Freckled Lemonade in honor of Dee!

Here it is...

This is supposedly The Red Robin Recpie, but I do not make that claim. It is really yummy @ Red Robin, I'll try to post the link another day!

Red Robin Freckled Lemonade

1/3 Cup frozen sweetened sliced strawberries, thawed1 Cup lemonadeCrushed iceGarnishLemon wedgeFill a 16 ounce glass with ice. Spoon strawberries with syrup over the top of the ice.Fiill the glass with lemonade.Add a lemon wedge and serve with a straw.Freckled Lemonade by the PitcherAdding sliced fresh stawberries and/or a few slices of lemon to the pitcher is a nice touch.2 Quarts Minute Maid Lemonade2 Cups frozen sweetened sliced strawberries, thawed Crushed ice1 Cup sliced fresh strawberries (optional)Lemon Slices (optional).To make by the pitcher (2 quarts): Add thawed strawberries and syrup into pitcher. Add crushed and sliced fresh strawberries, if using, to pitcher. Add crushed ice and gently stir in lemonade

Just a fun filled day!

Hi,

Today mom and I went a got our flu shots then we went clothes shopping and then got a snack @ the food court at the mall, went shopping some more. I got a nice top, and a cute brown sweater! I love sweaters! Mom visted the book story though I didn't go in because I know I could never resist buying something. We then met Jenn & Michelle @ Red Robin, there I ate my favorite chicken Tortila soup, and drank freckled lemonade! I noticed today how much weight mom has lost, but I also noticed how well she is doing, and how much fun she is having! I can hardly believe she will go back to work to a new job soon. Thank you for all your prayers! They are still keeping a close on things, but God is so Good!

Yes, there is still a writer inside me

I Saw Your Love
By: T.J. Ellis
September 27, 2009


I saw your love today as the wind blew across my face.
I heard your love in the melody that came as a soft whisper.
I touched your love as I witnessed the smile on a child’s face.
I saw your love through the beautiful sunshine.
I heard your love through the advice of a stranger.
I touched your love as I touched your creation.
I saw your love in the stroke of a paint brush.
I heard your love in the stillness of night.
I touched your love as I smelled the roses.
I heard your love in the form of laughter so sweet
I touched your love through the touch of human flesh.
I saw your love printed as a declaration, in words of red.
I heard your love through the singing of birds.
I touched your love, as I held a tiny sliver cross.
I saw your love through the kindness of a young man.
I heard your love through a simple prayer.
I touched your love as I touched the edge of grace!

Sweet truth!

Hi Bloggers:

Hope you are doing well! I'm having a good day! I am very glad it is suppose to be sunny tomorrow, it has rained for 2 weeks in Chattanooga TN, but thankfully we have had no major flood damage at our house. I am trying to catch up on your blogs. This past week was rather busy for me with AAA two days a week, 4 birthdays, visting with my cousin Jocelyn who is going to be at DisneyWorld for her fourth Birthday this Wed.
There is a lot I want to write about, but I don't have time right now, just wanted to say hello!
I am just going to quicky tell you that God reminded me recently that He can handle me! I know that sounds funny, but you know how sometimes we can be afraid of letting people know us for fear that if they really knew us they would run away? I have been feeling that way a lot, and it was so freeing to sense God saying Teej you can't scare me away. I'm not going anywhere. I love you! I accept you! What freedom there is in that truth.

Movie, Elvis's Brother, and God is there!

Hi Readers:



Hope you had a great weekend! I have had one of the best weekends in awhile. Yesterday I went to see Julie & Julia the movie! It was very good, I admit I really didn't expect to like it, because I am not into cooking, but it was funny, and contained a modern day love story as well! It also tells a story of a blog, by an every day woman! Then, today I was able to go to church for the first time in a month. We had a guest Evangelist for our church rally day. His name is Rick Stanley and he is the brother of Elvis Presley! He has amazing testimony! He a very humble man! It was truly a treat to hear what only God could do in his life!



Speaking of God doing a work.... God is teaching me a lot right now, but it is hard to process much less to write about at this point. I am sure you are familiar with the lyrics "All I have in your Lord, is more than enough for all of me! (SONG MORE THAN ENOUGH) It isn't until we are called to truly lay down our comforts and false idols, that we ever really know that the God we talk about really is more than enough. Sometimes we willingly offer our idols, while other times we find that in those moments when are too weak to surrender, and so God does a kind of stripping away of our safety net, which then causes us to honestly explore the question, Lord are you really? Can I really trust you with everything? In the past 2 years God has stripped away most of my false safety nets. Actually, he first removed my false sense of worth as an over achiever student 5 years ago, Then, he removed not just one but 3 friends who made me feel safe and loved. Then He removed my mom's health, not once, but twice. I still wait for healing in my relationship with a family member, and there seems to be no end to the strain in sight. God is the one who gives and the one who takes away. I will admit I wrestle with anger for the taking away part, but as I work through this, I am reminded that He Jesus is the source of everything! He has never owed me anything, and everything I have comes from his hand! Everything I'm given has been entrusted to me, based on nothing I deserve. He is the hope that does not disappoint the friend that never leaves. The refuge that does not crumble! The Father who does not ignore! Mary told Jesus that if He had been there, her brother would not have died, but Mary quickly saw that for the glory of God, Jesus waited and came at just the right time. Maybe like me you wonder what God is doing, or you may you think, God where were you when my child or friend died or moved away? Maybe your question is where where you God when my marriage fell apart? Where were you when my job fell through? Where where you when I was hurt so bad? Jesus was there. Yes, we wonder why an all powerful God would just be there waiting, instead of acting, but Jesus is there to minster even as the questions come, even as we wonder and prayerfully wait. He is with us even though.... The victory is ours, the comfort is ours, The hope is ours! The glory is His!

Relational Savior & Prayer Requests

Hi Bloggers:

I cannot begin to thank you enough for your encouraging comments in response to my last post! Thank you for such compassionate and truth filled responses. God has been answering your prayers. Speaking of prayers would you join me in praying for a couple of families?

1. Please pray for my cousins: Chris, Christy, and Trey. These siblings just lost their mother very unexpectedly. The funeral is tomorrow. They live in Cochran GA. Trey is in college and today is his birthday. Both Chris and Christy have spouses of their own, as well as 5 children if you count the grandchildren. Please pray for comfort and peace as they sort through all this.
2. Please pray for Beth-OneBlessedNana- A blogger and pastor's wife whose church is under spiritual attack. Please also pray for her and her family, that God will protect them and bless them.
3. Please pray for Sandra my friend who has endured Chronic pain who was preparing for major surgery, but it had to be put off, because she has shingles for the 3rd time.
Thank you so much!

I hope you all are having a great Labor Day! I was thinking today, how great it is to have a Savior who is relational! He became one of us, so that one day, we could be like him! He faced loneliness and sorrow, injustice and rejection. Jesus understands! He overcome death for us! www. bibleresources.com Heb. 2:18 "For since He Himself was tested and has suffered, He is able to help those who are tested.
Wherever we are on the road of life, Jesus understands! Your responses and prayers inspired this post!

Coming Clean!

I am not sure if this post is for my readers or for me but I need to do this. I have struggling for weeks on and off with my relationship with God. I don't know if it is apathy or hardness or what? I desired so much that the trials God has allowed in our lives recently would draw ever closer to God, and there have been times when this has been the case! I just cannot figure out when it was that I became inconsistent? Was it when mom had surgery all the chores or was it the craziness of it all? Did it begin then? Is it the constant list of excuses or the endless questions that continue to linger in my head in recent weeks. Questions that would cause most reasonable people to wonder if I am a christian at all. OK so, I know that's a bit extreme, but you get the idea. One thing I know is things need to change, more than that, it has to change! The one thing God continues to impress upon me is a word that I posted more than a month ago. Prov. 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not rely on your own understanding. I am finding that the first step to learning to trust God and love God more is to admit my lack of trust. Before you pounce on me for typing that, I know that God is worthy of not just my trust, but my ongoing praise. He has carried my family ever step of the way, and for that I will give him praise!!!!!!!!! The truth is though, I am plagued with doubts and fears at times waiting for the other shoe to drop. Wondering why some get permanent healing, and then others only get healing for a little while. There are lots of others who don't get healing they long for until heaven, and then the hurting continues for their loved ones. You might wonder why I would be wrestling with these questions now, when all signs point to my mom's cancer being gone. I cannot give you an explanation, because I'm searching for one as well. There is a part of me that wonders, if God will somehow punish me or mom for my lack of belief that I've tried so hard to keep below the surface. I know no matter how messed up, I am, God is still God, and it's time to stop running from the truth, and run into the arms of Truth HIMSELF! Thank you for letting me write out loud!

Ephesians 2:10 Video by B-rad C - Powerful!

Ephesians 2:10 Video by B-rad C - MySpace Video

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Setback with Mom, but she is improving!

Hi EVERYONE;
August 26th
This is T.J. Mom had to return to the hosptial last night, because she was very sick, and was having a high fever. It turns out she has an infection in the lymph nodes of the incesion in her leg, but she does not have feeling there, so she did not know. They drained a lot of fluid today, and she sounds better today. They are giving her lots of meds. Sorry I have not updated sooner, but I've had a bug, and been out of it. Thanks for your prayers!

T.J. M'S daughter
Friday, August 28, 2009 3:27 PM, EDT


Hello,

Mom came home from the hospital late last night She is doing very well. She is eating well, and up and moving about though this takes great effort. She wanted me to tell you that she already has fluid building up, one of the doctors said they may have to go back in surgically to insert a tube, in order for the fluid to drain as it should. They are going to try and hold off on that until next Friday to see if this will be needed, because that is when her next appointment is. It may have to be done sooner, if the fluid does not drain properly. It is my understanding that too much fluid in her leg can cause infection, especially since she does not have feeling her upper leg, where they did surgery. So we would ask for your prayers in this matter, but this is a far more common problem than the previous ones she has endured. Mom and I have sat face to face today, and been able to chat which is such a gift from God! She is alert! Please don't misunderstand, she does tire easily, of course, but she at this point very improved and we praise God! I am hopeful this is a real turning point! Again, her appointment is Sept. 4Th. Thank you for your prayers and loving support!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so proud of our Mom!
T.J. on Madeline's behalf)


Hi Gang! I know you are probably ready for some posts that don't involve Mom's health, but since you all are praying, I still need to post these for awhile! thanks for bearing with me!

Urge to blog....

Hi Bloggers:
I warn you that I don't know how this blog will turn out. Good news mom is home from the hosptial! She is groggy and weak but home. Thank you for your prayers! I want you to know God is providing in all this! He is faithful! My grandmother who we live with fell and dislocated her finger. I have not felt well today. One of my aids was sick when sick last night, when she came, she said it was probably food posioning, but I'm just not at all sure. I'm not usually parnoid about sickness, but today I am. I actually was mad that she came and exposed my family and I to possible sickness right now. I know she probably meant well,
but....
I cannot seem to shake this anger I've been feeling lately, and yet there are streams of thankfulness as well. I have moments of numbness and just exagustion, but then I think where is this coming from it isn't as though, I'm working or going to school right now. I am having doubts about my blog content too as well since my blog was intentded to honor the Lord, and I am not sure that is what this blog is lately. Anyway thank you for sticking with me, I will one day be able to vist your blogs regularly.

3 in 1 Rollercoaster update on mom!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009 6:49 PM, EDT

Hello family and friends!

This is not the update that I expected to be giving you today. I have finally been able to get in here with the help of a good friend to update this page. Mom went to the doctor today expecting to get her staples out but for the last couple of nights she has had low grade fever, chills, and a large amount of bleeding from her incision site in her abdomen. They did a CT scan and decided that it would be best for them to do exploratory surgery to find out the cause of the bleeding. The doctors took her back to surgery at 7 minutes after 6. I am told that the surgery will take 1 to 2 hours and then she will be in recovery. The doctors sayshe will be in the hospital for 3 to 5 days. It is possible that the bleeding could be caused by stitches being torn or coming out or it could be something else. This is why the surgery is so important, to find the true cause of the bleeding. Margaret and Mumzie are at the hospital right now. I have had a special friend stay with me and now my assistant is here and available until late in the evening. I may not be able to update again this evening but I can put my number below if you wish to call or you can wait and I will do my best to update first thing tomorrow. God has been faithful through this whole process and even now His grace is sustaining us. I know that you will be in steadfast prayer and for that we thank you.

T.J.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 8:31 PM, EDT

hello
I just wanted to quickly update you to let you know that mom is through with surgery. when i talked to my aunt last she said that mom was in recovery. She also said that the doctor was pleased with the outcome and is glad they were able to catch it early. They believe that at least on of the stitches got infected this is really all i know at this point. thank you so much for your prayers please keep praying. We are thankful for the victory we just had.
Thanks,
T.j.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009 12:46 PM, EDT


Hi All:

I am sorry I am only now updating, but it's been a busy day already. Mom did well last night. She is pretty out of it today,because she was nauseated really bad, so they gave her finagrin. She has waked today with the PT. I do have more info for you on what was actually done last night. They repaired a stitch that popped out, and had infection, which they think happened from having to cough. The doctor has placed permeant stitches on the inside. She is on a liquid diet, but that should only be for today. She is antibiotcs. The best of today was that I got to talk to mom on the phone for a few minutes. I was at AAA yesterday when all this happened, so it was kinda a lot to take in all at once. I don't know what I would have done, if my friend Courtnie had not stayed with me, because there was not time or a way for me to get to the hospital. God took care of every detail. Thank you to each one of you for all you've done!


Thanks,
T.J.
Thursday, August 20, 2009 6:29 PM, EDT


Hi All:

Mom has been up today! I talked to her a little bit ago, and her voice is so much stronger! She requested Chicken & rice for supper. She is off of most of what meds they have had her on. She was on round the clock antibiotics yesterday, 5 bottles worth. Justin visited her for a good bit of time today. It is looking like she might come home tomorrow!!!!!!!! I have not seen her since Tuesday. God is teaching me a lot about faith right now, and shown me how much unbelief is in my heart, He has ministered to me in so many ways today, and I know it is because you've prayed! I look forward to the day when my mom can update for you herself, as I know it will be a blessing to you all! I must be a broken record, but thank you so much for your love and support!
T.J.

Thank you bloggers for your prayer! Sorry I have not posted all this sooner it has been crazy!!!!!!!!!!! GOD IS ON HIS THRONE!!!!!!!

Another update on mom.... tough one for her...

Hi Everyone:

Mom has not had a good day. She has not been comfortable whatever position she is in. She has had some nagging, but normal problems that go along with adjusting to life with a colostomy bag. I can tell she really wants to be able to do things, but her body will not allow it. The process of waiting has never been easy for mom, but she is being better about it than most people would be. She will get her staples out Tuesday. I know she wants to update for you all herself, but of course is just not feeling well enough yet. She enjoys your comments. She has numbness in the top of her leg, which doctors say could be short term or long term. The doctors told her this could be a possibility. God is faithful! Thank you for all you done. Please pray the healing process will go by fast for mom. You know how positive mom is; please pray with me that God would give her strength as she recovers. That God would protect her against discouragement. I’m asking him to give her grace for each moment. That she would feel free to vent in the tough times, and receive understanding. We are so proud of her. It is more than understandable that this process would be frustrating for her. She is laying in my bed in hopes that my hospital bed will be more comfortable. Thanks for reading! Each day will bring improvements. Thank you again! Our family is thankful for your kindness and support you’ve shown through prayers, flowers, food etc. God’s mercies are new each day
T.J.

Praise Report 2 She is home!

I just wanted you to know, in cause you have not heard that mom is home!!!!!!! She got home around noon today, and was very please with all the flowers, gifts, plants, etc many of you have given and sent to her. Thank you! I just saw her home for the first time since she she got home about an hour ago. every one insisted I go to AAA as usual, and I did, because the minstry is like second family to me. I could hardly wait to get home to see mom though, so I signed out a bit early. She has slept many hours since being home. Justin put Macy the dog on a leash so mom could pet her. Macy was so sweet with mom, and I am sure she was great medicine for mom too. I know I would have cried if I had witnessed the moment. I don't have much news at this point. I'll update as the process continues. I believe mom is so happy to be home, and we are so happy too! Please keep up those prayers and praises! Thank you all for everything!!!
T.J.
Hi Bloggers: Above is the lastest update! Thank you for your prayers and support! We are one step closer to "normal" Miss you guys!

Praise REPORT and continued prayers!

I am so excited to write this post for you all. I just talked to mom on the phone and she said the pathology report came back and the cancer is gone! Let me type that again so it will sink in better. They were able to get all of the cancer, only one lymphnode came back as cancer and it is now out.If Mom is able to eat solid foods between now and tommorow she will be able to come home at some point tomorrow. We are all so excited to have her home and can hardly wait for tommorow to come.Thank you so much for your continued prayers throughout this process.We are praising the Lord for this incredible news. We still know that there are hurdles to climb and recovery that still needs to take place. Hopefully if there is additional information to pass on to you I can do that once I talk to Mom further. She is now taking a nap and Mumzie is tearfully rejoicing. My friend Michelle and her adorable son Alex are spending some time with me today and it was wonderful to hear such good news with her. None of us have a guarantee of what tommorow will bring as far as this life goes, but I am reminded that we always have HOPE in our Lord Jesus Christ. We hope you will join in the celebration wtih us and continue praying for mom as it is still a slow process. We are thankful for all of you.
T.J.

Steady Progress....

Hi All:

I wanted you all to know Mom slept from 10 PM to 2:00 AM, which in the hospital is pretty good. She no longer has a pain pump which I’m sure she will miss, but she will take pains meds by mouth. She continues to show improvements a little every day. She wanted my aunt to bring my hair rinse tray board, so she could wash her hair. Mom has always been one of those people who want to wash her hair every day. Her best times surprisingly seem to be mornings, as she of course tires easily. By the time I got there last evening she was wiped out. She walked a longer distance on the walker yesterday, and her catheter has been out a couple days now, so that increases to the amount of walking she does as well. If I didn’t mention it before her epidural is out. One of her drainage tubes was removed, she has two still in. Has already walked today. She ate grits this morning. She has started to have some visitors for short periods of time. I say short periods, because sometimes it takes energy to talk, if she has had a busy or difficult day. The smallest tasks take big effort, but she is improving! God is faithful! My aid was kind enough to type the update yesterday for me. Our Dad’s sister is being very kind to come visit me today as she and her Son my cousin visited with Mom & Justin at the Hospital last night!. She and her family live near Macon and are some of the most generous people in the world. Thank you all for your gifts, cards and most of all prayers. I’ll update again soon
T.J.

VICTORY IN JESUS ONE STEP @ A TIME!

Mom made it through her 7 hour surgery Monday. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS! HERE IS TODAY'S UPDATE THANKS!

Hello All:

I apologize for the delay, today is the first day that I’ve been home for any length of time. Mom went to her own room yesterday. Yesterday was not a good day for mom. The first night she had tingling and numbness in her legs which is a side effect one of the medicines in her epidural, so they were not able to get her up yesterday due to that, and low BP. They changed her med, so that problem was solved. Praise God. Yesterday when I saw her she was very confused, but this of course is very natural for the amount of meds she has had, but glory, I’m so thankful she has meds! Yesterday her nurse commented about how mom has not complained one time about anything. I smiled and quickly said, no she never has been one to complain, at least not on the outside. That is God’s power and grace, and evidence of your prayers and her faith. Today mom had a rough morning with nausea and pain, but she has had a better afternoon. Last night she slept well until about 4:30, when her pain meds were nearly out, and after that she slept until 7:00 AM. She still does not talk much which is totally understandable, but she is more alert. She requested her cell phone, and to stay by herself tonight. They are still suppose to get her up out of bed tonight, and we all dread it for her, but know it must be done. I have not seen her today, but tomorrow after my shift at AAA I will spend the evening with her, and I look forward to seeing her improvements since last night. Most of the family ate dinner together at the hospital last night, and we will have funny stories to tell mom when she comes home Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support!
T.J.
T

preparing for mom's surgery,,,,

Mom's surgery is tomorrow @ 7 AM. I'M USING my grandmother's laptop, so i don't have long. It is hard to type. ('m in bed. long story. thank you fot your prayers! i will post ;ater.

Keep Abortion Out of Health Care

Keep Abortion Out of Health Care

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Before and After! My Bedroom Part 1

The teal is before the pink is after! Sorry the photos are dark. Butterflies is the new room theme. More later.......

Life List, Chosen Ones, and More...

Hi Bloggers:

Thank you for your prayers! Today, I want to do a couple things. A friend and fellow blogger inspired me to make an ultimate to do list for my life. Here I go, the only problem is I don't truly think half of it will happen, but I'll make the list for fun.

1. Go to Hawill

2. Have my first adult kiss.

3. Reconcile with loved one

4. Get a fulfilling job that pays reasonable.

5. Write a book and have it published

6. Lead Someone to Christ

7. Visit Fayetteville GA,

8. Meet Kirk Cameron

9. Go to DC.

10 Lay on the grass under the stars.

11. Read all of Karen Kingsbury's books

12. Have my own place

13. Be a public speaker.

14 Go on a cruise

15 Have lunch with Michael W Smith.

16. Sing karaoke.

17. Meet Mike Huckabee.

18. Host a formal party

19 Go on a cruise.

20 Have a daughter for a week.

21. Go to disneyworld.

22 Have a wedding/honeymoon/marriage.

23. Be completely content for an entire week 24/7

24. Feed the hungry children

25. Talk someone out of hurting themselves

26. Go to CA.

27. Fast

28 Meet Rick Warren

29Have a good looking guy tell me I'm beautiful, and know he means it

30. Go swimming again.

31 Learn to like Salad.

32 Hang out with John Erickson Tada

You know sometimes I think the things we think we want and dream about are often more fun in minds and hearts, than they are in life, I mean like the saying says the grass is always on the other side. It is weird, but sometimes I find that unfulfilled dreams can often bring me more joy than the reality not matching up with me ideals. Maybe that makes me totally crazy, but it makes me fantasy world far richer.

Next topic... Rejection-If you have lived hardly any time at all, then I know you have faced rejection either real or imagined or both. You also know how great and humbling it is to be chosen. I remember when I was chosen by my peers in high school to be a senior court attendant. I tried to keep my cool, but inside I was soaring. There has since been a debate, as to why they actually voted for me, but if nothing else, it was God's gift to me. What joy there is in being chosen. We are wired with a longing to be chosen! I have been reminded afresh what the Bible tells us about being chosen. The Bible tells us that God CHOSE us, we did not choose him! It also lets us know in Eph 1 that because God chose us, he also favors us. It is cool as I think it must be true that God not only loves me, but he actually likes me too. I have plenty of people who love me, but I often wonder how much they like me lol. Do you know what a huge deal that is? The same is true for all who trust in Christ. Christ both likes and loves us! Oh how I need the Lord to remind me when the darkness is so very thick. Rest in the realty chosen ones!

FYI The word chosen itself appears 123 times in the Bible Thank you for your comments!