Let's talk the "D" word........

What’s going through your mind? I can imagine.
Divorce …………..no we are in it for the long haul.
Diet………………… may always be changing mine 
Drugs………………just vitamins
Dating…………………Colin is getting older…UM NO!
Diarrhea………………..What?
No the word most people avoid like the plague


Depression


There the cat is out of the bag. I said it. So what now? Well let me give you some internet facts.

• Depressive disorders affect approximately 18.8 million American adults or about 9.5% of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year. This includes major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, and bipolar disorder. [1]
• Everyone, will at some time in their life be affected by depression -- their own or someone else's, according to Australian Government statistics. (Depression statistics in Australia are comparable to those of the US and UK.) [2]
• Pre-schoolers are the fastest-growing market for antidepressants. At least four percent of preschoolers -- over a million -- are clinically depressed. [3]

[Pill-Popping Pre-Schoolers | Even Toddlers Get the Blues]
• The rate of increase of depression among children is an astounding 23% p.a. [4]
• 15% of the population of most developed countries suffers severe depression. [5]
• 30% of women are depressed. Men's figures were previously thought to be half that of women, but new estimates are higher. [6]
• 54% of people believe depression is a personal weakness. [7]
• 41% of depressed women are too embarrassed to seek help. [8]
• 80% of depressed people are not currently having any treatment. [9]
• 92% of depressed African-American males do not seek treatment. [10]
• 15% of depressed people will commit suicide. [11]
• Depression will be the second largest killer after heart disease by 2020 -- and studies show depression is a contributory factor to fatal coronary disease. [12]

[Depression Link to Heart Disease | Hostility, Depression May Boost Heart Disease]
• Depression results in more absenteeism than almost any other physical disorder and costs employers more than US$51 billion per year in absenteeism and lost productivity, not including high medical and pharmaceutical bills.


Those are the facts online. Anyone can find them. Everyone can get overwhelmed reading them and thinking they are doomed. In fact I am/was one of those people. Most of you know that I have struggled with this beast for my adult life. It has been a J…o…u…r…n…e…y. And one I thought was over. Because you see, I did all the right things. I prayed, I ate differently, I exercised and....... I TOOK DRUGS. But the problem seems to go away but for a moment. Then when I least expect it the ugly creature peeks its head over the sun and wham there it is again. Well this time it’s different. I mean it’s probably different every time. But this time it Really Really is…….why? You ask. Because this time I was awake when it hit me. I started to withdrawl, not care about certain things, people, events. And I was NOT OK with it. I didn’t lie back and see myself fall into a pit. I said NO MORE!!! I am more than this right? I am more than the outrage, fits and remorse. Oh the remorse you have after you have lashed out on your family. Because you see that’s who suffers with you. It’s your family. Others see you pull it together for them……. But your family well they get the crap. The ugliest you have. Not fair! Your right! It’s not. Because you know your kids will love you and your husband/wife (if your blessed like me) Will still be there. Will be there when you have collapsed from all the ugliness. They will be there to hold you up reassure you and keep you going. Well guess what people? I am going to conquer this beast and for the LAST TIME! I am doing all the things mentioned above, but one thing that I have not done before. This time I am speaking truth to myself. Listening when a dear friend calls to read me the description God has to say about me. And remembering who I am in Christ. Because without him and his people I could forget and be a statistic. Not anymore!!!! Not anymore!!!

This is what God says about me.


Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)
"I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols." (Ezekiel 36:25)
...A righteous man will be remembered forever. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes. (Psalm 112:6-8)
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. (Psalm 37:5-6)
Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. (Isaiah 65:24)
Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, He confirmed it with an oath... it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure...
(Hebrews 6:17-19)
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. (Isaiah 12:2)
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD is the Rock eternal. (Isaiah 26:3-4)
He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young. (Isaiah 40:11)
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
(Isaiah 41:10)
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you...For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." (Isaiah 43:1-3)
"I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God." (Isaiah 44:6)
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." (Mark 11:24)
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. (Romans 5:1-2)
But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
But where sin increased, grace increased all the more. (Romans 5:20)
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
(Romans 8:1)
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. (Romans 8:15-16)
The Spirit helps us in our weakness. (Romans 8:26)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
(Romans 8:37)
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)
...God does not judge by external appearance... (Galatians 2:6)
For He Himself is our peace. (Ephesians 2:14)
For through Him we have access to the Father by one Spirit. (Ephesians 2:18)
The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:24)
But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm. (Proverbs 1:33)
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

And believe me there is much much more. I guess I am telling you this because I want to be hope for someone. Out there is someone that thinks they are alone. They may be scared and confused. But see when we look to the light we cannot be in darkness. I am happy to say that this will be the last time I ever deal with this issue. Jesus took all of our issues and we are new. I am thankful for friends, truth, love and acceptance. Jesus never stops making me be in AWE of him. He cares for us and wants us whole. I have many many other issues to deal with. But my friends I believe with ALL of my heart this one is done!!!! To God be the GLORY.


Love,
Vicki

The Best.................

I sat down an hour ago. To blog "The Best Christmas Ever". When it happened. Lucy, Hazel and I just woke up from a nap. We laughed and said all the girls in the family needed a rest today. We got up and I let her out to go potty in the back yard. The side gate was open and her favorite hobby was happening. The mailman was delivering mail. She ran to meet him. I heard her bark and sent kids to go get her. The kids saw her hit by the car. I freaked out screaming in the street. The mailman was so kind. He held me while I cried and told the kids to go inside. I held her while she died. The kids were screaming for me to do something. But I knew there was nothing I could do. So instead of telling you all about the best Christmas ever. I must tell you all about the best Dog Ever. She was funny, and so sweet. She loved to sleep with or on you. She barked at all people entering our home. We loved and hated that. She was the best dog we have ever had. Sure she got on my nerves, but I loved her deeply. I just gave her a bath yesterday and held her while I slept today. She had the best last day. But I am so sad it was her last day. I want her back!!!! Here are some pictures of our Beloved "HAZEL" We appreciate you all praying for our family. She was a part of our family!!

Rest of my month long Thankful Days

Not that I am not Thankful everyday....but to end the month of November with Thanks...here are the rest of my days :)

Day 10 thankful that angels protected me from getting run over on walk this morning :)

Thankful day 11...the date 11-11-11. What a perfect day to Celebrate Veterans. I am honored to have had family serve in the armed forces. To all the soldiers out there I Honor you for all you have done for the Country!!!!

Day 12 thankful for my husband being home and doing all the cooking :)

Day 13 Thankful to be almost done with my Christmas shopping :)

Day 14 thankful for being able to buy groceries......so many people can not :(

Day 15 Thankful for the rain!!!

Day 16 thankful is my Day 11 exercise. I rolled my ankle on the first 1/2 mile lap...I shed a couple of tears and pushed through. I made my best time yet for the 1.5 mile :) Then gathered my children to do the last 1.5 mile walk together. It was nice !! I am thankful for God healing my ankle during my run :D

Day 17 Thankful for change.......Change of friendships, change of seasons, change of feelings, change of commitments, change of self........ change it keeps me growing :)

Day 18 Thankful...This one is going to shock you. But I am very very thankful for fly swatters. I am a fly killer and proud of it :)

Day 19 thankful for Homer as Darla Garza and their kids. My aunt and uncle. They came to visit before heading to Oklahoma. Owen loves puff daddy. And we love hanging out with them.

Thankful Day 20 Hanging out with family and laughing till your sides hurt.

Thankful Day 21 Getting 200 peices of clothing for only .07 a piece at Justus......

Day 22 thankful for friends and their stories. Today was great!

Day 23 Because I don't have enough going on today I woke up to a flat tire. So now kids and I are at tire shop. Next up walking. Then home to finish packing. Today I'm thankful there is a tire shop around the corner :)
Day 24 Turkey dinner and all the trimmings with precious family :)

Day 25 walking in the morning with one of my favorite people around. Mary Beth

Day 26 watching my kids swim in the Gaudalupe river jet skiing, tubing and fishing

Day 27 visiting Heritage Homestead as a family...it was fun :)

Day 28 being home with my family .........

Thankful Day 29 naps...sometimes you just need them.

Thankful Day 30 Maralee Lewis corn chowder I am fixing to have :)

Well I sure hope I can continue to be Thankful Everyday for Everything!!

Roots.............

This is a definition I found online.
Roots:

The part of a plant that attaches it to the ground or to a support, conveying water and nourishment to the rest of the plant.




While walking the other day with Victoria Smith I noticed some roots. They weren't just roots but they were ROOTS. Roots that had managed to tear apart a cement sidewalk. Make it not flat and smooth but bumpy, hard to cross and all messed up. I told her to be careful as we crossed them. She's pregnant :) We mentioned how crazy they were...........We walked.....talked....then something happened to me. The Lord started to speak to me. YES through roots. Crazy but oh so good. So I thought why not share these thoughts with you all. My dear friends and family.

Your probably going WHAT..Hmmm..So....Ok...and that's ok. Just keep reading. These roots made an inpression on me. Can you tell? You see I saw them as an example. Of my life your life and the world. I saw these roots that were once this small seed. That had life given to them ie: food, sun and water. Those are some of the things we need to grow. When we are infants in Christ we need all of those things and more. We need people, support, love, understanding, and acceptance. And then we start growing roots. They go deep like deep deep down in the ground. They not only provide the tree with nourishment. But they are also the things that will one day hold up the tree. Whether it's a small fruit tree or a giant tree that is taller than buildings. The roots to trees and our lives are so very important. And this is what I heard God ask me "Where are your roots planted? " Are they in things, money, people, circumstances, pleasures, desires, wants, needs, or are they in me? I thought about this for a few days. Because you see if they are not planted in Jesus then our lives will be that sidewalk. They will crumble under pressure they will not be smooth, they will be hard, unpleasant, unappealing and UGLY. Now will they be perfect with Jesus. No that's not what I am saying. What I am saying is they will be deep. They will be so deep that when hard times, death, loss, insecurity, hurts and chaos come. Because they will come. We will be strong. We may lose a branch or two. But our roots will be so deep that he will sustain us. He will keep us standing. He will hold us up. He will cause the storms of life to not destroy us. He will be our everything. I know this from personal experience. Not only mine but friend's and families lives. I have heard more stories of how God has held up people in their darkest hour. I know for myself that he has made me a new creation. And that my roots are solely in him. I'm not sure if any of this has made sense to anyone but I could not keep it to mself. I sure hope you chose to put your roots in Jesus. He is waiting. He wants to be YOUR ROOTS!!

New International Version
Jeremiah 17:8 He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."



Job 29:19 My roots will reach to the water, and the dew will lie all night on my branches.


Colossians 2:6-7 ESV Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

Thankful day 4-9

Day 4 I'm thankful for grandparents that are willing to drive 9 hours to watch their grandson play basketball. :D

Day 5 thankful for C.H.E.S.S. basketball!!!

Day 6 so very thankful for our home church meetings every month. We all come together all 76 of us and share the word, a meal and great stories. I love these people. Missed all that couldn't be with us today.

Thankful Day 7 : This weather...it's perfect :)

Thankful Day 8....My best friend that packed her things and kids to come stay with me while my hubby is out of town. Isn't it wonderful to have friends :D

Day 9 Thankful for impromptu lunch date with a friend. Then park time with our kids. Sharing our lives together what a blessing :D

Day 3

Today I am thankful for my extended family.....Dad, Mom, Fred, Aminta, Devien, Belen, Dillonn, Veronica, J.A.M., Annika...........Dick, Cheryl, Russ, Deige and Randall :)

And of course all of my relatives, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and in laws....

Without our family we won't get very far!
I love my FAMILY :)

Day 2 of 30 Days of THANKFULNESS

So I missed day....1

Day 1 my Salvation. I am nothing without Jesus. And he is everything to me.


Day 2 My husband and children. Bryce is the best gift I have ever recieved. My children well they are my heart beats!

Just be THANKFUL!