...please pray that the Neupogen shots will help them rebound and start coming back up. Joshua still has not been able to eat because of Mucousitis. His fever has broke, praise the LORD! Joshua does not have Jaundice, he has hyperpigmentation...besides the fever...all of these conditions are caused from the chemo. Please pray that Joshua's condition will continue to improve and that we will see him cured this side of heaven.
Christ...The Cure All,

Our Little Miracle

Our little miracle is fighting for her life. I have been following this story for a long time. Her family needs a miracle from our amazing God.
http://www.kayleighannefreeman.blogspot.com/

It's the Power of the Gospel and Only that...not me

I have a huge burden for my neighbors. I have lived in this neighborhood for 7 years this June and the burden grows heavier every year. Every year I get a little more bold with my faith and pray that they will still "like" me. Knowing that this is not always a possibility. I know the Cross is offensive. I know that in this world of no abosolutes, my ABSOLUTE is "crazy talk". I know that saying Christ is the ONLY way, the ONLY truth and the ONLY life...will make me an enemy of this world. But I don't care. One day I will stand before my Father, and I want my friends and family standing next to me. I want them to know that this life is not about them or me, but about Glorifying a Creator who is just and loving.
A neighbor approached me yesterday and let me know in no uncertain terms that she did not agree with my faith. (all with a smile on her face) But then said she appreciated me. That she felt like I was a good neighbor. And that of the 2 books I had given her over the past year, she had read half of one and was working on the latest one. She was pretty much telling me she knew she would not be agreeing with the words. But I was smiling inside. Because she would be reading the Gospel. And that is the power of salvation. Even if she reads just one page, it's the power of the Gospel. It will be planted and I have hope in this.
Share it, give it. Without the Gospel, there is no power for Salvation.

An Amazing Story

I had never heard this story until I watched the movie on Sunday Night. You must learn about this amazing lady.
http://www.hallmark.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/article%7C10001%7C10051%7C/HallmarkSite/HallmarkHallOfFame/HHOF_TOP

Her story in print-
http://www.hallmark.com/wcsstore/HallmarkStore/images/FeatureArea/TCHISBonusMaterial.pdf

New 31 Kid

I hope you will take advantage of our new line that came out this month. The monogramming is only $1 on all the 31 Kid Products! I am doing a catalog show. You can place an order at www.mythirtyone.com/simplify on "Tammy's Playdate". Enjoy this new line and get your baby shower gifts, birthday gifts and teacher appreciation gifts now!

Huge Company sale!

I don't earn any commission off of this, but it is too good not to pass on...
http://www.thirtyoneoutlet.com/main.sc

Take a look!

Clapping and Dancing

Go Rachel!

Check Rachel out...mostly my family is going to know her!

http://www.mrsncunitedstates.com/id84.html

don't forget about Tell Them Tuesday tomorrow!

Day of Parties!

First stop, Emily's first birthday party! what a great time we had. She partied Candy Land style! I enjoyed making her cake for her. Lots of people came to wish her a happy first year! Congratulations Mesa and Will!

Then it was on to Cousin Madelyn's birthday. She had a princess Tea and it was very cute.

Time with friends is the best...

Here is the ever growing Bankston family!

My Thoughtful Thursday

So today I was wanting to reach out and find someone to share Thoughtful Thursday with (visit http://www.kayleighannefreeman.blogspot.com/ if you don't know what I mean) But someone ended up being thoughtful to ME!

I ended up spending the day with my new friend Amanda. That is her holding Anna, she is hidden behind the Dora Pinata (is that how you spell it?) I don't have a photo of her.. just her cutie patootie, Madison! This is at her birthday party.

So Amanda treated me to a day at the Junior Museum, and lunch! I was so excited. We had a great time and hope to do it again. So thank you for a great Thursday Amanda!

Pleated Petal Tank ANTHROPOLIFICATION GIVEAWAY!!!!

Pleated Petal Tank ANTHROPOLIFICATION GIVEAWAY!!!!

Joshua and Thoughtful Thursday!

Drinking A Bitter Cup
Posted 20 hours ago
Yesterday's chemo was hard for all of us, especially Joshua. Tuesday, the first day of chemo, was eight hours on the chemo IV drip. Thank God! because today it is only a couple of hours of the chemo. He is having pain from the chemo but praise God for the work it is doing on killing the big tumors in his little body. Prayerfully, We may be gone back home this Thursday. However, be praying, as I know you do, that the mouth sores, fever, and infections will stay away from Joshua and that we will have an uneventful...restful, shrinking tumors, and timely chemo on this his cycle 3 of chemo.
Joshua is coming to life inspite the chemo...not unlike the medicine that we are given by God...it has healing factors but can be painful at times. God is there through it all to support us...just as he is for Joshua, Tim, and I. I thank Him for His presence at all times

Don't forget about Thoughtful Thursday. I am hoping to get out today. Goind on 2 hours of sleep...long story. I'm a mom, that's the story.... Get to know Kayleigh and Thoughtful Thursdays at http://www.kayleighannefreeman.blogspot.com/

Go and be thoughtful!

Love this story

Want to see Grace in the life of a single dad? Please go and visit: http://www.leblanclife.com/?cat=3

It's tell them Tuesday

Hey, tell someone you love that you love and appreciate them...
www.tellthemtuesday.blogspot.com

Update on Joshua-April 14 (from his Mom)

We are in clinic right now about to be admitted to TC Thompson Room 316 (same as last time) for the start of Chemo Treatment Cycle 3. Please pray with us these next 42 days for a complete miracle in Joshua. You know the miracle can happen anyone of those days but we are waiting for an all clear on his lungs before a liver transplant can be considered. God is the miracle worker; we are merely the clay in his hand.
I pray God that you mold us into the image of your Son, Jesus. No matter the pain or heartache we face, we are only comforted by the grace of your presence. This valley is not too far from your reach. God please continue to hold us in the palm of your hand, the grip of your Son's, Jesus, grace...we know NOTHING can pluck us from your grasp. LORD, I pray you will do a wonder in Joshua's little body and the bodies of these other children who are suffering as much if not worse than my son, Joshua. God may your mercy fall from your throne of grace...fall on us Father and we will continue to praise your everlasting name. God, you are so GREAT and MIGHTY! I put my full trust in you even though I don't understand why sometimes...I trust in you fully! I love you, God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!
Christ...The Cure All,
Nadene

Easter 2009

Great worship, singing Oh Happy Day, my friends visiting with me, Four Oaks Brunch, serving hundreds of people, lunch with friends and family, Egg Hunt, good food, full belly, tired me....

Born 2 Impress GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Born 2 Impress GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Gonna Be worth It

Easter Story, Never grows old

So I hate to fall into the routine of putting so much effort into a day called "Easter". And then give the Crucifixion, the life of Christ, the work of the Cross...any less attention the other 364 days of the year. But here this week came, and went, and all the best laid plans went astray. This week being just like any other week, way to busy and not enough of that business given to eternal things.
Then I went to an Easter Pageant tonight. I have a hard time with these things, because I find myself distracted by the people playing the parts. Mixing my knowledge of what Christ did, with my knowledge of the guy playing Jesus on the Cross. Can't separate the two... I get sidetracked, my mind wanders...you know what I mean.
But then something happened. There came a scene, where Christ was blessing the bread and fish given by the boy. God multiplying it and blessing the crowd. The actors came out among us and handed us pieces of the bread. And a young girl began to sing... A song about being hungry for Christ. I held the piece of bread as tears began to form in my eyes, I felt like I needed to confess something to Christ. Then the next scene revealed something to my heart. (See, it's the power of the living Word). A story I had heard a million times... it was the scene of the woman brought before the Lord by her accusers. And Christ not accusing her, but giving them permission to stone her, if they had no sin and could cast the first stone. I looked at the bread in my hand and saw myself holding a stone.
You see, I am about to confess something. I am a stone caster. I have judged many people lately. More willing to cast stones than to pray for the people in my life. Thinking I have answers that I never got from the Lord. So my "above all wicked heart" was broken tonight. And I put down my stone. I actually put my piece of bread on my car center console. I want to be hungry for Christ, I want to share the body of Christ, and I don't want to have stones in my hand.
This Easter I am broken. And yet I am whole. Happy Easter. May the Living Word be New in You today.

Basket from Aunt Amy and Uncle Jeff

Aunt Amy sent Elizabeth a package in the mail. She loves to check the mail and open letters. So she was pretty excited to get her box of goodies.

Donuts and Swings

My partner in crime, Gina and I, went to a play date at Krispie Kream! Sounds dangerous.... We had a great time. The kids were very happy about the smells and the taste! We really enjoyed it. Later I went by my mother n law's home, and Elizabeth and her cousin had fun on the swing.

I love these pictures, makes me want to be a kids again!

It's Tell them Tuesday

Go and appreciate someone today!

www.tellthemtuesday.blogspot.com

A little nonsense

A friend of mine sent this to me. Pretty funny!

i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt! if you can raed tihs forwrad it.

<>< Bethany
"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all who fix their thoughts on you.
Trust in the Lord Always, for the Lord is the Eternal Rock." Is. 26:3-4

Easter Egg Hunt #1

I love this post from Joshua's mom..Hope you are still praying

Lesson's I Am Learning
Posted 16 hours ago
In moments that I thought I was walking in darkness...It was then that I was in the shadow of Your cross.The blood that was spilt...bathed me in your grace, mercy, and goodness.No matter the hardships I faced or the lifetime that's lost,Jesus is there with a loving embrace...all inspite of my unworthiness.Sometimes we think we are in charge of our life...you should know God's the boss.Our godliness should not be because our knees buckle from the weight of worldliness.
When we cannot see the big picture...God does.It's been my lesson...He is the navigator of our lives whether we give him complete control or not.Our mission is to fellowship with God...We are God's first loves.Sometimes we reject God and it is not only hurting God's heart but also hurting OUR soul.It is not for us to get caught up in the STUFF that is or was.Believe me, stagnation will kill your soul's zest and take it's toll.Sudden Movements not put in check with God's will...don't place your trust.Coming back to God is like being released from prison but on parole.
What God cares about is our willingness to give of ourselves.He equips us with the knowleged to do His work.Brokenness is a part of His will and I should know it all too well.My heart is wounded, but not mortally, as I write these words.For it is...Joshua, my son, in desperate need for prayer and God to heal.I feel Satan is out there putting a cloud of doom over me...just wanting to lurk.I have faith and believe God will heal Joshua...I believe it is in His will.
Christ...The Cure All,
Nadene
Joshua Lee Freeman JLF Jesus Loves First

First of Many Easter Pictures!

It's Just My God

You know, I have never been very good about going up to a stranger and telling them about Christ. I would love more boldness and I wish to be more aware of people around me. But sometimes, God will move me, and I can not- not say something.

I handed out about 40 goodie bags yesterday to my neighbors, all including a book called "Fifty Reasons Christ Came to Die" by John Piper , an invitation to church, postcard of my family and some candy.

I had 2 left, one I was giving to someone who recently became a single mom because of that horrible enemy called Cancer. And I just had this one left...what to do?

So today, after a fun day out, Easter Egg hunt and other silliness. Brian and I decided to go to Cracker Barrell...awe the food! I took the last bag in to give to the waitress and was quite pleased with myself. But then, I never gave it to her, never felt led to give it to her and really, never had the chance to give it to her! So I walked out thinking.."Did I miss a chance?"

On the way home, Brian stopped off for a quick run into a store and I sat in the car with the kiddos. I saw a young lady taking a break, smoking a cigar and immediately heard the Lord say "Take it to her and tell her I love her". Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo, really Lord? I argued, waisted time, but knew I had to do it. (Can I run back to Cracker Barrell?)

So I jumped out, and you guessed it, she was heading back inside, so now I am having to yell for her! And so began a conversation with a young lady with sad eyes and little to say. With me breaking down and crying, telling her a savior loves her, and urging her not to leave this earth and miss Heaven, our conversation lasted a mere 2-3 minutes. I gave her the last copy of my book, she thanked me for talking to her and we parted ways.

I am not telling you this for a pat on the back, I urge you to not do that in fact. Let no Glory go to anyone but My God. I say this, because it reminded me to think- How many people will pass me by in my lifetime and walk right into hell?

My heart is heavy, yet with Hope. Praying that this young lady will meet the Savior today.

fundraiser for Joshua!

T-Shirt Fund Raiser
Posted 2 hours ago
FUND RAISER FOR JOSHUA LEE FREEMAN
T-SHIRTS / Gray with orange writingFront: MATTHEW 18:5 / JESUS LOVES FIRSTBack: CHRIST...THE CURE ALL$15.00
All proceeds will go to family
Name: _____________________________
Phone #____________________________
Please check size & quantity (UNISEX)
Small_________ Can order any from infant to youthMedium_________ sizes_________________
Large__________
X-Large_________
2 X-LG_________
3 X-LG_________
4 X-LG_________
Cash or checks payable to Zion Hill Baptist Church
Michelle 263-5041
e-mail Nadene for now- nadenes4him@yahoo.com
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
Information about Joshua...
Joshua Lee FreemanJLFJesus Loves FirstMatthew 18:5

Update on Joshua:

Stage 4 Hepatoblastoma Diagnosed 2/24/2009
Joshua has been sick off and on for sometime now. To the best of my recollection, he's been sick since November 2008. We would take him to either his pediatrician or his doctor in a family practice but they would treat his cancer as anything but. They did not know but something told us that there was more to his sickness than allergies, cold, virus, or a sinus infection. His pediatrician and family medicine doctors missed the cancer because they were not looking for cancer. Childhood cancer is rare...Joshua's cancer, Hepatoblastoma-liver cancer, has only about 100 cases reported in a year across the states. We praise the Lord that he gave us sense enough to take him to TC Thompson Children's Hospital. Joshua's recovery road is going to be a bumpy one but the Lord has been there the whole time guiding us to care for Joshua. Please do not ever take your kid or kids or for that matter anyone that you value for granted. This is one thing I know I cannot regret...thank you Lord for showing me that it is more important to give Joshua the time, love and understanding than the woes of the world.

Update March 29, 2009: Right now Joshua is going through his 2nd Cycle of Chemo Therapy. He will be done with this cycle, Lord willing, in a week. He is going to have one treatment tomorrow and the last one is next Monday. In a few days Joshua is going to have his scans done and then we may be making a trip up to Cincinnati, Ohio to their Cincinnati Children's Hospital. I know you are all praying because we see the Lord's work in Joshua everyday. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

My Family Is Safe

I am sure you have seen the AOL report on Binghamton, NY. Yes, that is where my mom and dad live and yes, they are okay. They have a church member who worked at this office and she wasn not there today! PTL.
Just pray for the families of those who did lose their lives today.

Get your knees dirty for Joshua

Here is the latest update from Nadene. Little Joshua needs some dirty knees from all of us..

No Food For Now
Posted 4 hours ago
Sorry I haven't updated you all but I've been busy with Joshua and OH SO TIRED. Joshua has Slick Gut Syndrome his intestine has no Villi causing chronic diarrhea. We are getting TPN, Total Parenteral Nutrition, through the IV. This afternoon he got Platelets. Please pray for his condition to get better because Joshua is wearing us down asking for food and something to drink besides water.
On a funny note Joshua has 2 nurses named Renea but he calls one of them Kanay and the other nicknay for some reason. If that was not hilarious enough, the other day Kanay was changing out the Christmas Pole they hang the IV liquids from and Joshua noticed that the pole was empty...he proceeded to say, "Is that pole naked?" The nurse burst out laughing and said, "I guess it is."Joshua responded, "Are you going to take that naked pole down the hall?" We have such a good time listening to his witty remarks. Yesterday we were talking about going to the Ronald McDonald Room. He said to me, "Momma, are you going to the macaroni room?" I hope y'all enjoy these little nuggets of our happiness between the sorrow. Thanks again for all your prayers.
Christ...The Cure All,
Nadene

April Fool's Day?

Today, the girls got together and celebrated Spring break, Aunt Nutty's birthday and all this glorious rain! We ate lunch at the Red Elephant and then headed out to Zoinks for some chaos!