Breasts, Cancer, Mammograms, and Bucky -- yup Bucky

I was talking to several of my friends over the last few days and I was amazed at how many of them or their friends/family have had cysts, lumps, or tumors in their breasts. Some benign and others were cancerous and needed attention. A handful of the women I know have had breast reconstructions made necessary because they had undergone mastectomies. (Mastectomy seems to be a too popular procedure of late)

If you took a few minutes to think about it, I am sure that you could make a list of women that you know personally that have or have had Breast Cancer. I know in my own circle of friends, family, and acquaintences, the number seems to be increasing each year.

This problem is something that not only women, but men actually can experience (though men are in the minority).

It is recommended that women do their own self beast exam regularly. Please visit The US Health Department's Office of Women's Health for technique and questions related to self breast exam.

The human species tends to think of itself as invincible. How many of us have thought "that will never happen to me?" (point taken)

Many people avoid doctors or dentists or anything related to hospitals if at all possible. That being said, it is the case that a large population of women do not go for physicals regularly and do not do self breast examinations. This is extremely important because mammograms are not routinely performed until a woman reaches age 40. We know that Breast Cancer does not limit itself to one particular age group.

For those that do not know what a mammogram is -- it is the diagnostic procedure which x-rays the soft tissue of the breast for abnormal breast tissue. For more information on mammograms, please visit The National Cancer Institute. Having a mammogram has been the source of jokes that women share with one another, so go get yours and you will have some new material!

When I had my mammogram, I found it very funny that the machine had a sign on it that said "BUCKY." It made me chuckle when I found out that women in other parts of the country also commented on seeing that same sign. (Bucky Covington has been involved with the cause for mammograms so it was a natural thought) But, alas, the machine was not given the name of our precious Bucky LOL. I later learned that the "Bucky" was the metal plate on which a woman's breast is placed during the procedure. (just thought I'd share that)

Since you are reading this blog, I can safely assume that you are on the computer on a regular basis, why not hop over to the The Breast Cancer Site and CLICK THEIR BUTTON to help give a free mammogram to women that cannot afford to get one. You can also support the fund and check out their merchandise. They have some really nice things for sale from apparal to jewelry that make great gifts.

Quoting from The Breast Cancer Site:

The National Breast Cancer Foundation estimates that each year, over 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and over 40,000 die. One woman in eight either has or will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Approximately 1,700 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 450 will die each year.

If detected early, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer exceeds 96%. Mammograms are among the best early detection methods, yet 13 million U.S. women 40 years of age or older have never had a mammogram.

The National Cancer Institute and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend that women in their forties and older have mammograms every one to two years. A complete early detection plan also includes regular clinical breast examinations by a trained medical professional. Monthly breast self-exams are suggested in addition.

If you are an active supporter and want to be involved in a deeper way, there are several organizations that have "Walks" to raise money for Breast Cancer related matters. I like Avon's Walk. You can visit their site HERE.

Whether you are a woman, love a woman, or have compassion, do something -- at least go CLICK THE BUTTON daily. Put it in your favorites and make it part of your routine.

HUGS

Stuff.. American Idol .. God...Science .. Microsoft

I was just reading through some of my recent posts and boy.. you'd think that the only thing I had going on is American Idol LOL... NOT.. but honestly, it is really a great show so I like to watch and post about it. And.. I have gotten to kinda know some of the people I write about and that makes it more special.

If you haven't guessed it by now, JESUS IS the most important thing in my life .. My Lord and Savior .. the core of my being. I AM SECOND! (Check out that website by the way HERE. (Did you know that Jesus -- Yeshua in Hebrew -- is the Jewish Messiah? You should check that out for yourself if you are Jewish and you would be surprised what you found out. One place to go for info is to the site of a True Jew as he calls himself -- AVIAD COHEN)

I was talking to someone the other day who asked why I bring God into everything and why I talk so much about Jesus. It reminded me of when I was in my ummmm let's just say... earlier young adult years.. and a friend of mine (Jeanne) always talked about Jesus. I remember telling her "you always talk about Jesus this and Jesus that. I love Jesus, but I will never talk about him like you do." Boy, God has such a wonderful sense of humor.

At that time, I THOUGHT I loved God, or I guess maybe I kinda had some notion that "loving" him was just saying I believed in him and prayed some prayer I learned in church. I didn't realize what it really meant to LOVE God or surrender my life to Christ the way He wanted me to, until I actually did it and He changed me from the inside!

I mean, let's face it.. Either Jesus was a liar, a lunatic, or Lord. Evidence surely shows that he was neither a liar or a lunatic so to me HE HAS to be who He says He was--LORD. (plus I have experienced some things that solidify that for me without a shadow of a doubt over the years)

So, if God says to put Him FIRST ---hmmmm does that mean that I go to church on Sunday and give him and hour? Gee, that leaves me 167 hours in the week that I devote to other things without including him??? Hmmmmm, that does not seem as though He is first then, does it? Either He's Lord of all, or not Lord at all (is something a pastor once said to me)

I recently read a discussion among friends.. (internet lets you do that) and people just don't get it, that including GOD in your daily life, or living by Scripture or sharing it .. IS NOT RELIGION. It surely might be religion to the person hearing it, because many tend to put Jesus in a box. "OK, Jesus .. you belong HERE.. in a box, and only in church or hidden .. or I need to keep you only personal and not tell anybody about you". That's not the Jesus I know.

Religion is actually manmade -- the rules and regulations, but surrendered to Christ, that is a totally immersed relationship with your creator, your savior, your Lord, your Father. It cannot be separated and left at the door or put under a bushel or hidden in the closet. It is the motivating force at your core. It is what your life revolves around and where your life begins and ends.

So, if you are like I was or like many I knew and know still, that say that they believe in God (and trust me, that was a motivating factor for me.. satan and the devils BELIEVE too and know without doubt that God is who He says He is, yet they tremble because they don't believe and surrender).. and God is not bursting out of your being causing joy and love, then you may want to ask Him what it is that you can do to get to the place He wants you to be in or make you into the person He created you to be. (It can't hurt :)

Recently I watched something where people were surveyed about Hell and what they thought happened to them when they died. A lot of people thought as I had, that if you were good, you went to heaven. (oh satan what a deceiver you are). No matter if we were Mother Theresa, goodness does not get you into heaven without God's mercy and forgiveness though Christ's death. (I know a lot of people do not believe that, and they definitely have the right to choose, but believing something that isn't truth, doesn't mean it's so). Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and no one comes to the Father, but through Him. (His words, not mine)

A while back I found this awesome website that was created for college kids so they could ask questions and find out about the things of God on their own time. Check it out if you get time :) It's called www.everystudent.com

There is also a site for all those with those burning questions that NEED Evidence. Well, here ya go -- check out the site of a former atheist Josh McDowell.

Or check out Scientific Evidence regarding creation/evolution.

Well... it's Friday night and I'm going to get something to eat..
thank you for letting me Shine My Light :)
(Matthew 5:16)

p.s. I don't have anything to say about Microsoft LOL, but it will make my blog a little more search friendly so they're worth putting in the title LOL

Happy Anniversary Jason Castro - his Dreadheads and Bucky Covington and his Buckaneers!

I have prayed for wisdom for a long time and I believe God has given me wisdom in many circumstances (I still need it in others), but I feel that I can pretty much "read between the lines" when I meet people and see or hear things. Something that I look for in a person is their "heart" -- beyond the earthly costume! If someone is humble without the attitude of entitlement or greediness, then to me, they are a special person. I think many of us are that way too, we like to root for the underdog or root for the person that doesn't think they deserve something more than someone else. Humility is a wonderful quality and that being said.. it leads me back to my boys...

Well, it is the three year anniversary of when America was introduced to Bucky Covington on American Idol on Season 5 in 2006 (as Bucky calls it "back in the day"). Bucky was a quiet and shy country boy who since his stint on AI has had many "first" experiences from flying in a plane, going to a real concert, and eating foods he never heard of before. Along the way, Bucky Covington has accummulated very dedicated fans.. supporters.. that saw him for who he was -- a diamond in the rough and who have helped him reach his dream. Bucky is on a roll--Touring, Breaking records, having 3 top ten hits, and living his dream. I am not sure if Bucky realizes it is his 3rd anniversary of his "debut" because he is over in Europe on the USO tour as I previously posted. Congratulations Bucky and your Buckaneers!

And therefore, it is Jason Castro's one year anniversary as well (Season 7). (It was actually Jason Castro's father that made me realize it was his son's year anniversary -- thank you Papa Castro for sharing your family with us). It was this time last year that we first were introduced to the dreadheaded Day Dreaming Boy who stole the hearts of millions by his appearance on our television set without even realizing it. It is also the one year anniversary of the formation of Jason's Dreadheads.

As with Bucky, Jason has diehard fans that are committed to supporting him reach his dreams. All things considered, even though we are all eager for Jason's album to drop immediately, a lot of redtape is involved when doing a project like this. Jason is really on the normal track as far as timing goes. He has been keeping busy and keeping us posted along the way which is very important.

This morning when I got online, I was met with a wonderful Anniversary video from the man himself wishing his fans a Happy One Year Anniversary. I will post it here for those that haven't seen it. I will warn you though, do NOT expect to have some overly produced greeting, be prepared to have the real deal without pomp and circumstance or put-ons. This is one reason why I love both Bucky and Jason, they are not phoneys, have positive attitudes on life, and are hysterically funny and loveable!

So, Happy One Year Anniversary Jason Castro and your Dreadheads!

American Idol - Danny Gokey, Jason Castro, Bucky Covington

I feel so far behind in my posts because I took some time off. So much has gone on in the last week or so..geez.

First, let me say.. WOOOHOOOO Danny Gokey made it through to the top 12 on American Idol! Let's pray Danny makes it into the top 10! If you get into the top 10, you have better chance at making singing your career with a built-in fanbase. Danny is an ambassador for his King and I believe he would like to use his "celebrity" to help others in need with his non-profit foundation. Service -- the heart of a giver.
Here's a little about Danny and his performance from last night. (unless it gets pulled down)



So, that brings me to my next giver, server -- the person that says that at the end of the day, it's about serving others -- Jason Castro. Well, I have been remiss in sharing (and you probably already know this stuff, but just in case you don't...) that last Friday, American Idol had a Blue Carpet event at Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida. I previously blogged on the new attraction and how a daily winner receives the opportunity of an audition for the AI TV show (in fact, they even get to go to the head of the line!).

Both of "my boys" (I say that affectionately even though they aren't MY boys, I have my own boys which I love dearly, but Bucky and Jason have special spots in my heart too).. so where was I at... both of my boys attended the Disney event, participated in the motorcade, and received a lot of fan support (they sure did get a lot of screams LOL). Both Bucky and Jason were interviewed by various media and I have posted two video interviews for you below.

Jason Castro:


Bucky Covington (Jason in background):


and just a little NOTE TO SIMON COWELL (from his comment this week on American Idol)-- You wanted to know where is Bucky Covington now? Well, Bucky is working hard and showing his appreciation to our troops overseas. Currently, Bucky is in Kosovo and has sent back a few pictures for us. I have spoken to him enough times to know that this trip means something special to him and he will do his best to make every one of our troops have a good time. Bucky can put a smile on anyone's face (even if they've been Botoxed! hahaha) (Thank you Paula Abul for standing up for Bucky!)

From Kosovo (courtesy of Bucky Covington):

Sgt. Jessica Reid (L), Lt. Chasity Fields (2nd L), Sfc. Aritha Berroa (2nd R) and Cpt. Kimberly Truesdale (R). USO Photo by Fred Greaves


Bucky and Rocky Covington performing before the troops in Kosovo:

Bucky Covington (L) and his twin brother, Rocky, perform a song together for troops at Camp Bondsteel. USO Photo by Fred Greaves

Lastly, but not leastly, I do really like Michael Sarver too and have been hoping that he got voted through -- he is a family man that touches my heart. Yeah Michael!

American Idol - Jump on Danny Gokey's Glory Train

First off, I have so many things on my list to post from this week, but I just haven't had the time -- I promise I will get to that. But, since American Idol is going to start in a few minutes, I wanted to get this post up.

Apparently, and from a reliable source, the official American Idol site no longer allows "prayer threads" on the forums. How sad is that!

There are a lot of reasons to pray for different contestants -- doing their best, their strength, their witness, their being drawn to God, or cover while in the "industry". Many of the contestants usually have a group people that believe in the power of prayer praying for them for one reason or another.

There are a number of contestants that I feel we should pray for this year--because they love the Lord or because they really need the Lord. It's been requested (and we were going to do it anyway) that we cover Danny Gokey in prayer this season. So, I am asking my readers to join us in doing so. (Voting for Danny helps him too)

In my research, and confirmed by others including a churchmate of Danny Gokey's (thanx Steph), Danny definitely is a "server", a "giver" and has plans to bless others in need already put in motion. He is surrendered to Christ. (Do you know what that means?) (Danny is the contestant that auditioned a few weeks after his wife's death even though he was still in a major state of grief).

Since AI, doesn't allow prayer threads, several warriors have set up a thread for him elsewhere (on a general prayer site, David Cook's site and on Phil Stacey's site). If you are a computer person, visit the threads, if not, please pray for Danny to continue to seek the Lord and do his best while going about his Father's business. :)

The following threads have been made available for Danny:

Point of Prayer

Jason Castro's Dreadheads

David Cook's Fan Site

Phil Stacey's Fan Site

Let's all be part of Danny's Glory Train!


Danny's myspace is locked down by AI right now, but you can visit it and be redirected for now Danny's Myspace

Also, please visit the site created in Danny's wife Sophia's honor: http://www.sophiasheart.org and http://www.myspace.com/sophiasheartfoundation

Michael Castro -- Trouble

LOl well the caption isn't really true. Michael Castro is not trouble, but he is singing it in this video he posted. The video is cute because he puts little balloon messages throughout and he taped it in his sister's pink bedroom.

Keep doing your thing Michael.. and keep sharing :)
(oh ummmm who puts emotion in their songs?.. who was that you said?)

Enjoy :)

Silence is Golden... or is it? (Bucky Covington, Jason Castro, Michael Castro etc)

Well, first off -- my apologies to you for taking a week off LOL.
Thanx for all the emails and wondering if I was okay or on vacation etc. I was "chillaxin".

The past week has had a lot of things going on .. sheesh... anyway, first and foremost, I have to give a shoutout to my precious Lord and Savior :) Can I get a whoop whoop?! (For those that think I am being irreverent, I am sorry, I am filled with major love and joy for my Lord and there is no intention of irreverancy here. (irreverancy -- did I just make that word up? Ok, add another to the Cath Vocab List)

Goings-on... or NOT:
NOT... not stimulating our economy, but definitely earmarking.. enuff said, read between the lines.

Goings-on:
AI at Disney -- Jason Castro and Bucky Covington --
Hey both of my boys will be together at the new American Idol Experience kickoff event. There is a motorcade on February 12 at 4:30 p.m. and then a private concert (I believe winners from radio stations are the recipients. You are in for a treat.) Then the actual AI Experience attraction actually opens for business on February 14. The preshow is kind of an AI reunion of sorts because former top contestants and AI staff will be appearing. The list someone shared with me is:

Paula Abdul
David Archuleta
Fantasia Barrino
Bo Bice
Jason Castro
David Cook
Bucky Covington
Diana DeGarmo
Melinda Doolittle
Simon Fuller (Idol Creator)
Josh Gracin
Justin Guarini
Taylor Hicks
Michael Johns
LaKisha Jones
Kimberley Locke
Sanjaya Malakar
Mandisa
Syesha Mercado
Ryan Seacrest
Chris Sligh
Carly Smithson
Jordin Sparks
Phil Stacey
Ruben Studdard
Carrie Underwood
Brooke White
Ace Young

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Michael Castro/AI Season 8:
AI didn't air much of Michael Castro (just as they didn't air much of Jason Castro prior to him getting into the top 24) but they did let us know that he did not make it through to the next round of Hollywood performances. Michael only just started singing in public about 20 days prior to the audition -- talk about finding out what the talents are that God has given you and using them! I hear something unique and memorable in his voice and definitely marketable. God gave him a voice and I hope he continues to use it. (AI is definitely not the only game in town -- especially where using your voice for good is concerned). I understand Michael is already using his talent for good and inspiration :) "Way to go -Stro"

I am sharing a free download of Michael Castro singing "This Boy" which he posted on his myspace as a gift to all. Here ya go: MICHAEL CASTRO

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Do you talk to God?
So many people have said to me that "they can't ask God about something because they "didn't want to bother Him with trivial matters" or He is too busy" or that "He has too many other people to take care of" or "He just doesn't hear me or answer me." I believe that God answers every single prayer. Sometimes He says "Yes", sometimes "No", and other times He responds "Not Now." Most importantly God searches our hearts more than listens to the words that come out of our mouths. He also will stand firm on giving to us those things which He has promised. I have been guilty in the past (as probably most of us are as well) of praying for things that God said he would never give to us. I am glad that He opened my eyes to how stupid I was back then.

I received the following in an email and wanted to share it because it relates to that subject:

Are you waiting for an answer from God?

It's easy to think that God's not listening--especially when you've been praying that "one special request" for longer than you can remember.

Don't be discouraged! Here's what He says about prayer...

1. Pray boldly. God wants us to approach Him with confidence! (Hebrews 4:16)
2. Pray often. God desires a relationship with us. (1 Thessalonians. 5:17)
3. Pray in faith. He is able and willing. (Mark 11:24-26)

Kudos to Bucky Covington! --

Well, I know my blog contains a lot of stuff about Bucky Covington, Jason Castro, and Jason Michael Carroll and some of the artists that I really like, but I just had to share with you and give Kudos to Bucky for a great accomplishment. YOU GO BOY!

The news came out this week, but I wanted to share it here as well because I am "so proud" and "so happy" that Bucky has gotten his recognition (and it brings back thoughts of when Simon Cowell said that he "doesn't see Bucky ever being the headling act"). According to Nielsen SoundScan, sales of Bucky's 2007 debut CD have reached 400,000. (WOOHOO!) That makes Bucky the selling country artist who debuted in 2007. Jason Michael Carroll was number one for a period, but Bucky has passed him along the way.

Both guys are definitely worth you going out and buying the music (the first CD and the second, and so on and so on). Both guys are also working on their sophomore CD's and, from what I have already heard, they both include great songs on the albums. (If you haven't taken a listen because you don't like country/southern rock, please do, I think you will be surprised on what you hear). Bucky and Jason Michael both give wonderful live performances as well.



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"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands." Psalm 100:1

Congrats to the Steeler Nation !

Congratulations are due to the Steelers--WINNERS! Awesome game. WOOOHOOO!!

Jason Castro -- He's going to DisneyWorld :)

Well, our boy Jason Castro may not have won the American Idol competition, but he's still gets to go to DisneyWorld!

Have you guys heard about the new American Idol event opening at the Orlando theme park? For those that wonder, because someone did ask -- Disneyland is in CA, DisneyWorld is in FL.

Get ready for the American Idol Experience at DisneyWorld. According to the information, there will be a parade of 25 former American Idol participants. Other than Jason Castro, I do not know who will be in attendance. Also sketchy is what more than the parade will be happening on February 12 when the new exhibit opens.
(It appears the parade is on February 12 and the exhibit opens February 14 -- is that so?) Sorry that I am giver of limited info, but if you are able to go to DisneyWorld on that day, let us know what transpires.

The new exhibit will be a daily competition and the winner is able to get an audition before the real AI judges and a chance to make the TV show. How cool is that?!

Superbowl XLIII Today -- NBC rejects commercial

Good morning -- after I posted yesterday's pictures, I kept feeling a little guilty that I did not post so many of the other pictures of the "special people" that I have meet and known over the last few years. I kinda felt a little guilty for not putting up pictures of Rocky Covington, Ducky Medlock, Jeff Cease, Steve Cook, Tom Hurst, Timmy Galloway, Trey Hill, Luke Bryan etc.-- because each one of them are really good people as well. So, I hope just giving them a shoutout will be okay :)
(and I just have to mention some special sweetheart ladies: Kat, Denise, Terra -- who have beautiful hearts and are so kind and giving). (Also, this mention is in no way meant to be a slight against any of the precious, awesome, wonderful sisters I have met over the last few years--especially those with whom I have been on road trips--you know who you are!).

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So, today is the day --Superbowl XLIII will be making history in Tampa Bay (where it's warm!). Perfectly fitting for today, I was reading the most famous of all SIGNS that you see held up all over sports arenas everywhere: JOHN 3:16

It reminded me of a conversation I had with a gentleman on a plane recently who was on his way to the Giants/Cowboys' game in Dallas. He had been to an uncountable number of sporting events and always had seen that ever-present sign being held up by fans, but never knew what it meant. I shared JOHN 3:16 with him -- it is one of the single most important powerful verses if you stop and ponder it's significance. In case you too have seen the signs, but didn't know what they meant, here is the message:
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." JOHN 3:16

That verse is truly life changing if you grasp hold of it and apply it!

So, on to the events of the day. I actually prefer NCAA (SEC) than NFL football, but everyone loves the Superbowl, even if it is only for the commercials. I have my favorite teams for my own reasons and when they aren't playing in the game, I check out who on that team is my brother in Christ, or who went to University of Georgia (being I'm a mom of an Alum). Sometimes it's hard because both teams have someone special that you would like to see win.

It would be a momentous and historical moment for both teams to win, but especially for the Cardinals since the franchise hasn't celebrated since the 1940's, but I still have to root for the Steelers. I love when a person is outspoken about how Christ is their reason and their purpose in life. I don't really know too much about the players on the Cardinals (other than Kurt Warner who also loves the Lord), but I do know about the Steelers because they are in my geographical area.

A man of faith is definitely someone with dedication and conviction.

These are some of Steelers that I am aware of that are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:

-Mike Tomlin - Coach, mentored by Tony Dunghy (former Steeler and coach Indianapolis Colts -- wonderful man of God) is outspoken on his faith and dedication to our Lord.

-Troy Polamalu, Safety
-Daniel Sepulveda, Punter
-Aaron Smith, Defensive End
-Nick Eason, Defensive End
-Mewelde Moore, Running Back
-Heath Miller, Tight End
-Anthony Madison, Cornerback
-Travis Kirschke, Defensive End
-Arnold Harrison, Iinebacker (former UGA Bulldawg)
-Max Starks, Left Tackle

and can't forget (even though I don't know about his faith), Hines Ward (former UGA Bulldawg). Who is supposed to play I believe, but who is probably still not 100% after his recent injury.

(By the way, I do watch and I do know about football, but my reasons for liking a team are my own, just as yours are yours :)

Tonight's game should be intense!

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On to the commercials, or actually to a commercial that you WON'T see tonight. This commercial was rejected by NBC for a spot during the game. (SHEESH!) I am posting it for its message because it is great (not for its affiliation to any particular group). (It also reminds me of that story about Beethoven--you know the one).

Enjoy "Life--Imagine the Potential" and let me know what you think about it: