where has the time gone...

I can't believe it's been a month since i've posted!!! I am doing great! I still love my job, especially love everyone I work with. I have made many new friends. I've been going through a lot with my other friends accepting my new friends but my best friend has been there through it all and I guess that's what counts.

I finished my Christmas shopping yesterday, which is really late for me! I am usually finished by December and just stay away from the mall after that! I fought the crowds and sat in traffic for an hour trying to get out of Mall of LA last night!!!

My family is getting excited to meet two new babies within the next two months. I believe Casey only has about five weeks left and my sister has about eight, which I will be very surprised if she goes that long!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas!!! Let me know how you are doing!
Zhohn

it's been a while!

I'm still around, just have been BUSY! I am loving my job, more than I ever thought that I would!!! It keeps me busy but I like that!

About three weeks ago I had Casey's baby shower (caseyjo18.blogspot.com) to go to, it was great! Her cake was AWESOME, I wish I had that talent! Hopefully, she will post pics soon. Speaking of Casey, she could use our prayers. She has been put on bedrest and is having problems with her blood pressure.

This past weekend was my sister's baby shower. It was wonderful. I gave her a crib and it is already set up and it looks beautiful. We are getting so excited. I can not wait to meet Olivia! She will be so spoiled.

Our family will be full of babies in '09! Casey is due in January, my sister in February, another cousin in June and an aunt in July!!! The last baby born into our family will be seven years old this month!

DON'T FORGET TO DONATE TO TEAM JAKE!!!! www.believeteamjake.com

Hope all is well with everyone, please sign in!!!

BELIEVING-
Zhohn

too cute...

A friend of mines daughter turned five today; this was our conversation, after she opened her Hannah Montanna barbie set!

Zhohn: Layla, how does it feel to be five?
Layla: PERFECT! (with a little eye rolling action!)

I'll have to post a picture of my Layla bug, she is a true GIRL! Dance three times a week, nails painted, everything!

She told her brother this evening to leave her alone because she had been at dance all day and was tired!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAYLA GIRL! I remember the day you were born.

I'm gonna be an Aunt...

to a BABY GIRL!

We are all very excited and can't wait to wait little Olivia Angelle!!!!

And of course we are excited that Patrick(caseyjo18.blogspot) will be here around the same time.

Between these two babies, I'm going to need a second job!!!!

Love to all...
Zhohn

Hello!!!

I'm sorry that I haven't posted in so long! Gustav has come and gone (and Ike)! Thankfully, myself, friends and family were fine through it all. It is just so sad (still) to drive around town and to work and see so many houses crushed by trees and so many blue tarps and trees and debris on cars...I'm so thankful.

THANK YOU ENTERGY!!! I have never been so thankful to have electricity!!! It is HOT and HUMID in Louisiana. Not to mention there were about 15 or so of us all staying together because we had a generator at one house to run fans at night.

Let's see...lots going on right now. Birthday parties, anniversary parties, Casey (caseyjo18.blogspot.com) will have her baby shower on Oct. 26, my sister will have her shower in November. I had the pleasure of going with Casey to her 4D ultrasound on Friday and "meeting" little Patrick myself. It's so exciting. My sister finds out what she is having tomorrow. My car has been giving me many, many problems. I'm still debating whether or not to trade it in. Work has been BUSY. It has become my life since the hurricane.
With everything that is going on and the holidays coming up, I have decided not to go to the Marathon this year. So many things have come up (move, new job, etc.) this past year. BUT BUT BUT that does not mean that I do not want everyone to donate! PLEASE DONATE, these children need it!

And by the way, myself and two of my friends have been walking two miles a day and eating healthy. We have all been doing well. So that means by 2009 Marathon I should be able to run ATLEAST the Half Marathon!!!

Hope all is well with everyone else, please let me know how you are!
BELIEVING!
Zhohn

Gustav...

Well...since I'm only about 50 miles from New Orleans I figured I'd let everyone know whats up... Even though I live in Ascension Parish and we are looking at some BAD weather I'm staying here, just going to a friends house. My area of town is under mandatory evacuation so my car is packed with clothes and important documents and such.

Stay safe and PRAY for all those that will be in the path of Gustav!

Love to all,
Zhohn

Hi there!

I've been wanting to blog but I really have nothing to blog about!!!

I LOVE my job; a lot less stress than the job I had before, even with more responsibility. I like being back in Gonzales, I can visit my friends whenever I want to. :)

PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO DONATE TO TEAM JAKE!!! I am so far behind on my emails and I'm gonna try to get an email out soon.

I've just been working, shopping, decorating and scrapbooking. I have missed scrapbooking.

Please sign in and let me know how you are.

Something funny before I go...
Conversation between my aunt and five year old cousin:

Mom: "Since Mom isn't working anymore you can't have anything extra at the store, we have to save our money now"

Son: "You can call Geico, they save you money"

I had to laugh!!!! Oh and by the way, he heard that on a "mercial"!

BELIEVING-
Zhohn

Hi my faithful readers...

Oh my goodness, I just lost an entire entry!

Long story short now...I'm doing great, enjoying my new job. I don't have internet at my house yet so I'm limited as to when i can blog.

Please sign in and I'll be sure to drop by your blog!

Hope everyone is enjoying the summer. It is HOT here! You agree Jen?

BeLIeVING-
Zhohn

I'm still here!

I've been BUSY BUSY BUSY but I'm still around! :)

I've started my new job and I'll just say...i'm adjusting. :-) At first I wasn't so sure but it's getting better. I will have to get used to getting to work at 5:30 in the morning! I don't function very well that early in the morning. I'm more of an 8-9 o'clock person!

I will be officially moved in by this weekend. Everything is falling in to place and i'm thankful for that.

Hope all is well with everyone reading.
Don't forget to save for the St. Jude Marathon! (hopefully I'll blog more on that later this week).

BELIEVING-
Zhohn

Hi!!!

I haven't logged on in about a week! I have been cleaning and packing! The house is just about empty. Had a garage sale the last two days.
I start my new job July 14th so I have about two more weeks to be here. I'm getting really excited!

Today is the Shake for Jake. I had planned on being there but things came up. Pray for much success for the JOR Foundation!

Hope all is well with everyone-
Zhohn

Random!

It's late and I'm a little delirious! There is no telling what all I am going to throw into this one post.
I stayed up till about 3 am yesterday morning and still up now, packing and throwing away things. I guess I've been running on adrenaline but I think I'm about to crash! I can't wait until Thursday; I'm going to sleep until I wake up on my own! It's hard to me to look at these three garbage bags beside me. I am a "pack rat", I admit! I just thew away tons and tons of certificates that I received from elementary, middle and high school! Do I really need a D.A.R.E. certificate or a "Perfect Attendance" certificate ??? Believe it or not, I even threw some pictures away. I am proud! Oh, and I just threw away my Senior shirt, that was kind of hard to part with; even though I don't remember half of the sayings on it! :-)

I just cleaned out my closet, it's completely empty now (kind of makes me sad). Most of the clothes that were still hanging in there didn't fit. When I first moved here (Sept. 06) I had to buy a new pair of work pants, I found them tonight and I put them on, I should have taken a picture! I never realized that I was that big. It's amazing what 20 pounds will do!

I can't wait to move to Gonzales and get settled because Jennifer, Kayla and I are all losing weight together and it will be so much easier to be able to work out together. I have not been doing so well lately, lots going on and no time (excuses!) to walk. 25 pounds to go, I can do it!

As much as I dislike my job, I am so sad to be leaving. I have met so many great people this past year. I still do not officially have the job that I interviewed for, I should find out by Friday. If I don't get this job then I'll just have to stay here a few more weeks while applying for others.
I will miss everyone! Most of all, I will miss my family. I enjoy going over there (they are all spread across 40 acres!) and everyone hanging out together in the yard. Thankfully, it's only a two hour drive! I'm sure I'll be up here a couple times a month. I am just the type of person who does not handle good bye easily. When I was younger (and still now some) I didn't like to visit people because I didn't like to say bye. Am I crazy or what??? I do think this move will be the best for me though; better opportunities.

I hope everyone reading is having a great week.
BELIEVING-
Zhohn

I'm back!

I had a great time in Texas. I went because we were hoping that my cousin would have her baby boy while we were there but he isn't quite ready! She will be having a cesarean section this Friday, as he already weighs eight pounds. Pray that all goes well.

And for those of you who keep up with Casey also, she's doing well. I can't wait until we (yes I said we, our family works as a whole!) find out the sex. I'd rather call the baby Isaiah or Carli than Toot (although it is cute)! I say it's a girl but everyone else thinks boy...guess we'll find out in a couple months.

Please keep me in your prayers as I have some very important decisions to make this week. If all goes well, I will be back in Gonzales in by the end of the month! I'm very excited, I just want to make sure that I'm making the right decision. I have a job interview this week so pray that it works out.

Hope all is well with everyone. Have a great week.

BELIEVING!

OFF TO TEXAS...BE BACK SUNDAY!!!

all signed up...

I'm signed up for the marathon and you can start donating now!!! If you donate $50 or more be sure and give me your mailing address. We're still six months away so do not feel like you must donate now. If it's easier for you to donate $10-20 a month that would be great too.

Thank you very much. Remember, any amount helps!

BELIEVING!
Zhohn

https://waystohelp.stjude.org/sjVPortal/public/displayUserPage.do?eventId=4454&programId=401&userId=3290

I love my new header!!!

GOLD balloon-perfect!
"cure childhood cancer" in GREEN-perfect!

Hope everyone is having a great week.

BELIEVING,
ZHOHN

I know you are reading...

Please sign in :-)

Hope all of you have a great week.

email I sent out today...

Hi everyone! I've been trying to sign up for the Marathon and get my page up but for some reason I can't. Hopefully I can join one day this week and I'll email everyone the link. And be on the lookout because those of you who donate $50-$100 will get a gift from me.

Mo's Motivation:
13. Living at home: Imagine leaving your healthy kids and working spouse two states away for completely unknown periods of time. Jake was first admitted to the Ronald McDonald House, because it was thought that his stay would be somewhat brief. However, after the first year, it was realized that this would be a much longer situation and he and Staci were moved to the Target House. Be thankful you get to return home, WITH your entire family, after this weekend.

My Motivation: Want to know where your donations are going?
Average charge per inpatient per day- $4,813
Physical therapy per hour- $320
One day of oxygen- $387
Platelet Count- $43
Complete blood count- $53
Chest x-ray, one view- $121
ICU daily room rate- $2,622

Whether your donation is enough for a platelet count or a day in ICU, it's appreciated! Visit stjude.org, there is always lots of information you can read. This is email 13 of 26, which means that we are HALF WAY!
I hope you have been saving and please continue to save!

May all of you have a great week,
Zhohn

gearing up...

I should have my personal page for the St. Jude Marathon up next week!
No donation is too small! Any amount will help.

I had "fell off the wagon" with my weight loss and exercise for a while but I'm back in business now! I lost five pounds this week and have been walking! Less than seven months to go, I better get moving. :)

As soon as I sign up I will post the link to the TEAM JAKE page. The goal this year is $100,000, we need to get the word out. St. Jude really needs your donations! Take a look at this:

St. Jude Patient Care Cost

Wigs
$75

Average charge per inpatient per day
$5,033

Average charge per outpatient visit per day
$2,281

One day of chemotherapy administered intravenously to leukemia or solid tumor patients (estimated)
Average $712

Major surgical procedures (physician fee only)
Up to $11,273


Above-knee prosthesis (estimated)
$33,878

Average cost for treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia per patient
$546,000

Not to mention all of the tests and chemotherapy but something as simple as a wig costs $75! Can you imagine being a teenage girl with no hair and not being able to get a wig?
Give up a few things such as fast food and cigarettes and donate to "the best place on Earth".

BELIEVING!

up, things are looking up!

Where do I even begin...? I have had a tough couple of weeks but I am so glad that things are better.

Over the past few weeks I have felt lost; I guess that is the best way to describe it.

Work... has improved a great deal. If I can just make it through the next two weekends I should have weekends off after that.

Personally...I haven't had a plan or set any goals for myself since high school. Also, something else that has brought on the slump I was in, my five year reunion is next month and I'm not happy about what I have done over the last five years, which is nothing! I have come to realize (finally!) that I need to let the past go and focus on the future.

So, I have signed up for a Physical Therapy Aide program. I should be finished with it by the end of the year. By January I hope to be enrolled in college getting my Associate of Science in Physical Therapy Assistant. So I'm looking at graduating in 2011. I know it's a few years away and I have a long road ahead of me but I'm so glad that I actually have a plan!

I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend. :)



BELIEVING!

Zhohn

okay...

I'm feeling so much better this morning and I'm out of my little slump!

I was tagged by Kelly .
So here we go, 7 random things about me (I'm not an interesting person!):

1. I suffer from "perfectionism"! I am such a perfectionist. Less than perfect is just not acceptable. If I mess something up, I will start completely over! Dot your i's and cross your t's!!! Please do that for me! ha ha

2. I have little patience. It's strange because with children I'm fine, I'm patient and caring but with adults, not so! Slow people drive me crazy; slow in line, slow on the road, etc. etc. (the road is whole different story!) If someone can't do it right or do it fast enough then I'll just do it myself!

3. I worry WAY too much! I drive those around me insane with my worrying. I think things to death. Sometimes I can't even sleep because I'm thinking about other things!

4. I care too much about others. Actually, I don't believe what I just wrote because to me, you can't care too much about others. But I've been told that I need to think of myself a little more.

5. My Senior year I won a scholarship to a community college near my home and didn't use it!!!! I can kick myself for this now. "Stop dwelling on the past Zhohn". lol

6. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my camera (photography). But I much rather be behind the lens than in front. I really don't like pictures of myself.

7. I do not show up late. DO. NOT. DO. IT. I will not go somewhere if it means that I will be late! You can ask Casey about this...we kind of got lost on the way to the Marathon and when we stopped for directions I said that we just weren't going to go because we were going to be late! Yeah, they were a little upset with me because we drove 10 hours to get there! Anyway, we made it and had plenty time. :)

Wow, I just read over what I wrote...looks like I'm CRAZY!!! lol.
I'm not going to tag anyone specifically but anyone who wants to join in, please do. Leave a comment and I'll check you out. Jen ? you wanna play along? Casey and Kelly have already been tagged.
Hope everyone has a great weekend!
Zhohn

Isaiah 41:10

I never really share any of my problems, I'm a very personal person but I'm asking for prayer for myself.
I will need much patience and strength to get through this weekend (work).
I feel terrible because I know there are many people who are worse off than I.

Why did I quit my job and move here? Why did I do that? I hate this job, never have liked it. I know I can't change the past but I just wish I would have done things differently. I'm off to go and dwell on this. I worry too much, I know I do. I stress over everything, my family can attest!
I think that I turn things over to God, lay my burdens at His feet but I don't. I'm working on this, it just takes time.

P.S. I've been tagged and I'll probably do that later on.

Christy (who came from Mo's blog), does your daughter have a Caringbridge site?
I pray that your daughter is doing well. Anyone reading, please join me in praying for Christy's daughter. She just had a bone marrow transplant due to leukemia.

You may sign up to be a donor at www.marrow.org. I signed up about a year ago. It's somewhere around $50 and you only have to swab your mouth and send your info in. You may be able to save someone elses life or you may even need someone to save your life one day.

Do something good for someone today!
Believing-
Zhohn

Jake...

I was just visiting Mo's blog and I decided to post some pics of the little Jakester! Oh how my life has changed since I first visited his site almost four years ago.

Oh those precious eyes, and that great big smile. Please support St. Jude ! And also the Jake Owen Raborn Foundation.

If you don't know Jake's story, you can read it here

Much love and many blessings to all.

BELIEVING-

Zhohn

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" Matthew 22:37

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love, Where there is injury, pardon Where there is doubt, faith, Where there is despair, hope, Where there is darkness, light, Where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, not so much to be understood as to understand, not so much to be loved, as to love; for it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in dying that we awake to eternal life.
St. Francis of Assisi

"Open my lips, O Lord, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help againand sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have broughtus in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mightypower, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome byadversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. "
Psalms 51

Romans 15:13
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

"...better is one day in Your course, than thousands elsewhere..."

my lil men...

As I've mentioned before, my family is very close. My cousins and I are more like siblings. I spent Saturday at my aunts so I was able to get a picture of the boys.

We have Wyatt (10), Aaron (9), Noah (9), & Tylhor (6)

And I ended the weekend by fishing in the lake all afternoon.

What a good weekend!

I hope everyone has a wonderful week.

Much love and many blessings to all,

Zhohn

how funny...

Heather linked me when she posted a graphic I did for her (using her own picture). I have had about 280 visits since that day! The funny thing is, only three people signed in!!!! One of which has been visiting for a while. Thank you to those of you who have visitied. I hope many of you come back. :)


Please reserve the weekend of June 28th for the Shake for Jake!!!! Still waiting on info about tickets and such so be on the look out.
http://www.jakesfoundation.org/
www.caringbridge.org/la/jakeowen

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!
Zhohn

SIGN IN!

Let me know who you are. In return, I'll visit your blog. :)

Have a great day.
Zhohn

TURN UP THE VOLUME!

I added a playlist with some great PRAISE & WORSHIP music! These songs are some of my favorites.

A few scriptures...

'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself.' Luke 10:27

'You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised' Hebrews 10:36

'Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.' Colossians 3:12-13

Much love and many blessings to all-
Zhohn

I promised pics...

I took some pictures while at my aunts of the "farm"! Actually, most people around here live this way. I actually love it. Nice, quiet and so peaceful. Although somtimes I wish I was back in the city.

I don't really like writing once I put my pictures so I just added text to the pictures. Not sure why, but blogspot and I don't get along with pictures. :) Yes, all of the goats have names.

ENJOY!

HOPE EVERYONE HAS A GREAT WEEKEND!

Happy Wednesday :)

I'm off the next two days! I'm about to leave to go spend the night at my aunts. Have I told you how close my family is???? My cousins are more like my siblings. Wyatt is ten years old and I was there when he learned to walk, talk, write...everything! He is my baby boy, even though he is 10, he still gives hugs sometimes. His Dun Dun loves him! (even though he doesn't call me that anymore) Do you know how hard it is to pronounce ZHOHN when you're a year old?
I'll share pics tomorrow.
And I can't forget his older sister, Alyssa. Oh yeah, who is now driving. AAAHHH! I may also share pics of her car. I wish I was a spoiled as she is when I was her age. What 16 year old gets a Lincoln LS....as loaded as they come, used but still. Not saying that I wouldn't do it for my daughter.

Hopefully I'll be back on tomorrow with some good pics. Maybe even a few of the animals.
Yes, they have goats, cows, dogs, rabbits and even a lake in their backyard. A little boys dream (especially when you're raised in the country!)
Casey, making you homesick yet???? lol

Until tomorrow.
Zhohn

random stuff...

Went to the doctor with my sister today. Instead of hearing her baby's heartbeat she found out that it had a chromosome defect and if it would have been born it would have been mentally retarted or had down syndrome. So maybe it was a blessing, but still hard to understand. I have no doubt that even if it were born mentally retarted it would have been loved. We're getting through this and we're thankful for all of your thoughts and prayers. Also my aunt who I have mentioned on here before had a biopsy done today, we should know the results by Wednesday.

I was off yesterday and today and I have been trying to do things to occupy my time so this is what I've been up to...

Team Jake picture

A few of the cousins; Shaun, Alyssa, myself & Eian

Cute Miss Ellie

Kayla & I (Sept. 07)

Jessi's cake

I really enjoy editing pictures. If you would like me to do some for you, just let me know.

Again, thanks to everyone who has been praying for my family.

Please remember Ethan's family in your prayers. And there are so many other families who have had to say goodbye to their children. Also please remember all of the little children who are at St. Jude right this minute. And also our soldiers and their families. I could go on all day with everyone who needs prayer. Let's just ask Our Father to be with those who are hurting, physically and emotionally. May I not forget to PRAISE Him and thank Him for being with us each day.

BELIEVING-

Zhohn

just the right scripture for tonight...

We will have no fear of bad news; our hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
Psalm 112:7

It's been a long day.

I'm feeling so much better than I was just 12 hours ago. I guess I've realized that God is in control and there isn't anything we can do to change that. And no matter how hard something is, He is with us. Please read the previous post if you haven't. My sister was released from the hospital this afternoon. Once she was seen and everything we learned the baby actually died at nine weeks but she had no signs of miscarriage until today. I'd appreciate it if you could continue to pray for her strength, physically and emotionally and all of us also.

And thank you to everyone who has had us in their thoughts and prayers.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Something for fun:

You Are a Dash

Your life is fast paced and varied. You are realistic, down to earth, and very honest. You're often busy doing something interesting, and what you do changes quickly. You have many facets to your personality, and you connect them together well. You have a ton of interests. While some of them are a bit offbeat, they all tie together well. You friends rely on you to bring novelty and excitement to their lives. (And while you're the most interesting person they know, they can't help feeling like they don't know you well.) You excel in: Anything to do with money You get along best with: the Exclamation Point

What Punctuation Mark Are You?

Please pray

I come here with no words and many tears.

Please pray for my family. My sister is miscarrying, she is now in her own room at the hospital, preparing for a D & C. She was 13 weeks pregnant.

Just pray for peace and comfort.
I'll be back later with more, I just don't have it right now.
Zhohn

What do you say...

I had to train a new employee tonight at work, we'll just call her Dee. Dee is 24 years old.
(A little background, someone was kidnapped from the place where I work and murdered, just a couple of weeks ago, not proven yet that the murder took place at my job but still)
We were walking to our vehicles and I said to her, if you ever want an escort to your car you can just ask at the desk. I also said, I used to park over by the trees but now I park in the open. She said, I'm not scared of anything now. The worse thing that could happen to me has, when I found my husband dead. If it's my time to go, then so be it.

Whoa! Talk about a slap in the face, I was speechless. I watched her get into her vehicle and I walked to mine.

I knew that her husband had died in an accident two years ago, but she hadn't spoke of him or the accident until this.

Please keep this young girl in your prayers. This is her first job since her husband passed away. She had moved back in with her parents and is now trying to get back on her own.

Believing-
Zhohn

www.picnik.com

My new favorite website. I love pictures and now I have a way of editing and creating for FREE!

Here are a few I'm going to share. My camera is at my aunts so you'll have to settle for pictures that I "borrowed"!

My best friend, Kayla and her son, Ethan:

"A mother's love is special"

I hope Mo doesn't mind I'm showing off her baby girl.

Hopefully tomorrow or sometime I'll have pictures of my own to share!

And if you're wondering, this site is so easy to use!

Psalm 24:4

If you haven't heard the song, Give Us Clean Hands by Chris Tomlin, please do!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl5zSB3A-Z8/

This song is amazing! Listen to these words carefully...

"...We bow our hearts
We bend our knees
Oh Spirit come make us humble
We turn our eyes
From evil things
Oh Lord we cast down our idols

So give us clean hands
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Oh give us clean hands
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Oh God let this be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob
Oh God let us be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob..."

This is my thoughts on the song...
Make us humble Lord, let it be known that it is not us, it is You.
We must turn our eyes from evil things, we can not approve or take part.
Lord we cast down our idols, because you are King of Kings!
Give us clean hands and pure hearts Lord. Please forgive me for my sins Father.
I will not lift my soul to anyone else.
I pray that we will be the generation that seeks your face. We all know that the time is coming when our God will have enough of this evil world and take us all Home. I pray that all of you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

This is a song of confession and repentance. The only way into Heaven is with clean hands and a pure heart. When we sin, we must confess and repent and the Lord will cleanse our soul, scripture says so. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9).

I started off by just wanting you to hear this song and now have gone on. I have so many songs I'd like to share. I love to listen to Praise & Worship music. Maybe I will start sharing a song a week. I have so many favorites. :)

Seeking His face-
Zhohn

Save, Save, Save! St. Jude is THE BEST place on Earth!

I hope this letter finds you well. I know everyone is gearing up for Spring Break and vacations but please do not forget to save. It is so easy to spend five dollars on a coffee, a burger, nail polish, anything but remember, it is just as easy to save it for a good cause-no excuses! You should have $45 dollars saved now. It may not seem like much, but every little bit helps. And whenever you can, throw in a few extra dollars.It's late and I know everyone is busy (school, sports, work, etc.) so I'll move onto the motivations.

Mo's motivation: 10. Target House: You will be running by this palatial apartment style setting after the park and around Mile 10. Be thankful that there are big corporations who still have a heart for giving and sharing. The Target House is HOME to many kids, some for up to three years, and will house up to four from their families. Jake LOVED the pool table and the trikes on the playground. He also used to race to be the first to push the elevator buttons! Be thankful for the Target House.

Please support Target by shopping there. I think that Target as a Wish List for the St. Jude Target House. I'll have to look into that.

My motivation to you to save just five dollars over the next two weeks...
ETHAN POWELL (www.ethanpowell.com)
I have mentioned him several times on here. He has now joined Jake (& others) in Heaven. He passed away on Saturday. Please join me in praying for his precious family, his young parents, Ben & Becky. Ethan was diagnosed with infant leukemia at two months old. Because of St. Jude his family was given a year with him. I promise, that if you visit his site, and read some of his parents' entries you will be inspired! They are very strong in their faith and they are believers! In Ben's entry today he basiclly says that he will not rest until this disease is beat and neither will I! I will continue to raise awareness in anyway and donate money and my time, it's the least I can do. Look at that baby's picture and tell me you can't donate a few dollars!
So in honor of 'Little E'...BeLIeVe!
Zhohn

www.ethanpowell.com, pray for his family

I just don't understand why an infant, at two months old, would be diagnosed with cancer and only be given a 15% chance at life? And why did he have to call a hospital home most of his life? Not to mention what he has gone through this year. Please pray for his family. His young parents, Ben & Becky. I haven't met them but I've been reading Ethan's site since the beginning and they are very strong in their faith and they BELIEVED the entire time.
I just don't understand. I know we're not suppose to understand nor question God but sometimes I just can't help it.
But I must say that I'm thankful for the fifteen months they were given with their son.

Please pray for Ben & Becky and their family and friends. Pray that God will comfort them and carry them through the days and weeks to come. May the good memories of Ethan live in their hearts forever.

I used to think to myself while clicking on Ethan's name, "let me go check on Little E". I have really enjoyed the writing of his parents, through their writing you can see how strong thier faith is.

Rest In Peace "Little E"... no more needles, no more pain! Run & play little man, with no lines or tubes attached! :)
I bet there is a "St. Jude group" up in Heaven where Jake, Stanton, Emma Grace, Jabin, Landon, Brent (playing "big brother" to the young kids!) & now Ethan are all hanging out!

PRAYING & BeLIeVING-
Zhohn

PLEASE PRAY!

www.ethanpowell.com

His parents are constantly updating his site. I just left the site, it was updated about 15 minutes ago, his kidneys are shutting down, his heart rate is extremely high.
Please pray & believe!

pray & believe, the only thing I know to do...

I sit here tonight thinking of a friend, just 20 years old, who will bury her husband tomorrow. She will be left to raise their one year old son. I do not know the pain of her heart and the worry of their future. I just pray that God will comfort her and carry her through the days ahead. Please join me.

A few other things on my heart tonight...
My aunt, a mother of two young sons, may be diagnosed with cancer in just two short weeks;
the MRI say it's cancer but we will wait for confirmation.

My best friends mother is awaiting the results of her MRI. Something was found on her lungs.

Many other things are on my heart right now but I pray specifically for these things now.

Tonight, I'm not going to question "why". I'm not going to question my Creator. I know we will never understand here on Earth. I will just turn my burdens over to Him. He is the only one who can heal us and He already knows what is ahead.
I will just PRAY that in every situation we will seek Him and follow Him.
I BELIEVE that my God never leaves us or forsakes us.

Please join me in praying for these families here.
Zhohn

and..

14 visits today! Well, Casey & Jen left me a message, and I've been here twice (morning and now) so really 10 visits! I'm just curious. :)

Hope everyone had a great weekend and has a wonderful week!

ok so who are you?

I've had 12 visits to my page since yesterday but no comments! I'm sure Casey & Jen (the only two who comment) have not come here 12 times!

Well I'm finally off tomorrow. I've worked eight days straight to have tomorrow off. I can't wait to go to church. Time for bed, it's been a LONG day!

Was SO busy at work, I kinda "bumped" a truck backing out of the parking lot (he didn't know how to park!), got home and saw that my Jury Duty check came in, opened it up only to see that they only paid me for one day so I guess I will have to call them up on Monday! I spent four days over there (60 miles round trip a day).

That's all for tonight.
BELIEVE, it's the only way!
Zhohn

Continue to donate, December will be here before you know it (email 9)

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter and remembered the real reason we celebrate. Our Jesus died for us but He has RISEN, He is alive! And I am extremely thankful!

I hope that all of you will continue to save money to donate to St. Jude. I read everyday of more and more children being diagnosed with cancer/leukemia and also daily, unfortunately, many die. Donating a hundred or so dollars to St. Jude and other charities throughout the year may not seem like much but I know that I'm doing what I can. I will not sit back and hear of children (and adults) being diagnosed with this horrible disease and do nothing. Please help, you are someone dear to you may need to walk through the doors of St. Jude one day for treatment.

Mo's Motivation:

8. An immune system: You never give it any thought, but you should be thankful that it allows you to be outside today and everyday without contracting a 'bug' which could kill you. Be thankful that you don't have to wear a mask every waking hour. Jake, and all the kids who take chemo, have to endure daily shots to help with the recover of their immune systems after chemo destroys it.

I can't imagine trying to get a toddler to keep a mask on much less keep them inside. Without our support these kids wouldn't have special playrooms and different crafts and such to do. Little things like this you don't think about, but they cost also.

My motivation: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is the most comment childhood cancer. When I think of ALL, I think of Allie (www.scotthousehold.com). Allie was the first ever site I visited, her mother, Jenny, shared Jake's site and I've just gone from there. Her mom and a friend (Larissa) started Heroes For Children, another great charity to give to. Allie was not treated at St. Jude, but this isn't just about St. Jude, it's about giving innocent children a chance at life. I got a letter in the mail about a week or so ago, from St. Jude, stating that when St. Jude opened in 1962 the survival rate for ALL was only four percent! Today it is 94 percent!!!! Although one in ten children will still die of ALL, this is great news, imagine what the next 40 years will bring! To treat one child with ALL can cost about $270,000 dollars a year.

I also have a St. Jude story to pass on, http://www.stjude.org/stjude/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=728efdc1077c7110VgnVCM1000001e0215acRCRD&cpsextcurrchannel=1&plt=HHPLMARRGD03110014

This family was blessed, unknowingly, with identical twins. Lauren will give her sister, Kara, a chance at life. It's a great story.

Thank you, all of you. I can't wait until December to see how much TEAM JAKE will raise this year for St. Jude!

Praying & BELIEVING-

Zhohn

try this

66 words

Good Friday

I have mixed emotions about this day, the day Jesus was crucified. Sad because of what Jesus Christ went through for us but also so very happy and excited that HE did die for us. So we would be forgiven and be able to go to Heaven.

One of my favorite songs come to mind today, "By His Wounds". You can watch the video here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eui5WK-pkSA

This song is amazing!!!

By His Wounds (Isaiah 53:5)

He was pierced for our transgressions

He was crushed for our sins

The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him

And by His wounds, by His wounds we are healed

He was pierced for our transgressions

He was crushed for our sins

The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him

And by His wounds, by His wounds we are healed

We are healed by Your sacrifice

And the life that You gave

We are healed for You paid the price

By Your grace we are saved

We are saved

He was pierced for our transgressions

And crushed for our sins

The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him

And by His wounds, by His wounds we are healed

We are healed by Your sacrifice

And the life that You gave

We are healed for You paid the price

By Your grace we are saved

We are saved

He was pierced for our transgressions

He was crushed for our sins

The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him

And by His wounds, by His wounds we are healed

And by His wounds, by His wounds

What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus

Read these words carefully, "He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our sins" WOW! Never think that you are alone because you are not, God is always with you. Today I give God all the praise and all the glory! Thanks you Jesus! Only by his wounds are we healed, physically and spiritually. And the ONLY thing that can wash our sin away is HIS blood!

And today I share this picture:

To look at this picture moves me to tears, to know that THAT blood, HIS blood, is our way to Heaven. Those nails that went through His hands, the pain that he suffered...all for us!

May everyone be blessed today and always.

Zhohn

adding photos...

tonight I'm going to attempt to add a few photos...

While I'm uploading a few pictures I'll give a little background info. My family is VERY close, us cousins were pretty much raised as siblings. There is quite an age difference between the older cousins (like Casey and I) and the "baby" cousins, which are three boys!!! Needless to say, they're spoiled.

the three boys

(L to R) Tylhor, Wyatt & Aaron

Tylhor and Aaron are brothers

Alyssa, sister to Wyatt

(Who will be getting her license on MONDAY!!!)

My mom, Angela

Ok, I have lots more to share but I'm very frustrated so I think I should sign off for now! I've been at this for more than 30 minutes. It's time for bed!

When you add the picture why doesn't it go exactly where the cursor is??? It goes to the top of the post. I think I should just add all of my pics first then type...who knows!

Be looking for a post on Friday, about Good Friday and also my St. Jude email on Monday, which I'm sure will include a few things about Easter.

BELIEVING!

Zhohn

St. Jude (eight of 26)

This post is late but it is here! For those new to my blog this is the story behind this-

When I got back from Memphis I was reading over Mo's motivations that she wrote. She had wrote one for each mile, which was 26. I decided that I would send out an email to family and friends every two weeks (26) and include one of Mo's motivations and something from myself. I'm asking everyone to save at least five dollars every two weeks then donate in December, if you do this then you should be able to donate $100. This is the eighth email:

I'm a day late with my email, just busy right now! I hope everyone is enjoying the nice weather. I heard all of you in up in Monroe got some SNOW the other day!!!

Mo's eighth motivation: 8. St. Jude: The slogan at St. Jude is "hope". Imagine being told your child has cancer and for the most part there is no cure. Then, imagine entering a place where "hope" abounds. Everyone is obviously doing their best to see that your child survives. This hope that was given is why our family continues to support and love St. Jude and all the people in it. Be thanful for St. Jude.

Just by reading this you can "feel" the love and the thanfulness that Jake's family has for St. Jude. Another reason we need to continue to support St. Jude, not just for the future but for what they have given already. Not all children survive cancer but with St. Jude most are given many months and even years with their families. Just the other day I blogged about HOPE. We must remember that hope starts with us. We must continue to raise money for research. These children have touched me so and I HOPE that they will you to, and that you will get involved in one way or another.

"And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you."Psalm 39:7

I really don't have a specific motivation this time except I'm asking you to visit some sites, you will be motivated!

Ethan, who I'm sure I've mentioned before. http://www.ethanpowell.com/ His parents have HOPE, they BELIEVE and they are holding on to their FAITH. They are awaiting results of his spinal tap today. He is only a year old and and was diagnosed at two months. They have all been through so much, his entire family needs prayers.

http://www.stjude.org/ you can always browse their website and find some very interesting news.

Corbin, www.caringbridge.org/la/corbin Corbin is cancer free, THANK GOD, drop by his site because his Mom should have had his baby sister, Esther, today!

and of course, JAKE, my sweet Jake, I have never met Jake and he has touched me so. He is the only reason that I went to Memphs in December, that i'm exercising and losing weight to run in the marathon this year, and that I'm involved in fundraising and research for cancer! www.caringbridge.org/la/jakeowen

Please continue to save your money. I think the '08 Marathon page will be up in May!

HOPING that a cure is found very soon,

Zhohn

it's late..

Ok, I just typed an entire blog and it disappeared! I was saying...

Please stop by and visit Jaxon . He was extubated today and is breathing on his own!!!

I have been walking at the park a lot lately, the weather has been nice. My cousin from Texas has been visiting for about a month and we have been walking together. She leaves tomorrow so I'm going solo now! I hope I continue to walk at the park, but it gets boring walking alone. I made a deal with myself (ha ha) that if I walk alone at the park for an entire week then I can buy an ipod. I don't mind buying it if I'll use it! I WILL complete the half marathon in December. One of the main reasons I want to run this year is that after I got home last year and was reading Mo's motivations I realized what I missed out on. I want to run and read the motivations at the same time! I want to actually be able to look left and see such such, not just read about it!

Anyway, I've rambled on enough here. I hope everyone reading (Casey only? lol) has a great day.

Until next time, BELIEVING-

Well...

If anyone is wondering, I'm home! But come to find out I didn't even need to go today, isn't that something? They picked so many jurors yesterday and today was just more questioning for them. I have to go back tomorrow morning at 9 again. I'm actually anxious to find out what sort of a trial this is. So, I'm off again tomorrow!

I'll let everyone know how it goes.
Have a great day!!!
Zhohn

Drama?

I do not like drama (at all!) but it seems to always find me! :)

Today's drama:

I moved about a year ago but I never changed my address (yeah bad on my part, same parish though-only about 10 miles!). Anyway yesterday Casey brought me a slip to pick up a registered letter that had went to her moms (my old address), today I went to the post office and picked it up. I opened it and it was a subpoena for Jury Duty for TODAY! So I hurried home and called the Judge's office, his secretary says, ok come in tomorrow for 9 a.m. and we'll recall the warrant.....WARRANT? WHAT? oh and by the way, they are still picking jury member so expect to be here a while!!! Oh my goodness!
I can't believe that I let this happen! I know that it is our civic duty to serve as a juror but I hope that I do not get picked! I'll post tomorrow, if I'm not in jail. ha ha

Other than this, life is great. I'm very content with my life right now! Which, if you really know me you know it won't last for long. lol. :)

Oh, and isn't my weight loss ticker cool??? I love it!

A few friends to check on:

Jaxon, I shared his story before. He has the same cancer as Jake had. Really needs some prayers.
www.caringbridge.org/visit/jaxonburns

Ethan, little E is so precious. He is from La. and has been fighting cancer almost since birth.
www.ethanpowell.com

A few ANGELS, please let their families know you're thinking of them:
Jake www.caringbridge.org/la/jakeowen
Madelyn www.caringbridge.org/tn/madelyn

Blogs that I really enjoy:
Mo www.mojoy.blogspot
Casey www.caseyjo18.blogspot.com
Heather ^Jacob^'s mom www.faithfulfroggers.blogspot.com

Love to all-

P.S. If you're reading, please sign in!

weight loss...

What do you call what I'm doing? Not diet, I've never really liked that word, maybe cutting back, or what I should be doing is changing the way I eat forever!

So, since the first of the year (Memphis trip inspired me!) I've been trying to lose weight. I set a weight loss goal of 25 pounds for February 29th. Well, I've only lost 12 so far! Which isn't a bad thing, I'm glad I lost that much but with only ten days to go I don't see myself losing the other 13 pounds. This last week and a half have not been good. I've been stressed over several things and have not exercised or eaten right! But today was a good day, had my water (much of it!), one full meal and lots of fruit. That's pretty much what I eat everyday. I try to get in about 20-30 minutes of exercise, which I need to go do right now. I don't let myself get very hungry, I eat a fruit or drink some water.

When I do lose the weight I will then share the exact numbers! lol. But until then I'll just share how much I want to lose.

After this 25 pounds I only need to lose about another 20, I know I can do that!!!! Hopefully by the end of June I will have reached my goal of losing an entire 45 pounds. I know that I will feel so much better, I already feel better than I did a few months ago. I can't wait to COMPLETE that half marathon on December 6th! Another goal I have set!

Off to "walk away the pounds".
Hope all is well with everyone.
BELIEVE!

not too much tonight...

OH....I just figured out how to change my font again!!!! I'm so happy, I was on edit instead of compose! silly me!

I have the next two days off, which is wierd because I just had my days off for last week but anyway, I'm going to make the best of it.

Updates on a few CB buddies that I've written about before:

Jaxon-his new liver is working better each day! www.caringbridge.org/visit/jaxonburns
Bryce- Not sure if I've talked about Bryce (from Louisiana) or not, but he passed away on Valentine's Day. Please visit his page and leave a note for his family. www.caringbridge.org/visit/brycenorwood
^Maddie^- Please continue to visit her page and let her parents know you're thinking about them.
^Jake^- Precious Jake, the reason I'm where I am today. Jake and of course his family have inspired me so. If it weren't for Jake's site... Would I have this blog-no. Would I have gone to Memphis-no. Would I be encouraging others to donate to St. Jude-no. I don't even think that I would respect life like I do if it weren't for him and I never even met him!!! Don't forget to sign in and let his family know you're still reading.
Ethan-Little E... he needs lots of prayers, and so does his parents. I've mentioned him on here before, www.ethanpowell.com and while visiting listen to the song (top of his page) that his aunt wrote, it's GREAT!

So as I went through my list of sites that I visit daily, I realized (yet again) that my problem with work is nothing compared to what all of these families face (or have faced)! Sometimes we need to be reminded of things.

Hope everyone is doing well.
Love to all-
Zhohn

St. Jude "We are a beacon of light in a parent's darkest night"

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying time with their family. I can't believe this is email six already, this year is flying by! Just to let everyone know, Madelyn passed away, please visit her page and let her family know you're thinking of them www.caringbridge.org/tn/madelyn. This makes me want to donate even more to St. Jude so more research can be done! You should have $25 saved now, which means we're a quarter of the way there! I'd like to share with you another site I stumbled upon recently, www.caringbridge.org/visit/jaxonburns , he has the same cancer Jake had, Hepatoblastoma Stage 4. Jaxon received a liver transplant on Tuesday (2-5-08) but on Friday Jaxon would not wake up and the new liver is not functioning. Jaxon is now in need of another transplant, please pray for this to happen soon and for it work! His family is holding on to thier faith, they shared this scripture, "We only need faith of a mustard seed. If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed,ye shall say unto this mountain,remove hence to yonder place, and it shall remove,and nothing shall be impossible unto you" Matthew 17:20 Remember when someone receives an organ, it means that another family lost a loved one so please remember them in prayer also.

PLEASE SIGN UP TO DONATE YOUR ORGANS!!! And also sign up at www.marrow.org to be a bone marrow donor, I can't remember the exact amount but I think it was around $50 to sign up. you may be able to save someone's life, just as you may need someone to save your own oneday.

Your motivation to save five dollars for the next two weeks (just five dollars!!!):

Mo's #6: Eating: Did you ever realize what a blessing it is to be able to eat? Look right, there is TJ Mulligan's, one of Jake's favorite places to eat. He always knew what he wanted to order, but could never even take a bite. He would hold a cheese stick or chip and did not want you to eat his or take his plate away. Bless his little heart. Chemo destroys the normal sensation of taste and often anything that DOES get down usually comes back up. So, today run so that kids can eat French Fries! And M&M's!!

My motivation:
I keep all of the Caringbridge sites I visit on my Favorites and I was going through the list the other day and I have 45 total that I still keep up with, 31 of the 45 have passed away, nine are still fighting and five are HEALED! I am overjoyed for the five who are healed, deeply saddened for the 31 families who are faced with such heartache, but I BELIEVE that there is hope for the nine still fighting! Something else interesting, 12 of the 45 are from Louisiana. THANK GOD FOR ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL.

Much love and many blessings to all.

Hoping & Believing in a CURE-

Zhohn
----------------------------------------------------------
Okay, I used to be able to change my font color, now I can't...help?
Probably won't get another post in this week, working graveyard-ugh! But I'm thankful that I have a job!

www.jakesfoundation.org please donate if you can!

HOPE

Hope is such a strong word. The "motto" of St. Jude is HOPE. I looked up the definition of hope and this is what I found: to believe, desire, or trust.
I have been listening (when I can) yesterday and today to the WYNK St. Jude Radiothon. It has been so inspiring to hear all of these kids and parents speak of St. Jude. Here are a few things that I heard today:

"The love and support you get here, you couldn't ask for anything else"

"They work around the clock to make sure these kids have the best chance"

"When you're at your darkest days, weakest points, there is always someone who brightens your day and gives you Hope"

"St. Jude takes care of you, listens to you and listens to the kids"

"There is a lot of work and research being done, many people who have dedciated their lives to save these children's lives"

"We don't look too far into the future, we just want to enjoy our time now"

"I want to thank all of you for sending money to help save my life"

It's odd because I just visited Heather's blog (www.faithfulfroggers.blogspot.com) and she spoke about hope! I'm asking that you go and read her entry today, I feel the same way. Hope begins with us and we must raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer and research, that's the only way that a cure can be found!

Hoping that a cure is found VERY VERY soon!
Zhohn

Ash Wednesday...

OKAY, so before reading on know that I do not in anyway mean to upset anyone and I'm not a Bible Scholar. I'm not writing this to be corrected, this is my blog and my thoughts, please respect them!

So today is Ash Wednesday, in which Christians receive ashes on their head to represent sinfulness and the need to repent before it's too late and the cross represents that Jesus was crucified for our sins to be forgiven, basically. At work they have been advertising that you could get ashes in the Cabaret(!) between 11-12! Okay, so if you don't know, number one, I work at a Casino and number two, the Cabaret is a Lounge! And also it is known that once you receive your ashes, you should wear them all day as a witness that everyone is a sinner and through Jesus your sins can be forgiven. Anway, I thought it was the wierdest thing to have hundreds of people walking around (guests & associates) with Ashes on their forehead while gambling and drinking! And I'm not saying that gambling is a terrible thing (I sometimes gamble) but I don't think that Ashes should have been given at the Casino and especially not in the BAR!!!! But I guess it's the thought that counts! lol.

Work went well today! I have to work all week, even close Saturday night-ugh!

Please remember ^Maddie^'s family in your prayers and also little Ethan, tomorrow marks one year that he was diagnosed, www.ethanpowell.com.

Love to all-
Zhohn

Sorry Dena...

For some reason I thought it was Jean!

not much tonight...

Thanks for stopping by Jean, I didn't know anyone was reading!
___________________________________________________________________

I was looking at my favorites list today and I have 45 Caringbridge sites on there! I have had others over time but have lost touch in one way or another. Not all of them are facing cancer, some premature births, menkes and other things.

So out of my 45:

Healed: 5
Still fighting: 9
Passed away: 31

I am overjoyed for the five who are healed but deeply saddened for the 31 families who are faced with such heartache, but I BELIEVE that there is hope for the nine still fighting.

When I started this blog, I didn't intend on it being all about cancer but it seems like that is what so many people are faced with everyday.

We must do something, we need to. I am so thankful for the scientists, doctors and nurses who are doing so much to find a cure for cancer but in the meantime, we can sit back and do nothing! Help me out with some ideas!

Oh, and I read Paw Paw Raborn's God-Winks tonight and really enjoyed them! Anyone who follows Jake's site, should request a copy.

Off tomorrow, going shopping! I actually think I might pick up a few things to mail out to my caringbridge buddies. I already have ^Amazing Jacob^'s baby sister, Allie, some clothes that I need to mail.

Believing-
Zhohn

P.S. Pink to honor ^Princess Maddie^...Rest In Peace and know that you have touched many!

the why's of life...

Why do innocent people die?
Why do people suffer for so long?
Why do parents abuse/kill their own children?
Why are hateful people given children but loving couples can't have babies?

It just saddens me so to think of all the people around the world who are suffering, physically, emotionally, financially. I hate diseases like Cancer, Diabetes, AIDS, and all of the many, many others.
I know we're not suppossed to have these "whys" but I'm only human and tonight this is on my mind.

Just so all of you know, sweet Maddie girl passed away early this morning. She fought an amazing fight for four years. Please keep her family in your prayers. I wanted to meet Maddie in December but didn't get the chance to, which I'm really upset about but I know that I will see her again someday.
www.caringbridge.org/tn/madelyn

Love to all,
Zhohn

(blue font b/c I'm feeling quite blue)

I forgot...

I got my haircut today!!!! Just the usual cut.

And I got my W-2 today and did my taxes, now I can pay off my Doctor! And my ticket :) lol.

Hope ya'll have a good weekend!
Zhohn

What is happening to me...?

I can't believe I let my inspection sticker expire, not one month but two! What happened to the OCD, worry wart Zhohn??? And I let myself get a ticket, and it didn't bother me at all. Oh my goodness I have no idea what is going on with me!

Maybe I have become doesn't matter, what happens, happens Zhohn...who knows! But I'm a lot less stressed, which is great.

I honestly think I've just realized that I must live for today and today only because we do not know if tomorrow will come.

Back to work tomorrow, WOOO HOOO! lol

Until next time,
Zhohn

Rain....again!

It is raining yet again! Of course always on my days off, it rains.

The only thing I have done this week is look into hotels for Monroe & Memphis. After Casey met Don yesterday she said Shake for Jake is a MUST so I've been looking into hotels.
Now it looks like I'll be traveling in June and December.
I tried to get my haircut today but the stylist wasn't there, hopefully tomorrow. I really need it cut before I go back to work on Saturday.
I'm really dissappointed that I didn't get my W-2 yet, I really need that money to pay my doctor/hospital bills.

Well, that's all for now. (watching Mr. Woodcock)
Zhohn

Support St. Jude

Hey everyone. Wow, has it really been ten weeks since I went to Memphis? It doesn't seem like it has been that long! I know that some of you will be receiving tax refunds soon. If you haven't been able to keep up with your donations or would like to add a little more, now would be a great time to do so. You should already have $20 saved. I know most people count on their refunds for many things but please take a little out to put with your St. Jude money, even five or ten dollars would help.

Jake's Aunt Mo's #5 motivation: Partners in Hope and generous donations: Because of people who give to St. Jude, cures are found. And because of this, we have Carson, Corbin, Allen, and Brady, among others who are going to get to grow up and be what they have always wanted to be. For this mile, give thanks to all the people around the world who give to St. Jude. And commit to supporting St. Jude for the rest of your life...TEAM JAKE 2008...Be there!!!

My motivation to you:
What Cancer Cannot Do
Cancer is so limited...It cannot cripple LoveIt cannot shatter HopeIt cannot corrode FaithIt cannot destroy PeaceIt cannot kill FriendshipIt cannot suppress MemoriesIt cannot silence CourageIt cannot invade the SoulIt cannot steal eternal LifeIt cannot conquer the Spirit.
Author Unknown
Would you be able to BELIEVE and live these words if you were faced with Cancer? These kids do, just by following their sites I have learned this. They can receive chemo, which usually leaves them with no hair and no strength (and many other things) but yet they continue to live on... with much love and courage. And in the midst of their battle they care so much for others, you should read some of the stories of these children wanting to do for other children. So there is no excuse that we can not help!
Two weeks ago my motivation was Madelyn. Just so you know, she is still here enjoying time with her family. Please drop by and let her family know you're thinking of them, www.caringbridge.org/tn/madelyn
And I agree with Mo, TEAM JAKE 2008, be there! You will not regret it! I promise!
Love to all,
Zhohn
P.S. Please, if you can, donate blood!

So this is really becoming a daily ritual. I can't believe that I'm keeping up with this blog.
Yesterday and today were great work days, I really think I'm going to like this schedule. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to have a M-F work week again, but if I must work weekends, I like 6-2 because I get off early and the day goes by really fast.

What do you get when you put a drunk and alligators together??? This really intoxicated guy threw a beer can in the water and an alligator grabbed it and took off with it. Security had to come and escort the guy out and they had to call the alligator man at home for him to come and see about getting the can out so an alligator wouldn't get cut! Oh the joy of working at a casino! :)

Oh and by the way, I ended the day by getting a ticket. Anyone that knows me knows that I drive fast and I am not the best driver (especially at parking lol)! But I really did not get upset about it, I was speeding and that was that!

I just can't believe that after having four days off and returning to work for the weekend I am this happy. I actually feel like I enjoyed work the last two days, that's a first in like six months! This just might work out after all...

Until tomorrow...
Zhohn

yay!

It finally STOPPED raining!
I had such a good day at work today, now tomorrow may be a different story ;)
I put up my pics from Kayla's on myspace, if anyone wants to see what they missed out on! lol.
You can never play too much scrabble and Guitar Hero!

Next entry coming on Monday, number five of 26 marathon reminders/encouragements...

Zhohn

Rain, Rain GO AWAY!

I had four days off this week and it has rained EVERY one of them! I got to hang out with some friends this week and had a blast! It's back to work tomorrow, unfortunately. I hope the day goes by fast!

Casey has been keeping me posted about her speech and meeting Don on Wednesday and I'm just as excited as she is. Hopefully I will be able to meet him at the marathon this December. If you haven't kept up with Jake (& his family) you don't understand the "want" to meet his family. You probably think we're crazy!

Please remember all of the innocent children at St. Jude tonight, and their families.

"Words of Encouragement" coming Monday. As a matter of fact, I need to go write that up real quick.

Until next time,
Zhohn

P.S. the font color is the same ugly mustard color of my uniform shirt!!!!!!!!!!!! ugh!

first post

Well I figured since I had to sign up to comment on other peoples blogs, that I should give this a try. I probably won't blog very often but feel free to leave a comment or visit my myspace page. I will definitely use this blog to post info on the St. Jude Marathon in the fall and I will post the link to my personal page where you can donate. I have already began my journey of losing weight and training for the marathon. My goal is to complete the half marathon. I still have a long way to go because right now I can only get a mile done in 28 minutes, which puts me at completing the half marathon in about six hours, which is unacceptable!
I am asking all of my family and friends to save at least $5 every two weeks until December, which means that they should each beable to donate $100 to St. Jude through my personal page. I will post here my "words of encouragement" emails that I send out every two weeks.

Right now I'm trying to decide if I should move back towards Baton Rouge or stay here so any advice would be appreciated. :) Also, anyone that knows of a job in Baton Rouge please let me know.

For nothing to say, I sure have rambled on here...I must go for now!
Until next time-
Zhohn