Colton's Journey

November is Diabetes Awareness Month.  Its Diabetes Awareness in our house every single day.  24/7  365 days a year.  There are no days off, no taking a break, or taking a vacation from diabetes.  
Hundreds of little kids, teens and adults alike are diagnosed with Diabetes, every single day.   When its your own child, your world tends to be rocked just a little bit.  
Our son was diagnosed in 2000 at the age of just 2.  The signs and symptoms were there--for over 4 months!  I will forever be thankful for a friend, who was also our neighbor, for urging us to get him back to the doctor one more time.  I look back and can remember the days just before he was diagnosed and had I not listened to her urging, and ignored taking him back to the doctor, he wouldn't be here more than likely.  
I remember the day before we got a definite diagnosis, like it was yesterday   The sky was dark, and it was pouring down rain while I was at the doctors office with him.  It was late afternoon, and by the time we were done, we were the last ones to leave.  The doctor came in and just sat there, looking over his charts.   Next, I would hear the words that no momma wants to hear.  "Your son has sugar and protein in his urine.  He will need to go see a specialist tomorrow(SATURDAY) and will need to get started right away on insulin, and he will need to take insulin the rest of his life."
WHAT??  Insulin?  That's a medication that only OLD people have to take!!--At least that was my thought at the time.  The only other thing I knew about insulin was that it was little vials of clear liquid that were kept in the fridge.   Little did I know that I was about to be educated on just exactly what insulin was and who all used it-- Our family and friends would quickly be learning lots about diabetes as well.   
 We know that there will continue to be bumps in the road as we continue this journey, but we know that Christ is still going to be there with us each and every step we take.  In fact, over the last 3 years, we have hit a couple more bumps.   Since learning about the diabetes in June of 2000, we have also learned that he has Hashimotos, and Celiac.  Hashimotos is a thyroid condition, and he can take meds for it,  and Celiac means that he can't have any gluten.  In his case?  They all 3 go hand in hand.  It was clear to me in 2000, and its clear to me 15 years later, that the Lord has always been right there with us, and that He will continue to be there with us.  Jeremiah 29:11 

Paint, Paint and YES, MORE PAINT

I am all about drawing and crafty stuff.  And so is my daughter.  She's only 9 and yet she has an amazing God given talent for free hand drawing and comes up with craft stuff that I never would have dreamed of coming up with on my own, even at my 42 years of age.  She's made her own Winter the dophin out of paper--mechanical tail and everything.    I never know what Im going to see when I pick her up from my parents after I get off of work, or what Im going to find when I come home from work on the days my husband is off.

This week her choice for some of her 'school' was making play dough, which was neat.  I have tried myself to make play dough many times and it never turned out.  My husband and her made this on Tuesday, but failed to take any pics of the process.  That's ok thought b/c I saw the results of it when I got home.

Her next choice was making her own PAINT!  Now that was cool.  She was texting me pics of the progress as she was making it.  She had so much fun doing this that she made even more yesterday.  No more BUYING paint.  Most people should pretty much have everything in your kitchen already.
Salt, flour, water and food coloring.

This is the kind of things that she will not learn sitting in a classroom of 16-20 students.  They are not going to take the time to gather all of the necessary items and show that many kids at one time how to do this.  Even when I was a kid, in Art class we always used store bought tempra paint.  The only thing we "made" from scratch was paer mache.   I remember back in the 3rd grade,  we were to make a fish in Art class out of paper mache.  I realized and noticed EVEN THEN that the teacher focused more on certain students than others.  That's not fair and its not right.   It made me feel like what I was working on was not important, and yet "Bobby's" fish was better than mine.  

Kids today have so much more at their finger tips as far as learning and school.  And they don't need to sit in a classroom in a brick and mortor building to learn.  They can learn at home.  If you stop and think about it, essentially you are teaching your kids at HOME before they even start preschool!  You are teaching them from the day you bring them home!

The fact that we have made the choice and are able to keep our kids at home and that they can and do learn from daily experiences, is a huge blessing to me.  I am thankful that I have that tug in my heart for them to be at home.  I see parents gripe and complain when school is out due to bad weather and I think, "how sad!!"  My kids are always with me.  And when they aren't?  One is at my parent's--stop right there for a minute.  Yes, she is at my parent's house.  And she has the chance to learn about cooking and baking and crocheting DAILY.  What precious memories for her and her Noni!
My oldest is at work.   He has a full time job!  He's got about 4 bills that he pays and takes care of on his own!  I have said a lot lately that he has learned so much in the last year at his job, that he wouldn't learn in school.

A day in the life of home school.....that we are quickly changing to radical unschooling.  Why not you?

Here's my daughter's pics of her home made paint.   She had a ton of FUN doing this! Most kids don't look at school as fun, but rather its boring.  Why not allow your kids to do FUN things daily instead of being bored out of their gourd day in and day out for 7 hours a day?

UNSCHOOL IS COOL

Misconceptions

Misconception:  n. A mistaken thought, idea, or notion; a misunderstanding.

How many of us have misconceptions about stuff every day?  I know I do.  But, if you have a misconception about something, shouldn't you ask questions about it?   At least take the time to research it, instead of just totally writing it off?   

I'm going to cut to the chase on this post.  "Have you heard of the Zeal for Life Challenge?"  Its not just about weight loss.  Its about getting healthy, for life!
(disclaimer:  what you are about to read below is in no way stating this is a cure)

I'll admit the first time I saw that question, or even the first time I saw anything about Zeal, I thought to myself, "What the heck is that?"  I didn't ask a lot of questions, I'll admit.  Little did I know that me finding out about Zeal was just around the corner!

You see, I started seeing stuff on Facebook about Zeal right around November of last year(2012).  I saw a friend posting about earning some extra money, and thought, "well that's cool.."  Then, then I saw her with a car she was driving for FREE, because of this Zeal.  And, I still didn't ask about it.  I continued to watch her posts but I didn't think much about it, as far as asking exactly what it was.  

Then,  one day in January, a friend brought me a bottle of Zeal.  She came and hunted me down at work, and said, "here, try this.  I think it will help you feel better!"   I thought, well, what have I got to lose?  I couldn't think of a single thing.  I was already taking a boat load of pills--everything from over the counter stuff to help me sleep because the prescription ambien was not working any longer, to over the counter vitamins that didn't do anything but make me want to puke, to the various other prescriptions for depression/anxiety, migraines, etc.

Had someone said January 1 that I'd be where I am today, I would have laughed my booty off!  There is NO WAY I'd ever try anything like that.  I've been that person to steer clear of anything like this.   But, I sit and think about it now and it was meant to be.  God knew exactly where I was, and how I was feeling.  He knew how much I laid awake at night and cried because my legs hurt so bad and I couldn't lay still.  He knew how tired and irritable that I was.  I prayed every night, "Lord please just let me get some sleep tonight.  Even if its only an hour or two, I have to sleep!"  Then when I'd get up the next day, it would be, "Lord I need your help to get through this day."  And I'd go to work and I'd get through the day--but let me tell ya, soon as I walked in the door, I'd have to go straight to bed and sleep for the next 2 hours at least.  My poor kids knew I would have to go lay down.  I literally relied on my son to make sure my daughter didn't get into anything she didn't need to be messing with.  I couldn't even do any school work with either of them until after about 5pm.  

Misconceptions?  Yes, I had them.  All  I had to do was to ask about Zeal and what it was.  But I didn't.  Maybe it just wasn't the right time for me to know about it?  Maybe I was suppose to be more curious and be the one to ask what it was?    I honestly don't know.   But what I do know, is that I never said "NO"  I never said, "No Im not interested."  I was interested and I was thrilled that someone took the time to share it with me.  Had they not shared it with me, then I probably wouldn't feel as good as I do right now.  Had I not tried Zeal, I'd still be taking a boat load of pills.  And I am sorry, but to stand in my kitchen or my bedroom or where ever, swallowing pill after pill day in and day out---BLEK!!  It makes me ill just to think about it.  Its not a cure all--its vitamins!  And when our bodies have the PROPER vitamins and nutrients, then it will begin to heal itself from the inside out just as God intended it to.  I am no longer taking any medications-not even an ibuprofen or Tylenol.   I feel better than I have in years and I will not keep that to myself. I will not.  I firmly believe the Lord wants me to share what an amazing product this is, and just what its done for me and my family.  No misconceptions there.  No sir!!  My family is Zealin for Life!

Now, what about you?  Have YOU heard of the Zeal for Life Challenge?
Check it out here:  Zeal For Life    Contact Me: Lesley Otwell

These statements have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information on this site is not intended to replace advice from your physician or other health care professional or any information found on any product label or packaging. You should always consult with a qualified health care professional before starting any diet or supplementation program, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or taking prescription medications.

FEAR

But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.”Mark 5:36 NLT

 FEAR:  an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.

 Do not tremble; do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago? You are my witnesses—is there any other God? No! There is no other Rock—not one! Isaiah 44:8 NLT

 You know, times right now are tough and uncertain.  This is not new news!!!  You can't avoid it, you can't ignore it.  Its EVERYWHERE you look--in the newspapers, on TV, magazine articles, ETC.  People are losing their jobs, their homes, everything.  And why?  Because its LIFE!  The Bible says that our lives will not be easy breezy and crystal clear all of the time.  But His word also says that we are not to be afraid!!! We are to NOT BE FEARFUL!!  We are to TRUST in our amazing Father God!

 Psalm 9:10

Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

 Psalm 13:5

But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.

 Psalm 20:7

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

 Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;  in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Those are just a few of my favorite reminders about trusting the fact that my God has plans for my life.  I may not like or understand circumstances and trials and storms that I encounter, BUT, I know full well that HE is in total control of my life and I must TRUST HIM!  

Just about 9 months ago, I took a big leap of faith.  I was nervous as heck.  I was AFRAID!  In my head I struggled with 'Should I?  Should we?'  "What if it doesn't work?"  "What will everyone think of me?"  Guess what????????  Those words were totally ignored almost immediately, as they came into my head.  I never said "NO!!!!!"  Why?  Because I wanted MORE for my family.  I wanted to be able to help my family out any way possible.  I knew I felt horrible all of the time and I knew that I'd already nixed some of my hours I'd been working already.  I knew that I had to do something to gain back that little bit of income that I had forgone.  I had NO INTENTION of EVER trying any kind of MLM!  Kyle has been there done that and I told him "NO MORE!! NEVER AGAIN!!!"    

All it took was seeing just 1 video, of REAL people, just like me!!!  Those people took the same leap that I took.  I watched it, and said, "If they can do it, why can't I?"  You know what?  I CAN!!

And, I AM!!!!!!!!!!!!!    

I took a leap of faith and made the decision to do something I said I would NEVER DO!  You know there's a phrase.."never say never"  Its true!!!    You will not know what can happen or what will happen unless you stop saying NO!  If you don't stop being afraid, you will not know what can happen!  You can't sit around your whole life and listen to other people tell you that you can't do it or that it won't work or that you will not succeed---that's letting FEAR take over!!! 

When I took that leap of faith, I said, "Ok, Lord, I'm going for it.  You are in control of all of this.  If its to be, its to be.  If its not, close the door."  And with that, I made the decision to step into the world of MLM.  This was not my husbands choice. I didn't ask him if I could do it--I didn't need to because he could see the excitement in my face and hear it in my voice and he could see what was physically happening to me.   It didn't take but about 3 weeks and he was ready to jump in with both feet and follow me on this journey. 
And I'll be totally upfront and honest.  I had people try to steer me the other way.  "Don't do that, you'll be sorry!!"  "Don't get sucked into that, its a waste of time and money."  "You do not want to get started in something like this...."   

I made the CHOICE to ignore all the DOUBTS that were thrown my way.  I have heard some really hurtful things in the last 9 months.  I have cried a lot of tears because of those hurtful words and doubts that were thrown my way.  And guess what?  I'm still here.  And I don't intend to go anywhere.  It has been an amazing 9 months with an amazing product and an even more amazing company--who honors the Lord in everything and gives Him the Glory in everything.  That in itself speaks volumes to me.  To see our company Presidents/CEO's pray with their consultants, personally call them and congratulate them for achieving their goals, etc--its a blessing to be a part of all of it.  God has blessed us over the last several months and we know that He will continue to watch over us and bless us even more.  

Fear--Let it go!!!!!!!  Trust in the Lord to take care of you.   Trust that He will provide for you and your family in these uncertain times.  Don't let others feed the fears you may have.  How will you know what blessings you could have coming your way, if you do not TRUST God to take control?  I was there.  And as I said, I have my own trials and storms, but I refuse to let fear over come and I have chosen to trust that the Lord will take care of my family and provide for us.  

Check it out and take the Zeal for Life Challenge today!  I have a huge incentive that is being offered--this incentive is not offered very often.  You can start making changes for you and your family today. 

Zeal Challenge

Message me for info:

otterfamilyx4@att.net

These statements have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information on this site is not intended to replace advice from your physician or other health care professional or any information found on any product label or packaging. You should always consult with a qualified health care professional before starting any diet or supplementation program, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or taking prescription medications.

Genesis of Zeal

I know so many of you who are reading this have heard of Zeal.  Its EVERYWHERE!!  Its going to continue to GROW!!  The Zeal for Life Challenge, is a movement of people who are on a mission to get healthy.  And the number of folks who are committing to take that challenge is increasing each and every day.
Why?  Because everyone is tired of feeling like CRAP!  I apologize for being blunt but its true.  Everything you eat, is processed.  Unless you already eat healthy--fruits, veggies, etc.
All I see and hear all day long is "Oh I feel like crap.  Im so tired.  I just want to go take a nap.." ETC.   Get up and do something about it!!!!!!!!!  You do NOT have to sit there in pain, and have that dragging feeling!!  I KNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  How do I know?  Because I have been there and I have done it with feeling like that.  I dealt with horrible joint pain for several years and  after REPEATED trips to the doctor and dealing with feeling like crap for years, and being blown off when I'd seek help from my doctor, all he wanted to do was  put me on pills for this and that and increase the dosage.   All that did was add to the toxins and poison in my system!  It certainly didn't do anything for me!  None of the medicines helped me.  All they did was make me MORE irritable than I already was and I  gained a lot of weight.  The only medication that did anything for me, was Ambien.  And I absolutely COULD NOT sleep unless I took one before bed.

I have been drinking Zeal Wellness since January 27, 2013.  And I drank it because someone cared enough to bring me a sample.  I didn't even ask for it!!!  She cared about me that much--and knew what a horrible time I was having and how I was feeling.  All she did was bring me a single serve bottle and said, "Try this!"  I had NO CLUE what it was.  So I asked.  And I didn't just blow her off.  I knew she was genuinely concerned and trying to help me.  I can tell you straight up I will not quit drinking Zeal.  I know and remember exactly what I felt like before she ever put a bottle of that pink/purple powder in my hand.

As I said before Zeal, I didn't sleep, without Ambien, and I hated taking it because it made me sleep SO hard that I was still a zombie when I woke up of a morning.  I would get up, go to work and work 4 hours or so and go home and take a 2-3 hour nap DAILY.  It was all I could do to walk around because my knees and my feet hurt SO bad.  My toes even hurt.  My hands hurt and ached all of the time.  I found myself rubbing my elbows, neck, shoulders all the time just to get some relief from the aches.   I would push through each and every day, to go to work, go to the grocery store, clean my house and do school with my kids. I would go to bed only to just lay there and fight the tears because my whole body just ached so badly.   I would lay there and fight the urge to get out of bed and I would usually lose that fight because I would have to get up and walk around to make that feeling like I was climbing the walls go away.  It was a never ending cycle and battle every single day.

But since I have been drinking Zeal, I noticed a change.  And once I was on it for 2 solid weeks, I could really tell a difference.  Other people were noticing the changes.  I was happier, I was getting around better, etc.  I even started losing some weight--and I didn't start using the product for that reason. In fact, its NOT JUST FOR WEIGHT LOSS!   I knew it was vitamins and new I didn't like to take vitamins(because they made me nauseated).  I had certain vitamins I was suppose to take per the doctors to help with all of my symptoms, but I hated taking them.  It was all I could do to swallow them.  Zeal Wellness and the simplicity of it, was a God send and I am so thankful that my friend Jessica took the time to share it with me. 

And that's all I want.  I just want to be able to share something with everyone else.  I know what it is, and I know what it can do.  I know it can help you feel amazing.  So many people are hurting and have various health issues going on and they are OVER MEDICATED!!  Folks I am here to tell you that if you get the right vitamins and nutrients in your body, it will begin to heal itself from the inside out.  Our bodies are THE MIRACLE created by the ONE AND ONLY Heavenly Father.  Our bodies are a temple--and we are suppose to take care of it.

Why is it so hard for everyone to realize that its simple nutrition.   You quit putting garbage in your body and put the things in it that it NEEDS and you WILL FEEL BETTER!! You feel better, you want to get up and do more.  You give your body the proper nutrients it needs and it ends up having the natural fuel for energy that it needs.  Its not hard to comprehend.

Ultimately, the choice is yours.  You know how you feel.  You know what you want to do.  You know if your sick and tired of being sick and tired.  You know if you want to just get on a road to better healthier nutrition and a healthier life-style.

I could have tried this product and flat said no.  But I didn't.  I NEVER SAID NO!!  I said "YES" from the first time I tried it.   Why did I say yes?  Because, as I said, someone else CARED enough to SHARE it with me.  Giving it a try was the least that I could do.  And it has been one of the best decisions that I have ever made.

If you are ready to give Zeal Wellness a try, fabulous! I'd love to help you!  Just click on the link and check out my website.  If you have any questions, all you have to do is ask.

Here's a video on the Genesis of Zeal--you want an idea of what is in Zeal--this video is the one to see: Genesis of Zeal

Take the Zeal for Life Challenge: HERE
Contact Lesley Otwell
 These statements have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information on this site is not intended to replace advice from your physician or other health care professional or any information found on any product label or packaging. You should always consult with a qualified health care professional before starting any diet or supplementation program, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or taking prescription medications.

Friends

Everything happens for a reason.  People come into our lives, and sometimes they go as well.  But its all for a reason.  God always, ALWAYS has a plan.  He knows who we will meet, when we will meet them.  He knows who will walk away from us, and when they will walk away.  He knows the excitement of a new friendship and the heartache of a broken friendship.  He knows--He's there with us through each and every step of life. 
I've got a friend just like this.  I was thinking just a few days ago how amazing and neat it is to see God work timing throughout our lives.  
I met this incredibly sweet and funny woman, through Facebook--Imagine that! (Ha! Isn't that where everyone meets these days?") 
No, seriously-- I met her through Facebook, after I found her husband on there.  I've known him since we were in Kindergarten.  One of those that I've not seen since we graduated high school(Class of '91).  Each time I find someone I went to school with, I'll check out their pics and see what all they've been up to over the last few years.  I was deeply touched by his pictures.  I would also see pictures on his feed that his wife had posted and tagged him in.  And my heart just broke and it ached for them. As I sit here, 11:30 at night, while everyoen else is asleep-including the cat who is laying on the table next to me, and its so hard to keep the tears from coming.  I don't know exactly what they dealt with, but I have a little bit of an inkling.
 I knew him, but it had been YEARS since I'd seen him.  I had no clue who she was, but still, my heart just hurt for them.  I sent her a friend request, she accepted, and over the last couple of years now, I've watched her, followed her, got lots of giggles out of funny posts, watched her kids grow, through pics, and said a lot of prayers as I've seen her posts asking for prayers.    This mom is one of the strongest women I have come to know.  And I am SO thankful for her.  God always knows what we need, just when we need it.  Not too many weeks ago, she sent me a message via FB and said she'd been praying for me.  Unbeknownst to her, I was having a really rough day.  She had NO clue what I was dealing with.  But she felt the need to pray for me, and thats just what she did.  She messaged me and said "Hi, just wanted you to know I was thinking about you and praying for you!"
My God never ceases to amaze me, that He puts the right people in our paths and in our lives at just the right time.  It may be for a season, or for a life time, but He DOES bring people into our lives.   She's given me lots of encouragement just in the last week.  You may not already know, but by the time you read this, you will--know how thankful I am that God brought you and your friendship into my life!   
Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 ⁹ Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: ¹⁰ If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

Pick Your Challenge

Why pick  challenge? 
Its time to step up, and do something for yourself.  I started my challenge before I even encountered Zeal Wellness. 
I have always had an addiction to Coke and Dr. Pepper. And I dont drink it for the caffeine.  My son described it very well one day when he said, "I like the bubbles in Diet Coke!"  That summed it up pretty good.
However, I also knew that I didn't need to continue to drink the soda.  I actually gave up soda a few months, back last summer.  But, I fell off the wagon.  And I went right back to drinking 2-3 cokes a day--and it was always 32-44 oz. 
I had already climbed back on the wagon, and decided yet again, NO MORE SODAS! That was a few weeks before I ever tried Zeal Wellness. 
I know the Zeal has helped me kick the soda pop habit.  Its helped me with a lot of things.  I've lost weight, I've started sleeping better, I've been able to get up and get through each and every day with NO joint pain.  Its been so difficult for over 4 years to get up out of bed and even walk to the rest room--but no more!  My alarm goes off and Im up and running. 
I not only started taking Zeal Wellness, I also signed up for a 90 day Challenge.  I am 28 days into my challenge and I am THRILLED to say that I am down from the 137 that I started out at..to ......119!  I just weighed today and could NOT believe it! 
I get up each morning, drink my Zeal Wellness--I actually add it to my Zeal Vanilla Protein Shake.  Thats my breakfast and I can get through the morning and I am good until lunch, and don't usually need a snack.
My husband has started a challenge as well.  Its the best choice we have made in a long time.  We wanted to better ourselves physically and we are achieving that. 
You can too!
Just go for it!  Just DO IT!!!
Zeal for Life 90 Day Challenge Start Now!

Challenge?

Are you ready for a Challenge?  Are you ready to make a change for the better?
Are you ready to improve your health?  Then its time for a challenge.....
A Zeal for Life Challenge!!!

http://www.lesleyotwell.zealforlife.com/index.asp?CO_LA=US_EN

Zeal Wellness Testimonies

Amazing testimonies(I like to call them Zealimonies) about Zeal Wellness.

http://www.lesleyotwell.zealforlife.com/challenge_testimonials.asp?CO_LA=US_EN

These are REAL people that live each and every single day with the same problems and issues that many people live with.  Zeal is the REAL DEAL folks!!

Zeal for LIFE

ZEAL.  What does that mean? Zeal is the eagerness and ardent interest in pursuit of something. Im happy to share with you that I am starting a new adventure.  I have thought a lot about this; I have prayed about it; I have contemplated it; and now I am taking a step and leap of faith because I want to better my health as well as the health of family and friends. 
What is Zeal Wellness?
Zeal Wellness is an all-in-one natural nutritional drink. Zeal Wellness is a synergistic blend of whole food concentrates providing an excellent source of nutrients, antioxidants and vitamins that enrich, restore, and protect you body at the cellular level.
Zeal Wellness contains over 120 supplements and antioxidents as well as adaptagenic herbs that help to fight stress, increase energy, decrease sleep problems and improve mental clarity.
  I am super excited about joining the Zeal family at Zurvita. Please check out my website for more information: www.lesleyotwell.zealforlife.com
I've made it no secret that I have dealt with a lot of things the last several years.  I've asked 'Why Me?"  And the Lord reminds me, I am not to ask why--because HE knows what lies ahead. He has plans for me, and I must believe and trust in Him. (My story comes in the next blog)
Jeremiah 29:11 New International Version (NIV)
 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
***Zeal Wellness is NOT a miracle cure--our bodies are the miracle created by God**

Surrender

Surrender: to give (oneself) up to some influence, course, emotion,etc.: He surrendered himself to a life of hardship.


Luke 14:33 33 So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.


One of our worship songs this morning in church was "I Surrender All" Its an old hymn I've heard and sang in church ever since I can remember. I love it. One of those songs that I almost don't want to sing, but instead I'd rather just stand there and listen. But I can't, I gotta sing it too! :)


I Surrender All by Judson W. Van DeVenter, 1896

All to Jesus I surrender;
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.
Refrain:
I surrender all,
I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.
All to Jesus I surrender;
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.
All to Jesus I surrender;
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel the Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.
All to Jesus I surrender;
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power;
Let Thy blessing fall on me.
All to Jesus I surrender;
Now I feel the sacred flame.
Oh, the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory, to His Name!
Makes ya stop and think a little bit. At least it should. When you give your life to Christ, do you give it all to Him or just part of it? Not just some of the time, not just a day or two a week, but ALL the time. EVERYTHING. The way you dress, the way you act, the things you do and say should reflect Christ. I remember when the slogan WWJD was popular. What happened to it? Did it just phase out? And why? I find myself asking my kids a lot, when they are arguing with each other, or talking back, "What would Jesus think if He was standing there listening to you?" Guess what? HE IS!! That's reason enough for me to surrender all that I am and all that I have.
No, Im not perfect by any means. No one is. But imperfection is no excuse to just live partially for Christ. Luke 14:27 says And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
How about you?
I Surrender All by Clay Crosse(one of my all time fav)
I Surrender All by The Isaac's
Surrender by the Newsboys
Devotion on Surrender

Psalm 91:4

Devotional I received and wanted to share. As I read it, it was one of those, "wow" moments.
God always knows just what I need to hear, when I need to hear it!

VERSE:
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you
will find refuge ...
-- Psalm 91:4
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Psalm+91:4

THOUGHT:
Life is filled with many uncertainties. You never know when
something unexpected is going to happen. You have no idea when the
next disaster will strike. In a world filled with hate and
terrorism, none of us has a clue when the next horrible atrocity
will take place. So what do we do when we can't be sure of our
circumstances? We take shelter under the wing of the One who is
above all circumstances! We take assurance in our Father who has
promised to bring us to himself no matter what may happen today ...
in our world ... and to our bodies. Our lives are hidden with our
Father because we've been joined to Christ. He is our Refuge! His
wings are our shelter!

PRAYER:
Father, what words can I offer that are sufficient to thank and
praise you for your deliverance that is greater than death? You are
the Alpha and the Omega. You are the God who was and is and is to
come. You are my Abba Father, who has adopted me and made me your
own. I place my trust, my hope, and future in you and I will not be
afraid. I find my refuge under your wings! All praise to you in the
name of Jesus. Amen.

http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/todaysverse.cgi?day=20111009

Colton's Journey

I have wanted to make a video or slide show of Colton for a LONG time.  You have to remember, Im not real computer savvy--and what I can do on one, I've learned how to do just by fiddling around with my laptop.  
So I finally sat down put together some pics, took some tunes off of my iTunes and edited the pics with captions.  I had actually sat and typed up all of the 'facts' that are in the video and saved them to the computer.  But when I went to upload those files, each time I tried to insert one, it was blank.  SO, I decided to just write it out by hand...kinda makes it a bit more personal that way anyhow.  
And so, I sat all day yesterday working on this project.  This evening I have been trying to edit it some and re-do some of the fonts that I used.
Thought I'd share it here on my blog.   Each and every song has a significant reason for being used.  The first one, came out and we were in awe of the words, considering what we had just learned about his health.  The second one, I chose for Colton's life verse, the first time I ever heard it.  And the last one, is because my Lord and Savior is always there with me and my family caring us through the ups and downs of this journey that we all travel each and every day.  You may want to pause the music player on the blog while the video is playing.

IDDM

If you were to see the letters IDDM, would you know what they mean?  While I myself know what they mean, it just really hit me today, how many people really know?  And why did I come to this realization?

When Colton was dx'd with his diabetes in 2000, one of the first things that we did, was to get him an I.D.
bracelet.  Why?  Because we thought it was important for everyone to know that he had a serious health condition.  I found a website and ordered one immediately.  My folks bought his first bracelet.   It was blue, and engraved on it:
Colton Otwell
Diabetes
It also had the little medical emblem on it.  He wore it daily, either on his wrist or around his ankle.  The only time we ever really had anyone 'notice' it, was when he was getting his picture taken, later in the year, after he was dx'd.

It was October, 2000.  We'd gotten his diabetes under control enough that he was starting to put a little of the weight he'd lost, back on.  His little face was just as cute as could be all chubby.  He was a cheese ball when he was getting his picture taken.  The photographer said something about hiding the bracelet.  My reaction: "Why?  Its part of his life, and Im not hiding it."

Rewind back to June when he was newly dx'd, had I actually seen/heard this situation, you can bet I'd have said something.  We hadnt known very long about the D, in fact, it had only been a few weeks.  Kyle's parents had came down from Tulsa for the weekend, so we all decided to go to the mall for a while. 

First thing we did when we got there was to hunt down the bathroom.  My mother in law and I took Colton in the womens bathroom with us--we needed to wash his hands to check his blood sugar.  I proceeded to hold him up at the sink and help him wash his hands.  Sat him down, got everything all ready, and poked his little finger, checked his blood, put his stuff away, and went back out to find Kyle.  A few minutes later, my MIL came out of the bathroom, and asked if I'd heard the two older women who were in the bathroom---they were oh, about 70-75.  Apparently, they watched as I checked Colton's sugars.  And as I left the bathroom my MIL heard one of them say: "Now why couldnt they have done that at home??!!"

UM, HELLO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  He's 3, and he's got diabetes!!! Can't check it at home, leave to go to the mall and then wait till we get home to check it again!!!!!!!!   And let me tell ya, I have never forgotten that.  And to this day, when I go to that mall, and I go into that same bathroom--thats what I always think of!! Geez!!!!!!

Here's one I hate to this day: Scenario--We are out eating after church on Sunday.  We sit down, check out the menu, settle on our food, order, and wait.  While waiting for it to be served, its time to check Colton's bs again.  So, I pull out his little bag, get his meter all ready, and grab an alchol swab, poke his finger, and check his blood.  DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE STARE!!!??? Seriously!!  Its rather annoying!

I was thinking today about different situations like that today, that we've experienced since he was dx'd.  Its amazing--people are dx'd with this disease every single day.  Adults, children, teens, and adults--yes I said it twice.  It doesnt care what your age is.  You can be 30 and still be dx'd with Typle 1 Diabetes. 

Anyway, how many people do you actually SEE when you are out and about everyday, and its apparent that they have D?  Now stop and think, seriously?  Think REALLY REALLY HARD.
Ive made it a point to look really hard.  And as common as this disease is coming, you just really don't see it.  And if you do, those ppl are type 2.  There IS a difference.

I remember the first time we participated in the JDRF Walk To Cure Diabetes.  It was in 2001, the one year anniversary of Colton's Dx's.  Talk about seeing  A LOT of ppl with D--WOW.
I found myself checking out all of these ppl.  There were tons of ppl there.  And it was not just kids--there were as many adults as kids.  Next thing I know I find myself looking to see just how many ppl were wearing I.D bracelets.  What I found?: Hardly anyone was wearing a bracelet.

Colton's always had an ID bracelet, since he was dx'd.  Up until about 2 or 3 years ago.  He had one, and the engraved piece came off and that was it.  I'd just spent $30 on a sport i.d bracelet and I was not going to pay that much for another one.

There are TONS out there to choose from.  Im not exactly sure why I decided it was time to get him another one.  All I know, is that Im glad I did.  Its something thats just as important for him to have with him, as it is for him to have all of his testing supplies.  He can't walk out of the house without his glucose meter, finger poker, lancets, test strips, and his insulin.  He has to make sure he's got infusions and resevoirs for his pump.  And now, he'll need to make sure he's got that ID tag with him.   WHY??  Because, IF he goes somewhere, and he's not going to be around ppl who are aware of his health--then at least his necklace will alert ppl to his diabetes.

So, I must ask again.  Do you know what IDDM means? What would you do, if you were out and about at the grocery store or mall, and you saw someone just collapse in front of you?  Would you just keep going, and walk around them?  Would you freak out and start yelling for help?  Or would you see what you could do to help them out?  What would you do if you saw IDDM?
Would you know that it means Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

I want my son wearing an ID, so that IF something happens and his dad or I am not around, hopefully, people will be smart enough to see his ID tag.  Its a matter of life/death.  I can not say
that enough.  EDUCATE yourself on Diabetes---TYPE 1 and TYPE 2 are DIFFERENT. 
And to KNOW that, you must educate yourself.  You never know what information you may learn, that may just help someone else.

Storms of Life

Storms do come.  Its part of nature.  Its the way that God intended things to be.  He, after all, created the heavens, the earth, the sea, every living creature.  He made it all.  And among those things, there are storms.  There are spring showers, thunderstorms, tornados, blizzards..I think you get the point?!

Thunderstorms are quite interesting to me.  They don't scare me.  I know that some people have a hard time dealing with storms and thats OK.   Everyone deals with them differently.  I myself like to just watch the lightning as it lights up the sky.  The formations that the clouds form, also interesting.   Then there are the high winds, and sometimes hail stones.  In the winter months, those storms turn from rain to ice, freezing rain, sleet, and snow.  Snow, its so pretty as it comes down from the heavens.  Sometimes its itty bitty snowflakes, and sometimes its BIG huge fat snowflakes.  Sometimes it falls at a slow rate, and sometimes those big fat flakes are coming down so hard and fast, that you can't even see through it.  It just comes down and blankets the earth.  It covers up the grass and the flowers, but not for long.   Before we know it, winter is over and Spring is just around the corner.  When Spring comes, new life begins, and rain storms come again, full circle.

Our lives are not much different.  There are seasons in our lives where everything just seems to go 'our way' and then there are times that a storm arises.  And that storm may be a small little rainstorm, or it could be a tornado or a hurricane.   And in the midst of it all, there is one thing that remains the same.  God is right there with you.  He is there from beginning to end.  He always is, and He always will be.  Why?  Because HE IS OUR GOD, and without HIM we would have NOTHING!

Now, to remind myself of this daily is something I must do.  I get down and depressed and upset because I have different things I am dealing with.   Don't we all?  Well, sure we do.  We're human.  Life happens, and its not always good and its not always bad.  That would be the seasons/storms that I mentioned first.

I have a few storms in my life.  More than one storm at a time??  Yep!  I do.  Most people who have known me for any length of time know that I have a big hairy ugly storm that comes in the form of a disease that revealed itself ten years ago.  Ten years ago??  Man, now thats a LONG time for a storm to rage.  But, rage it does.  Every single day, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  It doesnt take a break.  Doesn't get the weekends or holidays off.  No vacation days, or snow days.  Its in my life, and my husband's life, and my daughter's life, and my son's life.  No, I myself, my husband, or my daughter, none of us have this disease.  But Colton does.  And as his parents, and his sister, we are all affected by this BIG UGLY HAIRY STORM.  Storms..hairy??   Humor me here--b/c they can and are hairy at times!

There are times that this storm is just a little bit of rain.  Sometimes its a little more intense, rather than being a mild little rain shower.  And then other times, its a FULL BLOWN STORM--high winds, and hail, etc.

In those storms, I get mad and I gripe.  I get mad, and I complain.  I get upset, and I cry.  I want to kick and scream, and stomp the ground as hard as I can.  Does it happen?  No.  Would it fix it?  No.  Make the storm any easier or better?  No

I have this BIG storm that I have to deal with on a daily basis, as Ive said, 24/7.  Its ALWAYS there, rearing its ugly head.  I hate it.  I hate it. I hate it!  Did I mention..I hate it??    Why me? Why us?  Why MY son?
I have asked those questions many times over the last ten years.  And is it wrong of me to ask? No, I don't think it is.  I can ask all I want.  And its going to be the same answer every time.  I can sit and talk with God and have this conversation over and over and over.   Each time I can hear Him whisper, "And why not your son?, Don't you trust me?"    And even, "Why not your son?"

There are days that are so so so so so tough.  And everything that I have just said is a cycle and it starts all over again.  I have had the same conversation every single day for the last ten years.  Thats A LOT of days!
And at the same time that I ask WHY, and I hear the Lord say, WHY NOT?,  I know beyond a shadow of doubt that God is in control.  God was in control and He knew all of this before I ever got pregnant with Colton. 
Psalm 139:13-16: You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb.  Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex.  Your workmanship is marvelous--how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.  You saw me before I was born.  Every day of my life was recorded in your book.  Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

I have another post titled "How God Chose The Mother Of a Diabetic Child" that you should check out. 
The first time I ever read that, was not very long after Colton was dx'd with diabetes.  At the age of just 2, mind you.  It seems like so long ago to some, but to me, as his mom, it seems like yesterday. 

When I sat down to write this post, I had something completely different that I was going to write about. 
I had already pulled up the lyrics to one of my favorite songs by Casting Crowns.  When I first heard Praise You in this Storm, It just summed up how I felt about all that we go through.  And we go through A LOT.

Thats something I know that some don't understand.  They don't understand what the big deal is.  They don't understand what the significance of it all is.  They don't understand why my husband and I or my parents or anyone else in our family--they dont understand WHY its such a big storm.  They don't understand that this is my child--my son's life.  They don't understand what it felt like to hear the words, "Mrs. Otwell, your son has diabetes."  They don't understand what it was like to look back at the Dr who just spoke those words, and ask him, "But why?  What did we do wrong?"  They dont' know what it was like to take this sweet little boy and make him sit still just so we could poke his finger with a tiny little needle just to get a drop of blood, 12 times a day.  They don't know what it was like to take that same little boy and hold him down, while he screamed at the top of his lungs, "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Mommy, NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!", while we gave him a shot of insulin.  They don't know what it was like, to have to get up in the middle of the night every 2 hours to poke those little fingers, to see if he needed yet another shot of insulin.  They don't know what it was like the first time you heard the words, "I hate you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" come out of your precious son's mouth, because he had to have, yet another shot of insulin.  They don't understand that taking a lancet and poking a finger to get a tiny blood sample is something that has to be done on a daily basis.  They don't understand that while eating is something that we all must do, that it can be a life or death situation for my son. They don't understand that this disease, whether we wanted it to or not, has affected our relationship with our son.  They do not understand what its like to look into the eyes of a 12 year old kid and see the hurt and the fear and the anger that has built up inside him over the years.   They don't understand what its like to have gone through the last 10 years being in the midst of this storm. 

And then there are those who DO understand.  They understand what its like to hear those same words from their Dr about their own child.  They understand the question of asking WHY?  They understand the hurt and the anger and the pain.  They understand because they either have diabetes themselves or they have a loved one or friend that has it.  They understand what its like because they make it a point to learn and educate themselves about the disease.  They understand because they care.  They care what happens to my son.  They care what happens between our son, and us.  They care what happens as our son continues to grow up with this disease. 

Storms come.  Storms Go.  Storms come and stay.  And even in the midst of those storms, no matter if its a little shower, or a big thunderstorm, God is there.  He is there to listen when I cry.  He is there to listen when Im angry.  He is there during every single struggle that I have each and every day with this disease.

Praise You In This Storm
By Casting Crowns:
I was sure by now

God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say “Amen”, and it’s still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

Chorus:
I’ll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I’ve cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm


I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can’t find You

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

Chorus:
(2x’s)
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The maker of Heaven and Earth

Chorus: